Spirits & Brews in JXN

Whether you’re running into LD’s Beer Run & Bicentennial Brewing for a growler to-go or pairing a late-night game of bocce ball with a craft ale at Fondren Public, Jackson hails the best of what the spirits and brews world has to offer.

A bartender pours a drink at The Apothecary in Fondren. Image: Tate Nations

We’ve sectioned out our following favorites - from closest to downtown to County Line - so that you can pick the best brew spot in your neck of the woods or grab some friends for a weekend tasting tour of the town.

Downtown Jackson

Cathead Distillery

The first legal distillery in Mississippi, Cathead Distillery has been refining award-winning spirits since 2010 in the heart of Downtown Jackson, concocting Magnolia State-inspired sips from their classic Honeysuckle Vodka to bourbon, gin, and more.The distillery is not currently available for tours due to ramped up production, but you can always enjoy a Cathead tasting in JXN restaurants, in your hotel room or your own home by picking up one of their bottled beverages at a local liquor store.

catheaddistillery.com | @drinkcathead | 422 S Farish St.

Ole Tavern on George Street

Want a beer with a side of scare? Historic Farish Street District’s Ole Tavern is rumored to be the most haunted bar in the city.

Standing in a 100-plus-year-old building off of George Street, patrons still claim to see and hear ghosts from Jackson’s past lingering about, including a phantom patron who frequents the bar.

We can’t say we blame him; Ole Tavern is the perfect spot for a cold brew and a classic Southern po-boy.

oletavern.com/index.html | @oletavernjax | 416 George St.

4th Avenue Lounge

4th Avenue Lounge is a downtown hybrid cocktail lounge and event venue that takes the best of what larger city bars offer and combines it into a diverse mixture of great drinks, food, and experiences.

Whether you’re looking for an upscale setting to host a group of business friends or want a unique date night spot in the city, 4th Avenue is your place for elevating the “everyday” into a celebration.

4thavenuejxn.com | @iam4thavenue | 209 S Lamar St.

Three employees at Fertile Ground Beer Co. pouring beer from beer taps
Fertile Ground Beer Co.
Credit: Moore Media

Belhaven & Belhaven Heights

Fertile Ground Beer Co.

Whether you're a local Jacksonian or visiting the capital city, new experiences are always exciting, especially when it involves craft beer.

Opened in May 2022, Fertile Ground Beer Co. is the first craft brewery located in Jackson's historic Belhaven neighborhood.

"Our 'core four' which consists of a pale ale, a german style pilsner, a light lager, and a sessionable IPA," said one of the partners in the project, Matthew McLaughlin. "Beyond that, we will have a couple of different IPAs - West Coast, hazy, imperial - a peach berliner, and possibly a chocolate stout. Once we are... keeping regular schedule, we will always have a the core four, a rotating IPA series, a rotating lager series, a different fruited sour each month, a couple of seasonals, and some one-offs."

fertilegroundbeer.com | @fertilegroundbeer

Fenian’s Pub

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find your next craft beer favorite at Fenian’s Pub & Restaurant. A staple since 1996, Jackson’s only authentic Irish pub provides a cozy neighborhood atmosphere while paying homage to Celtic heritage and history.

Pair a pint of Guinness with classic Irish comfort food or explore more international flavors like the Irish Chicken Curry with a regionally sourced brew.

fenianspub.com | @fenianspub | 901 East Fortification St.

Library Lounge

Mississippi is known for its literary history, so why not enjoy your time here with an author-themed drink?

At Belhaven’s historic Fairview Mansion, the Library Lounge is resplendent with books, art, and Mississippi culture. Available to both guests and the public, kickback amongst the volumes or on the outside patio with small bites and a Cathead Vodka-based “Eudora Welty” cocktail.

fairviewinn.com/library-lounge | @librarylounge_ms | 734 Fairview St.

A barter features a section of beers. Beer bottles line the walls behind the bar.
Pair a rotating selection of local and regional craft brews with a popular shareable plate at The Pig & Pint.
Credit: Drew Dempsey/Tell Agency

Fondren

The Pig & Pint

BBQ and craft beer? That’s a combo we’ll take a bite (and a sip) out of.

Located in Jackson’s historic Fondren district, The Pig & Pint delivers big on its promise of award-winning Mississippi barbecue and Southern hospitality. Grab a group of friends and pair a rotating selection of local and regional crafted brews with a popular shareable plate like the “Fondren Fries.”

pigandpint.com | @thepigandpint | 3139 N State St.

Fondren Public

There’s a reason why customers keep flocking back to this “Best of Jackson” favorite.

Fondren Public offers a little something for everyone, whether craft beer, inspired bar bites, or a pickup game of shuffleboard. The 21+ space provides ample room to hang out with a group of friends after work and is one of the late-night go-to’s in the metro Jackson area. During happy hour from 4-7 pm, try one of the 24 rotating selections on tap, along with craft bottled beers, ciders, and seasonal cocktails.

@fondrenpublic | 2765 Old Canton Rd.

The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs

Once the storeroom of Brent’s Drugs, The Apothecary pays homage to its 1940’s roots while churning out innovative cocktails and craft beers fit for today.

Named one of “America’s 50 Best Bars” by Esquire, quench your thirst amongst the original pharmacy drawers with a classic Bitter Orange Vodka Tonic or Old Fashioned.

apothecaryjackson.com | @apothecaryjxn | 655 Duling Ave.

The Pearl Tiki Bar

As the city's only tiki bar, The Pearl is a cozy tropical paradise tucked into the new Highball Lanes and Capri development.

Pearl originals like the "Pirate's Booty" (gin, Aperol, passion fruit, lime and pineapple) and classics like "3 Dots and a Dash" (rum, house falernum, allspice, orange and lime) take you to another place, one that's a bit slower and more relaxed than the daily grind.

thepearltiki.com | @thepearltikibar | 3017 North State St.

North Jackson

LD's Beer Run/Bicentennial Beer Company

Need a growler to-go or an expert suggestion for a new beer?

Jackson’s ultimate brew haven, Bicentennial Beer Company, opened up in LD’s Beer Run to offer the best of both worlds: a place where visitors and Jacksonians alike can sample and purchase from one of the brewery’s 12 in-house taps or peruse everything from bottled beer to cider, kegs, even craft soda.

facebook.com/LDsBeerRun | bicentennialbeer.com | @ldsbeerrun | 5006 Parkway Dr.

The Bulldog

As they say, go big or go home.

With the city’s largest selection of beers (62 mostly local brews on tap, along with over 75 bottled choices), their expert staff is ready to help you find a new favorite.

Kick back on the New Orleans-style, pet-friendly patio featuring a 70″ TV, or opt for a more intimate atmosphere with their classic wood-paneled dining room.

draftfreak.com/bulldog-jackson/index.php | @bulldog_jackson | 6111 Ridgewood Rd.

Anne Marie Hanna

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Anne Marie Hanna

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