Wiseacre Brewing Co.
You can’t talk about craft beer in Memphis without mentioning Wiseacre. This award-winning brewery has made quite a name for itself with a diverse lineup of year-round brews, from the crisp Tiny Bomb Pilsner to the indulgent Adjective Animal Double Brown Ale. But the real magic happens with Wiseacre’s rotating seasonals and specialty releases like the cult-favorite Gotta Get Up to Get Down (a coffee milk stout) and the MemphisNy-Manhattan, a Manhattan cocktail-inspired porter. Wiseacre’s two taprooms—the original downtown location and the newer Collierville outpost—offer an industrial-chic hangout with a relaxed vibe. Play some ping pong, nosh on beer bites from the kitchen, and prepare for a guaranteed good time. If you time it right, you can even catch some live music to amp up the party! Tours are available Friday through Sunday so your group can learn the ins and outs of this Memphis staple.
Memphis Made Brewing Co.
While this Cooper-Young gem may not be one of the oldest breweries in town, it’s arguably one of the most unique. The quirky, art-filled taproom pairs perfectly with Memphis Made’s equally creative beer lineup. Whether you prefer a lip-smackin’ sour (check out the Phernalia fruited gose), an outrageously indulgent pastry stout, or a simple-yet-satisfying drinkable classic, there’s a Memphis Made brew for you. As if the beers themselves weren’t tempting enough, Memphis Made boasts a dizzying array of guest taps and collaborations, hand-crafted cocktails, and delicious food trucks on rotation. Stop by on the weekend to join in the hopping vibes or opt for a weekday to enjoy a more relaxed afternoon sipping session. If your group is extra adventurous, sign up for a tour and learn the brewery’s unique story straight from the source!
Ghost River Brewing
Since day one, the mission of Ghost River has been to create craft beers that compliment the spirit and flavors of Memphis and the Mid-South region at large. From their Downtown Taproom in the heart of the South Main Historic District to their original Brewhouse & Taproom right off the Bluff Trail, these guys hit the nail on the head when it comes to a true Memphis experience. The brewery’s core beer lineup features distinctive brews inspired by the rich culture of their city, including fan-favorites like the Grindhouse Cream Ale (based on the classic oatmeal cream pie) and the Jalapeño Bacon Golden Ale, a nod to Memphis’s love for spice and bacon. You’ll definitely want to snag a flight and a plate of beer bites from the kitchen to fully immerse yourself in the tastes of the Mid-South.
High Cotton Brewing Co.
This East Memphis brewery is all about celebrating the South. Everything from the easy-sipping brews down to the laidback taproom ambiance exudes Southern comfort and hospitality. Whether you’re a die-hard hophead or you lean toward easygoing ales and lagers, High Cotton has your new go-to sipper waiting for you. Go for a stalwart like the Boll&Weav’d Kölsch or venture into the unknown with a juicy Northeast IPA or tart fruited sour. But the beers are just the start of the experience. While you’re sipping those crisp Holler Pilsners or roasty Graham Ale stouts, dig into some of the best barbecue in Memphis. High Cotton’s on-site restaurant smokes up all the classics like brisket, sausages, turkey and ribs, plus finger-lickin’ good sides like baked beans, slaw, and potato salad. Between the brews and the ‘que, you’ll leave having satisfied all your Southern cravings.
Meddlesome Brewing Company
Meddlesome may be a lesser-known name on the Memphis brew scene, but trust us—this place deserves to be on your radar. Tucked away in revitalized Cordova, Meddlesome is the ultimate hangout for laid-back beer indulgence. You’ll find classic styles like kölsches and IPAs alongside creative experimentation like the Phuket Kölsch, a Thai chili-infused spin on the iconic German style. What truly makes Meddlesome a standout is the brewery’s selection of real-deal English ales. From the nitro-smooth Sixth Man Bitter to the rich, warming Delinquent Bastard Porter, these cask-conditioned beauties transport you straight to a cozy London pub (minus the pricey flight). Between the brews, the lively vibes, and the occasional food truck hangs, you won’t want to leave this unexpected gem.
Memphis Brew Crew
As the name suggests, this Bartlett-based operation may be a group effort, but the priority is pure brewing passion. Customers from all walks of life come together to sip on Memphis Brew Crew’s unpretentious portfolio of flagship beers and seasonal rotations. Every sip of the Mexican Astronaut amber lager or sip of the Hip Hop Breakfast porter (brewed with coffee and maple syrup!) is a taste of the unwavering craftsmanship that goes into every barrel. While Memphis Brew Crew’s taproom vibes may be more pared-back compared to some other local hangs, the focus is entirely on appreciating damn good beer. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably spend hours chatting with the bartenders and fellow patrons—that sense of camaraderie among beer lovers is half the fun here. As unassuming as this place may seem, trust us that it’s an essential stop for any Memphis brewery crawl.
Crosstown Brewing Company
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the same could be said for Crosstown Brewing Company. Born in the revitalized Crosstown Concourse area, this community-centric brewery and taproom is a true labor of love brought to life by a wide network of local talent. The spacious, art-filled taproom is a buzzing hub for all kinds of local activity, hosting everything from morning yoga and coffee hangs to lively late-night bashes. But let’s not forget about the beer—the true star. Crosstown’s core lineup is stacked with crowd-pleasing goodness like the Easy Lemon Hazy IPA, a juice bomb dry-hopped with citrus-forward Citra and Cashmere hops. And don’t miss out on the brewery’s ingenious collabs and special releases that fuse uniquely Memphian flavors with first-rate brewing skills. Take the Black Is Beautiful stout, a collaboration between countless Black brewers and beer-enthusiasts, for example. This nuanced, robust brew is made with specialty malts and indulgent chocolate and caramel notes.
Take A Bus to Visit Any Brewery!
Let’s be honest—the best way to experience Memphis’s booming brewery scene is by gathering your squad and hopping from taproom to taproom. But wouldn’t it be a lot easier (and way more fun) if you didn’t have to narrow things down to a single DD? Leave the logistics to the pros and book a private party bus with Memphis Party Bus Company. With comfortable coaches equipped with LED lighting, a premium speaker system, and the perfect lounge atmosphere, you can truly immerse yourself in the best local brews without any of the driving stress. Just call 901-203-3181 and get ready for Memphis’s ultimate brewery tour!