5 must-try breweries and craft beer spots in Auburn & Opelika

Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a brew to cool off, tag along as we try out these five breweries and bars in Auburn and Opelika that are serving up the best selection of craft beers.

1. Resting Pulse Brewing Company

Located in downtown Opelika, Resting Pulse Brewing Company offers a variety of signature craft beers alongside a rotating seasonal selection. The name refers to both the owners’ background in healthcare as well as their mission to create an environment where you can come find your “resting pulse” – to relax and spend time with friends while sipping on the best local craft beers. We recommend trying the Margarita Gose, a zesty sour beer flavored with lime and sea salt.

• Location: 714 1st Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-10PM, Sunday 12-10PM
• Website | Instagram

2. Avondale Bar & Tap Room

In the heart of downtown Auburn right above local landmark Toomer’s Corner, this bar and tap room offers a more sophisticated bar experience. While Avondale is most well-known for their specialty cocktails, they also highlight a rotating tap of draft beers and a wide variety of local craft favorites. We recommend checking out Luau Krunkles by Terrapin Beer Company, a Hawaiian-inspired IPA packed with tropical flavors of guava, passionfruit and orange.

• Location: 106 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4PM-2AM, Friday-Saturday 3PM-2AM
• Facebook | Instagram

3. Whistle Stop Brewing

Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew is an Opelika favorite, featuring 19+ craft beer, cider and kombucha taps. This spot also offers a unique selection of beer and brewing supplies for home brewing, such as yeast, hops and malts. Whether you’re brewing your own or just trying what’s on tap, Whistle Stop is a great spot to enjoy local craft brews. Our favorite this week is Prairie Artisan Ales’ Slush, a sour ale with strawberry and raspberry puree, fresh lemon juice and lime zest.

• Location: 830 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12-9PM, Friday 12-11PM, Saturday 10AM-11PM, Sunday 12-7PM
• Website | Instagram

4. Red Clay Brewing Company

Red Clay Brewing Company is a brewery and taproom located in downtown Opelika. All born and raised in the south, Red Clay’s founders are dedicated to creating brews inspired by southern culture. One of their featured beers, the “Big Swamp Stout”, was named after Opelika whose name originated from a Muskogee word meaning “big swamp”. Our recommendation? Check out their new summer cider, the Lakeside Peach Cider, on tap now.

• Location: 704 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-10PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-11:30PM
• Website | Instagram

5. Auburn Draft House

Burgers, pizza and brews— What else could you need? Located in the center of downtown, Auburn Draft House serves up pub-style classics and offers a casual atmosphere to eat, drink and relax. With 47 taps featuring a wide selection of local and domestic brews, this is a must-try spot for beer lovers. We love Jekyll Brewing’s Pineapple Habañero Hop Dang Diggity, an IPA flavored with refreshing pineapple and a kick of habañero heat.

• Location: 161 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Sunday-Saturday 11AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram

Did we miss your favorite local beer spot? Stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram at @TheBamaBuzz and let us know!