Austin is known for its thriving craft beer and brewery scene. From established breweries to up-and-coming taprooms, there are plenty of options to explore when it comes to craft beer. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best breweries and taprooms in the Austin area.
- Austin Beerworks
- Hops and Grain
- Jester King Brewery
- Zilker Brewing Company
- St. Elmo Brewing Company
- Oskar Blues Brewery
- Friends and Allies Brewing
- Adelbert’s Brewery
1. Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks is one of the most renowned breweries in Austin. Started in 2011, it has quickly become a household name, offering up a variety of unique craft beers including its flagship beer, the Fire Eagle American IPA.
What makes Austin Beerworks stand out from the rest is its commitment to creating beer with unique, creative flavors. From its classic Fire Eagle to its seasonal releases, you can always find something new and interesting to try.
The tap room itself is a great place to meet up with friends, with its relaxed atmosphere and a selection of board games. There’s no need to worry about being cramped or uncomfortable, as the taproom is spacious and airy, and often hosts special events and live music throughout the year.
In addition to its on-site taproom, Austin Beerworks has been steadily expanding its reach, distributing its beers to bars, restaurants, and stores throughout Austin and beyond.
For those looking to make their own beer, Austin Beerworks also offers beer-making classes. These classes provide an in-depth look into the brewing process, and offer an excellent way for beginners to learn the basics of beer-making.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or a first-time craft beer drinker, Austin Beerworks is a great place to come explore Austin’s thriving craft beer and brewery scene. With delicious beer, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of events and activities, it’s no wonder Austin Beerworks has become a local favorite.
2. Hops and Grain
Hops and Grain is one of the most prominent craft breweries in Austin. Located in East Austin, this brewery and taproom offers a unique experience for craft beer enthusiasts. Hops and Grain is known for their hop-forward flavors and the use of locally-sourced ingredients in each of its beers.
The taproom at Hops and Grain is a great place to visit for craft beer fans. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the staff are always welcoming and knowledgeable. There are a variety of beers on offer, from IPAs to pilsners and lagers. Each beer is made with carefully selected ingredients and has its own distinct flavor.
Hops and Grain also hosts events and tastings throughout the year. Visitors can sample different beers, learn about the brewing process, and meet the team behind the beer. These events provide an opportunity to learn more about the craft beer scene in Austin.
Hops and Grain is a great place to visit when exploring Austin’s craft beer scene. With its unique beers and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to sample some of the best craft beer in Austin. Whether you’re an experienced craft beer enthusiast or just starting out, Hops and Grain is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.
3. Jester King Brewery
Jester King Brewery is an established brewery located in the Hill Country of Austin. The brewery takes advantage of the Hill Country’s unique environment by using local ingredients to craft its beers. Its beers are known for their unique and flavorful ingredients, such as foraged wildflowers, Fruitland melons, and Hill Country herbs and spices.
Jester King has a wide variety of beers, from light and sessionable ales to sour and funky farmhouse ales. Some of their most popular beers include the RU-55, a tart and fruity sour ale; the Montmorency vs. Balaton, a sour ale aged in oak barrels; and the Atrial Rubicite, a sour ale aged in oak barrels and conditioned with raspberries.
The brewery also offers specialty beers, such as barrel-aged imperial stouts and barrel-fermented saisons. In addition, they also serve cider, mead, and even non-alcoholic beverages.
The Jester King Brewery is not just known for its unique beers, but also for its unique atmosphere. The brewery is located on a sprawling farm in the Hill Country, making it the perfect venue for beer lovers to gather and enjoy some of the best craft beer in Austin. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and learn about the brewing process, as well as enjoy some of the local food trucks and live music.
Overall, Jester King Brewery is an amazing brewery that takes advantage of the Hill Country’s unique environment to craft their beers. With its wide variety of beers, unique atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff, Jester King is a must-visit destination for any craft beer lover.
4. Zilker Brewing Company
Zilker Brewing Company is one of the premier destinations for fans of IPAs and other hop-forward beers in the Austin area. Located in South Austin, Zilker Brewing Company offers an extensive selection of hop-forward beers, including their popular Flagship IPA. But, Zilker Brewing Company isn’t just a great beer destination. They also have a great food menu, featuring delicious pub grub like burgers, tacos, and more. Plus, their spacious outdoor seating area makes for a great spot to enjoy a beer and a bite with friends.
In addition to their great beer and food menu, Zilker Brewing Company also offers a unique experience for craft beer fans. Their taproom features an open-air design, with plenty of natural light and a beautiful view of the downtown skyline. They also offer weekly events including trivia nights, live music, and more. It’s an ideal place to come and explore Austin’s thriving craft beer culture.
So, if you’re looking for a great spot to explore Austin’s thriving craft beer scene, Zilker Brewing Company should definitely be on your list. With its delicious beer selection, great food menu, and unique atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for craft beer fans.
5. St. Elmo Brewing Company
The St. Elmo Brewing Company, located in the vibrant South Austin area, is a destination for craft beer lovers. Their taproom offers an ever-changing selection of saisons, sours, and Belgian-style beers. This brewery is unique in that it focuses on featuring new and innovative flavors that are created by their talented brewers.
The atmosphere of the taproom is welcoming and inviting. Guests are encouraged to stay and enjoy their beers in the company of friends, family, or even by themselves. There is also a full kitchen that offers a variety of creative dishes to pair with the beers.
The brewers at St. Elmo have a passion for creating unique beers. They are constantly experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to come up with something new and exciting. From IPAs to fruit-flavored sour beers, there is always something new to try.
St. Elmo also offers special events throughout the year. During the summer months, they host a series of beer tastings and food pairings. This is a great way to sample a variety of beers and learn about the brewing process. There are also beer-making classes available for those who want to learn more about the craft.
At St. Elmo Brewing Company, you can enjoy some of the best craft beers in Austin. With a variety of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a great place to explore the Austin craft beer and brewery scene. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting, head over to St. Elmo Brewing Company and get ready for a unique beer tasting experience.
6. Oskar Blues Brewery
Oskar Blues Brewery is an exciting new addition to the Austin craft beer and brewery scene. This Colorado-based brewery has opened a taproom in Austin that offers a wide variety of bold and flavorful beers. Since 2002, Oskar Blues has been brewing with unique ingredients like coffee, cocoa, chilies, and other spices. This passion for creating unique flavors has made Oskar Blues a beloved part of the craft beer world.
At the Oskar Blues taproom in Austin, guests can sample one of their signature beers, such as the G’Knight Imperial Red IPA, Dale’s Pale Ale, or Mama’s Little Yella Pilsner. These beers are all brewed with natural ingredients, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a complex yet approachable craft beer. In addition to their signature beers, the taproom also offers seasonal beers, such as the Bourbon Barrel Aged Ten FIDY Imperial Stout.
Oskar Blues also offers a unique dining experience with their “Culinary Kitchen”. This kitchen serves classic pub fare such as burgers and tacos, as well as more unique dishes like the Southern-Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Austin-style BBQ Brisket. All of the dishes are prepared with fresh, local ingredients and are designed to pair perfectly with their signature beers.
Oskar Blues is an exciting addition to the Austin craft beer and brewery scene. With its unique flavors, bold beers, and delicious pub fare, it’s the perfect place to explore the world of craft beer. Whether you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a beer or a unique dining experience, Oskar Blues has something for everyone.
7. Friends and Allies Brewing
Friends and Allies Brewing, located in the heart of East Austin, takes a unique approach to craft beer. This brewery and taproom specializes in lagers, sours, and other craft beers with a focus on quality and flavor. The taproom itself is welcoming and inviting, offering a relaxed atmosphere for beer lovers to sample the brewery’s creations.
The Friends and Allies beers are unique and inventive, with an emphasis on local ingredients. For instance, their popular Texas Lager is brewed with malted barley and wheat from the Texas Hill Country. Plus, the taproom regularly features guest beers from other local and regional breweries, giving visitors the chance to sample a variety of different styles and flavors.
Friends and Allies Brewing has become a favorite spot for craft beer lovers in Austin. The taproom hosts events and specials throughout the week, such as Brunch & Beer Sundays and Trivia Night on Tuesdays. The brewery also offers live music on Fridays, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy great beer and entertainment in one spot.
If you’re looking for a great craft beer experience, Friends and Allies Brewing should definitely be at the top of your list. With its unique and inventive brews, and lively taproom atmosphere, Friends and Allies is a great place to explore Austin’s thriving craft beer and brewery scene.
8. Adelbert’s Brewery
Adelbert’s Brewery is one of Austin’s top breweries for Belgian-style beer. Located in North Austin, this popular taproom offers a range of Belgian-style ales, made with unique ingredients and creative recipes. Adelbert’s is known for its quality and consistency – each beer is crafted with the same high standards and attention to detail.
The taproom itself has a great, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for enjoying one of the brewery’s beers. It features a spacious outdoor patio, with plenty of seating and an inviting atmosphere. The patio is especially popular during the warm summer months, as it’s a great spot to enjoy a cold beer and catch some fresh air.
In addition to their regular beers, Adelbert’s also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers. With unique flavors and creative recipes, these seasonal beers are a great way to explore the brewery’s range of Belgian-style beers.
For those who want to learn more about Adelbert’s and Belgian-style beer in general, the taproom often hosts educational events, such as beer tastings and beer-brewing classes. These events are a great way to learn more about beer, while also enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the taproom.
All in all, Adelbert’s Brewery is a great spot for beer-lovers to explore Austin’s thriving craft beer and brewery scene. With its quality beers, laid-back atmosphere and educational events, it’s a great place to enjoy a tasty Belgian-style beer in the heart of North Austin.
