The Best Breweries in Austin
In Austin, seriously skilled brewers with the passion to match are elevating the local beer scene, making barrels of sudsy perfection and drawing scores of loyal fans to their tables daily. Here are some of our favorite breweries around the city specializing in craveable drinks and high-quality vibes that will undoubtedly make you a regular.
Photo courtesy of Pinthouse BrewingPinthouse Brewing
2201 E. Ben White Blvd.
Ask anyone where to grab a beer and they’ll tell you to go to Pinthouse. This brewpub, which has four locations across town, pairs mouthwatering pizza with equally enticing beer. India Pale Ales are a specialty, and their bright, citrusy Electric Jellyfish has become a hometown favorite. Pinthouse Brewing, the most recent addition to the PHP family, is gorgeously designed with an upscale menu, spacious taproom and outdoor patio.
Photo by Holly CowartCentral Machine Works
4824 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Housed in a giant warehouse on the east side, Central Machine Works is a popular spot with an ambiance that alone is worth a visit. Bright orange picnic tables are scattered throughout the space, which includes an art gallery and outdoor area great for a sunny Austin day. Its small-batch, traditional beers are complimented by a German-inspired food menu. Plus, you can always expect cool community events, from outdoor screenings and live music to yoga classes and vintage markets.
Photo by Granger CoatsJester King Brewery
13187 Fitzhugh Rd.
If farmhouse ales are your jam, head to Jester King. Started by homebrewer Jeffrey Stuffings and his brother Michael Steffing, an emphasis is placed on spontaneous fermentation and regional ingredients, with lots of room for experimentation. Even if you don’t normally reach for tarter beers or ciders, there’s plenty more to enjoy while soaking in the Hill Country views. Sitting on 165 acres, the brewery is home to an event hall, kitchen, two-mile nature trail and farm with adorable goats.
Photo courtesy of LazarusLazarus Brewing
1902 E. 6th St.
4803 Airport Blvd.
What’s not to love about Lazarus? The brewery lives by the holy trinity: coffee, beer and tacos. Alongside a full service espresso bar and menu of Mexican food favorites, the cozy taproom uses a 10-barrel system with 16 taps, where head brewmaster Matt Couch offers an impressive range of beers that can only be experienced on-site. Visit Lazarus on bustling East 6th Street or check out their newer northeast outpost.
Photo courtesy of Austin BeerworksAustin Beerworks
3001 Industrial Terrace
If you don’t already know the name, you’ll likely recognize Austin Beerworks’ colorful can design from shelves all over town. Founded in 2011 by four friends, the Beerworks team is heavily involved in each aspect of production, “from grain to glass.” Stop by their North Austin tap room any day of the week to experience a variety of beers fresh from the tank, including six core classics and tempting seasonal releases.
Photo by Chris MumfordHold Out Brewing
1208 W. 4th St.
Tucked away between the trees next to coffee bar and sister restaurant Better Half, you’ll discover Hold Out Brewing. Although a newer addition to the city’s beer scene, the sleek alehouse has already become a community staple, known for collaborating with other crafters like St. Elmo and Lazarus. The varied selection makes it easy to keep everyone in your crew satisfied, while providing a charming, laid back atmosphere. Pro tip: go during the weekend for a special brunch menu.
Photo courtesy of Live OakLive Oak Brewing Company
1615 Crozier Ln.
While technically in Del Valle, Live Oak is about 15 minutes away from downtown Austin and right next to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, making it an ideal stop for those looking for a pre- or post-flight hang out. Step onto 22 acres, featuring a beautiful shady biergarten and 12-hole disc golf course. Selling beer since 1997, the meticulously crafted lagers are a stand out, but our favorite is the award-winning, Bavarian-style Hefeweizen containing sweet notes of vanilla and banana.
Photo by Jody HortonThe Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W. Oltorf St.
For many Austinites, a visit to ABGB is the best part of the week. Open to all ages with a dog-friendly patio, the community-centric spot serves fare made with locally-sourced ingredients and hosts live music every Wednesday through Sunday night. As for beer, the menu is split between its “Always” mainstays, featuring pilsners and hoppier pale ales, and a rotating “Sometimes” selection of inventive creations and collabs. Hosting a get together? Order a keg to go.
Photo courtesy of Celis BreweryCelis Brewery
10001 Metric Blvd.
Helmed by second generation brewer Christine Celis, the original building opened in 1992, making this Austin’s first official craft brewery. The Belgian-style witbier is the star, honoring the traditional 1965 recipe of founder Pierre Celis, while Christine brings updated flavors and modern techniques. The family-friendly destination has a large patio, live music and multiple food trucks, and drinking under the tap room’s stunning copper kettle centerpiece will leave a lasting impression.
Photo by Drew GenitempoSt. Elmo Brewing Company
440 E. St. Elmo Rd.
Joining the craft scene in 2016, St. Elmo has quickly made a name for itself. Located in the eponymous South Austin neighborhood, it’s a casual spot for good ol’ fashioned revelry, with weekly trivia, live bluegrass sets and more. Keep track of the changing menu on Instagram, or stick to the tried and true Carl Kölsch that’s “perfectly refreshing for the 8-month Texas Summer.” They’re also currently serving up fried chicken from the beloved Spicy Boys food truck.
Photo courtesy of The BrewtoriumThe Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
6015 Dillard Circle, Ste. A
Rain or shine, this central Austin brewery is almost always filled with friends and families. The kitchen serves up elevated pub fare, while the bar pours craft cider, wine, draft mead and naturally, lots of beer. Stop by for a consistently great experience and casual vibes — just make sure to try the Electric Lederhosen lager before you leave. Keep an eye out for happy hours, markets and other fun activations throughout the year!
Oddwood Ales
3108 Manor Rd.
Few combinations are better than beer, pizza and classic arcade games, and Oddwood covers all of the bases. Launched as an offshoot by Taylor Ziebarth and his brother Brett, the smaller eastside pub was made for lovers of crisp lager, hazy pale ales and sour beer. Inviting rustic interiors make it a place worth lingering in, while the ever-rotating selection lets Ziebarth take guests on his journey of experimentation and complex profiles.
Photo courtesy of Meanwhile BrewingMeanwhile Brewing Company
3901 Promontory Point Dr.
Whether working remotely, dining out or playing around, prepare to have this brewery become a regular part of your weekly routine. The thoughtfully designed, 250-seat taproom cranks out dynamite beer, led by Will Jaquiss and Nao Ohdera, of Portland origin. They also stay active, hosting an array of group events, from workouts to concerts, with a soccer field, cedar playground and multiple food trucks. Come in, kick back and stay a while.
Photo courtesy of Zilker Brewing Co.Zilker Brewing Co.
1701 E. 6th St.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time, set your sights on Zilker. The urban brewery sits pretty on East Sixth Street, beckoning guests with an industrial yet warm taproom, tasty onsite bites and a welcoming sense of community — all within easy walking distance to more phenomenal restaurants and bars so the festivities can keep going all night long. First started in an Austin garage by two brothers and their best friend from high school, the hands-on business has evolved to include American IPA-forward mainstays mixed with creative seasonal experiments and local collabs you can find across town.