When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Red's Beer Garden
Why Red's Beer Garden is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Red's Beer Garden stands out as a unique and inviting spot in Benteen Park, Atlanta, perfect for friends looking to unwind and enjoy great craft beer in a relaxed, backyard-style environment. What makes Red's Beer Garden a fantastic meeting place is its expansive outdoor beer garden equipped with picnic tables, string lights, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like your own private hangout. The bar boasts over 250 self-serve craft beverages, ranging from beers and wines to ciders, hard seltzers, meads, kombuchas, and even non-alcoholic options, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and dietary preference. The menu complements the drinks perfectly with classic and nostalgic hot dogs — including vegan Beyond Meat options — as well as sandwiches and snacks that satisfy a variety of dietary whims, including gluten-free and vegan offerings. With its extended hours through the week and weekend, energetic vibe, and emphasis on community, Red's Beer Garden is a beloved local spot for casual meet-ups, post-work hangs, or weekend gatherings with your cycling or running crew and even your pups. Owners Kristen and Ed Sumpter’s passion for beer and community shines through the welcoming, educational atmosphere they have cultivated, making Red's both a fun and approachable watering hole for all.
Here's what people think of Red's Beer Garden
As of recent, Red's Beer Garden holds a 4.8-star rating based on 572 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight Red's Beer Garden as one of Atlanta's best neighborhood hangouts, with many praising the expansive and diverse selection of craft beers available through its innovative self-serve coolers. The atmosphere is frequently described as laid-back and inviting, especially noted for its spacious courtyard with string lights and picnic tables that create a summer-like ambiance year-round. Positive reviews particularly adore the nostalgic hot dog menu, with favorites such as the spicy Franks on Franks and the uniquely Southern Red's Favorite featuring pimento cheese, bacon, and fig jam. Patrons also appreciate the inclusive beverage options that cater to various preferences, including vegan and non-alcoholic choices. On the flip side, some negative feedback mentions occasional issues typical of busy self-serve venues, such as wait times or crowding during peak hours, but these are infrequently noted and rarely detract from the overall experience. In conclusion, the overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect a genuine local love for Red's Beer Garden as a welcoming, fun, and versatile spot ideal for socializing while enjoying quality food and an impressive drink selection.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mary Beth Morrison
There’s a bluegrass jam out on the patio every other Sunday, 6-8pm. I’m not a beer girl, but they got a really nice selection of ciders and non-alcoholic beverages. The tater tots were quite tasty. Next time, I’m getting here early and I’m ordering the motherclucker sandwich. It was sold out by 7pm. I didn’t take any inside pictures, but the inside was pleasant, and the restrooms were very clean. But seriously, there’s nothing like being outside and hearing the cicadas singing along to the music on a late summer evening 🎶😍
Joseph Sheffield
Clean establishment with cool plant vibes. Decorated well-nice layout. Very accommodating seating inside and outside with fans outside. Large selection of specialty beer. Food and drinks great priced. Hot dog-long & skinny. Tastes quality with nice soft bun. Chili slaw traditionally good idea. It was fair tasting. Chicken salad sandwich-plain white bread wasn’t wowed. Prefer a Brioche Bun or thick toasted Texas toast buttered. Chicken was a bit dry and couldn’t taste the grill flavor. I ate it all-it was edible just wasn’t anything to rave. Needs a better lettuce, add pickle, mustard, thick tomato. Tots and fries a lil salty but cooked perfectly. Everything fair priced and it gave me lunch bite-cure a light day hunger pain-fun eat. 5-star atmosphere. I’d come back and recommend.
Emily Foley
I came across Red's on Google Maps to find a place to eat lunch near Grant Park. It's been a while since I came so far down south on Boulevard, and now I'm regretting missing out on Red's for so many years. It's so cute and welcoming. Their beer selection is top notch - something for everyone. They also have good vegetarian and vegan options and have food that can be accommodated for kids. I'm glad I found it just in time for warmer weather. I will definitely be coming back!
Kathryn Fox
Great experience. I loved all the options, including the non alcoholic options. The food was great. They allowed food from Ardens Garden, which is right next door, and offer vegetarian dogs on their menu.
Marissa Remo
Best hot dog I think I’ve ever had. They have a huge selection of bottled and canned beer, mead, cider, seltzer that’s all craft and a lot of local stuff too. Beautiful outdoor area out back with 18 picnic tables that have umbrellas and lots of little tables too
How to reach Red's Beer Garden
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Why Red's Beer Garden may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Red’s Beer Garden with your friends?
Gathering friends at Red’s Beer Garden promises a relaxed yet vibrant social experience where the atmosphere itself encourages connection and fun. This spot, nestled in Atlanta’s Benteen Park, serves as an inviting “neighborhood watering hole” where casual meets festive. With a remarkable 4.8-star rating from over 570 reviews reflecting glowing customer satisfaction, Red’s offers more than just drinks—it’s a community hub. The spacious, laid-back courtyard setting with picnic tables and string lights creates an ambiance that feels like an eternal summer evening, perfect for conversations that flow as freely as the beer. Perhaps the biggest lure is the incredible self-serve beer selection; with hundreds of craft brews, wines, ciders, and even non-alcoholic options in sleek coolers, guests can customize their tasting journey. Beyond drinks, Red’s specialties like uniquely crafted hot dogs — from spicy jalapeño to the indulgent pimento cheese and bacon topped “Red’s Favorite” — fuel the good times. Whether it’s an intimate catch-up or a larger meetup, this garden-like oasis supports an inclusive, easy-going, and pleasurable gathering experience under the open sky.
What activities are available at Red’s Beer Garden, and why is it ideal for group meetups?
Red’s Beer Garden is designed with group enjoyment at its core, offering a versatile mix of activities that accommodate various social dynamics. Foremost, the self-serve coolers empower guests to sample a vast range of beer, cider, wine, and seltzers at their own pace and preference, making it an exploratory experience for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. This decentralized approach reduces waiting times and encourages mingling as groups gather around the coolers to sample and discuss their selections. The spacious outdoor courtyard is outfitted with picnic tables and plenty of comfortable seating, creating communal spaces where groups can relax, eat, and chat without feeling cramped. The beer garden is pet-friendly, so bringing along your furry friends adds another layer of enjoyment and inclusivity, enabling socialization across all members of your group. Red’s also hosts weekly activities that inject energy and entertainment into the atmosphere, such as trivia nights, live music, or themed events, offering extra reasons to come together and celebrate. The food menu complements these activities with crowd-pleasing favorites like their signature hot dogs and options catering to dietary diversity, including vegan and gluten-free, ensuring everyone in your gathering is satisfied.
How does the food and drink selection at Red’s Beer Garden enhance the group experience?
The quality and variety of Red’s Beer Garden’s food and drink offerings are central to its reputation as a perfect meetup venue. The extensive drink selection includes a dynamic lineup of craft beers sourced locally and globally, along with an array of wines, ciders, hard seltzers, mead, kombucha, and non-alcoholic beverages. This diversity caters to all tastes and preferences, making it easy for groups with varied palates to find something they love. The self-serve format not only offers convenience but also an engaging, interactive way for groups to discover new flavors together, transforming a simple drink order into a shared social exploration. On the food front, the menu mirrors the approachable, nostalgic vibe of the garden with its focus on hot dogs — creatively topped with pimento cheese and bacon or spiced up with jalapeños and hot sauce. These choices evoke comfort and indulgence, ideal for pairing with cold drinks outside. Importantly, the availability of vegan and gluten-free alternatives means dietary restrictions do not hinder anyone from joining in the feast. This thoughtful food and beverage curation underscores Red’s commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive space where groups can feast and toast happily side-by-side.
What makes the atmosphere at Red’s Beer Garden conducive to long, enjoyable gatherings with friends and family?
The fundamental strength of Red’s Beer Garden lies in its atmosphere—a perfect blend of openness, warmth, and casual charm that invites guests to linger as long as they like. Unlike many crowded, noisy bars, Red’s embraces its outdoor setting with a spacious courtyard bathed in soft string lights that capture a timeless, summery feel. This setting naturally slows the pace, encouraging relaxed conversations and ample room for varied group sizes to spread out comfortably. The presence of picnic tables rather than traditional bar seating creates a picnic-like, informal vibe reminiscent of backyard hangouts, which is ideal for group bonding. Moreover, the pet-friendly policy means that furry companions can be part of the gathering, adding a joyful and low-stress dynamic that enhances social comfort. Regular programming—ranging from live music to trivia or other themed activities—keeps the energy dynamic without overwhelming the friendly atmosphere. These elements combine to craft an environment where friends and families feel at home, able to share stories, enjoy good food and drinks, and make lasting memories in an inviting, sociable setting.
Why is Red’s Beer Garden a great choice for diverse groups and different social occasions?
Red’s Beer Garden shines as a versatile venue suited to a wide range of social gatherings, from laid-back hangouts to celebratory meetups. Its enviable craft beer lineup and unique self-serve system cater to beer aficionados and novices alike, allowing everyone to partake in a personalized tasting experience. The food’s nostalgic comfort paired with inclusive options like vegan sausages ensures dietary needs or preferences don’t exclude anyone, making it superb for diverse groups. The outdoor setting is spacious enough to accommodate sizable squads without disrupting smaller ones, providing zones for both intimate conversations and livelier group activities. Being a dog-friendly location adds a dimension particularly appealing to pet owners wanting to include their companions. Furthermore, Red’s weekday and weekend hours are accommodating, supporting after-work gatherings, weekend brunches, or evening celebrations. Weekly events and a community-driven vibe infuse the garden with energy that transforms typical meetups into memorable occasions. Overall, this balance of setting, offerings, and vibe ensures Red’s Beer Garden stands out as a fun, flexible, and welcoming space to rally with friends, family, or community groups.
How can the location and amenities of Red’s Beer Garden enhance your meetup experience?
Red’s Beer Garden benefits from a convenient location in Benteen Park, Atlanta, which is slightly removed from the hustle but accessible, offering guests a charming retreat from the urban frenzy. The ample parking facilities ease arrival logistics for groups, reducing stress over finding a spot and enabling larger assemblies to come together with ease. The venue’s outdoor layout benefits from natural ventilation and open-air comfort, which is particularly attractive in mild weather and enhances the social experience by diminishing constraints common in indoor venues. The self-serve refrigeration system is an innovative amenity that speeds up service and creates interactive moments as guests select their drinks directly—encouraging social mingling around the coolers and amplifying the communal feel. Accessibility from parking to garden is straightforward, including paths for those with mobility needs, further widening the appeal of the venue. These practical features collectively enhance the meetup experience, allowing groups to focus on camaraderie and fun instead of logistical worries, making Red’s Beer Garden a smart, well-rounded choice for hosting friends and family.
In summary, Red’s Beer Garden is much more than a typical dining spot; it’s an experience crafted for friends and families who value a relaxed, versatile, and welcoming environment. Its extensive and easy-to-navigate drink selection, nostalgic yet innovative food menu, dog-friendly outdoor space, regular events, and convenient amenities combine to make it one of Atlanta’s premier destinations to rally with your favorite people. Whether you’re drawn by their epic craft beer lineup, crave a spot for an engaging group event, or simply want a laid-back patch of greenery to share laughs and drinks, Red’s Beer Garden delivers with spirit and style.