You’re driving through Rhea County, maybe chasing bass on Chickamauga Lake, and you see the name. Monkey Town Brewing Dayton TN. It sounds like a gimmick, right? Like some tourist trap leaning way too hard into the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial history. Honestly, that was my first thought too.
But then you walk into the old building on 1st Avenue and smell the mash. It's real. It’s gritty. It’s basically the living room of Dayton, Tennessee.
🔗 Read more: Hospital of the Innocents Florence Italy: Why This 600-Year-Old Orphanage Still Matters
Most folks expect a museum or a dusty gift shop. Instead, they find a high-ceilinged brewpub where the beer is actually experimental and the food isn't just an afterthought. We’re talking about a place that grew from a 10-gallon homebrew setup into a cornerstone of the regional craft scene.
Why Monkey Town Brewing Dayton TN Still Matters
Dayton is a small town with a massive shadow. The Scopes Trial put it on the map a hundred years ago, and the Garrison family—the owners behind Monkey Town—knew exactly what they were doing with that name. Kirby Garrison, the head brewer, spent time up in New York learning the ropes before coming back home. He didn’t just want to make "light beer for people who hate beer."
They opened the doors in June 2015. Back then, it was tiny. No liquor. No pool tables. Just 10 gallons of beer at a time and about 10 food items.
Fast forward to 2026, and it's a completely different beast. They’ve survived the craft beer "bubble" by being genuinely local. When you sit at the bar, you’re likely sitting on a bench built by Lance Walden, the local shop teacher. That kind of stuff matters in a town like this. It’s not a corporate chain; it’s a grassroots project that refused to stay small.
The Beer: It’s Not All History Lessons
If you’re looking for a boring pilsner, you can find it. But that’s not why you go. The "Evolution IPA" series is usually where the magic happens. They’ve done dozens of versions, tweaking hops like Citra, Galaxy, and Azacca.
One of the weirdest—and arguably best—things they ever did was the "Fluffernutter" ale. Or the stouts conditioned on Oreo cookies. They aren't afraid to look ridiculous if the taste works.
- Amber Waves of Grain: Their flagship. It’s 5.4% ABV, malty, and reliable.
- Hinga Dinga Durgen: A New England IPA fermented with Kveik Hornindal yeast. It’s citrusy and weird in a good way.
- Breakfast @ Nannas: A heavy-hitter imperial stout. At 10.1%, it’ll put you in the dirt if you aren't careful.
People sometimes complain about the wait times when it's busy. Kinda fair. It’s a small kitchen. But the beer usually helps the time pass.
The Food: More Than Just Pub Grub
Most breweries serve a frozen pretzel and call it a day. Monkey Town Brewing Dayton TN actually tries. Their Beer Cheese Burger uses house-made queso that’s honestly addictive. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the 1920s—or just want something sweet—the Elvis Burger comes with bacon and peanut butter. It sounds like a mistake until you take a bite.
Then there’s the Irish Nachos. They use house potato chips instead of tortillas, topped with corned beef and that same beer cheese. It’s a salt bomb, sure, but it’s the perfect companion for a flight of sours.
I've seen people drive from Chattanooga just for the Bourbon Glazed Salmon. It’s served with grits and seasoned vegetables. Finding well-cooked salmon in a brewery in rural Tennessee is a rarity. They pull it off.
Is It Family Friendly?
Totally. During the day, you’ll see families with kids eating pizza and tacos. They have a specific kids' menu with the standard grilled cheese and "Monk Nuggets."
Once the sun goes down, the vibe shifts. You get the college crowd from Bryan College mixed with locals who have been there since the 4:00 PM happy hour. It gets loud. There’s Singo (musical bingo) on Wednesdays and live music on the weekends. It feels lived-in.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
There’s a misconception that because it’s a "Monkey Town" brewery, it’s going to be a kitschy, cartoonish place. It isn't. The decor is industrial and clean. The focus is on the fermentation tanks you can see from your table.
Another thing? The service. In small-town Tennessee, "fast" is a relative term. If you’re used to the breakneck speed of a Nashville bistro, you might get frustrated. But the staff actually knows the beer. They can tell you why the current batch of "Midnight Prague" tastes different than the last one.
- Check the specials: They do a "Crunchwrap" special that rivals anything from a fast-food chain but with real ingredients.
- Sample the Seltzers: Even if you’re a beer snob, their Strawberry Cream seltzer is surprisingly legit.
- Take a Growler: They sell 32oz and 64oz growlers. Since they don't distribute heavily, it’s the only way to take the experience home.
The Logistics
They’re located at 287 1st Avenue.
Parking is usually easy—there’s a free lot and plenty of street space.
Hours are generally 11:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM depending on the day.
If you’re coming on a Friday night, call ahead or expect a 30-minute wait. It’s the spot in Dayton. There isn't really a "Plan B" nearby that offers this kind of atmosphere, so everyone congregates here.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you want the best experience at Monkey Town Brewing Dayton TN, don't just order a burger and a water.
- Ask for the "Pauly Shore Movie Quote" series: They often have a rotating IPA named after something from Encino Man or Bio-Dome.
- Try the Tacos: Specifically the Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos. The sauce has a kick that cuts through the maltiness of their darker beers.
- Visit during "Singo": Wednesday nights are usually packed. It’s the best way to see the local community in action.
- Look at the chalkboard: The printed menus are great, but the small-batch releases are always on the wall. That’s where the 10-gallon experimental stuff lives.
Monkey Town isn't trying to be the most sophisticated brewery in the South. It's trying to be a good neighbor that happens to make world-class NEIPAs. In a town famous for a trial about evolution, this brewery has done plenty of evolving of its own.
✨ Don't miss: Flights to Maui from DC: What Most People Get Wrong
To make the most of your trip to Dayton, aim to arrive around 4:30 PM on a weekday to beat the dinner rush and secure a spot near the windows. If you’re a fan of darker beers, check their social media for the latest imperial stout releases, as those often sell out within a week of tapping. Grab a 32oz growler of whatever is on tap #7 or #11—those are traditionally their most experimental handles. Always ask the server about the "Evolution" number currently on tap; it's a great conversation starter to learn about the specific hop profiles they're testing that month.