See what’s on tap this season.
Houston thrives at a number of things: music, Tex-Mex, humidity. But another something that the Bayou City does well that is oft overlooked is beer. With over 50 breweries in the Greater Houston Area, the city taps out some of the finest suds the nation has to offer. While the beer alone is enough to give you all the warm fuzzy feelings, you can do yourself one better by imbibing them at the source. Take a gander at this list of our 10 favorite Houston breweries and see which one is right for you. [Featured image: @saintarnoldbrewing]
1. Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Surprised? Houston’s oldest brewery honors Saint Arnold, the patron saint of brewers. From it’s (still relatively) new cathedral-inspired beer garden to its church-like restaurant (temporarily closed), the brewery is most devout in its fanatical-like commitment to crafting spirits. Come Sunday, come any day to pay homage to the gospel of good beer. Our favorites include the Lawnmower, Summer Pils, and (in October) the one and only Pumpkinator.
2. Brash Brewing
With a punk-rock attitude, and DIY flair, Brash Brewing might seem like they don’t give any f*cks, but when it comes to their beers it’s evident that they do give some. Crank things up with their heavy-hitting American Imperial Stouts like the Abide, Cortado, and/or Milk The Venom, or go unplugged with their more hot-weather-appropriate Snapcrackle Czech Pilsner.
3. 8th Wonder
Houston loves its sports, and so does 8th Wonder. The Astrodome-inspired brewery and distillery in East Downtown concocts a vibrant mix of artisanal beers that honor H-town’s home teams. Additionally, the warehouse-style brewery is home to a gigantic one-acre patio and lawn complete with the on-site food truck, Eatsie Boys, that serves their famous Elote Fries – waffled fries doused with buttered corn, cotija cheese, garlic alioli, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
4. Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
Located on 2101 Summer St. in Sawyer Yards is an enormous three-story, 28,000-square-foot brewery and restaurant home to Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. Houston’s self-proclaimed “most creative brewery” a fabulous variety of inventive and enticing suds that include the Coconut Mole, Bananas Foster, and Maple Chili Jam concoctions. Of course, their go-tos remain to be their stellar 1836 copper ale and Crush City IPA. All of which go in hand with Buff’s top-notch dining options – not excluding Saturday crawfish boils – and unbeatable views of the Houston skyline from their complex.
5. Lone Pint Brewery
If Lone Pint Brewery solely focused all of their efforts making their magificent Yellow Rose single malt and single hop IPA, and that beer alone – without any facility, patio, or additional brews – the brewery would still make this list: the beer is that good. Alas, the Magnolia-based brewery makes a variety of delicious brews including their stellar Zythophile Lone Hop Series. Additionally, the family-owned, renewable-energy-powered brewery offers a hill country-esque beer garden frequented by live bands, markets, and a tasty variety of food trucks.
6. Eureka Heights
Legend has it that Eureka Heights was born from a years-long spirit quest at the recommendation of a gas station stranger. The brewery, named from the fault system beneath the facility, embodies a quirky spirit that finds its way into its beers, such as their flagship Buckle Bunny Cream Ale, season Moo Caliente cayenne-infused milk stout, and Ax Hat Norwegian-style Kveik pale ale. The colorful tap room is located in the Heights and features rotating food trucks. You can also win yourself a sticker by finding their hidden Betty White figurine.
7. B-52 Brewing Company
In addition to 20 beers on tap, B-52 offers a vast selection of wine, cider, and mead to accompany your taste buds in their wooded, pet-friendly beer garden. B-52 is planted on a sprawling, seven-acre oasis populated with picnic tables, yard games, and happy drinkers. Notable libations include the Super Smoothie: PB&J imperial sour, Table Tart: Pink Guava sour, and the eyebrow-raising Golden Lemon Oreo Pastry Oat Wine.
8. Spindletap
Spindletap made its name with their exquisite hazy IPAs – most notably their Houston Haze. Presently the brewery has over a dozen beers on tap that also include Russian Imperial stouts, lagers, and pilsners. On 10622 Hirsch Rd north of Trinity and Houston Gardens, the brewery is located on an expansive, 3.5-acre complex that offers everything from putt-putt, wiffle ball, to volleyball, kickball, and disc golf.
9. Holler Brewing Company
Holler Brewing takes their craft seriously. After extensive training and preparation, the brewery opened in Sawyer Yards in 2016. Here, you’ll find over a dozen rotating beers on tap – that which tinker with traditional flavors with a meticulous touch. Their standout beer, the ESB, was a 2017 GABF Bronze medal winner. Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available at their facility, rotating food trucks on site.
10. Karbach
This pick comes with palpable reluctance considering the brewery sold out to Anheuser-Busch InBev a few years back. Nevertheless, Karbach brews undeniably tasty beers. Their Hop Delusion, Hopadillo, and Rodeo Clown IPAs, all offer a crisp and bright flavor perfect for hot sunny afternoons. Karbach’s brewery has a sizable patio for outdoor activities as well as a surprisingly solid restaurant.