Serving More than Small Town Charm: Athens Alehouse & Cellar

There’s something brewing in a beloved north Alabama city—literally. Over the last several years, the city of Athens and the surrounding area have become a go-to destination for craft beer lovers. A growing number of local alehouses and breweries have been putting their own spin on everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts.

The city’s laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere offers something for everyone to enjoy. 

Curious what’s on tap in the area? Today, we’re taking a closer look at a local favorite in Athens: The Athens Alehouse & Cellar.

Southern Sips & Small Town Vibes

If there’s one thing Alabama has in heaps, it's welcoming, small town vibes. Downtown Huntsville and Athens are both perfect examples of this, with a friendly face around every corner waiting to pour you a glass and ask you about your day.

The south is a wonderful place to visit. It’s so great that many people travel and relocate to the area simply because of the kind residents, comfort cuisine, job opportunities, and variety of breweries. So if you haven’t explored the local taps yet, now’s the perfect time to raise a glass and see what all the buzz is about.

Athens Alehouse & Cellar on the Square

Family-friendly meets flavor at this local gem. Athens Alehouse offers a glass, pint, plate or dish perfect for every visitor. If that wasn’t enough, they also keep their patrons entertained with a variety of performances from musical guests and events throughout the week.

Here are some details to know to plan your visit to Athens Alehouse on the Square:

Hours of Operation

• Wed & Thurs: 11am - 9pm
• Friday & Saturday 11am -10pm
• Sunday 10am - 2pm

Address

• 113 S. Marion Street Athens, AL 35611
  

Beer, Wine & Cocktails

Are you a sip and savor type of person, or do you enjoy knocking back a few before the food arrives? Regardless of what your perfect night out looks like, Athens Alehouse has something for you to try. 

Beer: Choose from 4 types of draft beer including American lagers

, double IPAs, and iconic sours. Or order a can and try their signature wheat beer, Belgian strong or Irish dry varieties. They even have stations to pour your own beer with ten rotating taps. 

Wine: For the sophisticated bunch, we invite you to order a glass or bottle of wine from their luxury wine cellar. Wine types include prosecco, pinto grigio, chardonnay, and unique blends.

Cocktails: Enjoy classic cocktails like an old fashioned or spiked lemonade. If you want to try something one-of-a-kind, we recommend the Grateful Dead—made with tequilla, vodka, gin, white rum, and raspberry sour!

Appetite at Alehouse

In true alehouse fashion, Athens also offers a fine selection of dishes to complement the flavors in your glass of wine, craft cocktail or pint. Order a "craveable" if you’ve got quite the appetite and enjoy mouth-watering favorites like a turkey BLT, Monte Cristo or brisket dip.

Visiting with a few hungry friends? Order a shareable and pass the love around the table. Choose from fried favorites like beer battered onion rings and cheese curds. Take a walk on the wild side and order some fried brussel sprouts or Gwyn’s pickles. They also have large entrees for bigger appetites like the Hibachi stir fry and Alehouse ribeye.

Need something for the little ones? Kids twelve and under can enjoy options like a cheeseburger, chicken tenders, fried shrimp or a classic grilled cheese.

Gather the Girls for Sunday Brunch

Available on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm, Athens Alehouse offers a beautiful brunch with breakfast essentials like bacon, egg, and cheese croissant, warm cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit. You can even dip your toe into some Southern culture and order the classic shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. 

Alehouse, Brewery and Pub: What's the Difference?

Alehouse

Originally a British term, alehouses were places that sold ale, often brewed in-house or nearby. In modern use, an alehouse is usually a craft beer bar or restaurant that emphasizes a strong selection of ales and beer.

• Main focus: Serving a wide variety of ales and beer
• Vibe: Cozy and rustic
• What to expect: Large tap lists, pub food, possibly some house-label brews

Brewery

A brewery is a place where beer is made. Simple as that. It can be anything from a large-scale production facility to a small, craft-focused operation. 

• Main focus: Brewing beer
• Vibe: Industrial, experimental, often offers tours
• What to expect: Fresh, house-made beers—maybe some snacks or food trucks

Pub

Short for “public house,” a pub is a social gathering spot that serves food and drinks. In the U.K., pubs are a cultural staple. In the U.S., the term usually describes places that lean toward hearty food, a mix of beer and liquor, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel.

• Main focus: Food and drinks in a social setting
• Vibe: Casual, communal, and welcoming
• What to expect: A mix of beer, cocktails, and pub fare like burgers and fish & chips

Taste Craft Beer in Huntsville 

So there you have it! That’s what is brewing in Athens, with some insight into what makes alehouses unique and worth experiencing. We highly recommend checking out the Athens Alehouse & Cellar next time you’re in the area.

If you find yourself wanting more, we recommend heading 30 minutes east to Huntsville. Huntsville has a plethora of craft beer to try, local markets, museums, and sporting events!