When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Halfway Crooks Beer
Why Halfway Crooks Beer is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Halfway Crooks Beer, nestled in Atlanta's revitalized Summerhill neighborhood within the historic confines of the former Turner Field, offers an inviting atmosphere blending Belgian café aesthetics with nostalgic 1980s computer lab themes. Established in 2019 by brewers Joran Van Ginderachter and Shawn Bainbridge alongside Tim Kilic, the brewery has quickly become a beloved local destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Known especially for their expertly brewed lagers and Belgian-influenced beers, Halfway Crooks provides a unique experience that appeals to both traditional lager lovers and fans of innovative craft brewing. The brewery boasts a cozy two-floor setup with a restaurant downstairs and a rooftop taproom featuring an open-air patio with brick walls, offering intimate ambiance and breathtaking views. Patrons can enjoy a menu designed with creativity and care, featuring options like lobster and shrimp rolls that complement their beer selections. With the recent launch of canned beers into wider distribution, Halfway Crooks is expanding its reach while maintaining a strong local presence and community feel. The brewery’s beer lineup includes well-balanced, crisp lagers such as their MTRC and Farina, which showcase classical flavors with modern polish. Whether meeting friends for a casual evening or celebrating special occasions, Halfway Crooks provides a memorable, quality craft beer experience underscored by its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional brewing.
Here's what people think of Halfway Crooks Beer
As of recent, Halfway Crooks Beer holds a 4.6-star rating based on 410 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight Halfway Crooks Beer as a standout brewery in Atlanta, earning a strong overall rating of 4.6 from over 400 reviews. Many patrons praise the brewery for its exceptional beer quality, particularly its mastery of lagers and refreshing flavors. Positive feedback frequently mentions the warm and stylish ambiance, with the rooftop patio and two-story design creating an intimate and memorable setting. Guests appreciate the innovative menu and attentive service, with some reviewers calling it their favorite brewery experience. The blend of European influences, especially Belgian styles, appeals to both craft beer newcomers and aficionados. Additionally, the brewery's thoughtful ordering system via QR codes enhances convenience without diminishing the social atmosphere. On the negative side, a small number of reviews note limited seating at peak times and occasional wait times during busy hours. Some visitors mention that while lagers dominate, there could be more variety in other beer styles. A few critiques also point to pricing perceived as slightly higher compared to other local breweries. Nonetheless, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many customers willing to overlook minor issues due to the high quality of beer and the welcoming environment. Overall, Halfway Crooks Beer is celebrated as a top-tier craft brewery that successfully delivers both exceptional brews and a vibrant community gathering spot in Atlanta.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Heath Carnicom
This place is pretty fun. It has food and great beer and cocktails. Upstairs has outdoor seating which is cool. Lagers were good, saison was excellent, the export lager was really great. Didn't get the food...kinda bummed because it looked good.
Justin Nguyen (JNguyen20)
The roof at Halfway Crooks Beer was a fantastic spot to get some grub and some beer. The beer was good and the cocktails were great and strong. Fries were got were fantastic. We’d definitely come back for their more casual and chill vibes.
Peter Delucchi
Both beers tried were much better than expected. The Vary Bohemian Czech pilsner was flavorful, malty enough, and super light. Well-poured and glassed, too. The dark lager, the collab with that Denver Cohesion Brewery, 10°P Černé Pivo, felt like a unique find. First, it's mostly porters and stouts as far as dark beer everywhere you go, so it's refreshing to see something like this on the menu. As for the flavors, they are extra malty and roasty, to near perfection. Want a beer where the hop taste is buried under mounds of darkness? This lovely beer is it. Vibe and service are also excellent at the place. Upstairs and downstairs. Quality merch and sticker selection. For food, get the standard Bavarian snack with cheese and mustard. All of that was good.
David “fo0” B
Halfway Crooks is always an enjoyable place to go hang out, grab a beer and eat a snack. The downstairs offers a super cozy environment while the upstairs allows you to enjoy the open air, shaded from the sun. Their Beer Garden is amazing when the weather allows it. Additionally their food is really great. Simple but effective dishes. The Stoofvlees is top notch. Their beers offer a nice ranger of flavors and are carefully crafted. Highly recommended!
alejandro murcia
Amazing brewery experience, Halfway crooks has a beer style for every beer lover. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The entry level floor has a great aesthetic and the roof top bar has fresh air and a roof that can be adjusted to minimize direct sunlight. We did not try the food during this visit but the beers that we did have were very well made without any off flavors.
How to reach Halfway Crooks Beer
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Why Halfway Crooks Beer may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Halfway Crooks Beer with your friends? Because it offers the perfect blend of exceptional craft beer, inviting ambiance, and unique social spaces that make every gathering memorable. If you want a spot where you can enjoy thoughtfully brewed beers ranging from crisp pilsners to luscious IPAs while relaxing in a European-inspired setting, Halfway Crooks Beer delivers an experience that goes beyond just drinking. Its intimate rooftop taproom, featuring open-air seating with partial brick walls, lends itself to meaningful conversations and the kind of casual vibe that feels like a hidden gem right in the heart of Atlanta. Not only do you get to savor expertly crafted brews and creative menus, but the venue’s atmosphere—quiet, chill, and stylish—strikes the perfect balance between lively and laid-back. Whether you're catching up with old friends, celebrating special occasions with family, or just want a cozy place to unwind, Halfway Crooks Beer presents a welcoming environment that encourages connection and shared enjoyment.
What kinds of activities can groups enjoy at Halfway Crooks Beer?
Halfway Crooks Beer offers an array of activities tailored perfectly for group meetups, making it a versatile destination for various social occasions. First and foremost, the brewery experience itself is an activity—visitors can explore diverse beer styles including Belgian-style pale ales, German pilsners, smoked lagers, and Baltic porters, all brewed with considerable craft and attention to detail. For beer aficionados, tasting flights allow everyone in the group to sample a variety of brews and discover new favorites. The rooftop taproom serves as a lively yet relaxed social hub where groups can mingle, enjoy the open-air charm, and soak up the artistic, eclectic décor that includes Instagrammable spots reflecting a European flair. Moreover, the food menu complements the beer with creative dishes like lobster/shrimp rolls and fantastic fries, creating opportunities for shared meals that enhance the communal spirit. Alongside savoring food and drink, guests can enjoy the visual aesthetic inside, including dynamic LED art that adds an engaging backdrop, or simply relax to great music that underscores the chill vibe. The digital ordering system via QR codes means less waiting and more time to engage with your companions, amplifying the group experience.
Why is Halfway Crooks Beer perfect for group meetups?
Halfway Crooks Beer shines as a perfect venue for group meetups because it caters to diverse tastes and social preferences with its thoughtfully designed spaces and service style. The dual-floor layout—with a lively restaurant downstairs and a charming rooftop taproom upstairs—creates distinct zones that suit different group sizes and social moods. Smaller groups can gravitate to the cozy, intimate rooftop area where the semi-open setting promotes easy conversation while larger parties can enjoy the spacious downstairs restaurant. This flexibility means groups can find their ideal spot without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. The brewery’s open mash floor in back offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into brewing operations, sparking conversation and shared interest among friends and family. Service style enhances the group dynamics: ordering and payment are seamless through personal phones, which allows for uninterrupted socializing, and attentive staff ensures just the right level of assistance without intruding. The welcoming atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and quality food make hosting events—from casual catch-ups to celebrations—effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, the spot’s quiet yet vibrant ambiance makes it a comfortable place for any gathering, with no pressure for loud or distracting entertainment, so groups can focus on each other.
What makes the beer at Halfway Crooks Beer stand out?
At Halfway Crooks Beer, the standout feature is the impressive range and quality of their craft beer, meticulously brewed to cater to refined palates and adventurous drinkers alike. They offer a well-curated selection that includes various styles such as German-style pilsners infused with subtle fruit notes, traditional Belgian pale ales with citrus character, Baltic porters rich in chocolate and mocha undertones, and smoked lagers that add a distinctive depth to the lineup. Each beer is brewed with premium ingredients like German malted barley, Bavarian hops, and classic yeast strains, delivering authentic flavors that respect brewing traditions while embracing creativity. The brewery’s dedication to crafting beers that are “absolutely spot on” is reflected in the consistently high ratings by patrons who appreciate both the complexity and drinkability of their brews. This attention to quality transforms every pint into an experience, encouraging groups to share tasting flights and discuss nuanced flavors together, enhancing social interaction. Their impressive canned beer selection also allows visitors to take home their favorites, extending the enjoyment well beyond the visit.
How does the ambiance at Halfway Crooks Beer enhance a social gathering?
The ambiance at Halfway Crooks Beer significantly enhances social gatherings by striking a harmonious balance between stylish sophistication and relaxed comfort. The venue’s decor is a unique blend of European elegance and modern eclecticism, featuring visually intriguing elements such as brick walls, beautiful tile work in the restrooms, and artful touches designed with Instagram-worthy appeal. This thoughtful setting creates a backdrop that invites people to linger, take photos, and immerse themselves in a welcoming environment. The rooftop offers partial open-air seating, which is particularly appealing during pleasant weather as groups can enjoy fresh air and city views in a semi-private atmosphere. Moreover, the lighting and music are curated to foster a chill yet vibrant mood, making conversations flow effortlessly without overwhelming background noise. The presence of an LED wall displaying creative animations adds a playful yet subtle entertainment layer to the space. Unlike traditional noisy bars, Halfway Crooks Beer offers a peaceful yet lively environment, perfect for groups seeking meaningful connections without the distraction of loud crowds or intrusive service. This thoughtfully crafted ambiance ensures every meetup feels special and well accommodated.
What food and drink options complement a group visit to Halfway Crooks Beer?
Halfway Crooks Beer does not just excel in beer; their food offerings are equally impressive, making it a great destination for groups who value excellent pairings and creative menus. Their food menu features inventive dishes designed to complement the diverse beer styles, such as the highly recommended lobster and shrimp rolls that offer a refined yet approachable taste. The fries, often praised by patrons, provide a beloved comfort food option that pairs perfectly with any beer, reinforcing the casual yet elevated vibe. With food and drink delivered directly to your table after convenient online ordering via QR code, groups can focus on enjoying their time together without interruption. The strength and quality of their cocktails also add variety for friends who might prefer mixed drinks to beer, ensuring everyone’s preferences are met. This multi-dimensional beverage selection, combined with thoughtful and flavorful food, provides a comprehensive experience that satisfies different appetites and tastes during group outings, elevating the entire meetup to more than just a casual drink session.
Why should you choose Halfway Crooks Beer for special celebrations or parties?
Choosing Halfway Crooks Beer for special celebrations or parties means selecting a venue that naturally imbues any event with character, quality, and ease. The intimate rooftop and spacious restaurant create options for both small private groups and larger gatherings, with a layout that supports comfortable socializing without noise or space constraints. Their exceptional beer and food selections elevate your celebration with sophisticated tastes that impress guests, while the seamless ordering process minimizes disruptions, allowing you to fully enjoy the moment with your friends or family. The attentive yet unobtrusive service strikes the right balance, ensuring all needs are met without taking away from the personal nature of your event. The venue’s distinctive ambiance—combining European-inspired charm, eclectic décor, and unique brewery views—adds a memorable backdrop for pictures and lasting memories. Many visitors note that Halfway Crooks Beer is not just a place to drink but a destination where the entire experience, from aromas to atmosphere, celebrates good company. These factors make it an excellent choice to host birthdays, reunions, or casual get-togethers with a special feel.
How easy is it to plan a group meetup at Halfway Crooks Beer?
Planning a group meetup at Halfway Crooks Beer is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly, thanks to the brewery’s digital-forward service model and well-designed space. The QR code menu system allows groups to order and pay individually or collectively without the need to wait in line or coordinate with a server constantly, streamlining the entire dining experience. This innovation minimizes interruptions and helps groups stay engaged with each other rather than the logistics of ordering, making meetups more cohesive and enjoyable. Additionally, the venue’s layout offers flexible seating options tailored to group sizes, whether you prefer cozy corners on the rooftop or more expansive tables downstairs. For groups wanting to bring back beers, the onsite store with coolers stocked with a varied selection of canned beers and branded merchandise lets you take a piece of the experience home. The attentive staff is also available for any special arrangements or assistance needed, making it easy to customize your visit whether it’s a weeknight hangout or a weekend celebration. Overall, Halfway Crooks Beer’s blend of modern convenience, excellent atmosphere, and wide-ranging offerings ensures group meetups are hassle-free and memorable.