These 5 local Austin breweries need to be on your must-visit list
Whether you’re new to Austin or visiting for a friendly beercation, these are the 5 local Austin breweries you need to visit. Austin is well-known for having some of the best breweries in the world. Many local Austin breweries, including those on this list, have helped pave the way for the craft beer explosion. They also support the local musicians, frequently hosting shows. Check out this guide to Austin’s outdoor spaces for more places to visit.
From stand-up kitchens to long beerhaus-style tables, these local Austin breweries have something for everyone. All you need is a friend and a guide to help you make your way. We’ll be your trusted guide, but the choice of a friend is entirely left to you! We have hand-picked 5 of our favorite breweries.
Meanwhile Brewing Company
Meanwhile Brewing Co. Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community.
Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway.
Austin Beerworks
A name synonymous with the city, Austin Beerworks (3001 Industrial Terrace) is quite a ubiquitous brand. They have a large outdoor space and offer a variety of seasonal beers. In fact, they have a limited-release for every month. But they’re also known for their staple brews like Pearl Snap, Fire Eagle, and Peacemaker (their first beer). Fun fact: in 2017, Austin Beerworks launched the world’s first 99-pack. Photo credit: Austin Beerworks.
They also usually have an unofficial cheer station somewhere on course 😉
Jester King Brewery
Jester King (13187 Fitzhugh Road) is definitely one of the best breweries in the country, let alone Austin. It is about a half-hour drive from Austin, but it’s well worth it. Spread beautifully across 165 acres in the Texas Hill Country, Jester King offers plenty of outdoor space and a variety of brews. From Grisette to Farmhouse Ale, there’s a wide range of beers to select from. You guessed it, all the outdoor space comes with plenty of yard games. Photo credit: Jester King Brewery.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewery
(near Mile 5)
With a slew of awards, including a gold medal for being the Best Large Brewpub, ABGB (1305 West Oltorf) is an excellent addition to the list. They have ample indoor and outdoor space to spread out. Pair a pizza or some appetizers with their extensive menu of German-style beers and seasonal brews. ABGB is a great spot to plan an outing with friends, family, kids, and dogs. Photo credit: Austin Beer Garden Brewery.
Lazarus Brewing
Lazarus is an award winning brewpub founded on Christmas Eve, 2016. They do coffee, beer, tacos and Joy! They have two locations LAZ 1 @ EAST 6TH 1902 E 6th, Austin, TX 78702 and LAZ 2 @ AIRPORT BLVD 4803 Airport Blvd, Austin TX 78751. They brew 70+ unique styles throughout the year with usually 16 on tap and the Mexican street food is the bomb, highly recommend the tortas. Bonus, it kid friendly if you want to bring the family.
Live Oak Brewing Company
Since 1997, Live Oak has employed an old-world style brewing mainly used throughout central Europe. From Grodziskie to Rauchbier and Pilz to HefeWeizen, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your choice in the spacious taproom or the outdoor Biergartens. Grab something to eat from the food truck after you play disc golf on their 9-hole course. Photo credit: Live Oak Brewing.
Visit these famous breweries and soak up some good food, great music, and awesome beer. Who knows, you might meet some runners and go for a run!
There are so many awesome places, it was hard to pick 5. Here are some more our favorites that we just have to mention:
