Standing out among the neighboring nightlife
attractions on Atlanta's Peachtree Street is the Atlanta Beer Garten.
The busy, semi-covered outdoor patio is spotted first, music from its live band
flooding the crowded sidewalks. Groups play Wednesday through Sunday. Inside, a
light wood bar with padded dark wood chairs occupies the center of the building
that accommodates 400. The low ceiling at the front creates a more cozy
atmosphere where tall tables and chairs offer viewing of the numerous silent
TVs and their sporting events. The rustic wood floors remind you "this ain't no
disco", while the German, U.S. and Georgia flags hanging near the patio
emphasize the cultures at play here. The rear of the building is home to two
pool tables, more tables, dartboards, booth seating, and a projection TV.
Highly visible along the
windowed left wall is the brewhouse, its copper DME brew vessels and 15-barrel
stainless steel unitank fermenters shining brightly under the spotlights. Its
output is consumed a few feet away, dispensed via three seven-tap towers
featuring painted wood and ceramic tap handles. The Dunkel Weizen is
dark amber with a tartness accompanied by a mellow maltiness and smooth
mouthfeel. The Buckhead Ale comes in at 5% alcohol (abv) with its full
mouthfeel, nice malty flavor and underlying hops that lead to a short finish.
The 5.5% Beergarten Alt is a clear mahogany color and features a sharp,
dry maltiness, medium body, and very smooth finish. The Buffalo Skull,
5.7%, is clear dark amber in color. Starting with a very malty flavor, an
alcohol character becomes apparent just prior to the dry finish. The Lunatic
Light, at 4.5%, is a clear gold color with a light body, but evenly
balanced pale malt and hops flavors. A slight hop bitterness lingers well into
the finish. The "big brother" of the Lite is the 4.8% Lunatic Lager.
Also clear gold in appearance, this very clean beer offers a bigger body, more
maltiness, and a mellow matching hop bitterness. The amber-colored Terminus
Ale is on the dry, malty side. Medium-bodied, its hops tend to dominate the
flavor balance and carry into the finish. Available at other times are the
Big Yak and Buck Red Ale. Bud Light is also served on demand.
The food menu is basic
pub fare at typical prices. The Starters list features Wings, Nachos, and
Tenders that run $4 to $11; Entrées are $8 to $15 and include Ribs,
Wurst, Steak, Pasta, and Fish; Burgers & Such are $6 to $8; while Soups
& Salads are $2 to $8. The beer menu offers variety in both styles and
serving sizes. Pints are $3.75, liters $6.50, 2 liter pitchers $12.50, and a
sampler of seven four-ounce tasters $4.25. A common order weekend nights from
young male customers is "A pitcher and one (glass)." Although smoking is
commonplace among the 20-something crowd, the open front and patio doors
provide a steady supply of breathable air flowing in. The fact that cigars are
sold does not help the breathing situation any. Merchandising opportunities are
not overlooked, a gift shop offers branded souvenirs. Even with all the nearby
competition for this same target audience, the top-notch beers and the Rock
& Roll atmosphere of the Atlanta Beer Garten keep its business going
strong.
Reviewed by Tom Ciccateri - April,
2000
Atlanta Beer Garten
3013 Peachtree
St.
Atlanta, GA
404-261-9898
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