I drank hundreds of beers last year. These are my favorite breweries in Austin | Dishman
Patrick Mahomes spent an incalculable amount of time sharpening his skills on a practice field and in the gym so that he could spend 180 minutes (and counting) winning Super Bowls.
Caitlin Clark spent an immeasurable amount of time tossing up shots in a gym while no one was watching just so that she could score 3,921 career points (and counting), claiming the title of unquestioned biggest bucket-getter in NCAA history.
And I, David Dishman, have spent an unholy amount of time and money knocking back hundreds of beers this past year (and counting), just so that I could bring you this list.
Let’s just say I’m a different kind of athlete.
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If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re like me. You love and appreciate a good craft beer. When the weather chills, you bust out the stouts and porters. During Austin’s unbearable summers, you stuff that Yeti full of your favorite lagers and pilsners. Maybe you’re a snob and refuse the cheap stuff. Maybe you’re my kind of person and you have a soft spot in your heart for Bud heavy.
National Beer Day is Sunday, and I’m not here to argue your favorites or start fights over your preferred style of IPA. I simply want to celebrate together this glorious holiday, raise a glass to some of the excellent breweries I’ve enjoyed visiting, and hear from you about some of the ones I’m missing.
Let’s start, shall we?
10. Oasis Texas Brewing Company
Just making the cut is Oasis Texas Brewing Company. Home of some of the best views in Central Texas, Oasis overlooks Lake Travis from several hundred feet up. Crush a few beers, watch the sun set and just drink in that Texas vibe.
Recommended beer: Lemondrop Hazy IPA
9. Central District Brewing
One of the smaller breweries in Austin, this taproom located downtown shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s an easy walk to 6th Street, the Red Line and even a UT football game, which makes it a convenient place to grab a beer before heading to your entertainment of choice.
Recommended beer: Weiz of Texas: Weizenbock – It tastes like bananas foster, I mean come on. Some choices in life are obvious.
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8. Celis Brewery
I’m cheating a little here with this selection. I’ve sampled the least amount of beer from this brewery of any on this list, but it gets an added boost because of Con Todo – the absurdly good taco truck in Celis’ parking lot. Come hungry AND thirsty to this one.
Recommended beer: West Coast IPA
Recommended taco: Calabaza
7. Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
This south Austin spot has got a deep menu, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. Pair the good beer with the frequent live music and you’ve got yourself a Friday night.
Recommended beer: Hell Yes Helles
6. Central Machine Works
Another one with some good beer AND food, Central Machine Works has expansive seating, an impressive rotating variety of beers and great pizza. Bonus points for working in an art gallery, a large TV for sports, and even an occasional live professional wrestling match.
Recommended beer: Pecan Dark Lager
5. Pinthouse Brewing
We are getting to the parts of the list where one man’s opinion becomes another person’s sacrilege. The fandom for Pinthouse is real, and I get it. It’s just that it’s clocking in at number five for me. Electric Jellyfish is hard to go wrong with, but what I really enjoy about Pinthouse is their variety and rotations they are constantly working with. I go in often, and I still enjoy trying new things because they haven’t steered me wrong yet.
Recommended beer: It’s gotta be the Jellyfish. It’s an icon for good reason.
Recommended pizza: If you’ve never been to the brewery off Ben White Blvd., I’m going to strongly encourage you give it a shot. The pizza there is Detroit-style, and not what you may know and love at Pinthouse Pizza locations. Variety is good here, people. Check it out.
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4. Live Oak Brewing Company
Skip beers at the airport and drink at Live Oak instead. One of Austin’s most recognized breweries is known for its black and yellow packaging and the excellent beer inside. If you’re a fan of the Hefeweizen in a can, wait until you have it from the tap at the source. Heavenly.
Recommended beer: Live Oak Hefeweizen
3. Lazarus Brewing Company
Lazarus has two locations, both of which are good. Pop by the slightly smaller of the two if you find yourself on East 6th, or stop by the larger taproom off Airport Road. I'm partial to the Airport Road location, in no small part because of the elaborate stained glass artwork that partially covers the patio.
Recommended beer: Amandus if they have it, but the Prodigal Pils is a worthy staple if they don’t.
2. Meanwhile Brewing Company
There are few breweries in the country that offer beer, food and vibes at this quality. The Meanwhile Pilsner and the Meanwhile Helles are perfect for those hot summer nights, but it’s their extensive list of seasonal offerings and rotational beers that help set Meanwhile apart. Add on a GREAT variety of food trucks, a playground for kids, a stage for live music, a soccer field with adult soccer leagues, and one immaculate back patio that will make you think you walked through the wardrobe into brewery Narnia – and it’s hard to beat.
One of my favorite outings of the past year was attending a watch party for the U.S. women during the World Cup. We lost, but it was one awesome time nonetheless.
Recommended beer: Edible Colors – a rotational one available right now. It’s absolutely worth a trip.
1. Zilker Brewing Company
Top to bottom, Zilker has my favorite beer menu of any brewery in Austin. Meanwhile has the better venue, Lazarus has a cooler patio, and it’s hard to beat Pinthouse’s pizza or Celis’ pairing with Con Todo, but when it comes to straight beer, Zilker reigns supreme.
From Heavenly Daze IPA, to their Coffee Milk Stout, to their Icy Boys Lager, it’s hard to go wrong here. I’m also giving them some flowers for having some of the coolest gear of any brewery I’ve ever seen. The hats are top notch, if you’re needing some swag.
Recommended beer: Heavenly Daze IPA
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: National Beer Day 2024: 10 Austin breweries we recommend you try
