3 Coastal Breweries Across the South
There’s a very specific kind of relief that comes with that first sip of an ice-cold pint on a hot Southern summer afternoon. Across the South’s shoreline, small, independently owned breweries are doing what beach towns do best: keeping things easy, local, and delicious. And once that first glass hits the table, saying yes to another round doesn’t take much convincing.
If you’re headed to the coast this summer, make time to stop by one of these Southern breweries.
Big Beach Brewing
Gulf Shores, AL
Big Beach Brewing leans all the way into what it means to be a true local brewery. One of the first to bring craft beer to Gulf Shores, they’re still brewing on-site with a tank-to-tap setup that keeps every pour as fresh as it gets. In the taproom, garage doors open to the Gulf air, providing the perfect setting for a beachy brew. The lineup goes beyond beer, with wine on tap, too.
(Managing Editor) Sarah Cait’s Pour: Melt Dreamsicle Sour Ale
Barrier Island Brewing
St. Simons Island, GA
Barrier Island Brewing was built on a clear idea: share their love of craft beer with the local community while bringing a piece of Coastal Georgia into every pour. Opened in 2019, this family-owned microbrewery brews everything in-house using the SmartBrew system, giving them the ability to keep things consistent while continuing to expand their lineup. The brewery is thoughtful, community-driven, and always evolving.
(Creative Director) Cat Barnes’ Pour: Driftwood Double IPA
COAST Brewing
North Charleston, SC
COAST Brewing traces back to a homebrew kit and a brewer who stuck with it. Founder David Merritt spent years working his way through Charleston’s beer scene before carving out something of his own, built with intention from the start. Set on a former Navy base, it’s a family-run operation with a simple focus: brew good beer, use organic ingredients when it matters, and let the beer speak for itself. (Bonus: they have a great cocktail menu and the onsite kitchen churns out seriously delicious bites.)
(Editor at Large) Laura Kate’s Pour: Hop Art India Pale Ale
Order what’s on tap. Stay until the sky turns pink.
And be sure to tag us @goodgritmag when you do!
