Austin’s craft beer scene buzzes with energy, creativity, and that unmistakable local charm that makes this city special. From farmhouse ales fermenting with wild yeast to award-winning pilsners that put Austin on the brewing map, the city’s breweries offer something way beyond your typical beer experience. These aren’t just places to grab a drink — they’re community hubs where locals gather to share stories, enjoy live music, and discover their next favorite brew.
The best part about Austin’s brewing landscape is how each spot has its own personality, just like the neighborhoods they call home. You might find yourself sipping a coffee stout at sunrise or enjoying a crisp lager under the stars, all while surrounded by the kind of welcoming atmosphere that only happens when passionate brewers meet enthusiastic beer lovers.
Here are 14 breweries that Austin locals swear by each offering their own slice of the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Jester King Brewery
Jester King is arguably Austin’s most internationally recognized brewery, earning accolades from beer enthusiasts worldwide for its farmhouse ales and wild fermentation techniques. This 40-acre ranch sits about 18 miles west of downtown Austin in the scenic Hill Country, where they specialize in beer fermented with wild yeast.
The experience here goes far beyond just drinking beer — you’re stepping into a working farm where goats roam freely, and pizza comes fresh from wood-fired ovens. Readers of Craft Beer and Brewing magazine voted Jester King as their favorite sour brewery worldwide, ahead of legendary names like Russian River and Cantillon.
Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks is at the heart of Austin’s beer culture, serving as the go-to spot locals take eager out-of-towners to experience authentic Austin brewing. Their Pearl Snap lager has become a local legend, while seasonal offerings like Acoustic Metal Czech-style dark lager keep regulars coming back for more.
The brewery operates multiple locations, including the original spot and the newer Sprinkleworks facility, though locals still gravitate toward the original for its unbeatable vibe and beer board options. ABW recently scored awards at the Texas Craft Brewers Cup with a bronze for Flavor Country and a silver for Killer Strains Golden Sour Ale.
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Lazarus Brewing
Lazarus Brewing earned recognition at last year’s Texas Craft Brewers Cup with gold medals for both their Bohemian-style pilsner Dark Horse, and their flagship Prodigal Pils. This bright blue brewery on East Sixth Street combines the best of coffee culture with exceptional brewing, serving everything from breakfast tacos to late-night beers.
Founded by Christian Cryder, who moved from Montana specifically to open this brewpub, Lazarus was designed as a space where people can ‘share life’ together. The communal tables, cozy living room area, and dog-friendly patio create the perfect environment for both solo laptop sessions and group gatherings.
Zilker Brewing
Founded on principles of craftsmanship, community, and sustainability, Zilker Brewing has rapidly become a pivotal player in defining downtown Austin’s beer culture. This hip brewery in east Austin has recently started picking up awards at the Texas Craft Brewers Cup, though locals have known and loved these beers since opening in 2015.
Their Marco IPA delivers a 7% bready experience perfect for nights out on East 6th Street, while the Heavenly Daze satisfies hazy IPA lovers. For hot afternoons, the Icy Boys at just 4.6% ABV pairs perfectly with sandwiches from Spicy Boys Chicken food truck parked outside.
Friends and Allies Brewing
Friends and Allies earned silver at the Texas Craft Brewers Cup with their Red IPA Silent Laughter in the Specialty Hop category. Located in south Austin, this brewery has expanded beyond their taproom by getting their core beers — Mucho Gusto Mexican Lager, Matamata NZ Hazy IPA, and Sup Y’all West Coast IPA — into local stores and H-E-B.
The combination of helpful staff, cool atmosphere, variety of brews, and on-site food makes it a top-notch brewery experience. While you might miss their phenomenal Jala Pep pizza when drinking at home, the accessibility of their canned beers means you can enjoy Friends and Allies anywhere.
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Nomadic Beerworks & Outpost
The Nomadics earned the ‘Best Family Outpost’ award in Austin’s 2024 Best of Austin awards, combining spectacular house beers with rotating food pop-ups, free live music, and plenty of running room for kids. Their dual brewery concept offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a casual family outing or a serious beer tasting session.
The Sunset Valley location particularly shines for families wanting to enjoy craft beer without judgment or stress. Their approach to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment has made them an underrated gem in Austin’s competitive brewery scene.
Hold Out Brewing
Hold Out Brewing operates as a hidden gem in Austin’s heart, greeting visitors with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Built as a neighborhood hub, this brewery recently hosted a hardcore noise show instead of a polka band for their Novemberfest release, showing their commitment to keeping Austin weird.
Their beer selection spans from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs, with each sip crafted to showcase unique and flavorful brewing techniques. The efficiency and knowledge of their staff ensures every recommendation hits the mark, making this spot perfect for both beer novices and experienced enthusiasts.
Independence Brewing
When Amy Cartwright opened Independence Brewing in 2004, she was only one of three production breweries in Austin and certainly the only woman-owned one. Fast forward to today, and Independence has become the eighth largest brewery in the entire state, with Cartwright serving as a pillar of the craft beer community.
Their Austin Amber became a signature gateway beer for the local craft scene, while Stash IPA contributed significantly to the brewery’s growth over the past decade. Drinking at Independence feels like experiencing a piece of Austin beer history firsthand.
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Central District Brewing
Central District Brewing rises to the top of Austin’s brewing scene with its ideal location, friendly staff, diverse beer selection, and chill vibe that defines the city’s brewery culture. The availability of board games adds an extra layer of entertainment, making it perfect for both casual dates and group hangouts.
Their approach to creating a welcoming space where people can spend hours enjoying great beer and good company embodies what makes Austin’s brewery scene special. The combination of quality brewing and community atmosphere makes this spot a regular destination for discerning locals.
Obsidian Brewing
Obsidian operates as both a brewery and experimental pizza joint, offering unique selections like Parkles Aussie-style sparkling ale, A Boy Can Dream strawberry hefeweizen, and an imperial stout made with Round Rock Donuts called Donut Mess With Texas.
Their Japanese-style rice lager Kokuyoseki delivers a perfectly dried-out and subtly sweet experience from this three-month-old brewery. The pizza program mirrors their experimental beer approach, featuring creations like the Bianco Basalt with garlic oil, burrata, prosciutto, arugula, and hot honey.
This combination of innovative brewing and creative food makes Obsidian a standout in Austin’s evolving brewery landscape.
Prost Brewing
Prost’s taproom feels warm and inviting with diverse seating options including bartop, high top, standard, and balcony seating. Their schwarzbier called Finish Line ranks among the best dark lagers in Texas, served properly in dimpled mugs with toasty, nutty, dry flavors and a bite of dark chocolate.
For the particularly ambitious, they offer 1-liter mugs for many of their lagers. The strategic placement of flat-screens allows for sports viewing without dominating the atmosphere, making it perfect for gathering during games while maintaining conversation-friendly vibes.
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Celis Brewery
Celis represents more than just a brewery — it’s a storied revival of a rich brewing legacy founded by legendary Belgian brewer Pierre Celis. This revival fuses authentic Belgian brewing methods with Austin’s distinctive character, creating remarkable ales deeply rooted in tradition yet infused with local Texan charm.
Their renowned wit biers demonstrate the finesse of balancing complex flavors with refreshing drinkability, a hallmark of Belgian brewing tradition. The brewery’s ambiance pays tribute to its heritage, blending old-world charm with Austin’s modern, lively spirit.
Slackers Brewing
Slackers lean heavily into Gen X, 1990s microbrewery ambience with a small, industrial-core taproom and open display of their brewing process. Their beer lineup includes nineties staples like James Brown brown ale, Milkman nitro milk stout, Beachcomber Belgian blonde, and The Situation traditional piney IPA alongside more modern styles.
This hidden gem in northwest Austin near Cedar Park has quietly made a name for itself among the local community. Slackers reconstruct the classic microbrewery experience, offering a nostalgic trip back to craft beer’s earlier days.
Last Stand Brewing
Last Stand Brewing Company greets visitors with warm, friendly staff who are both knowledgeable about their beers and extremely accommodating. Despite ‘brewery’ being in their name, Last Stand proves they know how to serve up delicious food alongside their beer offerings.
The combination of great beer, excellent food, and attentive service creates a memorable experience that keeps locals coming back. Their staff’s enthusiasm for their craft adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every visit, making this brewery a standout destination in Austin’s competitive landscape.
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Brewing Up Austin’s Future
Austin’s brewery scene today reflects decades of passionate brewing, from pioneering women-owned operations to cutting-edge farmhouse fermentation techniques. These local favorites continue earning recognition at prestigious competitions like the Texas Craft Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup, proving Austin’s brewing talent competes on the global stage.
The city’s breweries have evolved from simple beer-making operations into community gathering spaces where coffee meets craft beer, live music mingles with laughter, and food trucks serve everything from wood-fired pizza to breakfast tacos. What started with just three production breweries in 2004 has blossomed into a thriving ecosystem where innovation, tradition, and Austin’s unique character create experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re planning a Hill Country adventure or exploring East Sixth Street, these local recommendations guarantee you’ll taste the passion, creativity, and community spirit that make Austin’s craft beer scene truly special.
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