How to Plan a Nashville Brewery Crawl Without Driving

Let’s face it, Nashville’s brewery scene is booming. But with great beer comes great responsibility... and no one wants to be the designated driver. If you're wondering how to experience the best of Nashville’s craft beer without renting a car or coordinating Ubers all day, you’re in luck.

The Music City Brew Hop is the perfect solution: a hop-on, hop-off trolley that loops between six locally owned breweries per route. It’s safe, affordable, and designed for exactly this purpose, craft beer fans who want to drink, explore, and leave the logistics to someone else.

Whether you’re a tourist, local, or planning a bachelorette party, birthday, or casual weekend crawl, this guide will help you plan the perfect Nashville brewery day—without ever touching your keys.

Why Skip the Car?

There are plenty of reasons to ditch the car when you’re planning a brewery crawl in Nashville:

  • Safety first: No risk of drinking and driving.

  • Cost-effective: Avoid surge pricing and scattered Uber rides.

  • More fun: Enjoy the journey with your whole group, no one has to sit out.

  • Better planning: Trolley stops are mapped out and optimized for efficiency.

The Music City Brew Hop eliminates the guesswork, replaces your designated driver, and lets you support locally owned breweries all over the city.

What Is the Music City Brew Hop?

The Music City Brew Hop is a dedicated trolley service that loops between two sets of Nashville breweries via East Loop and West Loop, offering unlimited rides throughout the day. Your ticket gives you access to six brewery stops per loop, all curated for quality and local ownership.

  • Tickets: $45 for one loop (East or West), valid all day

  • Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday to Sunday

  • Hop-on, hop-off: Spend as much time at each stop as you like

  • Locally owned: All 12 featured breweries are local businesses

East Nashville Loop - Creative, Hazy, and Locally Loved

The East Nashville Loop showcases the heart of the city’s creative beer scene. You’ll find experimental brews, local meads, and brewery patios buzzing with locals.

Honeytree Meadery

Nashville’s only meadery, Honeytree crafts small-batch meads from local honey. Dry, not overly sweet, and wonderfully unique.

Southern Grist

Known for their hazy IPAs and fruited sours, Southern Grist has become one of Nashville’s most buzzed-about breweries.

Bearded Iris (East Nashville)

Revered for hop-forward styles like DIPAs and pale ales, their East Nashville taproom often hosts food trucks and events.

East Nashville Beer Works

A true community hub with great pizzas and approachable beers. Don’t miss their Miro Miel, a honey blonde ale.

Monday Night Preservation Co.

Set in a funky Eastside warehouse with disco balls and couches, this Atlanta-founded brewery brings tropical pours and farmhouse styles to Nashville.

Local Tip: Take some time to explore the Neuhoff area when you go to Monday Night - there are a lot of secret cool areas to explore throughout the historic building next door. Great food options at Neuhoff as well, and Mas Tacos’ original taco truck sits next to Sensa Padel - Grab Nashville’s favorite tacos to go with your beer.

This looop is Perfect For:

Beer enthusiasts, locals, creatives, and friend groups looking for bold flavor and local vibes.

West Nashville Loop - Diverse, Accessible, and Well-Rounded

If you’re looking for variety, or have a group with mixed drink preferences—the West Loop offers cider, stouts, classic ales, and downtown convenience.

Tennessee Brew Works

A two-story taproom with Southern-inspired food, rooftop seating, and live music. Try their Southern Wit or the 1927 IPA.

New Heights Brewing

Bright, balanced beers in a chill, dog-friendly spot near the Gulch. Known for their Coffee & Cream Ale.

Fait La Force

A refined Belgian-style brewery with clean, complex pours and a beautiful indoor space.

Jackalope Brewing Co.

A woman-owned staple known for easy-drinking, eco-conscious beers. The Thunder Ann APA is a fan favorite.

Diskin Cider

Nashville’s only craft cider house, Diskin pours crisp, dry ciders with a Southern edge.

Bonus: All ciders are gluten free! Click here for more Gluten free recommendations in Nashville.

Marble Fox Brewing Co.

One of Nashville’s newest breweries, they’re quickly earning fans for their lagers, IPAs, and stylish taproom.

This Loop Is Perfect For:

First-timers, mixed drinkers, downtown visitors, and groups who want to taste a wide range of styles.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Crawl

Here’s how to make the most of your Music City Brew Hop experience:

1. Choose Your Loop Based on Your Taste

  • Love IPAs and sours? Go East.

  • Prefer cider, stouts, and Belgian styles? Go West.

2. Start Early

The trolley starts at noon. Arrive early to maximize your time and hit all six stops.

3. Eat Along the Way

Many breweries serve food or are near great local eateries. East Nashville Beer Works and Diskin Cider both offer food onsite.

4. Dress Comfortably

You’ll be hopping on and off the trolley and possibly sitting outside. Bring sun protection and comfy shoes.

5. Buy Tickets in Advance

The trolley runs Friday - Sunday. Book early, especially on busy weekends and during events.

What to Expect on the Trolley

  • Hop-on, hop-off freedom: Stay at each brewery as long as you’d like.

  • Friendly drivers: They’ll guide you through the route and offer helpful tips.

  • Cold A/C + water = safe ride: The trolleys are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Water is also provided at no charge.

You'll be riding with locals and tourists alike, think of it as a rolling beer party with new friends.

Want to Start With Lunch? Join Us for a Downtown Food Tour

Before you hop on the trolley, enjoy a full lunch and a deep dive into Nashville’s culinary and cultural history on our Downtown Nashville Food Tour. You’ll visit six locally owned restaurants, try so much food, and sip cocktails, beer, or whiskey along the way, plus, get personalized recommendations for the rest of your day.

Over 2,375 Five-Star Reviews
Full lunch included (ribs, brisket, hot chicken & more)
Live music + real storytelling
Three alcoholic drinks included

Prefer Beer on the Move? Try the Sprocket Rocket Party Bike

If hopping off and on a trolley doesn’t quite match your energy, the Sprocket Rocket Party Bike might be your perfect fit. With options for small or large groups, you can sip beers, sing along to your playlist, and pedal through Nashville with a local guide at the helm.

Great for birthdays and bachelorettes
BYOB beer and seltzers
Built-in music and LED lights
Group and individual seat options available

FAQ: Nashville Brewery Crawl Without Driving

How does the Music City Brew Hop work?

Buy a day pass for one loop (East or West), and hop on/off the trolley at each of the six included brewery stops between 12 and 7pm.

Is it okay to bring beer on the trolley?

No alcohol is allowed on the trolley, but you can drink at every stop.

Can I do both loops in one day?

Not with a single pass. Each pass is valid for one loop. If you want to do both, you’ll need to purchase each separately (and you’ll want two days to enjoy it fully).

Do I need a reservation?

You don’t need one for the breweries, but you do need to purchase your Brew Hop ticket in advance to guarantee your seat.

Which loop is better for groups or bachelorettes?

The West Loop has a wider variety of drink styles (including cider) and is closer to downtown, making it a great fit for mixed groups. The East Loop has a more craft-forward, neighborhood vibe.

Final Thoughts

The Music City Brew Hop is hands-down the best way to explore Nashville’s brewery scene without worrying about transportation. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or celebrating something big, this is a memorable, affordable, and safe way to sample the best of Nashville beer—all while supporting local businesses.

Book your Brew Hop now and toast to the best brewery crawl you’ve ever had - no car keys required.