11 Huntsville breweries + our recommendations for beers you have to try right now

There’s nothing quite like the brewery experience. Thankfully, great food and unique craft beers are easy to come by in Huntsville.

We’ve covered Downtown Huntsville’s craft beer trail, but there are so many other local breweries that are also producing inventive, house-made brews in the Huntsville area every day. Read on for 11 spots you should try ASAP.

1. Old Black Bear Brewing Company

Old Black Bear Brewing Company and Taproom anchors Main Street in Madison. Their beers and spirits have great reviews, and I’ve heard their weekend brunch is some of the best in town.

Try this: Cave City Lager, the brewery’s flagship

Address: 208 Main St, Madison, AL 35758
Hours: Sunday 10AM-4PM; Monday-Thursday 4PM-11PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
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2. Rocket Republic Brewing Company

Rocket Republic has two different locations where you can try their award-winning beers.

Try this: The following brews received gold medals at the Alabama Craft Beer State Championship:

• Astronut Brown American Ale
• Mach One IPA
• Terrestri-Ale Belgian Tripel
• Thunder Gun Kolsch Ale
• Vostok Russian Imperial Stout

Huntsville Address: 617 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Sunday 3PM-8PM; Wednesday-Thursday 4PM-10PM; Friday 4PM-12AM; Saturday 3PM-12AM

Madison Address: 289 Production Ave, Madison, AL 35758
Hours: Sunday 3PM-8PM; Monday-Thursday 3PM-9PM; Friday-Saturday 3PM-10PM

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3. Bowler Hat Brewing Company

The “Gentleman Scoundrels of Craft Brewing” invite you to try their craft beer in the taproom or on the patio.

Try this: Bowler Hat’s Vanilla Cream Ale and Blood Orange IPA took top honors at the 2020 Trash Pandas Baseball Beer & Wine Fest—I’d try one of those first.

Address: 7429 Hwy 72 W C, Madison, AL 35758
Hours: Sunday 11AM-6PM; Monday and Wednesday 4PM-9PM; Tuesday and Thursday 4PM-10PM; Friday 3PM-11PM; Saturday 11AM-11PM
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4. Yellowhammer Brewing

The Yellowhammer Brewing taproom on Clinton Ave has serves dozens of craft beer varieties year-round. Grab a seat at the bar to get a behind-the-scenes look at the science behind the brew, or take your drink out to the patio and enjoy the fresh air.

Try this: Chocolate Milk is a sweet milk stout that sounds intriguing

Address: 2600 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Sunday 11AM-8PM; Monday-Thursday 11AM-9PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
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5. Salty Nut Brewery

Clinton Avenue is a haven for breweries. Just down the road from Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer, you’ll find Salty Nut Brewery. If you’re a chili fan, make sure to visit on a Thursday: Salty Nut partners with Anaheim Chili to serve a free chili-based dish until it runs out. This week’s chili pies look so tempting.

Try this: Berried Away features blackberries, blueberries, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon

Address: 2404 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Sunday 2PM-8PM; Monday-Friday 4PM-10PM; Saturday 2PM-10PM
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6. Mad Malts Brewing

Mad Malts is a North Huntsville spot where you’ll find regular entertainment and dozens of delicious beers. New brews are constantly in development, so be sure to keep an eye on what’s on tap. Weekly specials include:

• Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
• 20% off beer, merch and growlers on “Thirsty Thursdays”

Try this: Raspberry Blond, a perfectly bright brew for spring

Address: 109 Maple Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4PM-10PM; Friday-Saturday 4PM-10PM
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7. Innerspace Brewing Company

Innerspace’s brews are out-of-this-world. Pair your brew with a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza—I’m intrigued by the “Millennial Falcon,” topped with bacon, mozzarella, smashed avocado, feta and sriracha. Yum!

Try this: SLS Spelt-Launched Saison, because there’s nothing like a moon mission-themed ale

Address: 2414 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Sunday 1PM-6PM; Tuesday-Thursday 4PM-10PM; Friday-Saturday 12PM-11PM
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8. Fractal Brewing Project

South Huntsville’s own craft beer maker, Fractal Brewing Project has something for everyone—even if you don’t particularly enjoy beer. Try their cider, mead or kombucha, or work with the bartender to see if there’s a beer you like. You might be surprised.

Try this: Non-alcoholic, house-brewed craft root beer

Address: 3200 Leeman Ferry Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Sunday 12PM-8PM; Monday-Thursday 2PM-9PM; Friday-Saturday 12PM-10PM
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9. Straight to Ale

Straight to Ale is just one of the many attractions at Campus No. 805, and it is worth the trip. Walk through the gymnasium-turned-brewery on your way to and from all of Campus’ best spots. Also, an unsolicited recommendation: if you eat at Ale’s Kitchen, you have to try the Southern BBQ Poutine. My husband is so obsessed with it that he recommends it to practically everyone we know.

Try this: Monkeynaut IPA

Address: 2610 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Sunday 11AM-8PM; Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
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10. Green Bus Brewing

Next time you’re walking downtown, head into Green Bus Brewing around the corner from the Courthouse. The “nano brewery” specializes in small batches of new beers, so the tap list changes often. That’s just another reason to become a regular.

Try this: Seat Back Sauvignon Blanc, from Junk Yard Wines

Address: 206 Eustis Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Sunday 12PM-9PM; Monday-Tuesday 3PM-9PM; Wednesday-Thursday 3PM-10PM; Friday 3PM-11PM; Saturday 12PM-11PM
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11. Chandlers Ford Brewing

Chandlers Ford is a member of the BeeZr Gastropub collective, which also includes Hippea Camper, Champagne Taco Kitchen and Northside Coffee. Try beers straight from the tank, or pick up exclusive packaged beers to go. Weekly specials include:

• $3 lunch lagers Tuesday-Friday
• $12 Deception Dark Lager braised bratwurst + $2 frothy lager for “Weiner Wednesday”
• $1 off fresh tank beer for “Freshy Friday”

Try this: Island Thai’m Rice Lager, infused with Thai cherry, fresh ginger, lemongrass + Thai basil

Address: 109 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Sunday 11AM-4PM; Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-8PM; Friday 11AM-10PM; Saturday 10AM-11PM
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Who has the best brew in town? Sound off on social media, and tag us at @hvilleblast and #hvilleblast.