Atlanta Spotlight: Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery

Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery is a landmark restaurant and the oldest brewpub in Georgia, located in downtown Atlanta.¹

What Makes it Unique and its History

• Pioneer Status: Max Lager’s is a pioneer on the craft beer scene and is recognized as the oldest brewpub in Georgia, having opened its doors on March 5, 1998.²

   

• Wood-Fired Cuisine: A key differentiator is its unique focus on wood-fired cuisine. The food, including steaks, seafood, chops, ribs, pizzas, and veggies, is prepared over an open flame, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.³ They also have a smoker and a wood-burning pizza oven.⁴

   

• Historic Location and Ambiance: The restaurant is housed in a renovated 10,000 square-foot historic building, built in 1913, featuring a brick and wood-beamed, industrial-style ambiance.⁵ It also offers an upstairs outdoor patio with a panoramic view of downtown Atlanta.⁶

   

• In-House Brewing: Brewmaster and partner John Roberts creates a variety of award-winning, handcrafted Max Lager’s beers, always keeping six Max beers on tap, including standards and seasonals.⁷ The concept was inspired by Roberts’ avid home brewing.

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is centered around their wood-fired technique and American heritage, featuring:

• Wood-Fired Items: Steaks, seafood, burgers, ribs, and pizzas.⁸

   

• Appetizers: Maryland Style Crab Cake, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and Our Way Wings.
• Salads: California Cobb and Pecan-Crusted Catfish.
• Platters: Max Fish and Chips, Wild American Crispy Shrimp, and Southern Fried Chicken.
• Dessert: The Fried Cheesecake is a highly praised, signature dessert.⁹

   

• Beverages: Award-winning fresh brewed beers (such as the Max Black porter and various IPAs like Hopsplosion!!!¹⁰ IPA), handcrafted cocktails, and American wines.¹¹ They also offer a non-alcoholic Max Tap root beer.

   

Customer Feedback

General customer feedback often highlights:

• Atmosphere: Praised for its large, rustic, and charming atmosphere, with the brick and wood industrial style.¹² The vibe is often described as the best part of the experience, especially in the downtown area.

   

• Food: The food is generally considered “solid,” with the wood-fired flavor being a notable positive in items like the burgers and pizza. The basil pesto salmon and the “amazing” fried cheesecake have been specifically called out in reviews.¹³

   

• Beer: The in-house brews are often described as being well above average, with the Brewmaster being a respected figure in Georgia craft beer.¹⁴ Some reviews, however, note that the house selection on tap can be limited compared to the “brewery” name.

   

• Service: Service has been described as “attentive,” “friendly,” and “superb” by some, while others note potential slow service when the restaurant is very busy.

Significant Events and Community Involvement

• 25th Anniversary: The restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023, with the anniversary party culminating on April 22nd, the date of the original Grand Opening party.¹⁵ The celebration included specials like a complimentary fried-cheesecake dessert and lunch specials featuring original 1998 menu items at their initial prices.¹⁶

   

• Awards: Max Lager’s has received numerous accolades for its beer, including:
  • Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Medals: Silver and Bronze medals in categories like Fruited Wood and Barrel Aged Sour and Imperial Stout.
  • US Open Beer Championship Medals: Bronze and Silver medals for beers like Fleur Cerise and BA Prichards Excommunication.
• Annual Old 320 Beerfest: Max Lager’s hosts this annual event every July, which features 30 breweries and draws hundreds of attendees.¹⁷

   

• Drink Beer Do Good Program: Started in 2005, this program raises funds and awareness for the less fortunate and those experiencing homelessness in Atlanta, working with organizations such as Gateway Center, Atlanta Union Mission, and Project Open Hand.¹⁸

   

• Industry Influence: Brewmaster John Roberts has played a substantial role in the Georgia brewing industry, mentoring numerous local brewers.¹⁹

   

Location and Contact Information