Discover the Best Craft Beer in Austin
- The craft beer landscape in Austin, Texas, is characterized by a diverse array of breweries offering a range of styles from traditional pilsners to specialized porters.
- Certain breweries in the Austin area have achieved a level of recognition that makes them staples of the local beer experience.
- The Austin Beer Garden Brewery is noted for its Rocket 100, a Pre-Prohibition Pilsner.
The craft beer landscape in Austin, Texas, is characterized by a diverse array of breweries offering a range of styles from traditional pilsners to specialized porters. The city’s scene includes established names that have become recognized as iconic within Central Texas, as well as newer destinations praised for their atmosphere and service.
Iconic Central Texas Brews
Certain breweries in the Austin area have achieved a level of recognition that makes them staples of the local beer experience. Among these is (512) Brewing Co., known for its 512 IPA and the Pecan Porter. The Pecan Porter is a full-bodied, malty beer infused with locally grown pecans and is frequently found on tap walls during the autumn season.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewery is noted for its Rocket 100, a Pre-Prohibition Pilsner. This specific beer has received multiple accolades, including Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2015, 2017, and 2018, as well as a Bronze Medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup.
Other prominent breweries recognized in the region include Austin Beerworks, which produces the Sputnik and its associated varietals, as well as Jester King, Live Oak, Pinthouse, and Adelbert’s.
Notable Brewery Destinations
Beyond the specific beer styles, the physical environment and service of Austin’s breweries contribute to their appeal. Zilker Brewing Company and Taproom is described as a gem in the city, noted for its craft beer selection, seating options, and well-designed space.
Lazarus Brewing Co., located at 1902 E 6th St, provides a cozy and laidback environment with both indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery is known for a variety of offerings, including hoppy IPAs and smooth stouts, alongside a food menu featuring quesadillas and tacos.
Lazarus Brewing Co. Maintains the following operating hours:
- Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Industry Rankings and Recognition
The competitive nature of the Austin beer scene is reflected in various power rankings and lists. In a 2024 ranking of Austin’s best breweries, several establishments were highlighted, including Central Machine Works, Yokefellow, Frontyard, Hi Sign, The Draught House, and Bear King.
The breadth of the city’s offerings has contributed to its reputation as a significant hub for beer enthusiasts, with some assessments placing Austin among the top beer cities in the United States.