Athens loves beer. And I’m not talking about the cheap stuff students may choose to drink in any one of the bars lining Court Street. I’m talking about craft brews and microbrews. I’ve done some reading and there is a difference between craft and micro, but while I like a good beer as much as the next person, I’m no expert nor am I interested in becoming one. Except to say that Athens has good beer.
Southern Ohio’s history with craft beer didn’t just happen this century. Over 100 years ago small breweries existed in the region to quench the thirst of the coal miners and brick makers who labored in the area hills. In our current time, Athens itself is home to the renowned breweries of Jackie O’s, Little Fish, and Devil’s Kettle. Plus Eclipse Company Store has up to 40 beers on tap from the area, the state, and beyond.
Taking its love of beer to true fan levels, Athens is home each summer to Ohio Brew Week. A nine-day beer extravaganza held in July, Brew Week sees just about every bar and restaurant adding taps to introduce patrons to unique flavors and styles of beer. Brew Week concludes with a day long block party called the Last Call. Court Street from Carpenter to Washington is closed and filled with beer vendors, food trucks, and live music. This event is family friendly, too. If you can only attend one Brew Week event, this is a great one.
Another fun summer Athens activity is that a DORA operates from May 5 to August 15, Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. When operating, a person 21 and over can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating venue (bar or restaurant), carry it outside, and take it into other establishments with you. You must purchase and use a special cup for your beverage(s). The DORA boundaries are clearly defined with signage and rules are posted. Read here about the Athens DORA.
Weather permitting you can also bike from brewery to brewery on the Bike Path. A popular route is to start at Eclipse Company Store in The Plains, bike to Devil’s Kettle on Columbus Road, then to Jackie O’s Taproom on Campbell Street, and then on to Little Fish on Armitage Road.
And remember, be safe with a designated driver or call for a ride if needed! Athens has taxi’s and Lyft available. If you’re still hungry, read our post on Where to Grab A Quick Bite in Uptown Athens or about Athens Fine Dining. Looking for Athens bars outside of these? Read our post Let’s Shuffle: A Complete Guide to Uptown Bars.
