Athens, Ohio, knows its beers… and these award-winning breweries and restaurants are proof. If you’re new to the Athens area, visiting for the day, or just need a refresher on how to plan out your next bike & brew (yes, that’s a thing here), you’ve stumbled upon the right list. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite local breweries that are making names for themselves here in Athens and throughout the region.
Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery
Jackie O’s is synonymous with beer in Athens, and for good reason. With three distinct locations in Athens alone, a new spot in downtown Columbus, and impressive distribution throughout Ohio and beyond, Jackie O’s has cemented itself as one of Athens’ premier destinations for drinks, food and fun. Locals know that Jackie O’s is more than just 50-plus varieties of eccentric beer – it’s quintessential Athens, with its unique vibe and focus on sustainability. Jackie O’s Public House Restaurant, conveniently located next to Jackie O’s Uptown Brewpub, is a local favorite for casual dining. (We love the cheese curds and hand-tossed pizzas!) If you’re craving an outdoor, family-friendly vibe, check out Jackie O’s Taproom and Brewery, complete with Athens’ famous Bagel Street Deli food truck.
To learn more about Jackie O’s history, menu offerings and locations, visit www.jackieos.com.
Little Fish Brewing Company
If locally-sourced, award-winning beer and delicious farm-to-table food is your thing, then a visit to Little Fish Brewing Company is a must. A quick peruse of their Instagram page will immediately show you what’s so special about this brewery: colorful, mouth-watering food, beautifully crafted cocktails, a vibrant outdoor space bursting with the spirit of community and, of course, beer. Little Fish is known for consistently introducing new beers on tap that perfectly line up with the seasons or local events, while also delivering a steady supply of their core offerings, like the famous barrel-aged Woodthrush. With a laid-back vibe, family-friendly beer garden and constant stream of events, there’s something for everyone at Little Fish.
To plan your visit to Little Fish – either here in Athens or their new location in Dayton, Ohio -visit www.littlefishbrewing.com.
Devil’s Kettle Brewing
The intimate taproom and lively outdoor space of Devil’s Kettle Brewing provide the perfect setting for the beer drinkers who just want, well, some really good beer. While you won’t find many over-the-top flavor ingredients in Devil’s Kettle draft lineup, you will find a diverse offering of lagers, ales, pilsners and IPAs that would impress the taste buds of any beer aficionado – and Devil’s Kettle has the awards to prove it. For a perfect pairing, you can indulge in the offerings at the Devil Dogs & Pierogi food truck, known for its German sausages and made-from-scratch pierogi. Devil’s Kettle is also a great spot to check out some of Athens’ favorite local musicians, so be sure to follow the Devil’s Kettle Brewing social channels to keep up with their ongoing events.
Visit www.devilskettlebrew.com to peruse their beer list, menu and more.
West End Ciderhouse
If hard cider is your game, no one does it better than Athens’ West End Ciderhouse. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of ciders (crafted from locally grown apples) and specialty cocktails (infused with their very own spirits from West End Distillery). Originally the home of the historic West End Tavern, the West End Ciderhouse radiates local charm with its cozy, exposed-brick interior, impressive bar setup and spacious patio – making it one of the most popular local spots for date nights or group hangs. Live music and open-mic nights steadily grace the Ciderhouse’s calendar of events, and their neighboring Distillery is available for retail purchases, tastings and tours.
Head to www.athenswestend.com to learn more about the West End Ciderhouse and West End Distillery.
Eclipse Company Store
While not technically a brewery, this one makes the list because of its impressive local beer selection. Here, you’ll find favorites from Jackie O’s, Little Fish and Devil’s Kettle, plus dozens of beer varieties from breweries throughout Ohio and beyond. And let’s not skip over the food menu – you’ll regret not sampling the wings or barbeque options here. Not only does Eclipse Company Store have extensive food and drink options, their event lineup features some of the most popular local musicians (the outdoor stage and patio is unrivaled in Athens) plus trivia nights, karaoke and more. The ultimate bonus? Eclipse Company Store is situated directly off the famous Hockhocking Adena bikeway, making it a popular spot to pull off for a refreshment.
Check out more information on the Eclipse Company Store by visiting www.eclipsecompanystore.com.
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If you’ve made it to the end of this list, you’ve earned yourself a beer. Gather up some pals and make a plan to visit one (or all!) of Athens’ great craft breweries. With so many diverse options, there’s no doubt that everyone can find something they love in Athens. Cheers!
