Beer Enthusiasts Rejoice: New Topside Tap Trail Announced

Craft beer enthusiasts looking for a “trail” that’s perfect for them will find a great one in North Fulton County.

The new Topside Tap Trail is an awesome way to explore the brewpubs, breweries, and tap rooms in Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta.

Featuring seven branded breweries in metro Atlanta’s “topside,” the trail was established to ensure North Fulton’s beer culture along the GA400 corridor gets the recognition it deserves.

(And also, how much fun would this be?!)

Along the trail, you’ll find five taprooms and three full service restaurants offering handcrafted beers brewed on site.

The Topside Tap Trail runs south to north from Sandy Springs to Alpharetta — a thirty minute drive, end to end. Here are the seven spots you’ll find on the Topside Tap Trail. (And here’s a handy interactive map for you, too!)

Roswell Breweries

In Roswell, you will find Gate City Brewing, Variant Brewing and From the Earth Brewing.

From the Earth Brewing Company

The first brewpub in Roswell features locally sourced cuisine, world-class beer, and craft cocktails in a fun, easy-going environment.

The brewpub offers 10-12 house beers, 4-6 rotating local/regional drafts and a non-alcoholic root beer. The kitchen features chef-driven seasonal fare at a reasonable price.

From the Earth is known for naming each of their beers after songs. Additionally, the brewpub books some of the best live entertainment in the Roswell area throughout the week.

Gate City Brewing

Gate City, Roswell’s first brewing company, is located in Roswell’s beautiful historic district.

The name is rooted in neighboring Atlanta’s historical moniker as the “Gate City of the New South,” due to its reputation as a hub for culture, commerce and transportation. Gate City strives to brew beers that embody the very same independent spirit.

Gate City offers a large taproom filled with highboys, a long bar, and soft seating – with several garage doors that open to outdoor space with tons of picnic tables and a separate private event space.

Variant Brewing Company

Variant Brewing Company crafts quality brews with a flavorful taste that compels patrons to share.

Their collaborative approach and passion for the art of the brewing process creates experiential blends for the occasional beer drinker and craft beer enthusiast. Matt Curling, Variant’s owner and brewmaster, says the focus is on variety.

Variant features a taproom style environment with bar, highboys and tables, as well as a large brick outdoor patio with plenty of room to spread out.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” -Benjamin Franklin

Alpharetta Breweries

Jekyll Brewing, Jekyll Brewing City Center and Currahee Brewing are located in Alpharetta.

Currahee Brewing Company

Perfectly situated along Downtown Alpharetta’s Main Street, Currahee Brewing is serving up the best in German and Belgium-style beers including a crisp Belgium golden ale, hoppy German lager and a rich coffee stout.

The two Currahee Brewing Company founders built a brewery with beer aficionados in mind focusing on German and Belgium-styled ales.

Currahee’s favorite brews include Frankenstark, Garand IPA and Wayah Lager with seasonal and limited releases also offered.

Jekyll Brewing

Alpharetta’s first brewery and namesake pays honor to Georgia’s first brewery which opened on Jekyll Island in 1738.

Each brew on tap offers up cool nods to the South with clever nomenclature like Cooter Brown, Big Creek, Southern Juice IPA and Hop Dang Diggity.

While you’re at Jekyll Brewing, kick back to enjoy a flight of their greatest hits and be sure to tour the brewery to see just how the magic’s made.

Jekyll Brewing has recently expanded. The brewery has brought its beers and a new restaurant to Downtown Alpharetta. Their second location includes a tasting room, restaurant, and a rooftop patio three stories above Academy and Market Streets in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta.

Sandy Springs Breweries

Sandy Springs is home to Porter Pizza & Brewery and Pontoon Brewing. 

Pontoon Brewing

Pontoon Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Sandy Springs. Founded by longtime friends with a passion for craft beer and a laid-back lifestyle, they opened the doors to the taproom in 2017.

Pontoon’s beers are made with “a relaxing day on the water” in mind, which is perfect for a brewery just minutes away from the Chattahoochee River.

Pontoon rotates a list of seasonal and limited-edition beers that are unique and full of flavor.

Porter Pizza and Brewery

Porter Pizza & Brewery evolved out of owner Allen Porter’s home brewing hobby.

His mission was to serve craft brew lovers a variety of rotating beers while still staying small. Thus, Porter Pizza & Brewery was established as a restaurant with an onsite microbrewery.

Guests can now enjoy a large menu featuring brick oven pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches alongside Porter’s continually rotating beer list at this modern yet casual brewpub.