How to Craft Beer Crawl Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is more than just the birthplace of the bluesits also a rapidly growing hub for craft beer innovation. With over 30 breweries within a 20-mile radius, the city offers a rich tapestry of flavors, styles, and stories waiting to be discovered. A well-crafted beer crawl in Memphis isnt just about hopping from one taproom to another; its an immersive journey through local culture, community, and craftsmanship. Whether youre a visiting enthusiast or a longtime resident looking to explore your own backyard, learning how to craft a beer crawl in Memphis transforms a simple outing into a memorable, intentional experience.

Unlike generic pub crawls that prioritize quantity over quality, a thoughtfully designed beer crawl in Memphis emphasizes diversity of flavor, accessibility, atmosphere, and storytelling. It respects the artistry behind each brew, the history of the neighborhoods, and the people who pour them. This guide will walk you through every step of creating your own unforgettable Memphis beer crawlfrom selecting the right breweries to navigating logistics, optimizing your route, and enhancing the experience with local context. By the end, youll have the knowledge and tools to design a crawl thats not only enjoyable but deeply resonant with the spirit of Memphis.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Crawls Purpose and Theme

Before you even open a brewery map, ask yourself: What kind of experience am I seeking? A beer crawl can be themed around style, neighborhood, history, or even collaboration. Memphis offers a wide range of possibilities:

• Style-Focused: Explore only IPAs, stouts, sours, or lagers.
• Neighborhood-Based: Stick to one district like Midtown, Downtown, or Cooper-Young.
• Historical: Visit breweries with deep roots in Memphis culture, like those founded by local musicians or in repurposed industrial spaces.
• Collaboration-Centric: Target breweries known for joint brews with other local businesses (e.g., coffee roasters, barbecue joints).

Choosing a theme helps you curate a more cohesive experience. For example, a Southern Stout Crawl might include The Narrow, Young Avenue Delis in-house brewery, and South City Breweryall known for rich, roasty beers with hints of coffee, chocolate, or pecan. A Hopheads Hike might focus on The Narrow, Wiseacre, and Wiseacres sister project, The Brew Kettle, which specialize in bold, hop-forward ales.

Step 2: Research and Select Your Breweries

Memphis boasts a diverse and dynamic brewery scene. Not all breweries are created equal in terms of size, accessibility, or offerings. Use these criteria to select your stops:

• Taproom Atmosphere: Do they offer outdoor seating? Are they dog-friendly? Is the space lively or quiet?
• Beer Variety: Do they rotate taps frequently? Do they offer flights? Are there limited releases?
• Food Options: Can you grab a bite on-site? Do they allow outside food?
• Location Proximity: How far apart are they? Can you walk or bike between them?

Heres a sample selection of top-tier Memphis breweries, each offering something unique:

• Wiseacre Brewing Co. Known for creative, often whimsical names and high-quality IPAs. Their downtown taproom is spacious and frequently hosts live music.
• The Narrow A neighborhood favorite in Midtown with a strong focus on lagers and pilsners. Their taproom is intimate and community-oriented.
• South City Brewery Located in the historic South Memphis neighborhood, they offer a blend of Southern ingredients and traditional European styles.
• Young Avenue Deli (YAD) Brewery A Memphis institution with a full kitchen and a rotating selection of house-brewed ales. Their Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout is legendary.
• The Brew Kettle A more laid-back, family-friendly spot with a focus on sessionable beers and a large outdoor patio.
• Cherry Valley Brewing Co. A newer player with a strong emphasis on sour ales and fruit-forward brews, ideal for those seeking something tart and refreshing.

Choose 46 breweries for a manageable crawl. More than six can lead to fatigue and diminish the quality of your experience.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Efficiency

Efficiency is key to a successful beer crawl. You want to minimize travel time and maximize enjoyment. Use Google Maps or a dedicated app like Untappd to plot your route. Consider these factors:

• Walking Distance: Can you walk between stops? Midtown and Downtown clusters are ideal for foot traffic.
• Public Transit: Memphis has a limited but functional bus system. Check MATA routes if youre not driving.
• Driving and Parking: If driving, identify parking garages, street parking zones, and ride-share drop-off points. Avoid locations with limited parking.
• Opening Hours: Breweries typically open between 124 PM and close between 911 PM. Confirm hours on their websites or social media.

Example Route: Downtown Cluster

1. Start at Wiseacre Brewing Co. (12 PM) Kick off with their flagship A Little Crazy IPA.
2. Walk 0.4 miles to The Narrow (1:30 PM) Try their Czech Pilsner and enjoy the cozy vibe.
3. Drive 2.1 miles to Young Avenue Deli Brewery (3 PM) Grab a burger and a bourbon barrel stout.
4. Drive 1.8 miles to South City Brewery (5 PM) Sample their Pecan Porter and chat with the owners.
5. End at The Brew Kettle (7 PM) Relax with a light lager and enjoy the sunset on their patio.

This route balances walking and driving, includes food, and ends on a relaxed note. Always leave buffer time between stops1530 minutesto account for lines, conversations, and restroom breaks.

Step 4: Plan for Food and Hydration

Beer is best enjoyed with food. Many Memphis breweries allow outside food, but some have in-house kitchens. Plan ahead:

• Bring Snacks: Pack nuts, jerky, or energy bars for between stops.
• Order Meals: Choose one or two breweries with full kitchens. YAD, for example, offers legendary BBQ sandwiches and vegan options.
• Hydrate Strategically: Drink a glass of water between each beer. Dehydration is a real risk, especially in Memphiss humid climate.
• Electrolytes: Consider bringing electrolyte tablets or coconut water to replenish minerals lost through alcohol consumption.

Pro tip: Avoid heavy, greasy foods before your crawlthey can make you feel sluggish. Opt for balanced meals with protein, fiber, and complex carbs.

Step 5: Arrange Transportation and Safety

Never drink and drive. Memphis has a strong ride-share culture, but surge pricing can spike during weekends and events. Plan ahead:

• Designate a Driver: If you have a group, assign one person to abstain from alcohol.
• Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available. Schedule pickups in advance via the app.
• Consider a Private Driver: For larger groups, hire a local limo or party bus service through companies like Memphis Limo or VIP Transportation.
• Bike Safely: If biking, wear a helmet, use lights, and avoid carrying open containers in public (illegal in Memphis).

Also, check if any breweries offer complimentary shuttle services between locations during special events or weekends.

Step 6: Engage with Staff and Learn the Story

Memphis brewers are passionate storytellers. Dont just order and leave. Ask questions:

• Whats the inspiration behind this beer?
• Is this a seasonal release?
• Do you use local ingredients?
• Whats your favorite beer on tap right now?

Many breweries in Memphis source hops from Mississippi, malt from Arkansas, or even honey from local beekeepers. Learning these details adds depth to your crawl. Some breweries even have tasting notes printed on their menusread them. Take photos of the labels. Jot down your favorites in a notebook or app.

Step 7: Document and Reflect

Keep a simple log of your crawl:

• Beer name and style
• ABV and IBU (if available)
• Flavor notes (e.g., citrus, caramel, oak)
• Atmosphere and service
• Overall rating (15)

Apps like Untappd make this easy. Check in at each brewery, rate your beer, and add a comment. This creates a personal archive you can revisitand even share with friends. Reflection turns a fun night into a meaningful experience.

Best Practices

Pace Yourself

One of the most common mistakes is rushing. A beer crawl is not a race. Sip slowly. Let each beer breathe. Swirl it. Smell it. Taste it. The average beer takes 1520 minutes to fully appreciate. If youre sampling six beers over five hours, thats less than an hour per stopplenty of time to enjoy, talk, and absorb.

Start Light, End Bold

Order your beers in ascending order of intensity. Begin with sessionable lagers or pale ales, then move to IPAs, then stouts or barrel-aged brews. This prevents palate fatigue and allows you to taste each beer properly. For example:

1. Light Lager (The Brew Kettle)
2. Pale Ale (Wiseacre)
3. IPA (The Narrow)
4. Amber Ale (South City)
5. Stout (YAD)
6. Bourbon Barrel Stout (YAD)

Respect the Space

Breweries are small businesses. Treat them with courtesy:

• Dont block the bar or taproom entrances.
• Keep noise levels reasonable, especially in intimate taprooms.
• Dont ask for free pours unless its part of a tasting event.
• Tip your serverseven if its just $1$2 per beer.

Many Memphis breweries operate with lean staff. A little kindness goes a long way.

Check for Events

Many breweries host weekly events:

• Live music (Wiseacre on Fridays)
• Food truck nights (South City on Saturdays)
• Brewery tours (The Narrow offers free tours at 5 PM on Sundays)
• Collaboration release parties

Plan your crawl around these events. They add energy, exclusivity, and community spirit to your experience.

Bring a Group, But Keep It Manageable

A group of 46 people is ideal. Smaller groups move faster and are easier to accommodate at taprooms. Larger groups may be turned away during busy hours or split across tables. Make reservations if your group exceeds 6 peoplemany Memphis breweries require them for parties.

Know the Rules

Memphis has specific alcohol regulations:

• Open containers are prohibited in public areas outside designated entertainment districts.
• Most breweries allow you to take beer to-go in growlers or crowlersbut not in open cups.
• Some breweries have age restrictions for patio areascheck signage.

Stay informed. Ignorance of the rules can lead to awkward situations or fines.

Support Local Merchandise

Buy a T-shirt, pint glass, or growler from the brewery. These items help sustain small businesses and serve as lasting mementos of your crawl. Many Memphis breweries design their merch with local motifsthink blues notes, barbecue, or river imagery.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Untappd: The gold standard for tracking beers. Check in, rate, and discover new brews based on your location. It also shows real-time tap lists.
• Google Maps: Use it to map distances, check walking times, and find parking.
• Yelp: Read recent reviews for food quality, service speed, and crowd levels.
• Brewery Apps: Some breweries like Wiseacre and The Narrow have their own apps with exclusive promotions and event calendars.

Printable Resources

Download or print these free resources:

• Memphis Beer Trail Map Available on the Memphis Tourism website. Shows all 30+ breweries with ratings and specialties.
• Beer Crawl Checklist Create a simple PDF with columns for Brewery Name, Beer, ABV, Rating, Notes.
• Local Event Calendar Check the Memphis Brewers Guild website for monthly events, festivals, and taproom collaborations.

Recommended Reading

• The Craft Beer Revolution: How a Small Band of Beer Geeks Changed the Way Americans Drink by Steve Hindy Provides context for the national movement that Memphis is part of.
• Memphis Brews: A Guide to the Citys Craft Beer Scene by local author James L. Williams A pocket guide with insider tips and history.
• Blog: Memphis Beer Review (memphisbeerreview.com) Updated weekly with new releases, interviews, and crawl recommendations.

Local Partnerships

Some businesses collaborate with breweries to enhance the crawl experience:

• Barbecue Joints: Central BBQ and Corkscrew BBQ often pair with breweries for Beer & BBQ nights.
• Coffee Roasters: The Roasting Plant in Midtown has partnered with South City for a coffee stout release.
• Bookstores: The Booksellers at Laurelwood hosts Beer & Books nights with local authors and brewers.

Consider integrating one of these partnerships into your crawl for a richer, multi-sensory experience.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Midtown IPA Crawl

Four friends from Nashville planned a weekend getaway centered around hoppy beers. Their crawl:

• 12 PM The Narrow: Tasted the Lemon Drop Pilsner and Hoppy Pilsner. Loved the crispness and minimalist taproom.
• 1:30 PM Wiseacre Brewing Co.: Tried A Little Crazy IPA and Brewed in the Dark oatmeal stout. The staff explained their use of Citra and Mosaic hops.
• 3 PM The Brew Kettle: Sampled the Sour Mango and Peach Wheat. Enjoyed the outdoor space and live acoustic set.
• 5 PM The Roasting Plant: Ended with a coffee-infused IPA from South City, paired with a cold brew.

They used Untappd to log each beer, took photos of the labels, and later created a shared Google Doc with tasting notes. One friend even designed a custom Instagram filter with the crawls logo. The group returned the next month for a Stout & Soul crawl.

Example 2: The Family-Friendly Sunday Crawl

A Memphis dad wanted to introduce his teenage kids to local culture without a bar-heavy experience. He chose:

• 1 PM The Brew Kettle: Kids loved the giant lawn games and root beer float made with local stout.
• 2:30 PM South City Brewery: Offered non-alcoholic ginger beer and live blues music on the patio.
• 4 PM Young Avenue Deli: Ordered BBQ sandwiches and a non-alcoholic Honey Lager for the teens.

They didnt drink alcohol at alljust explored the atmosphere, music, and food. The dad said it was the best way to show my kids how Memphis celebrates community.

Example 3: The Tourists First-Time Crawl

A couple from Chicago visited Memphis for the first time. They wanted a taste of local culture beyond Graceland. Their crawl:

• 11 AM Memphis Brew Tour: Booked a 3-hour guided tour that included three breweries and a stop at the National Civil Rights Museum.
• 2 PM Wiseacre: Tried Tin Roof IPA and learned about the brewerys founding by a former Memphis musician.
• 4 PM The Narrow: Tasted a lager brewed with Memphis well water and spoke with the owner about his familys history in the city.
• 6 PM Dinner at Central BBQ: Paired pulled pork with a local sour ale.

They said the guided tour gave us context we couldnt have gotten on our own. They later sent thank-you notes to the breweries and posted about their experience on travel forums.

FAQs

Whats the best time of year to do a beer crawl in Memphis?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor taprooms and walking between locations. Summer can be hot and humid, but many breweries have shaded patios and misting systems. Winter is quiet but cozyperfect for sipping stouts by the fire.

Can I do a beer crawl on a weekday?

Absolutely. Weekdays are often less crowded, and some breweries offer special promotionslike Taco Tuesday or Half-Price Flights on Wednesdays. Weekday crawls are ideal for a more relaxed, intimate experience.

How much should I budget for a beer crawl in Memphis?

On average, expect to spend $5$12 per beer, with flights ranging from $10$18. If you include food, budget $15$25 per person per stop. For a 5-stop crawl with food, $100$150 per person is reasonable. Dont forget to tip!

Are kids allowed in Memphis breweries?

Most taprooms welcome children during daytime hours, especially on weekends. Many have outdoor spaces, board games, and non-alcoholic options. Always check the brewerys policy before bringing minors.

Can I buy beer to take home from these breweries?

Yes. Nearly all Memphis breweries sell growlers, crowlers, and cans for off-site consumption. Some even offer shipping within Tennessee. Look for To-Go signs or ask at the counter.

What if I dont like beer? Can I still enjoy a beer crawl?

Many Memphis breweries offer hard ciders, kombucha, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. Some, like Cherry Valley, specialize in fruit-forward sour ales that taste more like juice than beer. Ask for recommendations based on your preferences.

Is there a Memphis Beer Crawl pass or discount card?

As of now, there is no official city-wide pass, but the Memphis Brewers Guild occasionally runs limited-time promotions. Follow them on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter to stay updated.

How long should a beer crawl take?

For 46 stops, plan for 57 hours. This allows time to enjoy each location without rushing. Start earlynoon is idealand end with dinner or dessert.

What if I get overwhelmed or tired?

Its okay to skip a stop. A beer crawl is about enjoyment, not obligation. If youre feeling fatigued, take a break at a park, grab a snack, or head back to your hotel. Theres always next time.

Conclusion

Crafting a beer crawl in Memphis is more than a checklist of taproomsits a way to connect with the soul of the city. Each brewery tells a story: of resilience, creativity, community, and the enduring love of a well-made pint. Whether youre drawn to the bold hop profiles of Wiseacre, the crisp lagers of The Narrow, or the soulful ambiance of Young Avenue Deli, your crawl becomes a personal narrative woven with flavor, laughter, and discovery.

By following this guidefrom selecting your theme and mapping your route to engaging with brewers and documenting your journeyyou transform a simple outing into a meaningful exploration. You dont just drink beer; you taste history, culture, and craftsmanship. And in Memphis, where music flows as freely as ale, thats the true spirit of the crawl.

So grab your friends, pack your curiosity, and hit the streets. The next great Memphis beer crawl isnt just waiting to be experiencedits waiting for you to create it.