The craft beer scene in Texas is flourishing, and Houston’s local breweries are burgeoning in number and the amount of delicious and unique brews they are creating. It is no wonder that Houston would play such an important role in these hoppy creations since Texas’ oldest craft brewery is located here.
The Saint Arnold Brewing company opened its doors in 1994 as Houston’s first microbrewery. Over the years, it’s been joined by numerous microbreweries and brewpubs, with the largest boom in growth taking place only in the last few years.
With so many great spots to choose from, it’s hard to know which breweries should be top of your list to try. It was no easy feat, but we’ve picked a handful of our favorites.
A few characteristics that are high on our list for must-visit spots?
- Spacious seating and a relaxing atmosphere
- Good or convenient location and a lot of parking
- A willingness to experiment and create adventurous flavors
- The allure of something exclusive
- A source of food nearby for when the inevitable urge to snack sets in
- And of course, anything that incorporates local or Texas culture always hits a soft spot
Brewing in Houston
Finding a brewpub is not hard these days when you visit the city. Houston is home to a wide variety of breweries, including some of Texas’s oldest companies and brand new ones that are just starting to make a name for themselves. Consider visiting various breweries while in Houston. If you stop by some of these breweries’ taprooms, you will find that they also have restaurants or other forms of entertainment.
These brands also sell their beers in cans, so when you visit the supermarket, keep an eye out for them. However, if you want to experience a real taproom, visit these breweries and take advantage of everything Houston has to offer. Here are the best breweries located in Houston.
Best Breweries in Houston
1. Saint Arnold Brewing Company
It’s not a surprise that we ranked Saint Arnold brewing co. as the first on the list since it is well known for being the oldest craft brewing in both the Texas and Houston region. The brewing company has made a significant difference in the beer scene in Houston and even lobbied the government for years. Thus, numerous microbreweries began to develop in the area as a result. It is open from Sunday to Thursday and its seasonal hours are from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Compared to other Houston brewers, Saint Arnold’s beers have received many awards from the Great American Beer Fest. In addition, a beer garden and restaurant have been established, making Houston a perfect location for beer lovers. Summer Pils, Oktoberfest, and other beers are some of their most well-liked offerings.
2. Holler Brewing Company
The Holler Brewing Company stands out from other breweries’ for its commitment to the craft. John and Katheryn Holler, who founded this brewery, received formal training in various cities before founding their brewery in Houston. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm.
You will find that holler brewing companies sell their beer in the taproom and specific bars in Houston. If you are unsure which beer to drink first, try the ESB brewery that received the medal from the great American beer fest in 2017. The beer is made in an English-style ale with toffee undertones and heavy hop flavors.
3. True Anomaly Brewery Company
The True anomaly was opened in 2019 and is located close to the 8th wonder brewing. It’s one of the newest Houston breweries. Despite its newness in the market, the brewery was able to establish a reputation within a short period especially considering the various sour brews and old-world ales it offers. It’s open from Monday to Wednesday from 2 pm to 10 pm, Thursday and Friday from 2 pm to 12 am, Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 8 pm.
True anomaly has maintained a competitive advantage by following Houston beer trends, hence staying ahead of its stiff competitors. If you choose to visit this brewing company, consider the Trappist-1 beer, which is a fantastic option because it showcases a contemporary rendition of a single Belgian beer with a hoppy character, dry finish, and superb aromatics.
4. 11 Below Brewery Company
This open-air brewery is located in a corporate park on the northwest side of town just outside Beltway 8. This allows for a spacious venue with plenty of picnic tables and ample parking. 11 Below Brewing company also has rotating food trucks bringing a variety of tasty treats for patrons. Happy hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 5–8 pm, and the open house is every Saturday from 12–3 pm. Admission to the brewery is free, and they operate on a token system.
5. Spindle Tap Brewery Company
Another of Houston’s best breweries is Spindle Tap Brewery. What inspired the company’s name is the Texas oil Spindletop. Even though the brewery launched a little over five years ago, its reputation among other breweries has grown swiftly. Its fame is primarily due to its Houston-focused beer line. The Houston Haze, a member of the Hazy Collection, is one of their most well-known brews.
The tasty IPA has a hoppiness character and an orange hue. Most of their beers on tap are opaque-colored pale ales with pleasing aromas. Taproom hours include Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and closing on Monday. Additionally, beer-to-go hours include Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm.
6. Under the Radar Brewery Company
Under the Radar has a little bit of something for everyone with beers, including a Dirty Blonde Ale, Mid Frequency IPA, and Porter Authority. The taproom is open Thursday and Friday evenings, all day on Saturday, and from noon to 7 pm on Sunday. They are dog- and family-friendly and have live music on Friday nights from 6 to 8 pm. A German food truck is located conveniently next door, which is the perfect pairing for the brewery’s cozy outdoor Biergarten.
7. Sigma Brewing Company
Sigma Brewing Company changed its name to Equal Parts Brewing Company. It offers a fun atmosphere with a movie projector and plenty of games available for entertainment. The taproom is roomy, making it a great spot to mingle with friends, and there is even a comfortable couch to lounge on.
Outdoor seating is also available, and we hear the bartenders are ready to share the brewery’s origin story. Consider visiting the place and sample their ever-growing beer list available as a flight and a half or full pour. It is open from Sunday from 12 to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday from 1 to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 12 am.
8. Bakfish Brewing Company
BakFish’s 2000-square-foot tap room is located in Pearland, just off the main thoroughfare. They offer brews like the All Y’all Golden Ale and Goat Roper Brown Porter, with plenty of bar-top and picnic table seating indoors and out. Food trucks are close by and always changing, and outdoor games are readily available to help pass the time.
The venue is open seven days a week and is very family and dog-friendly. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm.
9. Karbach Brewing Company
Given that Anheuser-Busch InBev already owns Karbach Brewing Co., some Houston beer lovers may dispute the company’s ranking as one of the best breweries in Houston. But it is still a brewery in this city and still sells premium beer. It is open on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 11 pm, and closes on Monday and Tuesday.
Love street and Hopadillo are two of Karbach Brewing Co.’s best beers and popular choices in Houston. During Christmas, enjoy their Yule Shoot Your Eye Out beer, a luscious red ale with undertones of citrus and caramel malt.
10. 8TH Wonder Brewing Company
At 8th Wonder Brewing, their craft beer is brewed inside a dome-like warehouse, paying homage to the Astrodome, nicknamed the 8th Wonder of the World. Year-round brews include the Houston and Dome Faux’m, a throwback cream ale. Other limited edition brews have included BO$$ Beer, a pineapple wheat, and French Toast, a breakfast beer. The taproom is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, except for Sundays when they close early at 6 pm.
11. Brash Brewing Company
Brash Brewing is next on our list, which faced numerous obstacles before becoming a Houston-based company. Ben Fullelove, the founder of Petrol Station, a craft beer pub, founded the Brash Brewing Company. However, Fullelove had to create Brash as a contract brand brewed in Massachusetts due to Texas state rules. However, due to the modified rules, Brash Brewing now operates in Houston without restriction.
The beers at this brewery are full of surprises because the brewers are free to create whatever they choose. As a result, you may anticipate a wide variety of craft beers from this brewery, and most of their brews contain several hops. Its open on Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 12 pm to 1 am, and closes on Monday.
12. City Acre Brewing Company
Next on the list is City Acre Brewing, which is set on impressing beer enthusiasts. It’s one of the city’s top breweries. This Houston brewpub offers a wide selection of beers to suit different tastes. If you want something drinkable and light, a hoppy brew, or even a black and malty, then City Acre brewing has got you. It’s open on Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 12 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
One of the best features of this brewery is its use of on-site sourced fresh produce to make all of its beers. It is housed in a Victorian-style home with a sizable garden area, beer garden, and a tranquil taproom that you can rent out for events. Since they don’t distribute many beers, it’s important to go to the brewery in person to enjoy the entire experience.
13. Platypus Brewing Company
Beers at Platypus Brewing are “brewed with a Texas Heart and an Australian Soul.” Bobby Dazzler, an Australian ale, and the Freckled Dingo are a tribute to two of the owners’ Australian roots, while Stars at Night is a tip of the hat to Texas. So come out and enjoy one of these worldly brews on the outdoor deck.
Dinner and afternoon snacks are available daily, with lunch offered Friday through Sunday. On Sundays, they even have a rotating brunch menu. They are open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm.
14. Local Group Brewing Company
Due to its proximity to Saint Arnold, you can always visit the Local Group Brewing taproom without traveling too far. They have 20 taps of housed-brewed beers, wine, cold brew, cider, and soda. Additionally, apart from the brewery, they have a kitchen that serves various dishes like pretzels loaded with sausages and fried chicken sandwiches. You will also find dishes infused with some of their best beers.
Some of their best beers include Kettle sours, Hop School, blonde ales, juicy IPAs, and Blurry Eyes. The brewery is open Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. In addition, the kitchen is open every day.
15. New Magnolia Brewing Company
Another great microbrewery in Houston on our list is New Magnolia. Although it doesn’t have a fancy design like other places on our list, the open, industrial style where the taproom is located ensures you won’t feel out of place. They have only been in business for about two years; their plain beer varieties have already won over beer enthusiasts.
The First Bloom and the Tropical Splitz are a few delightful beers on their tap list for the summer. The Heights Light Lager is another well-liked by beer enthusiasts and is available all year round. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm, Friday from 2 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 9 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm.
16. Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company
Brewery tours at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company take place every Saturday from noon to 3 pm. These tours give you an exclusive chance to taste all draught beers and even present the opportunity to sample experimental beers that aren’t available elsewhere. This combined with nearby food trucks and pet adoptions makes this the perfect way to while away a Saturday afternoon. There are two flagship beers, 1836, named after the year Texas attained independence and the Crush City IPA. It’s open from Monday to Sunday.
17. Ingenious Brewing Company
People who know anything about ingenious brewing would be able to appreciate why it delivers such delicious brews. Two creative homebrewers founded the Ingenious brewing company with scientific background combined with their imagination. As a result, a batch of exceptional brews was created. If you are considering visiting this brewery, then you are in luck because they will offer you 24 freshly and creatively brewed draft beers on tap ranging from tart sours brews to creamy stouts and so much more.
To keep your beer well-frosted, you may enjoy it in the outdoor garden while using frozen beer toppers. Its open on Monday and Tuesday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 am
We hope you enjoy trying some of these awesome local microbreweries. Let us know which ones are your favorites!
Featured Image Source: 365thingsinhouston.com