November 28, 2009
Green’s now has competition with the title of best beer store in the Atlanta area. Unlike Greens, which looks like just another liquor store, Hop City looks a little more upscale and from what I could tell only does beer, wine and some homebrewing/winemaking supplies. The staff seems more knowledgeable than the average beer store staff, more like the guys at the Charleston Beer Exchange in South Carolina than the average employee at Green’s. Green’s has knowledgeable managers, but the beer guy isn’t always in the store and most of the employees are just employees. I heard some really incredible advice from the guys at Hop City, although I didn’t ask for myself. The selection in the store is mostly craft and imports, although there is a small BudMillerCoors section in the back and most of the beers are stored at room temperature. Unlike most stores that arrange their selection by brewery, the beer at Hop City is arranged mostly by style, meaning the Victory Storm King is with the Stouts and Porters instead of next to the Prima Pils. Perfectly logical organization, but since it is not the standard, it may take a little getting used to for beer hunters, especially if one is not sure of a desired beer’s style. I’ve got a feeling getting help here in finding a particular beer would be really easy, though. I give Hop City a big thumbs up. Besides, it’s right next to the 5 Seasons Westside so you can get some of the best brewpub beer in Atlanta and then walk over and do a little take-home shopping next door. Great store.

November 27, 2009
Simply the best! How can you not say that when the selection is the best in Atlanta or anywhere else close. The staff is beyond friendly, helpful, and cheerful. The prices are good. They fit more value and selection into the square footage than I ever seen. My only complaint is it isn’t closer to my home! Luckily it is close enough to work.

October 30, 2009
I’ve been hooked since my first visit! I couldn’t wait for this place to open because of the homebrew supplies, but it is my new beer mecca. I initially compared it to Green’s or Toko Giant when I first visited... I soon learned that there is nothing similar about these places! Kraig will sit there and talk to you about any kind of beer you want to talk about and his beer guy has the perfect balance of passion and knowledge. I have found some beers cheaper (only 2-3%) elsewhere, but for everything that comes with this place, it’s well worth it. My only complaint is that the entire store isn’t beer! These guys are doing the best job of anyone in town, the state, and possibly the southeast in my opinion.

October 19, 2009
Finally, a beer store that is arranged logically. And what a selection! Almost overwhelming in fact. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and eager to assist. Very neat and uncluttered store. Prices seemed pretty good compared to what I’m used to seeing. My only minor peeve was that the beer half of the store could be a little better lit at night.

September 29, 2009
Well here it is: the new best beer store in Atlanta. Prices are rock bottom for the products. All the beer is arranged by style, rather than by brewer which makes browsing interesting. The selection is massive with beers I haven’t seen elsewhere in town. Not much space at all is wasted on crap. Beers are not generally available in singles. Staff seemed knowledgable as they talked about the beers. I will obviously return.

August 25, 2009
All I can say is wow! It’s about time the South had any sort of decent beer selection and this place is way better than decent. There are well over 1,000 different beers in the store - all organized by style. I bought a Heavy Seas Prosit Imperial Octoberfest from the seasonal/new release section and a Haandbryggeriet Dark Force from the Porter/Stout aisle. I then moved into the Belgian section and picked up an Alvinne Melchoir. They had great prices on the less obscure stuff as well. They also have an impressive selection of wine along with a full range of home brewing supplies. It looks like I have a new beer store. Thank God!

July 27, 2009
Wow this is a nice store. Clean and well stocked. Great service too. Beers are organized by styel which is fun but also can be a bit annoying if you are looking for the new brews from a specific brewery. But I loved the place. Great selection.

July 16, 2009
Great new store. We used to always plan our big purchases around a trip to Bruisin’ Ales in Asheville, NC but now we can enjoy a very similar experience just down the street. I suspect the wine section will begin to shrink over time.

July 12, 2009
Nice place in a new building next to 5SW. Organization is interesting, by style. They devote a lot of the store to wine, though most of their customers are beer folks. Homebrew supplies also available. Knowledgable and helpful staff. Prices are inline or a little below others, despite the great space. A great store.

June 13, 2009
Pretty good store. The store is separated in to 3 sections, Beer, Wine and Homebrewing supplies. The beer selection is organized by style. If you want to break up a pack to try just one beer they will happily do it for you, which is pretty cool. Also, they have a shopping card program that the owner is going to get set up to track what beers you have had from the store along with discounts and rewards. On a side note this is the first beer store around Atlanta that actually have ratebeer shelftags.