Ale Sharpton’s Beer Lovers Guide for Valentine’s Day

***Written by guest blogger Ale Sharpton***

Let me just say right off the bat that I have hella love for Atlanta Eats. Besides serving as a beer expert on their awesome show a few times, I always have a blast kicking it with Steak Shapiro and the rest of the staff somewhere serving up some deliciousness. When asked to be a guest blogger for this dope site, I said hell yeah and came up with something my fellow brew lovers would appreciate for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!

With Valentine’s Day coming up, the list of restaurants hosting special dinners in Atlanta is seemingly endless, but which ones are going out of their way to make sure craft beer lovers like myself will also be content? Well, lucky for us, I did some serious research and found some fantastic ones where ales and lagers get love on this special day too! Whether it’s going on a solo mission or dining with your boo, I’ve got ya covered. (I strongly suggest you call and make reservations with the dining destination you pick from below to ensure your night is on lock.)

Happy Sippin’!

TAP (Midtown)

Photo credit: Tap

Possessing one of the best patios in the city, a constant rotation of fine brews on draft, and cuisine that rivals a fine dining restaurant thanks to renowned Chef Tyler Williams, the TAP gastropub is one of Midtown’s revered hit spots. On Valentine’s Day, there is what they call “bachelor-themed” menu specials, buckets of beer, and craft drafts from IPAs to stouts, sours and ciders for only five bucks. As an added plus, single ladies get a complimentary glass of champagne in case they demand bubbly on this day of love.

Make reservations.

Hampton + Hudson (Inman Park) 

Photo credit: Hampton & Hudson

Billy and Jenn Streck—one of the city’s most beloved husband-and-wife restauranteurs—are making sure everyone’s happy with an eclectic Valentine’s Day menu at their Inman Park culinary gem, Hampton + Hudson. Options include a four-course dinner for couples ($65), oyster shooters, scallops, caviar, steak, and a strawberry and celery salad to name a few selections. Of course, great beer is always flowing at “Double H” too; there is a special pairing of fine craft brews with a Harlow’s Vegan Cupcake! I told you they had all the bases covered, didn’t I?

Wrecking Bar Brewpub (Little Five Points)

Photo credit: Wrecking Bar

Okay, when I say Wrecking Bar is gangster, I mean it. Consistently winning awards as the best brewpub in Atlanta from numerous respected sources including Creative Loafing, it’s evident that Owner Bob Sandage and his crew know how to make extraordinary beer and gourmet eats. Well on Cupid’s Day, they have their numerous suds ready to complement an incredible menu; we’re talking a caramelized sunchoke soup with coconut that’s vegan, a half-dozen James River oysters, a citrus salad, house-made gnocchi, and a roasted lamb leg. Say whaaaat?! Their mixology game is also on point in case the sound of a cocktail shaker captures your attention.

HOBNOB (Midtown)

Photo credit: Ale Sharpton

As if their stacked food menu wasn’t enough, Midtown’s HOBNOB is dishing up a Valentine’s Day platter of delicious bites for a couple to share, including crispy battered cod, chicken tenders, fried green tomatoes, house-made pretzels with beer cheese dip, “southern” spring rolls, “Southern Belle” pimento cheese with crostini, numerous sauces made on site, and a lovely climax for the sweet tooth—peach cobbler. On the sipping side, each person gets a complimentary glass of wine, champagne, or my fave—any draft beer from their impressive list boasting Orpheus, SweetWater, Victory and Ballast Point suds to name a few. Set for only $49 per couple (not including tax and gravity), that’s a steal any beer enthusiast would dig.

Nine Mile Station (Poncey Highland)

Photo credit: Nine Mile Station

If you want to brag about going to a restaurant that hard to get into, especially on Valentine’s Day, Nine Mile Station situated on the jaw-dropping rooftop of Ponce City Market is it. Hurry up and book a reservation so that you can have their knowledgeable staff pair wine, cocktails and beer with their amazing Valentine’s Day menu for $75 a person (not including tax and gravity). Nine Mile also gets an Ale shout out because of a personable gent nicknamed “Brew Ru” overseeing the constantly rotating taps, and Alaskan crab legs as one of the mouthwatering options. (I love me some crab!) Seriously, their food is top notch. Make sure you call to book a reservation and get the full scoop on how to get up there. The stunning view will guarantee a memorable nightcap with your significant other.

Venkman’s (Old Fourth Ward)

Photo credit: Venkman’s

I saved this one for last because this live music venue/chic eatery hybrid is actually doing an intimate beer dinner with one of the best breweries in the South—Creature Comforts—on Valentine’s Day. Venkman’s Executive Chef, Nick Melvin knows how to throw down, and his five courses will each be paired with a different selection from Creature’s liquid mastery. Want an example? How about the hard-to-find Get Comfortable IPA alongside the pan-roasted South Carolina quail with fermented lentil stew, grapefruit dukkah, mint, and chamomile froth? The Bibo pilsner, Southerly Love American Wild Ale, Koko Buni milk porter, and an IPA you might have heard of called Tropicália are also being poured. Bananas, right?

Book a seat asap on Xorbia for $127 (which includes tip and gratuity).

Hoppy… I mean Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cheers!

Ale