Houston, Texas may be known for its oil and gas industry, but it’s also home to a thriving craft beer scene. With over 50 breweries in Houston TX, there’s no shortage of options for beer lovers to explore. From traditional German-style brews to experimental flavors, Houston’s breweries offer something for everyone.
Why Visit a Brewery in Houston?
A Growing Craft Beer Scene
Houston’s craft beer scene has been steadily growing over the past decade, with new breweries popping up all over the city. This growth has led to a diverse range of styles and flavors, making it an exciting destination for beer enthusiasts.
Every Houston-based brewery boasts a unique ambiance and culture of its own. Going to a brewery helps you see the local community and culture in outdoor areas and taprooms.
Breweries We Visited in Houston
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Texas with their first keg of beer shipping in June of 1994. The brewery is in downtown Houston in several old industrial buildings. It has both regular and seasonal beers, like the popular Lawnmower Kolsch and Juicy IPA.
Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and enjoy a beer in their spacious beer garden.
We tried a flight of beers called Texas Vacation, including:
- Tropical Mimosa Cider: Cider with a brunch twist.
- Citrus Shandy: I am not always a fan of Grapefruit flavors, but it was subtle. Great for summer.
- Juicy IPA: Easy drinking with tropical and citrusy flavors
- Banger IPA: The subtle melon flavor sets this one apart!
- Tarnation: Tasty ale and 9.0% ABV!
8th Wonder Brewery
Named after the iconic Astrodome, 8th Wonder Brewery is a must-visit for any beer or Houston sports fan. This brewery pays homage to the city’s history and culture through its beer names and can designs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including their popular Dome Foam cream ale, while taking in the views of the downtown skyline from their eclectic spacious outdoor patio.
Sadly, they didn’t offer flights but the bartender was more than happy to let us try any of their tapped beers. On this visit we tried:
- Premium Goods: Belgian Dubbel was okay, but not worth getting a pint
- Dome Foam: Their signature Cream Ale…easy drinker
- Cougar Paw: Red Ale. It was different. That is all.Â
and settled on a full pour of:
- Oakiee & Booziee: Barleywine that packs a punch!Â
- Sabotage Stout: Okay stout (not too bitter)
True Anomaly Brewing
In true random fashion, we stumbled across True Anomaly Brewing after our dinner in the EaDo.
We tried a flight of:
- Friedrich: Sour that wasn’t our favorite
- Fruity Pellets: Not much more to say, but it was an IPA
- Great Fire: (Fass Brewing) Never had a Rauchbier but I sort of liked it–it was smoky (as in campfire smokey)Â Â
More Breweries Worth a Visit
During our short stay in Houston, we could only visit a limited number of breweries, but there are many others worth a visit.
Karbach Brewing Co.
While we could not visit Karbach, this brewery is featured at the Astros Stadium. We tried several while watching a game during our stay.Â
Karbach Brewing Co. is a popular destination for beer lovers in Houston. Their taproom has more than 20 different beers to choose from. Some favorites are the Hopadillo IPA and Love Street Kolsch-style blonde. In addition to tasting their beers, visitors can eat at the on-site restaurant, Karbach Kitchen. They also serve tasty pub-style dishes.
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
Eureka Heights Brew Co. is a family-owned brewery that focuses on the community. Their taproom features a variety of beers, including their popular Buckle Bunny cream ale and Wicket Awesome ESB. Visitors can try different food trucks and join events like trivia nights and live music.
Spindletap Brewery
Spindletap Brewery is popular in Houston for its hazy IPAs. Many beer lovers in the city really like it. Their taproom offers a variety of beers, including their popular Houston Haze IPA and Boomtown Blonde. Visitors can also enjoy food from their on-site kitchen, which offers a menu of classic pub dishes.
Planning Your Brewery Tour
Use a Houston Breweries Map
Houston has more than 50 breweries. It’s hard to decide which ones to go to. Using a Houston breweries map can help you plan your tour and ensure you don’t miss any must-visit spots.
Consider a Brewery Tour
If you want to visit multiple breweries without worrying about transportation, consider booking a brewery tour. In other cities, this has been our favorite way to experience many breweries in one day. There are companies in Houston that give tours to breweries and take you to the best ones. They drive you from place (or maybe even let you bike from place) to place so you get to relax and taste beers.
Conclusion
Houston has many great craft breweries to visit and experience. It’s a thriving scene that you don’t want to miss out on. We wanted more time to visit more breweries in Houston. The three we did go to were the best parts of our trip. Whether you like classic German beers or want to try something new, there’s a beer for everyone to like.
Get a map, plan your trip, and enjoy Houston’s top beer!
Cheers!