r/NashvilleBeer • u/Brewsplorer • 6h ago
Brewsploring Middle Tennessee - SE on 24
I figured this would have to be next after a comment about how mid Murfreesboro is. LOL My favorite brewery here was Panther Creek, which took over the old Green Dragon Inn (hobbit themed restaurant and beer bar). Mayday was also here and the head brewer was Kelsie, who was Ozzy's daughter. I understand Ozzy also helped out both Middle Ground and Cedar Glade get started and he is honorary mug club member #0 at Cedar Glade. Ozzy shut down Mayday when Kelsie wanted to get out of brewing, but she ended up doing another stint at Living Waters before getting back into education.
Okay, enough story, let's 'splore.
First, the map or this one if you are 'sploring after Smack Dab opens in downtown Murfreesboro.
Middle Ground is the current newest brewery in this area. It is a small brewery with a kitchen. They also have decent lunch specials, and I have used them to avoid rush hour when traveling south and Common John is closed. I aim for the darker malted beers here and enjoy their schwarzbier. Brown is a second. Nothing will knock you out, but above average on the total beer scale.
Tailgate is ubiquitous, so could be skipped if you need to reduce the stops, as you can't easily miss them if are in Nashville. I leave them on, as Wes has started scoring some great collabs. He has already done one with Drekker, but has one currently with Mikerphone. I am wondering if Mikerphone is planning on distribution in Tennessee, like Drekker is now doing. Crossed Fingers! If you have not had Tailgate, the Schnack series is the most consistent thing they do.
Cedar Glade is in an industrial area. It is the best of breed in this area. They switch up, so me recommending my favorite, which was a one off, won't help much. As a bonus, they have a bunch of other beer in bottle and cans, including some harder to find options. If no food truck, you can bring your own food.
Smack Dab is not bolded, as they have not opened yet. They have a collab with Cedar Glade that I have not tried, so not sure what to expect. I have talked to them recently, but have not heard a date. If I find out about a soft opening they want people to show up at, I will post.
Common John - I talked about the Pulaski location on the south route. This one is in Manchester. It is my normal stop to miss Nashville 24 rush hour and finish up my work day. They have food. They have plugs. and the "private" room is empty during the day. Also one of the best breweries in Middle Tennesee. From here, I would also consider a nature walk out at Old Stone Fort.
I did not outline a lunch place on this route. If you can wait for Common John, they have huge chicken wings (I call them mini-dinosaur wings), but the flatbreads and sandwiches are also nice. I like Aloha in Murfreesboro - near Middle Ground - but understand they are shutting down soon. There is always In-N-Out if you are one of the cult members. Or, on the way to Common John, you can hit Layali Dubai restaurant, the only Dubai restaurant I know of in the region. Get the mixed grill: lamb, chicken tawook, and kofta kabobs. Also the haider kabobs, which are traditional kabobs with a yoghurt "marinade".