Sip the best brews for National Drink Beer Day—reader’s choice

pint of brown ale held in a person's hand
Back Forty Beer Co.’s Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale is a taproom staple. Photo via Back Forty Beer Co.

When a national holiday tells you to drink beer, you have no reason not to celebrate. So grab a cold glass on September 28, this National Beer Day, and enjoy a refreshing sip of Birmingham’s best. Wondering which brewery to head to today? We polled our readers and put together a guide on where to drink beer in Birmingham, so you can go where everyone raves is the best in town.

1. Trim Tab Brewing Co.

beer
A nice looking line-up for National Drink Beer Day. Photo by Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Trim Tab took the lead when it came to votes for the best beers in town, so listen to the people of Birmingham and grab one tonight. You won’t be disappointed, and with the many rotating flavors on tap, there’s sure to be something for every type of beer lover.

A staff fave to look out for is the Peaches and Cream Smoothie—a Sour Style Ale brewed with peach purée, white peaches and vanilla.

  • Address: 2721 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-10PM | Friday-Saturday 12PM-12AM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram 

2. Ghost Train Brewing Co.

national drink beer day
Pour a nice cold one for national drink beer day. Photo via Ghost Train

Ghost Train is next in line for suggestions of favorite place in town to grab a cold beer. Their light lager is only $3 for a pint and one of the best deals of any brewery in town. Gather some friends and share a pint at Ghost Train tonight for this national holiday.

  • Address: 2616 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Hours: Monday-Wednesday Noon-10PM | Thursday-Saturday Noon-Midnight| Sunday 11-8PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Avondale Brewing Co.

a snifter glass of Avondale Brewing's Miss Fancy's Tripel.
Avondale Brewing Co.’s Miss Fancy’s Tripel will keep you on your toes. Photo via Avondale Brewing Co.

You may have been to Avondale to catch a concert, but their beers are a show in of themselves. Try their Sour Pash for a tart, fruity flavor or their seasonal, malty caramel Long Branch Scottish Ale.

  • Address: 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 12-10PM | Thursday 12-11PM | Friday-Saturday 12PM-12AM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram 

4. Cahaba Brewing

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All shades of beer to try for National Drink Beer Day. Photo by Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Challenge your friends to a game of skee-ball at Cahaba Brewing while you sip on your favorite brew tonight. The Cahaba Blonde is a classic, and if you haven’t tried it you should change that today.

Want to mix it up? Their Cherry Hibiscus Sour and Oktoberfest are two seasonal flavors you’ve got to taste before they’re gone.

  • Address: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 3-10PM I Friday-Saturday Noon-10PM I Sunday Noon-8PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram 

5. Carrigan’s Public House

National drink beer day —Carrigan's
Carrigan’s Public house has the best beer + snacks. Photo via Miranda Shaffer for Bham Now

Grab a beer at Carrigan’s Public House and climb the stairs to the roof for great downtown views. This is a go-to spot for the Bham Now team due to their great selection of cocktails, kombucha and, of course, beer.

Pair your drink with French Fries or a corn dog for the ultimate combo.

  • Location: 2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-9PM I Friday-Saturday 4-11PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Back Forty Beer Co.

Back Forty brews for national drink beer day
National Drink Beer day calls for a stop by Back Forty. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Back Forty has that causal back-porch vibe, but better. Why? Because here you’ll find craft seasonal brews and some great food, too.

A staff fave is the Bama Mosa—a Brut-Style Ale with orange juice added that has a perfect balance of citrus and a dry finish.

  • Address: 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM IFriday-Saturday 11AM-10PM I Sunday 11AM-8PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Honorable Mentions

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know where you’ll be enjoying beer today for National Beer Day by tagging us on social @bhamnow!

Miranda Shaffer
Miranda Shaffer
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