Favorite craft beer spots in Williamson County, from IPAs to lager and ale
Craft beer isn’t normally about cold brew-drinking snobbery.
Most craft beer drinkers would say their beverage of choice is decided for multiple reasons. Supporting local businesses. Trying unique flavors. And, of course, enjoying the taste.
Also, craft beer enjoyment is often about the story behind the beverage.
Mark Cook, co-owner of Hop House Tennessee Taps in Franklin, said as much recently when asked why his nearly three-year-old taphouse pours almost exclusively Volunteer State-brewed beers.
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“We decided to focus on Tennessee and adjoining states beers because the breweries here have over the years become sophisticated enough to compete with just about anywhere. Most styles are represented in the local industry,” Cook said.
Other reasons Cook and Ken Sizemore, his son and co-owner, focused on Tennessee beers include Hop House’s location in Downtown Franklin where visitors want local products; area craft beer enthusiasts support for the state’s beers; and a desire to keep money in Tennessee.
A unique-to-Williamson, regular offering among Hop House’s 30 locally-focused taps are brews from Calfkiller Brewery out of Sparta, Tenn. The brewery, founded by the atypical Sergio brothers over 20 years ago, are often notable in a taproom for their eye-catching, ornate hand-crafted wooden tap handles and beer names, like “Sergio's Ole Evil-A-- Devil Bullsh-t Ale” and “Wizard Sauce.”
“Calfkiller brews in a Belgian style and produces consistent beers,” Cook said. “The Sergio story, featuring the brewery next to their home and the Calfkiller River as their property line is interesting to tell.”
In addition to the many Nashville and Memphis breweries on tap, Hop House has six “regional” taps.
Many of the other craft beer spots on this list also adhere to the Tennessee-focused beer theme, including longtime Nashville-area favorite Brewhouse and relative newcomer, Americana.
Brewhouse South
This Williamson County location for the longtime Nashville chain has 70 beers on tap, most craft and largely local. That’s probably enough enticement for most beer fans, but Brewhouse South, like all the locations, has a laid-back, comfortable vibe, half-price beer on weekends, and a large food selection.
1855 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067; (615) 778-1860; brewhousenashville.com
Mill Creek Brewing Co.
The Nolensville brewery makes the list not only because of its variety of on-premises-brewed beers but also due to Mill Creek’s large taproom, outdoor patio, and multiple picnic tables scattered out on the lawn. The setting makes for a family-friendly environment to enjoy the brewery’s citrus-infused wheat beer “Lil Darlin,” or “Easy Daze” session IPA as well as a variety of other core and seasonal beers.
2008 B Johnson Industrial Blvd, Nolensville, TN 37135; millcreekbrewingco.com
Americana Taphouse
This craft beer-meets-relaxed vibe concept opened in 2020 and was created by A. Marshall Hospitality, the company behind Puckett’s Restaurant. Americana, which is located at the former Puckett’s Boathouse site, provides 24 taps of craft beer as well as burgers, tacos, chicken and waffles and other unique takes on bar food. Americana also serves Puckett’s own light beer, a helles lager made by Nashville-based Blackstone Brewing.
94 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064; (615) 790-2309; americanataphouse.com
Quinn’s Neighborhood Pub and Eatery
This mash up of laid-back, craft beer bar combined with Irish pub offers 24 taps of several Tennessee-brewed beers, various IPAs, and Irish staples like Guinness (on nitro), Smithwick's, Old Speckled Hen.
1010 Murfreesboro Rd Ste 118, Franklin, TN 37064; 615-807-2753; www.quinnspubfranklin.com
Hop House Tennessee Taps in Franklin
117 5th Avenue N., Suite B, Franklin, TN 37064; (615) 454-8592; www.hophousetntaps.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Favorite craft beer spots in Williamson County
