Austin, Texas, has become a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of local breweries that showcase creativity, quality, and Texas pride. From laid-back brewpubs to scenic farmhouse breweries, Austin’s craft beer and brewery tours provide the perfect opportunity to sip on world-class brews while exploring the city’s vibrant beer culture. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a refreshing pint, here’s your guide to the best breweries and tours in Austin.
Experience the 10 Best of Austin’s Craft Beer and Brewery Tours
1. Austin Beerworks
As one of the pioneers of Austin’s craft beer scene, Austin Beerworks has earned a loyal following for its consistently great beers and laid-back atmosphere. Located in North Austin, this brewery is known for its popular core lineup, which includes the Fire Eagle IPA and Pearl-Snap Pils, as well as an ever-changing selection of seasonal releases. The brewery offers tours where you can get an inside look at their brewing process and sample fresh beer straight from the source.
- Specialties: Fire Eagle IPA, Pearl-Snap Pils, seasonal brews.
- Tour Details: Brewery tours are available on select days and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
- Tip: Grab a seat in their spacious taproom or outdoor beer garden and pair your beer with delicious bites from the rotating food trucks.
2. Jester King Brewery
Located just outside of Austin, Jester King Brewery is renowned for its farmhouse ales and spontaneous fermentation. Nestled on a scenic ranch, this brewery offers a unique experience where beer lovers can sip on wild ales while taking in the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Jester King’s commitment to using local ingredients and traditional brewing methods has made it one of the most beloved destinations for Austin’s craft beer and brewery tours.
- Specialties: Farmhouse ales, wild ales, spontaneous fermentation.
- Tour Details: Guided tours are offered regularly and include a walk through the brewery, farm, and barrel-aging areas.
- Tip: Bring a picnic or try one of the wood-fired pizzas from the on-site kitchen while you enjoy a flight of their innovative brews.
3. St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Located in the vibrant St. Elmo neighborhood, St. Elmo Brewing Co. is a local favorite for its diverse range of craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re into IPAs, lagers, or experimental brews, St. Elmo has something to please every palate. Their taproom is a welcoming space, and the outdoor beer garden is perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny day. Don’t forget to pair your beer with something tasty from Soursop, the popular food truck that’s permanently stationed at the brewery.
- Specialties: IPAs, lagers, rotating seasonal beers.
- Tour Details: While St. Elmo Brewing doesn’t offer formal tours, the friendly staff is always happy to chat about their brewing process and beer selections.
- Tip: Try the Carl Kölsch, a crowd-pleaser that’s light, crisp, and perfect for Austin’s warm weather.
4. Lazarus Brewing Co.
Located on East Sixth Street, Lazarus Brewing Co. is known for its community-driven ethos, welcoming taproom, and high-quality beers. This cozy brewpub serves a variety of Belgian, German, and American-style brews, all brewed on-site. With a friendly staff, plenty of seating, and a food menu featuring tacos and coffee, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax with friends.
- Specialties: Belgian-style ales, IPAs, seasonal releases.
- Tour Details: Lazarus Brewing Co. doesn’t have scheduled tours, but you can always ask the bartenders about the brewing process while enjoying your beer.
- Tip: Try their signature Amandus, a smooth Belgian Strong Ale with notes of fruit and spice.
5. Live Oak Brewing Company
Located near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Live Oak Brewing Company is a must-visit for lovers of traditional German-style beers. Known for their outstanding lagers and wheat beers, Live Oak’s biergarten offers the perfect setting to enjoy their award-winning brews. The brewery’s shaded outdoor seating area is ideal for sipping a hefeweizen or pilsner under the Texas sky.
- Specialties: Hefeweizen, Pilz, Big Bark Amber Lager.
- Tour Details: Tours are available by appointment and offer insight into Live Oak’s unique open fermentation process.
- Tip: Pair your beer with one of the delicious snacks available at the biergarten or bring your own picnic.
6. Pinthouse Pizza
Pinthouse Pizza is a brewpub that combines two of the best things in life: great beer and delicious pizza. With multiple locations around Austin, Pinthouse is a go-to spot for fresh craft beer brewed on-site, including their award-winning Electric Jellyfish IPA. The laid-back vibe and extensive beer menu make it a popular spot for beer lovers and families alike.
- Specialties: Electric Jellyfish IPA, seasonal IPAs, house-made pizza.
- Tour Details: While they don’t offer formal tours, Pinthouse’s staff is knowledgeable and happy to share details about their brewing process.
- Tip: Pair your pint with one of their creative pizzas, like the Armadillo Cowboy or the Shroomin’ Goat.
7. The ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.)
The ABGB is an award-winning brewpub known for its relaxed atmosphere, live music, and an impressive lineup of house-brewed beers. The ABGB focuses on crafting clean, well-balanced lagers and ales, which pair perfectly with their menu of wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches. This spot is a true local favorite in Austin’s craft beer and brewery tours circuit, thanks to its combination of great beer, good food, and lively events.
- Specialties: Hell Yes Helles Lager, Industry Pils, rotating seasonal beers.
- Tour Details: The ABGB doesn’t offer regular tours, but their open brewing space allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the brewing process.
- Tip: Visit during one of their live music events for a true Austin experience.
FAQ: Austin’s Craft Beer and Brewery Tours
1. What can I expect from Austin’s brewery tours?
When you join one of Austin’s craft beer and brewery tours, you’ll typically get a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is brewed, from the selection of ingredients to the fermentation process. Many tours include beer tastings, where you can sample a variety of brews and learn about the unique styles offered at each brewery.
2. Are there beer gardens at Austin breweries?
Yes! Many breweries in Austin, like St. Elmo Brewing Co. and Live Oak Brewing Company, feature outdoor beer gardens where you can relax and enjoy your craft beer. These beer gardens are often dog-friendly and offer a laid-back setting with plenty of seating, sometimes accompanied by live music or food trucks.
3. What is the craft beer scene like in Austin?
Austin’s craft beer scene is diverse and innovative, featuring a range of styles from traditional lagers and IPAs to experimental brews using local ingredients. Breweries like Austin Beerworks and Jester King Brewery have gained national recognition for their creative approaches to brewing. Whether you’re a fan of sour ales, hoppy IPAs, or refreshing pilsners, Austin’s craft beer scene has something for every palate.
4. Can I visit multiple breweries in a single day?
Yes! Many Austin brewery tours offer packages that take you to multiple breweries in a single trip. These guided tours often include transportation between stops, so you can relax and enjoy sampling different beers without worrying about driving. You can also create your own brewery crawl, as many of Austin’s best breweries are located close to each other.
5. Are brewery tours family-friendly?
Some brewery tours in Austin are family-friendly, especially those with large outdoor beer gardens where children can play. Breweries like Jester King offer family-friendly environments, and you’ll often find kids and dogs enjoying the open spaces. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery ahead of time, as some tours and venues may be restricted to 21+.
Austin’s craft beer scene is thriving, offering a diverse range of breweries and brewpubs for every type of beer lover. From the farmhouse ales of Jester King to the crisp lagers at Live Oak Brewing, Austin’s craft beer and brewery tours showcase the creativity and passion behind the city’s best brews. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a full beer-centric tour, these breweries will give you a true taste of Austin’s craft beer culture. Use Pacaya to discover upcoming brewery tours and connect with fellow beer enthusiasts as you explore Austin’s vibrant brewing scene!
