Austin, Texas, is a great city for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant brewery community that combines innovation, quality, and a laid back atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or funky sours, Austin’s breweries have something for everyone. Here’s our list of the best breweries in the Austin metro area, complete with their standout beers, unique features, and why they’ve earned a spot on this list.
Jester King Brewery
Location: Southwest Austin (Hill Country)
Why You Should Go: Jester King is a pioneer in the farmhouse and sour beer movement. Located on a picturesque 165-acre ranch, this brewery focuses on wild fermentation, using native yeast and bacteria to create complex, funky, and tart beers. Their beers are often aged in oak barrels, and they incorporate locally sourced ingredients like Texas peaches and Hill Country well water.
Bonus: The brewery has a pizza kitchen and plenty of outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.
Beers to Try
- Atrial Rubicite (raspberry sour)
- Noble King (hoppy farmhouse ale)
- Black Metal (farmhouse imperial stout)
Website: https://jesterkingbrewery.com/
Live Oak Brewing Company
Location: Del Valle (just east of Austin)
Why You Should Go: Live Oak is one of Austin’s oldest breweries, known for its German and Czech-style lagers. Their commitment to traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients has earned them a loyal following. The brewery has a spacious beer garden with a stage for live music, creating a quintessential Austin experience.
Bonus: They offer free brewery tours on weekends, complete with samples.
Beers to Try
- Pilz (Czech-style pilsner)
- Hefeweizen (unfiltered wheat beer)
- Big Bark (amber lager).
Website: https://www.liveoakbrewing.com/
Pinthouse Pizza
Location: Multiple locations (South Lamar, Burnet Road, Round Rock)
Why You Should Go: Pinthouse Pizza is a brewpub that combines award-winning craft beer with delicious, handcrafted pizzas. They’re known for their hop-forward beers, particularly their IPAs. Their beers are brewed on site and are incredibly fresh, often rotating with seasonal and experimental brews.
Bonus: The Round Rock location has a massive outdoor patio and is family friendly.
Beers to Try
- Electric Jellyfish (hazy IPA)
- Green Battles (double IPA)
- Training Bines (session IPA).
Website: https://www.pinthouse.com/
Austin Beerworks
Location: North Austin
Why You Should Go: Austin Beerworks is a local favorite, known for its bold, flavorful beers and eye catching can designs. They focus on brewing approachable yet innovative beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and beer geeks. Their taproom is a no-frills, industrial space where you can enjoy pints, flights, and even fill up growlers.
Bonus: They host fun events like “Taco Tuesday” and “First Friday” with food trucks and live music
Beers to Try
- Pearl-Snap (German-style pilsner)
- Fire Eagle (American IPA)
- Black Thunder (schwarzbier)
Website: https://www.austinbeerworks.com/
Zilker Brewing Company
Location: East Austin
Why You Should Go: Zilker Brewing is a neighborhood brewery that combines a love for Austin’s culture with a passion for crafting high quality beers. Their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint with friends. They often collaborate with local businesses, like coffee roasters and bakeries, to create unique brews.
Bonus: The brewery is dog-friendly and has a rotating selection of food trucks.
Beers to Try
- Marco IPA (West Coast-style IPA)
- Coffee Milk Stout
- Honey Blonde (light and refreshing ale)
Website: https://www.zilkerbeer.com/
St. Elmo Brewing Company
Location: South Austin
Why You Should Go: St. Elmo is a small but mighty brewery that has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional beers and welcoming atmosphere. They also share a space with Soursop, a fantastic Thai-inspired food truck. Their beers are brewed with precision and creativity, often featuring experimental hops and unique flavor profiles.
Bonus: The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy a beer and some spicy fried chicken from Soursop.
Beers to Try
- Carl (kolsch)
- Chico (pale ale)
- Snoozy (hazy IPA).
Website: http://www.stelmobrewing.com/
Meanwhile Brewing Co.
Location: South Austin
Why You Should Go: Meanwhile is a newer addition to the Austin beer scene but has already made a big splash. The brewery features a massive outdoor space with a playground, making it a family friendly destination. The brewery hosts regular events, including live music, yoga, and running clubs.
Bonus: There’s a permanent food truck on site, Distant Relatives, serving up incredible barbecue with a modern twist.
Beers to Try
- Secret Beach (hazy IPA)
- Power & Light (pilsner)
- Dee Dee (Mexican-style lager).
Website: https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/
Hops & Grain Brewing
Location: East Austin
Why You Should Go: Hops & Grain is known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. They brew a mix of classic and experimental beers, often using organic ingredients. They have a “Grain2Garden” program, where spent grain from the brewing process is donated to local farmers.
Bonus: Their taproom is laid back and welcoming, with plenty of board games to enjoy while you sip.
Beers to Try
- The One They Call Zoe (pale lager)
- Porter Culture (American porter)
- Greenhouse IPA (session IPA)
Website: https://www.hopsandgrain.com/
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (AGBG)
Location: South Austin
Why You Should Go: ABGB is a brewery, beer garden, and live music venue all rolled into one. They’ve won numerous awards for their lagers and have a fun, community driven vibe. Their beer garden is one of the best in Austin, with plenty of shade and picnic tables.
Bonus: They host free live music shows several nights a week.
Beers to Try
- Hell Yes (Helles lager)
- Rocket 100 (pre-Prohibition style pilsner)
- Superliner (IPA)
Website: https://theabgb.com/
Oddwood Ales
Location: East Austin
Why You Should Go: Oddwood Ales specializes in barrel aged sour beers and lagers, offering a unique twist on traditional styles. Their beers are complex, balanced, and perfect for adventurous drinkers. The brewery has a cozy, intimate taproom with a focus on quality over quantity.
Bonus: They often release limited-edition bottles that are highly sought after by beer collectors.
Beers to Try
- Domesticated (wild ale)
- Tiny Kingdom (pilsner)
- Shadow Figure (dark lager)
Website: https://oddwoodales.com/
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Austin, Texas has craft beer options are sure to impress. From sour beer pioneers to family friendly beer gardens, there’s a brewery for every taste and occasion. Every brewery listed is worth stopping in for a beer or three.
If we overlooked your favorite Austin brewery, please tell us about it in the comments section below. We’re always looking for another great brewery!
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