10 Best Breweries in Austin

First impression?
As the name suggests, Banger’s serves a tantalizing menu of 30 house-made sausages—along with more than 100 beers on tap. Inside the rustic cottage are rows of long, communal picnic tables. The outdoor biergarten has more alfresco seating beneath pretty trees and string lights. Live Americana and country music bands bring it all together.

Cool. So who’s there?
With all that music, meat, and beer coursing through everyone’s veins, Banger’s can get a bit rowdy. Small talk and good-natured rivalries are commonplace at the communal tables, which are typically filled with 30-somethings looking to let loose.

How are the drinks?
Banger’s touts the largest tap wall in Austin: There are more than 100 specialty beers to choose from. It’s one of the best places to sample suds from Austin’s diverse beer scene—breweries from Austin to Houston are represented in addition to ones from out-of-state. Ciders, kombuchas, cold brew coffees, and sakes round out the menu.

Worth ordering something to eat, too?
Banger’s sausage game is nearly as complex as the beer selection. The menu is divided into traditional, poultry, exotic/wild game, veggie, and specialty sausages. Highlights include the bratwurst, shiitake manchego, and the South Texas antelope merguez, an African-style sausage topped with baba ganoush, honey, sesame yogurt, and mint.

Did the staff do you right?
The high-energy staff is always ready for a good time. But as the music heats up and the crowds pile in, they can get bottlenecked. The best plan of attack? Order in large batches, so you don’t need to constantly flag someone down.

Wrap it up: what are we coming here for?
Banger’s is especially great for big groups—you'll frequently see birthday celebrations as well as bachelor and bachelorette parties here for weekly Big Band Brunch on Sundays.