A beer garden is defined as an outdoor area where beer and food is served, usually at shared tables. By that definition alone Austin is full of beer gardens because the ATX loves its beer! So we’re breaking them down, starting with South Austin. Austin.com contributor Exploring Amanda gives us her hot take on the best of the best.
Here Are The Five Best Beer Gardens in South Austin
St. Elmo | 440 East St. Elmo Road
This is one of my go-to spots. Seriously, you can most often find me here on weekend nights. St. Elmo Brewery offers live music, food from a Spicy Boys food truck outside, lots of games (Jenga anyone?!), and indoor seating. They even offer a monthly hiking league if that’s your thing. Plus, they’re all about community and it shows. I recommend trying the Chico if you like a good light pale ale and/or the Gary if you’re into juicy IPA’s (like me)!
The Armadillo Den | 10106 Menchaca Road
This new(ish) south Austin spot is perfect for you if you’re looking for open space, lots of shade, wifi, and TONS of beer options. 18 beers on draft, six draft cocktails, garden games, and three food trucks. The Den itself features two stories with a deck overlook which, in my opinion, is the best seat in the house when there is live music on the stage.
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. ( ABGB) | 1305 West Oltorf Street
ABGB is great for a large party when you want to grab a bite and a pint. They have a large warehouse full of indoor seating, a stage for live music, and plenty of outdoor space. From 2016 through 2018, they won Best Brewpub of the Year from the American Beer Festival. They’ve been living up to that title ever since. ABGB was actually where I went to get water when snow-pocalypse happened in Austin (I went seven days without water!). Community driven, good vibes for days, live music, and killer pizza – what more could you ask for? Be sure to check out their tap list on their website to see what’s available right now.
Easy Tiger | 3508 South Lamar Boulevard
Did you know that Easy Tiger has a massive South Austin location? Located right on South Lamar, they offer parking, indoor and outdoor space, house made cocktails, and a large beer selection. They even offer brunch on the weekends (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Pro Tip: the parking lot fills up quickly so plan to rideshare, bike, or carpool to avoid a parking lot headache. My advice is to order the bavarian pretzel with beer cheese – it pairs really well with any of the Hefeweizens that they have on tap or their Easy Old Fashioned.
South Austin Beer Garden | 10700 Menchaca Road
Go here for all your Texas beer needs because they offer 60 DRAFT BEERS! You’ll be surprised at how many Texas beers are featured on the menu This rustic themed South Austin spot is perfect for entertaining out of town guests, or having a cozy date night around their fire pits. SABG hosts live music often, and shows the local Austin FC games and UFC fights. Swing by to grab a Texas draft, kick your feet up on their 3000 square foot deck, and take a load off. Cheers!
Looking for more recs? Head over to Amanda’s Instagram and TikTok where you’ll find travel tips and hot spots, un-filtered advice, one-of-a-kind motivational messages, and more!
You can also find a few other South Austin beer gardens and other hot spots here.
