Austin’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, offering a diverse array of brews to satisfy any palate. From traditional styles to innovative creations, the city’s breweries showcase the passion and skill of local brewmasters. Visitors and residents alike can explore a wide range of flavors and atmospheres across Austin’s vibrant beer landscape.
For those seeking to experience the best of Austin’s craft beer offerings, there are several standout breweries that should not be missed. These establishments have gained recognition for their exceptional brews, unique brewing techniques, and inviting taprooms. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to the craft scene, Austin’s top breweries provide an opportunity to discover new favorites and appreciate the artistry behind each pint.
1) Jester King Brewery
Jester King Brewery stands out as a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Austin. Located on a picturesque 165-acre ranch, this farmhouse brewery offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical beer tasting.
Jester King specializes in wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers, drawing inspiration from traditional Belgian brewing methods. Their approach focuses on using local ingredients and native yeast to create complex, terroir-driven flavors.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of artisanal brews in a rustic setting. The brewery’s taproom and outdoor seating areas provide a relaxed atmosphere for sampling their ever-changing lineup of beers.
Jester King’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their farm-to-table restaurant, which serves wood-fired pizzas and other locally sourced dishes. The expansive property also features nature trails, allowing guests to explore the Texas Hill Country landscape.
Contact: (512) 537-5100
Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Road, Austin, TX 78736
Website: www.jesterkingbrewery.com
2) Pinthouse Pizza
Pinthouse Pizza has become a beloved Austin institution since opening in 2012. This brewpub chain combines craft beer excellence with delicious pizzas, creating a winning formula for locals and visitors alike.
The brewery is known for its diverse lineup of beers, with a particular focus on hop-forward styles. Their Electric Jellyfish IPA has gained a cult following for its juicy, tropical flavors.
Pinthouse’s commitment to quality extends to their food menu. The pizzas feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients on a crispy yet chewy crust. Popular choices include the Armadillo with prosciutto and honey.
With multiple locations across Austin, Pinthouse offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying pints and pies with friends. The original Burnet Road spot remains a favorite, but newer outposts provide the same great experience.
Contact:
4729 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 436-9605
www.pinthousepizza.com
3) Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks stands out as a innovative craft brewery in North Austin. Founded in 2011, it has quickly become a local favorite for beer enthusiasts.
The brewery is known for its creative approach to brewing and eye-catching can designs. Their core lineup includes popular choices like Fire Eagle IPA and Pearl Snap German-style Pils.
Austin Beerworks also offers seasonal and limited-release beers that showcase their experimental side. The taproom provides a laid-back atmosphere for visitors to enjoy fresh brews directly from the source.
The brewery’s commitment to quality and consistency has earned them numerous awards and a loyal following. Their beers can be found in many local bars and restaurants throughout Austin.
Austin Beerworks: 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 821-2494
Website: www.austinbeerworks.com
4) Zilker Brewing Company
Zilker Brewing Company stands out as a must-visit destination in Austin’s craft beer scene. Located in the vibrant East 6th Street district, this brewery offers a perfect blend of quality brews and lively atmosphere.
Zilker is known for its innovative approach to beer-making. Their taproom provides a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts to sample a variety of unique creations.
Two standout beers at Zilker are the Icy Boys light lager and Heavenly Daze hazy IPA. These brews showcase the brewery’s commitment to both traditional styles and modern craft beer trends.
The brewery’s dedication to community-building and making craft beer accessible has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Zilker’s passion for excellence shines through in every pint they serve.
Zilker Brewing Company: 1701 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702. Phone: (512) 712-5590. Website: zilkerbeer.com
5) Hops & Grain Brewing
Hops & Grain Brewing has established itself as a cornerstone of Austin’s craft beer scene. Founded in 2011, this East Austin brewery is known for its innovative approach to brewing and commitment to sustainability.
The taproom offers a range of year-round and seasonal beers. Their popular River Beer pays homage to classic American lagers, while hop enthusiasts can enjoy their selection of IPAs.
Visitors can experience the brewery’s industrial-chic atmosphere in the taproom or relax on the outdoor patio. Hops & Grain frequently hosts special events and beer releases, adding to its vibrant community presence.
The brewery takes pride in its environmental initiatives, including using spent grain to make dog biscuits. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Austin’s eco-conscious culture.
Hops & Grain Brewing has garnered numerous awards for its craft beers, cementing its place among Austin’s top breweries.
Contact: 507 Calles St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.hopsandgrain.com
6) St. Elmo Brewing Company
St. Elmo Brewing Company has quickly become a beloved craft beer destination in Austin since opening in 2016. Located in South Austin, this brewery offers a diverse range of beer styles to suit various tastes.
Their flagship beer, Carl, is a pale golden Kölsch that has gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. Beer enthusiasts should also try their Smalls hazy pale ale for a hop-forward experience.
St. Elmo’s commitment to innovation is evident in their experimental releases. In 2019, they introduced 10 different barrel-aged beers in just one month, showcasing their creativity and skill.
The brewery’s success extends beyond local recognition. In 2023, St. Elmo won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their Jet Lag Lager, cementing their status in the craft beer world.
Visitors can enjoy St. Elmo’s creations in their beer garden, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere. The outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and the brewery hosts live music events and weekly trivia nights.
St. Elmo Brewing Company: 440 E St Elmo Rd G-2, Austin, TX 78745 | Website: stelmobrewing.com
7) Live Oak Brewing Company
Live Oak Brewing Company stands as a pioneer in Austin’s craft beer scene. Established in 1997, it has become a cornerstone of the local brewing community.
The brewery specializes in traditional German-style lagers and ales, crafted with precision and authenticity. Their dedication to quality has earned them a loyal following among beer enthusiasts.
In 2015, Live Oak moved to a spacious 22-acre property in South Austin. This expansion allowed them to increase production and enhance the visitor experience.
The brewery’s taproom offers a range of year-round and seasonal beers. Their flagship Hefeweizen is particularly popular, known for its smooth, banana-clove flavor profile.
Visitors can enjoy their brews in a picturesque outdoor setting. The property features an 18-hole disc golf course, adding a unique recreational element to the brewery experience.
Live Oak Brewing Company is located at 1615 Crozier Ln, Austin, TX 78742. They can be reached at (512) 385-2299. For more information, visit their website at liveoakbrewing.com.
8) Blue Owl Brewing
Blue Owl Brewing stands out in Austin’s craft beer scene with its unique focus on sour beers. Founded by Jeff Young and Suzy Shaffer, this brewery has become known for its creative and flavorful sour offerings.
The taproom offers a quirky, laid-back atmosphere that attracts both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of sour beers, each carefully crafted to balance acidity and flavor.
For those interested in the brewing process, Blue Owl offers “behind-the-tanks” tours. These guided experiences provide insights into their unique souring process and include tastings of not-yet-released beers.
The brewery’s commitment to innovation has made it a neighborhood staple. Its welcoming space doubles as a hipster-chic gallery, adding to the overall experience.
Blue Owl Brewing is open Wednesday through Sunday, with varying hours. Visitors can enjoy in-house sips or purchase beer to-go.
Address: 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #300, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 593-1262
Website: blueowlbrewing.com
9) Lazarus Brewing Co.
Lazarus Brewing Co. stands out as a central Austin gem known for its exceptional IPAs and porters. Located on East 6th Street, this brewery offers a diverse selection of craft beers that cater to various tastes.
The Mosaic IPA and Citra Pale Ale are particularly popular choices among visitors. These brews showcase Lazarus’ skill in crafting hop-forward beers with distinct flavor profiles.
The brewery features a welcoming taproom and patio area where patrons can enjoy their drinks. Lazarus also serves tasty street-style tacos, providing a perfect pairing for their craft beers.
Beer enthusiasts appreciate Lazarus Brewing Co. for its consistently high-quality brews and relaxed atmosphere. The brewery has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists exploring Austin’s craft beer scene.
Contact details:
Lazarus Brewing Co.
1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.lazarusbrewing.com
10) Independence Brewing Co.
Independence Brewing Co. stands out as a stalwart of Austin’s craft beer scene. Founded in 2004, this brewery has become known for its bold flavors and innovative approach to brewing.
Their taproom offers a rotating selection of year-round favorites and seasonal specialties. Visitors can enjoy popular brews like the Stash IPA or the Austin Amber.
The brewery’s commitment to quality extends beyond just beer. They host regular events, including live music performances and food truck visits, creating a lively atmosphere for patrons.
Independence Brewing Co. also offers tours, giving beer enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. These tours provide insight into the craft and passion that goes into each batch of beer.
Contact details:
Address: 3913 Todd Ln #607, Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 707-0099
Website: www.independencebrewing.com
Craft Brewing Culture in Austin
Austin’s craft brewing scene has become an integral part of the city’s identity. The local beer culture reflects Austin’s innovative spirit and commitment to quality.
History and Evolution
Craft brewing in Austin began to take root in the 1990s. Live Oak Brewing Co., founded in 1997, was one of the early pioneers. They focused on traditional European-style beers, setting a high standard for quality.
In the 2000s, the scene expanded rapidly. Austin Beerworks and Hops & Grain opened their doors, bringing new styles and experimental brews to the market. The city’s craft beer offerings diversified, catering to a wider range of tastes.
Recent years have seen an explosion of microbreweries and brewpubs. Newer entrants like Pinthouse Brewing and Vacancy Brewing continue to push boundaries with innovative recipes and techniques.
Impact on Local Economy
The craft brewing industry has become a significant economic driver in Austin. It creates jobs across various sectors, from brewing and distribution to hospitality and tourism.
Local breweries attract visitors from around the country. Beer tourism has grown, with many travelers planning trips specifically to explore Austin’s craft beer scene.
Craft breweries often collaborate with local businesses, fostering a sense of community. They source ingredients from local farms and partner with food trucks, creating a symbiotic relationship within the local economy.
The industry also contributes to Austin’s tax base. As breweries expand and increase production, they generate more revenue for the city, supporting public services and infrastructure improvements.
Characteristics of Austin Craft Beers
Austin’s craft beer scene boasts distinctive qualities that set it apart. Local brewers blend tradition with innovation to create unique flavors and styles.
Unique Flavor Profiles
Austin craft beers often feature bold, complex flavors. Many breweries incorporate local ingredients like Hill Country honey or Texas-grown hops. This adds a regional flair to their creations.
Some popular flavor profiles include:
- Citrusy IPAs with grapefruit and pine notes
- Rich, chocolatey stouts infused with coffee
- Crisp, refreshing lagers perfect for hot Texas days
- Fruity sour beers using local produce
Breweries like Jester King and Live Oak are known for their signature tastes. Jester King specializes in farmhouse ales with wild yeast strains. Live Oak crafts authentic German-style lagers and ales.
Popular Brewing Techniques
Austin brewers employ various methods to achieve their desired flavors and textures. Many focus on small-batch production for quality control and experimentation.
Common techniques include:
- Barrel aging in whiskey or wine casks
- Dry hopping for intense aroma and flavor
- Mixed fermentation with wild yeasts and bacteria
- Cold conditioning for crisp, clean lagers
Some breweries, like Austin Beerworks, are known for their canned offerings. Others, such as ABGB, focus on fresh draft beer served on-site.
Innovative approaches like Hi Sign Brewing’s use of chemistry knowledge push the boundaries of traditional brewing. This spirit of experimentation keeps Austin’s craft beer scene dynamic and exciting.