Houston, Texas has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene has experienced significant growth in recent years, offering a diverse range of locally-crafted brews to satisfy various palates. From established breweries with long histories to innovative newcomers pushing boundaries, Houston’s craft beer landscape continues to expand and evolve.
Houston boasts over 50 craft breweries, each contributing unique flavors and styles to the city’s beer culture. These establishments range from small microbreweries to larger operations with widespread distribution. Many Houston breweries feature taprooms where visitors can sample fresh beers straight from the source, often in relaxed settings that showcase the city’s laid-back atmosphere.
1) Buffalo Bayou 1836
Buffalo Bayou 1836 is a popular craft beer offering from Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company. This American Amber/Red Ale pays homage to the year Texas declared independence from Mexico.
The 1836 Copper Ale boasts a robust flavor profile reminiscent of bolder versions of amber ales. Beer enthusiasts often compare it favorably to New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber Ale, but with more intensity.
This brew pairs exceptionally well with Texan cuisine, particularly barbecue and smoked meats. Its balanced taste and local heritage make it a favorite among Houston craft beer drinkers.
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, founded in 2011, has gained recognition for its experimental approach to brewing. The 1836 Copper Ale stands as one of their flagship beers, embodying the pioneering spirit of Texas.
Beer lovers can find Buffalo Bayou 1836 at various locations throughout Houston, including the brewery’s taproom.
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company: 2101 Summer St, Houston, TX 77007 | (713) 714-3335 | www.buffbrew.com
2) Saint Arnold Amber Ale
Saint Arnold Amber Ale stands as a cornerstone of Houston’s craft beer scene. This flagship brew from Saint Arnold Brewing Company has been delighting beer enthusiasts since its inception.
With its rich, malty body and balanced flavor profile, the Amber Ale captures the essence of a classic American amber. The beer boasts an ABV of 6.2% and 31 IBUs, offering a satisfying drinking experience.
Saint Arnold Amber Ale has garnered numerous accolades over the years. It secured a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1999 and claimed gold at the All American Brew Fest in 1997.
This well-crafted ale serves as an excellent introduction to Saint Arnold’s diverse lineup. Its consistent quality and widespread availability have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
Website: www.saintarnold.com
3) Karbach Hopadillo IPA
Karbach Brewing Co. in Houston, Texas crafts a bold and flavorful American IPA called Hopadillo. This dry-hopped brew boasts an assertive bitterness that lives up to its name.
Hopadillo IPA features a blend of American, English, and German hops, including Magnum, Chinook, Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and East Kent Goldings. This combination creates a complex hop profile with approximately 70 IBUs.
At 6.6% ABV, Hopadillo offers a balance of strength and drinkability. Beer enthusiasts have rated it favorably, with scores averaging around 85 out of 100 on popular beer review sites.
Karbach describes Hopadillo as a “surprisingly bitter” Texas-style IPA. The brewery uses classic German techniques to craft this beer, aiming to appeal to a wide range of palates.
Karbach Brewing Co. is located in Houston, TX. Their taproom offers visitors the chance to sample Hopadillo IPA alongside other popular brews like Crawford Bock and Ranch Water Original.
Karbach Brewing Co.
Address: 2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092
Website: www.karbachbrewing.com
4) Eureka Heights Buckle Bunny
Eureka Heights Brewing Company in Houston has crafted a standout cream ale called Buckle Bunny. This light and refreshing beer has become a local favorite.
Buckle Bunny is made with corn, giving it a crisp and easy-drinking profile. It’s suitable for any season, from hot summer days to cool winter nights.
The beer has gained recognition in the craft beer community. It won a gold medal, cementing its status as a top-quality cream ale.
Buckle Bunny is available on draft year-round at Eureka Heights’ taproom. It has an alcohol content of 4.2% ABV, making it a sessionable option for beer enthusiasts.
The brewery uses a combination of 2-Row, Flaked Maize, and Carafoam grains in the brewing process. This blend contributes to the beer’s smooth texture and balanced flavor.
Eureka Heights Brewing Company: 941 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008. Phone: 832.953.4677. Website: www.eurekaheights.com
5) 8th Wonder Dome Faux’m
Dome Faux’m is a popular cream ale crafted by 8th Wonder Brewery in Houston, Texas. This throwback beer pays homage to the city’s beloved Astrodome, nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The beer features a light, crisp, and smooth flavor profile characteristic of pre-prohibition style ales. With an ABV of 5.1%, Dome Faux’m offers a refreshing drinking experience.
Beer enthusiasts have given Dome Faux’m positive reviews. It currently holds a score of 83 on beer rating platforms, indicating its quality and appeal among craft beer drinkers.
8th Wonder Brewery recommends trying Dome Faux’m alongside their other offerings to experience the full range of their craft beer selection. The brewery continues to contribute to Houston’s thriving craft beer scene.
8th Wonder Brewery
2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003
Website: www.8thwonderbrew.com
6) Spindletap Houston Haze
Spindletap Brewery has made a name for itself in Houston’s craft beer scene with its popular New England IPA, Houston Haze. This hazy IPA boasts a 7% ABV and features Citra and Galaxy hops, delivering a juicy, tropical flavor profile.
Houston Haze has garnered high praise from beer enthusiasts, with a score of 95 on BeerAdvocate. Many consider it one of the top beers in Texas, appreciated for its consistent quality and appealing taste.
The brewery takes care to ensure the beer’s freshness, selling Houston Haze exclusively at their taproom. This approach preserves the delicate flavors and aromas characteristic of the New England IPA style.
Spindletap’s taproom offers a welcoming environment for beer lovers. Visitors can enjoy Houston Haze alongside other craft beers on tap and in cans. The outdoor area features covered seating and activities like putt-putt golf and pickleball.
Spindletap Brewery: 10622 Hirsch Rd, Houston, TX 77016. Phone: (713) 325-1477. Website: www.spindletap.com
7) Baa Baa Brewhouse Art Car IPA
Baa Baa Brewhouse, located in Brookshire, Texas, has gained a reputation for producing exceptional craft beers. While best known for their hazy IPAs and fruited sours, they also offer a unique take on the popular Art Car IPA style.
The brewery’s interpretation of Art Car IPA showcases their skill in crafting hop-forward beers. This IPA likely features a blend of aromatic hops, creating a flavorful and balanced brew.
Baa Baa Brewhouse operates on a limited schedule, opening only on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This exclusivity adds to the allure of their beers, including their Art Car IPA.
Beer enthusiasts from Houston and beyond make the journey to Brookshire to sample Baa Baa’s creations. The Art Car IPA stands as a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation in the craft beer scene.
Baa Baa Brewhouse: 539 FM 359 S, Brookshire, TX 77423. Website: www.baabrewhouse.com
8) No Label Sittin’ Sidehaze
No Label Brewing Company in Katy, Texas has created a standout New England IPA called Sittin’ Sidehaze. This beer has gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts in the Houston area.
Sittin’ Sidehaze boasts a hazy appearance characteristic of the New England IPA style. The beer has received positive reviews from drinkers, with a score of 90 on BeerAdvocate based on numerous ratings.
No Label Brewing Company offers Sittin’ Sidehaze alongside a variety of other craft beers at their taproom. The brewery provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, with a family-friendly and dog-friendly environment.
Beer lovers can enjoy Sittin’ Sidehaze and other No Label brews seven days a week at the brewery’s taproom. The space offers an energetic ambiance for sampling their craft beer creations.
No Label Brewing Company: 5351 1st Street, Katy, TX 77493. Website: nolabelbrew.com
9) City Acre Spruce Springsteen
City Acre Brewing offers a unique craft beer experience in Houston with their Spruce Springsteen brew. This distinctive beer incorporates spruce tips, giving it a refreshing and slightly piney flavor profile.
The Spruce Springsteen showcases City Acre’s commitment to innovative brewing techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. The spruce tips used in this beer are often harvested from the brewery’s own property, adding a hyper-local touch to the brew.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy this seasonal offering in City Acre’s spacious garden setting. The brewery’s outdoor area provides a relaxed atmosphere for sampling their craft creations, including the Spruce Springsteen.
City Acre Brewing’s dedication to quality extends beyond their beers to their food menu, which features ingredients grown on-site. This farm-to-table approach complements their brewing philosophy.
City Acre Brewing: 3418 Topping St, Houston, TX 77093. Phone: (832) 377-0237. Website: cityacrebrewing.com
10) Lone Pint Yellow Rose
Yellow Rose is a highly acclaimed American IPA from The Lone Pint Brewery in Magnolia, Texas. This craft beer has earned an impressive 98 score on BeerAdvocate, with over 2,000 ratings and reviews.
The beer boasts an ABV of 6.8% and 62 IBUs, striking a balance between strength and bitterness. Yellow Rose is known for its citrusy flavors and enjoyable hoppiness, making it a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
The Lone Pint Brewery has gained recognition for producing distinctly Texan ales. Their state-of-the-art beer garden and brewery in Magnolia offer visitors the opportunity to sample Yellow Rose alongside other core brews and special releases.
Beer lovers can experience Yellow Rose and other Lone Pint offerings at the brewery’s taproom. The beer garden is open daily, with varying hours throughout the week.
The Lone Pint Brewery
507 Commerce St, Magnolia, TX 77355
(713) 304-5069
www.lonepint.com
History of Craft Beer in Houston
Houston’s craft beer scene has deep roots stretching back decades. Local pioneers laid the groundwork for today’s thriving industry by experimenting with unique recipes and brewing techniques.
Pioneers of the Local Scene
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, founded in 1994, holds the title of Texas’ oldest craft brewery. Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol established this Houston institution, sparking a craft beer revolution in the city. Their commitment to quality and innovation set a high standard for future brewers.
In the early 2000s, new breweries began emerging. Southern Star Brewing Company opened in Conroe in 2007, introducing bold flavors to the region. Karbach Brewing Co. followed in 2011, quickly gaining popularity with its diverse beer lineup.
Evolution of Brewing Techniques
Houston’s craft brewers have continuously refined their methods. Many started with traditional ale and lager recipes, then expanded into experimental styles. Sour beers, barrel-aged brews, and fruit-infused ales gained traction in the 2010s.
Local ingredients have played a crucial role in shaping Houston’s beer identity. Brewers incorporate Texas honey, pecans, and citrus fruits to create unique flavor profiles. Some have embraced wild fermentation techniques, capturing native yeast strains for truly local brews.
Collaboration between breweries has fostered innovation. Joint projects allow brewers to share knowledge and push creative boundaries, resulting in limited-edition beers that showcase Houston’s diverse brewing talent.
Unique Craft Beer Styles in Houston
Houston’s craft beer scene boasts distinctive brews that capture the city’s spirit. Local brewers experiment with unconventional ingredients and draw inspiration from the region’s diverse culinary landscape to create truly unique offerings.
Local Ingredients and Flavors
Houston breweries embrace local ingredients to craft beers with a Texan twist. Gulf Coast Kolsch, a popular style, incorporates sea salt from the nearby coast. Some brewers use locally-sourced honey or citrus fruits in their recipes. Pecans, a Texas staple, find their way into seasonal brews and stouts.
Spicy pepper beers, inspired by Houston’s love for Tex-Mex cuisine, have gained traction. Jalapeño pale ales and habanero IPAs offer bold flavors for adventurous drinkers. Brewers also experiment with smoky flavors, mimicking Texas barbecue in their porters and stouts.
Houston’s Influence on National Trends
Houston’s craft beer innovations have sparked interest beyond city limits. The “Htown Pils” style, a crisp, clean lager perfect for hot Texas summers, has inspired breweries across the Sun Belt. This refreshing beer combines German brewing techniques with American hops.
Houston brewers pioneered the use of tropical fruits in IPAs, creating juicy, hazy beers that balance bitterness with fruity notes. This trend has spread to craft breweries nationwide. The city’s diverse population has also influenced beer styles, with Asian-inspired brews like lychee sours and green tea ales gaining popularity.
Houston’s experimental approach to brewing continues to push boundaries in the craft beer world.
Impact of Craft Beer on Houston’s Culture
Craft beer has become deeply woven into Houston’s cultural fabric, influencing social gatherings, events, and dining experiences. The city’s breweries and taprooms serve as community hubs, fostering connections and creativity.
Community Events and Festivals
Houston’s craft beer scene fuels numerous events that bring people together. The annual Houston Beer Fest draws thousands of attendees, showcasing local and national breweries. Smaller festivals like the Month of Murkey celebrate specific beer styles, encouraging exploration of taprooms across the city.
Many breweries host regular trivia nights, live music performances, and food truck events. These gatherings create spaces for socializing and networking, strengthening neighborhood bonds. Some breweries also organize charity events, partnering with local nonprofits to support community causes.
Craft Beer and Houston’s Culinary Scene
Craft beer has become an integral part of Houston’s food culture. Many restaurants now offer carefully curated beer lists to complement their menus. Beer pairing dinners have gained popularity, with chefs and brewers collaborating to create unique dining experiences.
Local breweries often partner with Houston food artisans, incorporating ingredients like coffee from local roasters or honey from area apiaries into their beers. This cross-pollination of culinary and brewing expertise has led to innovative flavor combinations that reflect Houston’s diverse food scene.
Food trucks frequently set up at brewery taprooms, offering casual dining options that pair well with craft beers. This symbiotic relationship has helped both the craft beer and food truck industries thrive in Houston.