Wiseacre Brewing, founded in 2013 by two brothers who grew up in Memphis and studied brewing in Germany, is the brewery that Memphis beer drinkers talk about first. The flagship Ananda IPA has the kind of balanced, drinkable quality that makes it a session beer for people who normally avoid IPAs. The Tiny Bomb Pilsner is equally accomplished — clean, crisp, and better than most American craft pilsners. The taproom is in an industrial warehouse on the edge of downtown that has been thoughtfully fitted out without losing its character.
Wiseacre's beers are widely available across Memphis at bars and restaurants, but the taproom is the best place to drink them — a rotating selection of limited and seasonal releases is always on tap, and the space is lively on weekend afternoons. The brewery also hosts events, food truck pop-ups, and occasional live music. It is close enough to South Main to combine with an afternoon in the arts district.