The Brick Store Pub opened on June 27, 1997 at 9pm
Three friends from Athens, Georgia (Dave Blanchard, Mike Gallagher and Tom Moore) wanted, like so many others with a degree and no idea what to do with it, to own their own pub. Having worked in the bar/restaurant business for a combined 20+ years in Athens and Atlanta, they realized a niche had yet to be filled — a neighborhood pub where conversation dominates, pints are served properly and in the appropriate glassware, service is friendly and knowledgeable and the food is made from scratch every day, all accented by a beautiful historic building located on a bustling town square.Patrons come for all that we passionately offer but also because we provide an environment that boasts no televisions, no neon, no obnoxious music and no major domestic beers. What you find at our main bar are local, regional and nationally acclaimed American craft beers, German and English specialty beers and our vintage and reserve bottled beer list. We frequently rotate a carefully chosen array of 31 draught beers, including two cask lines and offer a variety of bottles and cans.In 2004, House Bill 645 brought an end to Georgia’s 6% A.B.V. (alcohol by volume) law and allowed beers up to 14% to be sold in the state. This was the catalyst for our Belgian Room, a cozy host to all the new and amazing beers we could offer and the beer lovers who were eagerly awaiting their arrival. “Upstairs and to the left” is where you will find the Belgian Beer Bar, featuring 8 rotating draughts and over 120 Belgian/Belgian-style bottled beers.
Shortly after our new beer law was changed, the 3 partners took a trip to Belgium and came across a tiny pub in Antwerp they had heard about which specialized in cellared beer. A phone book size beer list met us and so began our foray into the world of aged beer. To say that experience changed the way we offer beer would be an understatement. Upon returning to Decatur, we immediately began purchasing beer that would not only hold up but improve with age. Strong ales, Quads, Lambic, Barley wines, Imperial Stouts. Curating in the last 10 years over 900 different vintages from all over the world. A never ending process which is equal parts hobby and labor of love. We believe this to be the largest beer cellar in the United States and one of the largest in the world.Our relationship with importers and breweries allows us to offer beers you will find nowhere else. The Brick Store and its exclusive beer list have received national & international acclaim on the world’s two biggest beer websites — beeradvocate.com & ratebeer.com. We’ve also racked up eighteen consecutive years of “Best of Atlanta” recognition for our fabulous beer list and pub fare.The Brick Store is firmly established as the hub for residents of the City of Decatur and surrounding neighborhoods. Those seeking a salt-of-the-earth hangout will find sheer happiness at The Brick Store Pub, a “local” to truly call one’s own.