Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of amazing breweries in Austin we can’t get enough of (looking at you, Zilker Brewing, Hops & Grain, ABGB, Central Machine Works and St. Elmo), but if you have a hankering to get out of town for an ice-cold pint, we’ve got some friendly suggestions for you. Read on for a list of some awesome breweries outside of Austin. Psst… these are a drive away so be sure to take a designated driver or indulge in an Uber or Lyft. Or better yet, book a seat with a tour company!
1. Jester King
Oh, how we love Jester King. Located in Dripping Springs on a 165-acre ranch, this brewery offers a delightful reason to get out of town. A farm trail connects their multiple gathering spots where you can sit under a chandelier hanging from a big oak tree in the beer garden or grab a spot in their hopyard, goat barn *squeal*, vineyard, canopy, or pasture. They’re also working on a nature trail if you like to sip and walk. Dine on delicious pizza at their laidback on-site restaurant and feel free to bring the kids and fur babies—this place is super family and (leashed) dog friendly.
COVID update: Make a reservation via their website to reserve a time slot for up to six people Wednesdays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dogs are welcome but be sure to bring enough water for yourself and your pups. You can also visit their website daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. to order beer, wine, pizza, merchandise, and grocery goods for curbside pickup.
2. Treaty Oak Distilling
If you’re hanging with friends who enjoy a good cocktail, take them just down the road from Jester King to Treaty Oak Distilling where they can treat themselves to a Bloody Mary, Blackberry Smash, Mojito, or any of the other crafty cocktails on their menu. They also offer delicious beer and wine. (We highly recommend the chilled Rosé on a hot day.) Grab a picnic table under the trees outside of Alice’s Restaurant on weekends to dine on brisket sandwiches and a dip trio of pimiento cheese, hummus, and the best dang chicken salad you’ve ever eaten.
COVID update: They’re currently open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. No reservations necessary but you must wear a mask. There are plenty of places to spread out and hand sanitizer on every table.
3. Vista Brewing
We can’t say enough good things about Vista Brewing! Stop by their highly Instagrammable property in Driftwood for tasty brews, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Take a walk in their apiary and farm garden and take home some fresh vegetables, honey, and other treats (helloooo Antonelli’s cheese board). Picnic tables are sprinkled throughout so grab your crew (kiddo and doggo friendly), order a drink and delicious grub, and sit down and stay awhile.
COVID update: Make a reservation via their website or OpenTable to enjoy their beer garden on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also order online or stop by for to-go and curbside service for beers and bites. Don’t forget your mask!
4. Spoetzl Brewery
It wouldn’t be a Texas brewery list without the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas. We LOVE this independent brewery. You must stop in for a brewery tour (held Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) led by passionate beer makers. Start and end in the adorable gift shop where you can trade in your wooden tokens that come with the tour for samples of their tasty beers. While you’re there, pick up some Shiner dominos, t-shirts, hats, and glassware to take home.
COVID update: To keep their employees safe and the beer brewing, the visitor center, and tours are currently closed.
5. 12 Fox Beer
Located not far in the lovely town of Dripping Springs, 12 Fox Beer – an Army veteran-owned, family, and pup-friendly brewery offers tasty small-batch German brews like the Blurred Fox – a hazy IPA, the Negro Sombrero – a Vienna Lager, and the Julie – a Belgium Tripel. Pair your brews with a charcuterie board from the food truck while you listen to live tunes and watch the kiddos play on the huge playground. Visiting with a non beer drinker? They also offer wine, Mead, and gluten-free cider.
COVID update: Grab your mask and visit them on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also order online or just stop by their taproom to pick up beer, wine, Mead, and cider to-go Wednesdays through Sundays.
6. Infamous Brewing Company
Pack your kids up in the car (both human and fur kinds) and make a short drive out towards Lake Travis to the fun and friendly brewery, Infamous Brewing. Sip on popular favorites like Sweep the Leg Peanut Butter Stout, Dye-It Pils Czech Style Pilsner, and the Infamous IPA while you sit outside and enjoy live music in the beer garden.
COVID update: Order their delicious beer online Wednesdays through Sundays for masked drive-thru pick-up or delivery. Stop by on weekends to order beer to-go and enjoy it next door at the Lakewood Plumbing Beer Garden.
7. Twisted X Brewing Company
Located about 10 minutes down the street from the delicious Salt Lick, you can’t miss Twisted X Brewing‘s giant building sitting off the road in Dripping Springs. Order a flight in the shape of a paddle to taste a sampling of their many Texan-American brews like the Whoa-Mango IPA, Gulf Kolsch, Chupahopra IPA, and Later Days, their session IPA. Interested in a peek behind the scenes? Stop by on Saturday at 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. or Sunday at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. for a free brewery tour. Hungry? Order a delicious pizza from the Daniele’s Pies food truck.
COVID update: Their tasting room is open Thursdays through Sundays – no reservation needed. Grab a pizza at Daniel’s Pies food truck (open Fridays through Sundays) while you’re there!
