Beyond The Brew

Words Codi Chen | Photos Baptiste Despois

Beer might be the main event, but at these Austin breweries, it’s only the beginning. Folded into industrial corridors and greenbelts, each spot pairs craft beer with a true sense of Texas spirit.

From sipping a crisp Pilz under 100-year-old oaks to rallying with friends on the pitch, these breweries are designed to be savored. At St. Elmo Brewing, parents sip coffee in the morning while kids take over the playscape, then ease into a day of beers and bites. Meanwhile Brewing pulses with energy: volleyball games, weekend markets, and room to roam all surround its family-friendly taproom. At Austin Beerworks, dogs race through the designated park while disc golfers toss a few before settling around a shady table. And at Live Oak, the biergartens stretch beneath the trees, where board games and birdwatching make it easy to forget how close you are to the city.

These places are vibrant, all-day destinations where you can grab a pint, a bite to eat, and linger. Come for the beer, and stay because you’ve found your place.

Tap Into Fun

Creative Workshops & Craft Nights: Get hands-on with pottery classes, DIY crafts, and art nights at Austin Beerworks, Meanwhile Brewing Co., Moontower Cider Company, and Fast Friends Beer Co.
Bingo & Game Nights: Play your luck with bingo games at Blue Owl Brewing, Celis Brewing, and St. Elmo Brewing Co., or dive into pinball tournaments at Austin Beerworks.
Trivia Nights: Meanwhile Brewing Co., St. Elmo Brewing Co., Austin Beerworks, Hi Sign Brewing, Nomadic Beerworks, Blue Owl Brewing, Infamous Brewing Company, and Celis Brewing
Comedy & Open Mic: Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, Lazarus Brewing, St. Elmo Brewing Co. & karaoke at Fairweather Cider Co.
Book & Storytelling Clubs: Lazarus Brewing, Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches
Active & Social Club: Austin Beerworks, Hopsquad, Meanwhile Brewing
Pop-Up Markets: Support local makers at pop-up markets hosted by St. Elmo, Lazarus, Moontower, Meanwhile, and Austin Beerworks.

Game on

“Beer is the vessel, but the real goal is building relationships.”

At Meanwhile Brewing, the action never stops, and neither does the welcoming atmosphere. Soccer balls thud from the field, sand flies off volleyball courts, guitars hum from the stage, and laughter floats from families gathered around picnic tables. For this brewery, the beer is a starting point for a space built on connection, community, and everyday celebration.

St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Their “Hop Water!” is bright, bubbly, and hopped with Citra and Simcoe for a citrusy punch: no alcohol, sugar, or gluten, just crisp refreshment that fits in with the brewery’s laid-back, all-ages vibe.

Zilker Brewing Co.
Zilker’s Hop Water is crafted with Cryo Pop and Idaho 7 hops, resulting in a dry, sparkling drink with floral and citrus notes.

Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Hoppy Refresher is a sparkling, hop-infused drink with zero alcohol and plenty of personality. Made with Citra, Equinox, and Centennial hops, it brings a crisp, fruity bite that’s perfect for hop lovers skipping the booze.

Athletic Brewing Co.
Known for its wide selection of non-alcoholic brews, Athletic Brewing Co. offers everything from golden ales to dark stouts. It’s a common sight in local taprooms across Austin.

Nature on Tap

“Out here, so many properties are getting paved over for industrial ventures. We wanted to protect this piece of land and give people a place to enjoy it, not cover it in concrete.”

Set back on a sprawling stretch of open fields and old oaks, Austin Beerworks (ABW) is dedicated to not only serving up their signature craft beer but also helping preserve a vital piece of Austin’s natural heart.

Oddwood Brewing
KG BBQ pairs perfectly smoked meats with Oddwood’s hop-forward beers.

St. Elmo Brewing Co. Springdale
Spicy Boys Fried Chicken brings the heat, while Pueblo Viejo delivers the flavor-filled tacos.

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches
Pershing BBQ and Bummer Burrito satisfy every craving between sips.

Austin Beerworks
La Taquicardia serves up tacos with a kick, and Obsidian Pizza handles the crisp, cheesy comfort.

Pints & Playscapes

“When I first moved here, the city felt so vibrant and welcoming. That’s what we want this place to be, a continuation of the community that makes Austin so special.”

At the edge of Springdale Road, where a crumbling pile of old tires once marked the landscape, St. Elmo Brewing Co. has built something entirely new: a vibrant, sun-drenched tap room where the day stretches long and easy.

Sip Austin’s Must Try Brews

From cult classics to seasonal standouts, these brews are local favorites for good reason.

Stout
Coffee Milk Stout by Zilker Brewing Co.
Pilsner
Industry Pilsner by Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.

Porter
Pecan Porter by 512 Brewing Co.
Wheat Beer
HefeWeizen by Live Oak Brewing Co.

Blonde Ale
Honey by Celis Brewery
German Bock
Dingus by Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

Cider
Pomme Blush by Moontower Cider Co
Belgian Ale
St. Francis by Lazarus

IPA
Electric Jellyfish by Pinthouse Brewing
Sour Ale
Sunshine the Werewolf by Oddwood Brewing

Biergarten Bliss

“It’s like a park in a lot of ways, dog-friendly, family-friendly, and not chaotic. It’s nice not having to stare at residential brick for a while.”

Just beyond the noise of Austin’s airport, hidden beneath a canopy of 100 live oaks, sits one of the most serene escapes in the city: the biergartens of Live Oak Brewing Company. With three shaded outdoor spaces, a winding disc golf course, and a sun-dappled taproom, this 22-acre property invites guests to set up for the day with fresh air and a cold beer in hand.

Summer

Wheat Beers, Kölsch, Pilsners
Light, crisp, and refreshing, these beers are perfect for the Texas heat. Wheat beers offer soft, citrusy notes, while Kölsch and Pilsners bring clean finishes and low bitterness that cool you down without weighing you down.

Fall

Oktoberfest, Amber Ales, Brown Ales
As the temps dip and leaves turn, malt-forward beers rise. Oktoberfests (Märzens) bring smooth, bready sweetness, while Amber and Brown Ales offer roasted notes and a toasty depth that pairs well with cooler evenings.

Winter

Stouts, Porters, Barrel-Aged Ales
These dark, rich styles are made for chilly nights. Stouts and Porters deliver flavors like coffee, chocolate, and spice, while barrel-aged ales bring warming booziness, perfect for fireside sipping.

Spring

Saisons, Pale Ales, Hazy IPAs
Bright and aromatic, spring beers wake up your palate. Saisons are peppery and floral, Pale Ales add balanced hops, and Hazy IPAs offer juicy fruitiness to ease you out of winter’s grip.