10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Lake Austin

"Their “Core Four” brews — Pearl-Snap, Peacemaker, Fire Eagle, and Flavor Country— are well-known to anyone who knows anything about local beer. They also boast an impressive rotation of seasonals, like their citrusy and hoppy Bloodwork Orange IPA, and the beloved Sputnik. This Russian Imperial Coffee Oatmeal Stout is only available in December and January, and it gets its very own release party every winter."

"The North Burnet brewery is one of Austin’s iconic ones, and it’s one of the city’s more fun ones. The taproom is expansive, with plenty of alfresco seating perfect for drinking its core beers (the Pearl Snap is a great one) as well as exclusive and seasonal offerings. There’s also its own food truck, the Can-Tina, serving up burgers and tacos, with meat and vegetarian options."

"They are also only selling beers in cans or cups, but not glasses. Additionally, their food truck is closed for right now and they are credit card only. LocationNorth Austin (Domain area)"

"South Austin The St. Elmo development (which seemingly popped up overnight) is anchored by booze, and alongside Austin Winery,Skull Mechanix, and Still Austin Whiskey, you’ll find the highly (and deservedly) popular St. Elmo Brewing. The seating inside is community-style, with easy access to view the inner workings of the brewery, and the dog-friendly yard plays host to Trivia Tuesdays and live music on Grassy Thursdays. The beers here are named like so many favorite children; take a turn with the classy Evangeline Saison, be bold with the Jan German IPA, or drown the sorrows of the world with Angus."

"South Austin beer studs St. Elmo did us a solid this year by surprise-releasing their 2019 ABG Best Everyday Beer mega-hit Carl kolsch in sixers and sending them out to market for all of us to enjoy in our own living rooms while listening to Positions for the dozenth time in a row. That alone is worthy of a lofty ranking. But if you've visited St. Elmo's biergarten anytime recently, you'll know that they are still making approximately 482 flawless beers every negative nine seconds, including this writer's favorite beer of 2020 in Canopy double dry-hopped hazy IPA."

"In addition to its inventive beers, this new brewery also serves pour-over coffee and delicious Asian fusion bites from its resident food truck, Soursop. The large beer garden would also be a great place to hang out and listen to live music on a warm night."

"As long as we’re in East Austin, here’s one more for you to check off your list!. Blue Owl Brewing has grown their loyal clientele by, impressively, only brewing kettle sours."

"Many breweries have chosen to lean into the current craze for hops and bitterness. But Blue Owl Brewing on E. Cesar Chavez has dedicated their craft to the sour beer styles."

"Spirit Animals Will flock to this sour house To give a big hoot #vandayum"

"East 6th Nestled in the heart of East 6th street, Zilker’s casual and inviting taproom is a good spot for an after-work beer and a bite. The space is large, with community tables and plenty of opportunities to belly up, and the taps feature Zilker’s own brews along with a rotating selection of craft classics. If you’re in the market for food, Hot Mess is the onsite food trailer slinging burgers, tacos and wings."

"Stop in to the sleek Zilker Brewing Co. taproom and try a pint of their noted Coffee Milk Stout. Zilker also hosts a ton of fun events, from beer pairings to yoga-and-beer sessions. Nosh on some Asian-inspired fried chicken from the on-site Spicy Boys food truck.Patio dining and beer-to-go available: https://www.toasttab.com/zilker-brewing-company/v3"

"Operating from a prime location on East Sixth, Zilker Brewing utilizes a 15-barrel brewhouse situated in a casual, yet sleek taproom designed by legendary Dick Clark. The taproom is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 11 p.m."

"Why not travel to another part of the world for breakfast at the Whip In Convenience Store and Pub?. Serving up Indian takes on Southern breakfast classics, Whip In’s weekday breakfast offerings include items like the Mumbai Migas, which is served with cilantro chutney and basmati rice, and naan tacos. Eager to make sure that everyone feels welcome, Whip In also serves favorites like waffles and shrimp and grits."

"Kolaches are never not a crowd-pleaser, no matter the time of day. Batch offers a diverse array of Czech goodies and new pastry chef Madison Reis has launched a revamped menu of kolaches, including kid-pleasing peanut butter and chocolate and parent-pleasing Micklethwait Craft Meats brisket and barbecue sauce. The vegetarian-pleasing veggie sausage and cheese kolaches remain, and there are also snacks for those non-kolache-eating weirdos."

"Batch isn't a 2020 brewery, but we started hearing the buzz of admiration right around the beginning of lockdown, which is a ripe ingredient in a nine-layer dip of hype. First, brew several small batches of exceptional, double-dry-hopped IPAs with 8,000 Strata hops per square milliliter. Set the haze-o-meter to "Oat Milk Latte." Shutter the front doors to the public indefinitely."

"3220 Manor Rd., 512/401-3025, www.batchatx.comHours: Wed.-Sun., 8am-9pm. Batch is picturesque, with its very large backyard butting up against Contigo's east fence. The house-brewed beer is amazing, the kolaches and klobasniky are well-executed, and the coffee program is in the upper echelon."

"The future Pinthouse envisions is an IPA in every man's, woman's, and Martian's hands by 2050 as the hazy beer powerhouse continues to expand into the cosmos within the next few decades."

"The North Burnet brewery brews its beers with Texas and German brewing processes, leading to stalwart drafts like the Envy (an amber) and the Blur (a Texas hefe), all available to drink at its great outdoor and indoor spaces. Seafood truck Huckleberry is parked at the taproom for all food needs. The beers are also available within the Q2 Stadium."

"Circle Brewery gets down to the basics, using German standards for its brewing process. The tasting room is open Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., until 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m."

"Austin Java is a great place to get breakfast or to just grab some great coffee. Omelettes or breakfast tacos are sprinkled through the breakfast menu, and don’t sleep on the Chicken Satay Sandwich — it’s a time-tested favorite. Pro tip: Try the fog cutter."

"If you live in or plan on being in the Dripping Springs area this place is awesome. Austin Java has good food, service, and ambiance. They have a wonderful outdoor space with a playground."

"From their tasty but unconventional quinoa porridge to the hearty waffle sandwich packed with cheese, eggs, bacon and, of course, a generous pour of syrup, there’s always something new and delicious to sink your teeth into. With bright and welcoming interiors, it’s easy to understand why so many people love stopping by Forthright for breakfast. Apart from this, their extensive drink and coffee menu and their breakfast menu are full of classics and modern twists on crowd favorites."

"Breakfast at the downtown restaurant is solid, from the breakfast plate with eggs, breakfast potatoes, and toasted sourdough bread; the chicken and waffles; to the avocado toast. The restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor patio services, pickup orders can be placed online."

"If you’re looking for a more laid back patio with awesome daily specials Doc’s Backyard Grill is your spot. This South Austin gem has plenty of outdoor seating and when the weather is nice they open up the garage doors in the restaurant to make it one large open area. Doc’s is the perfect family-friendly hangout, whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or coming to watch the Longhorns play, your kiddos will be pumped every time you stop by!"

"A terraced patio gives parents a great vantage point to watch kids roam the expansive play area and climbing trees at Doc’s in Sunset Valley. The menu is standard bar fare, with tacos, salads, burgers, and nachos featuring heavily. There’s an excellent selection of Texas craft beer on tap, while cocktails lean toward the light porch pounders with vodka and tequila mixers."

"This guide is part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance’s 2021 City Guide. Check out more of the best eats in Austin, curated by Austin food bloggers, on the full list of guides."

"From Aztec-inspired corn tortillas to corn god murals, there’s no way to mistake that you’ve come upon Nixta. It bumps with major tunes, a sparkly gold disco ball, and knock-your-socks-off vibrant colors including coyoacan blue (a la Frida Kahlo’s home). Although the inside is a little snug and short on elbow room, what it lacks in fancy finishes and head space it makes up for in lively energy and out-of-the-box tacos like marinated yellowfin tuna with furikake and duck confit with salsa cruda."

"The little casual taqueria, from co-owners chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi, has quickly become a taco darling for good reason. Rico works magic into every single one of the East Austin spot’s new-school tacos and tostadas. While the meatier items are great, the vegetable ones really showcase his inventive skills: the beet tartare is a pure work of art."

"Find high-end but approachable tacos at Nixta, where chef Edgar Rico coaxes incredible flavors out of ingredients like sweet potatoes and beets. The beet tartare tostada has already won over at least one beet-hater. Don’t miss the coconut milk paletas for dessert."

"Back in the day, the location where cafe and bar Kinda Tropical, stands was once a gas station—and, although you may not be able to get a lotto ticket and a packet of Slim Jims from there now, it continues to fuel the Austin population in other ways. Not just with their tasty food and bountiful drinks, but with the friendly and relaxing vibes to be found on their back patio. It is a place where you can as easily meet up with friends as you can go and hang out by yourself with a good book."