The Decatur Square treasure opened in 1997 and built a loyal following, but when Georgia’s alcohol-limit laws changed for beer in 2004 (the owners were vocal advocates), it expanded and became a beacon for the obsessed: Beer Advocate magazine currently ranks Brick Store as the second-best beer bar in the world. We bypass the rowdy main floor for the second-level Belgian Bar; its knotty pine floors, buttery light, and low ceiling beams feel like a setting straight out of Tolkien. Munch pierogies and pretzels while reading the often-hilarious tasting notes of nearly 200 beers: The description of Hanssens Oude Kriek lambic reads, “Funky like a horse blanket with a nice cherry finish,” and it couldn’t be more accurate.
Drink This: Saison D’Erpe-Mere KleinBrouwerij de Glazen Toren, a lemony saison with a Champagne-esque fizz.
125 East Court Square, Decatur, brickstorepub.com
This listing originally appeared in our June 2012 issue.
