El Paso, Texas boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several breweries offering unique local flavors and delicious food pairings. These establishments have become popular destinations for both residents and visitors seeking quality brews and tasty bites in a welcoming atmosphere.
The top breweries in El Paso combine expertly crafted beers with mouthwatering food options, creating a perfect blend of flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. From smoked BBQ to diverse menu selections, these breweries cater to various tastes while showcasing the city’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination.
1) DeadBeach Brewery
DeadBeach Brewery stands out as a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in El Paso. Located in the heart of downtown, this brewery offers a unique blend of local flavors and innovative brewing techniques.
The brewery prides itself on creating beers that reflect the spirit of El Paso. Their slogan, “(beers) for El Paso, by El Paso,” emphasizes their commitment to the local community.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of craft beers in DeadBeach’s taproom. The brewery often experiments with new flavors and styles, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting.
DeadBeach Brewery has gained recognition for its quality, earning a spot on lists of top El Paso breweries. Its reputation extends beyond just beer, as it’s also known for serving tasty food options to complement their brews.
While currently focused on the El Paso market, DeadBeach has aspirations to expand distribution in the future.
Contact: DeadBeach Brewery, 406 Durango St, El Paso, TX 79901. Website: www.deadbeach.com
2) Ode Brewing
Ode Brewing stands out as a beloved craft beer destination in El Paso. Located at 3233 N. Mesa, Suite 301, this brewery offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers.
The taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Patrons can sample a rotating lineup of unique brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
Ode Brewing takes pride in its locally-inspired creations, often incorporating regional flavors and ingredients. This commitment to local flair sets them apart in the El Paso beer scene.
The brewery also serves a menu of tasty food options to complement their beers. Visitors can enjoy pub-style fare while sipping on their favorite brews.
Beer aficionados appreciate Ode Brewing’s attention to quality and creativity in their brewing process. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to provide recommendations or explain the nuances of each beer.
Contact Information:
Ode Brewing
3233 N. Mesa, Suite 301, El Paso, TX
Phone: (915) 351-4377
Website: www.odebrewing.com
3) Blazing Tree Brewery
Blazing Tree Brewery offers a unique craft beer experience in El Paso. Located at 11380 Montwood Dr, Suite B7, this brewery has become a local favorite since opening.
The taproom features a rotating selection of house-made beers, showcasing a variety of styles from light lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. Visitors can sample flights or enjoy full pours of their preferred brews.
Beyond beer, Blazing Tree serves a menu of pub-style food to complement their beverages. The kitchen produces appetizers, sandwiches, and other casual fare.
The brewery’s atmosphere is welcoming, with ample seating and a laid-back vibe. It’s a popular spot for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers looking to unwind.
Blazing Tree Brewery is open daily, with extended hours on weekends. The taproom often hosts events like trivia nights and live music performances, adding to its appeal as a community gathering place.
Blazing Tree Brewery: 11380 Montwood Dr, Suite B7, El Paso, TX 79936. Phone: Not available. Hours: Mon-Wed 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Thu-Sat 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sun 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
4) Aurellia’s Bottle Shop & Brewhouse
Aurellia’s stands out as an ultramodern brewhouse, bottle shop, and restaurant in El Paso. The establishment prides itself on brewing with responsible energy consumption, mathematical precision, and artistic expression.
The brewery’s name is an acronym for Automated Ubiquitous & Revolutionary Experimental Logarithmic Libation Inception Apparatus, reflecting its innovative approach to beer-making. This cutting-edge system creates high-quality beers while prioritizing sustainability.
Aurellia’s offers a diverse selection of house-brewed beers alongside options from independent breweries and wineries. The bottle shop allows patrons to explore a wide range of local and national craft beverages.
In addition to its impressive beer offerings, Aurellia’s features a scratch kitchen, ensuring that the quality of food matches their exceptional brews. The restaurant provides a unique dining experience with a focus on environmentally friendly food sourcing practices.
Visitors can enjoy Aurellia’s offerings while taking in spectacular views, adding to the overall experience of this distinctive El Paso brewery.
Aurellia’s Bottle Shop & Brewhouse
Address: 1620 North Resler, El Paso, Texas 79911
Phone: 915-996-9051
Email: info@aurellias.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Brewing Process
Craft beer production in El Paso combines traditional methods with innovative techniques. Local breweries prioritize quality ingredients and meticulous processes to create unique flavors.
How Craft Beer Is Made
Craft beer production begins with milling malted grains, typically barley. The milled grains are mixed with hot water in a process called mashing, which activates enzymes to convert starches into fermentable sugars. This liquid, known as wort, is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and flavor.
After cooling, yeast is added to start fermentation. The yeast consumes sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the beer style.
Once fermentation is complete, the beer may undergo conditioning or aging. Some breweries add additional ingredients like fruit or spices at this stage for unique flavors.
Ingredients Used in Local Brews
El Paso breweries often source high-quality ingredients locally and from around the world. Common components include:
- Malted grains (barley, wheat, rye)
- Hops (for bitterness and aroma)
- Yeast (various strains for different flavors)
- Water (local water profiles influence taste)
Many local brewers experiment with unconventional ingredients:
- Chili peppers for a spicy kick
- Local fruits for seasonal brews
- Specialty grains for unique textures
- Herbs and spices for distinctive aromas
These diverse ingredients allow El Paso breweries to create a wide range of beer styles, from traditional lagers to innovative craft ales.
Pairing Food With Local Beers
El Paso breweries offer diverse beer styles that pair wonderfully with local cuisine. Thoughtful food and beer pairings enhance flavors and create memorable dining experiences.
Popular Beer and Food Combinations
Light lagers complement spicy Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas. The crisp, clean taste cuts through rich flavors and cools the palate. Hoppy IPAs pair well with grilled meats and burgers, as their bitterness balances fatty foods.
For hearty Tex-Mex dishes, try a malty amber ale. Its caramel notes enhance the savory flavors of dishes like carne asada. Stouts and porters match nicely with barbecue, bringing out smoky notes in both the beer and food.
Wheat beers go great with lighter fare like salads and seafood. Their subtle sweetness and citrus hints brighten fresh ingredients.
Tips for Complementing Flavors
Consider intensity when pairing. Match bold beers with bold foods, and lighter beers with delicate dishes. Look for common flavor elements in both the beer and food.
Contrast can also work well. A sweet beer may balance a spicy dish, while a bitter IPA can cut through rich, creamy foods.
Carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites. Higher carbonation works especially well with fried or fatty foods.
Experiment with local ingredients. Many El Paso breweries incorporate regional flavors like chiles or citrus into their beers, creating unique pairing opportunities with local cuisine.