Good Word Brewing is not about to become a sports bar.
That said, there's a definite historic connection between soccer and beer, particularly cask beer. And Good Word owner Todd DiMatteo makes a lineup of world-class English beers, has two dedicated cask engines, and has been deemed worthy of a Cask Marque, which proves just how important his cask product is.
It’s widely known soccer and beer go hand in hand, so Good Word leaned into this pairing, creating one of Metro Atlanta's most authentic matchday experiences for Premier League fans.
When Good Word first opened, the mindset was strict: zero televisions. The goal was to create a gathering space where conversation ruled. But over time, DiMatteo came to the realization that holding that line sternly wasn't completely serving the community.
"I think we had our head in the sand a little bit," DiMatteo admitted. "As long as the TVs, the music, or any of that stuff isn't intrusive and it makes sense for our space, I think it's fine."
Instead of rebranding into a chaotic bar with sports everywhere, Good Word introduced a few carefully positioned screens. They don't blast the action; but instead give soccer supporters, college football fans, and regulars a place to gather without compromising the pub atmosphere.
What really matters at Good Word is what they’re actually pouring. European soccer culture was built around low-ABV, drinkable session ales served fresh from a cask, a tradition DiMatteo fell in love with during his time at Decatur’s iconic Brick Store Pub, and a brewing trip to England.
"All the English beers specifically are so geared towards soccer," DiMatteo said. "They’re all 4 percent or lower, geared towards drinking mass quantities."
To show its level of commitment, Good Word earned its Cask Marque accreditation, becoming just the seventh establishment in the United States to receive the honor. To obtain and keep that certification, the team had to pass two inspections evaluating everything from beer temperature and clarity to line cleanliness. And... they must maintain those standards or lose the seal.
On weekend mornings, the sound goes on for Premier League matches. While the World Cup last summer drew huge crowds at the brewery, matchdays at Good Word host a dedicated core of soccer addicts, life-long supporters or new followers alike.
Once you're there, Good Word offers $5 draft beers during Premier League matches (as well as Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs games).
The soccer angle isn’t just for show, it’s driven by the staff. Good Word manager Matt Lincoln, a native of York, England, handles setting the matchday feel, chooses the viewing schedule, and writes soccer commentary for the brewery’s newsletter.
For soccer diehards and craft beer purists who want something other than loud and in your face, Good Word offers an authentic British-style public house experience.
Whether you’re stopping in for a 4 percent English Bitter on cask, a basket of fish and chips, or 90 minutes (plus stoppage time) of Premier League beauty with the sound turned up, Good Word has you covered.
WHEN YOU VISIT
I've got a ton of pictures on my phone of Good Word food.
I'm a huge fan of the crispy Brussels, the fries rock, and I've had almost all the flavors of wings available.
I've also tried 38 different beers. From their one-offs like Halda (my favorite, a 4.4% Munich Dunkel collab with Fox Farm), to regular series like their Hop Concepts hazy IPAs, to mainstays like Riding Bikes in Munich (a 4.7% Helles lager), Good Word beer is truly an experience.
ADD THIS TO YOUR CALENDAR
Not only should Premier League fans hit Good Word on the weekends, a couple of upcoming parties will celebrate two huge milestone events:
9th Anniversary Dinner + Mighty Fine Invitational.
Good Word & Friends 9th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 11.5.26
Location: Good Word
Time: 6-10 p.m.
A seven-course dinner with every course (and a welcome beer) paired with a different beer. Joining Good Word will be: Bierstadt, Human Robot, Ism, Pinthouse, Burial, Freigeist, and Schilling.
Information HERE.
A Mighty Fine Beer Festival 2026
Mighty Fine was originally launched as a dedicated West Coast IPA festival. The new version welcomes many more beer styles. Some details from Good Word:
"We’re simply inviting our pals and asking them to bring whatever they want to share. Surely we will have some amazing hop forward beer, but we will saison, and of course There Will Be Lager™️
Since this coincides with our 9th Anniversary for Good Word we are gonna do it up BIG! We will have Pro Wrestling on the green during the fest and of course DJ BlaqMozart and an artist market as well!"
Date: 11.7.26
Location: Duluth Town Green
Time: 1-5 p.m.
You can get more info on tickets (general admission and VIP) HERE, and on Good Word's social media accounts.
