A visit to Chattanooga calls for a lot of exciting activities: spending sunny afternoons on local trails, convening with the famed aquarium’s many creatures, perusing the art museum’s unique collections, and wandering the lively streets of downtown. Recently, Chattanooga has added one more crucial feature to a visitor’s list of must-dos—sample the local beer.
As craft beer and microbrews have gained momentum over the past decade, breweries and tap houses have sprung up all over downtown Chattanooga, each with its own quirky flavors. The proximity of each brew house and Chattanooga’s exceptional bike share program gives visitors a golden opportunity to spend a day doing a self-guided bike and brew tour of the city.
We’ve narrowed it down to four of Chattanooga’s funkiest watering holes that can be easily connected by bicycle in under five miles. Here, we’ve opted to begin at the furthest beer spot and work toward the city center, but the route can be easily completed in either direction.
Located in historic St. Elmo just minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, The Tap House and Empyreal Brewing Co. (3800 St Elmo Ave, No. 114) features 30 beers on tap. From quality craft beers, to local brews, to gluten free ciders, you are sure to find your next favorite beer from the rotating selection. Hang out on the patio and enjoy the quaint charm of St. Elmo and Lookout Mountain before you head to your next destination.
Roll on: Grab your bike and head north on Tennessee Avenue toward Broad Street. Hang a slight right onto W. Main Street, then a left onto Market. Pass the Chattanooga Choo Choo and parking garage until you reach the next intersection at King Street. Turn right here and pedal past The Moxy. Find your next destination on the right.
WanderLinger Brewing Company (1208 King Street) was founded with the intention to inspire exploration, camaraderie, and adventure. Whether you're local to Chattanooga, or just making a stop along whatever road or trail you've chosen, stop by for a drink, swap some stories, and maybe even find your new favorite beer.
In addition to their indoor + patio scene and 12+ crafted beers and ciders, Wanderlinger regularly has live music and the occasional soken word on tap.
Roll on: Hang a left back on King Street then a right onto Market Street to head north. Turn left onto 4th Street and then right onto Broad Street. Big River Grille and Brewing Works will be on the right.
Located in a historic trolley barn in the heart of downtown, Big River (222 Broad Street) is a staple of life in Chattanooga. Offering a dozen craft beers and a huge selection of food, this is the perfect place to end your brewery tour with a scrumptious dinner (and more beer). Outside seating provides prime people-watching opportunities while you cool off and celebrate your bike and brew tour at one of Chattanooga’s most iconic restaurants.
Don't want to do this on your own?
Check out Bike the South! The Chattanooga-based cycling tour company offers a variety of bike tours for all abilities and skill levels--including their own Chattanooga Bike and Brew tour!
Find these locations and more on our Chattanooga Beer Map
We’ve talked about craft beer before, but there are so many exciting things brewing in Chattanooga. See below for a breakdown of local breweries and some of our popular watering holes – all reasons Livablity.com named Chattanooga one of the top 10 beer cities. Local Breweries View
