From the funky food trucks of East 6th to the rolling hills just outside the city limits, Austin’s beer scene is as bold, creative, and laid-back as the city itself. In this guide, you’ll find a handpicked list of the 12 best breweries in Austin for 2025, each chosen for more than just great beer. These spots offer unique atmospheres, local flavor, inventive taps, and that unmistakable Austin energy. Whether you’re chasing a wild farmhouse sour, sipping a crisp Kölsch under twinkle lights, or pairing a juicy IPA with a food truck taco, this is your go-to guide for discovering the breweries that make Austin buzz.
#1 Editor’s Choice
1. Jester King Brewery
📍 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX
Set on a sprawling 165-acre ranch, Jester King is less a brewery, more a destination. It’s where you go to escape the city and sip world-class farmhouse ales under the Texas sky. Think: goats roaming, wildflowers blooming, kids laughing, and a pizza oven fired up in the background. The barn-style taproom and hilltop picnic tables offer unfiltered views and untamed brews.
Standout Sips:
- Atrial Rubicite – A legendary sour aged on fresh raspberries. Tart, juicy, and revered.
- Le Petit Prince – Table beer with subtle complexity, light body, and elegant funk.
- SPON Series – Spontaneously fermented and blended—Lambic-inspired magic.
Insider Tip:
Go at golden hour for the ultimate Texas sunset paired with a wild ale. Bonus points if you catch a live music night or one of their seasonal beer dinners.
2. Lazarus Brewing Co.
📍 1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Part monastery, part boho café, part buzzing neighborhood hangout—Lazarus is one of the most soulful spots on the East Side. It serves craft beer, espresso, and street tacos from morning to night. The décor blends rustic wood, soft lighting, and spiritual touches with plenty of outdoor seating under the oaks. It’s the rare brewery that feels just as good at 10 AM as it does at 10 PM.
Standout Sips:
- 40 Days & 40 Nights IPA – Bold and tropical with that clean West Coast finish.
- Procurator Schwarzbier – A dark lager that’s all roast, no weight.
- First Noel – A strong Belgian golden ale with complex spice and warmth.
Insider Tip:
Start with a cortado and breakfast taco, then shift to beer as the day progresses. Their kitchen is small but mighty—and their beer is available year-round in limited bottle releases.
3. Austin Beerworks
📍 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin, TX
Bright, bold, and totally Austin, Beerworks is known for its iconic cans, tongue-in-cheek humor, and beers that never miss. The taproom is part art gallery, part industrial warehouse, and 100% laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you roll up in flip flops, order a Peacemaker, and make a new friend within minutes. There’s always a food truck out front, and the patio is bumping when the weather’s right (which is always).
Standout Sips:
- Peacemaker Anytime Ale – The lightest, most chuggable beer in town.
- Fire Eagle IPA – Classic, piney, and balanced for the hop traditionalist.
- Einhorn Berliner Weisse – Summer in a glass—tart, fizzy, and fruit-friendly.
Insider Tip:
Get a mixed 4-pack of their seasonals—you’ll always find something new and weird, and their limited releases are cult favorites for a reason.
4. St. Elmo Brewing Company
📍 440 E St Elmo Rd G-2, Austin, TX
A true South Austin neighborhood gem, St. Elmo is part beer garden, part community gathering space. There’s always something going on—live bluegrass on Thursdays, pop-up vendors on weekends, and friends catching up over lagers under the string lights. Inside, the taproom is all clean lines and welcoming warmth; outside, it’s where the real magic happens. This is a brewery made for hanging out for hours, especially if you love your beer with a side of street food and sunshine.
Standout Sips:
- Carl Kölsch – So clean, so crisp, it might ruin other light beers for you.
- Angie Dark Lager – Roasty, smooth, and low-ABV—perfect cool-weather pint.
- Tess IPA – Hazy, bright, and loaded with juicy hops.
Insider Tip:
Don’t skip Soursop, the on-site food truck—it’s one of the best in Austin, serving Southeast Asian-inspired eats that pair perfectly with the beer lineup.
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5. Hold Out Brewing
📍 1208 W 4th St, Austin, TX
Hold Out feels like that cool friend’s backyard party where someone also happens to brew phenomenal beer and make the best smashburger in town. Hidden behind Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, this brewery is casual, stylish, and effortlessly fun, with long picnic tables, misted patios, and a steady stream of downtown professionals, beer nerds, and brunch-hoppers. It’s got that West Side polish without any pretension, and everything they brew tastes like it was made with intention.
Standout Sips:
- Big Nothing Pale Ale – Clean and balanced, a modern pale you’ll order twice.
- Meat Sweats DIPA – A tropical, juicy double IPA that packs a punch.
- Cold Night Lager – Crisp with just a touch of roast and depth.
Insider Tip:
Go hungry. Their burger is serious business—and locals say it rivals the best in the city. Add fries, grab a pint, and settle in.
6. Zilker Brewing Company
📍 1701 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Smack in the middle of East Austin’s bustling strip, Zilker Brewing is urban and unfiltered, with a strong sense of local pride. Inside, it’s industrial-cool with roll-up doors and sleek brewing tanks. Outside, it spills right into the action of 6th Street, drawing a mix of bar-hoppers, food truck fans, and beer explorers. It’s the kind of place you swing by for a beer and end up staying for three, because the atmosphere is always lively and the beer never disappoints.
Standout Sips:
- Marco IPA – A slightly sweet malt backbone with a crisp hop finish.
- Heavenly Daze Hazy IPA – Tropical, soft, and endlessly crushable.
- Icy Boys – Their take on a crispy American light lager—and it hits the spot.
Insider Tip:
Grab a beer and head to the patio with whatever food truck’s parked out front. It’s the perfect way to soak in the East Side scene.
7. Meanwhile Brewing Co.
📍 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX
Meanwhile feels like a mini village built around beer. It’s sprawling, lush, and designed for long hangs—with a modern taproom, a shaded lawn dotted with picnic tables, a dedicated live music stage, a soccer field (!!), and an on-site coffee bar. Oh, and a whole fleet of food trucks. It’s the rare place where you can bring your kids, your dog, your laptop, and your Friday night energy—all in the same visit. This place is a vibe all its own.
Standout Sips:
- Tender Robot Hazy IPA – Juicy, soft, and massively flavorful.
- Gloria Pilsner – A crisp, Czech-style beauty with a bready backbone.
- Weekender Lager – Light, refreshing, and perfect for, well… weekends.
Insider Tip:
Check their event calendar—Between film nights, soccer matches, and intimate concerts, there’s always something brewing.
8. Pinthouse Brewing (aka: the haze gods of Central Texas)
📍 Pinthouse Pizza – Lamar & Burnet | Pinthouse Brewing – Ben White Blvd
Pinthouse is the crossover star of Austin beer—part award-winning brewery, part pizza parlor, part hazy IPA laboratory. The Ben White location is a brewery-first space, with tons of natural light, clean lines, and a rotating cast of jaw-dropping IPAs and DIPAs. If you’re even slightly into hops, this is a must-visit. The vibe is modern, lively, and filled with folks who know they’re about to drink something special.
Standout Sips:
- Electric Jellyfish – Arguably the most hyped hazy IPA in the city. Tropical, pillowy, perfect.
- Fully Adrift DIPA – A double IPA that somehow manages to be bold and beautifully balanced.
- Old Beluga – A stout that’s rich, roasty, and full of chocolate depth.
Insider Tip:
Order ahead if you want cans of their limited releases—these beers fly off the shelves. And don’t sleep on the pretzel with beer cheese at the brewery taproom.
9. Hopsquad Brewing Co.
📍 2307 Kramer Ln, Austin, TX
Hopsquad is playful, eclectic, and seriously fun, with a splash of European flair. Tucked near the Q2 Stadium (hello, Austin FC fans), this brewery leans into its soccer-loving, art-forward identity. The interior is vibrant and quirky, while the outdoor beer garden is perfect for game day or a sunny afternoon with a crispy lager. They’re known for small-batch beers with bold flavors—and for being one of the most inclusive, community-minded spots in town.
Standout Sips:
- Bull Shirt Helles Lager – Crisp, bready, and endlessly sippable.
- Kölsch Me If You Can – A light, classic German-style ale with a cheeky name.
- Trapp Door – A Belgian-style Tripel with a golden glow and honeyed backbone.
Insider Tip:
Come for a match day and wear green—they’re an official supporter hub for Austin FC. Bonus: their trivia and movie nights are secretly awesome.
10. The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
📍 6015 Dillard Cir A, Austin, TX 78752
The Brewtorium combines the warmth of a traditional German beer hall with a modern Austin twist. The spacious interior features long communal tables, fostering a sense of community among patrons. An inviting outdoor patio offers additional seating, perfect for enjoying Austin’s pleasant evenings. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.​
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Standout Sips:
- Iron Belly Porter – A robust porter with rich chocolate and coffee notes, balanced by a smooth finish.​
- Hopfenreich IPA – A hop-forward IPA bursting with citrus and pine aromas, delivering a satisfying bitterness.​
- El Johannisfest Kölsch – A crisp and refreshing German-style ale with subtle fruity undertones.​
Insider Tip:
Pair your brew with their delectable house-made sausages or the Bavarian pretzel served with beer cheese. The food menu is thoughtfully designed to complement the beer offerings, enhancing the overall experience.
11. Oasis Texas Brewing Company
📍 6550 Comanche Trail #301, Austin, TX 78732
Perched high above Lake Travis, Oasis Texas Brewing Company offers breathtaking panoramic views that are as impressive as their beer selection. The spacious multi-level deck provides ample seating to enjoy stunning sunsets over the water, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, often featuring live music that complements the scenic backdrop. ​
Standout Sips:
- Slow Ride Pale Ale – A well-balanced ale with citrus notes and a smooth finish.​
- London Homesick Ale – An English-style bitter that offers a malty backbone with subtle hop bitterness.​
- Luchesa Lager – A crisp, German-style lager that’s perfect for sipping on a warm Texas day.​
Insider Tip:
Arrive an hour before sunset to secure a prime spot on the deck. This timing allows you to enjoy a leisurely meal and drinks while witnessing one of the most picturesque sunsets in Texas.
12. Central Machine Works
Housed in a historic former machine shop, Central Machine Works seamlessly blends industrial aesthetics with modern comfort. The expansive space features high ceilings, exposed steel beams, and a mix of communal tables and cozy seating areas. An outdoor beer garden adorned with string lights offers a relaxed setting for socializing. The brewery frequently hosts live music and art installations, contributing to its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. ​
Standout Sips:
- Red Rye Lager – A unique lager with spicy rye notes and a smooth malt finish.​
- Pilsner – A classic, crisp pilsner that appeals to traditional beer enthusiasts.​
- Hazy IPA – A juicy, hop-forward brew with tropical fruit aromas.​
Insider Tip:
Keep an eye on their event calendar for special happenings like art shows and themed parties. Pair your beer with offerings from the on-site food truck, which serves a variety of dishes designed to complement their brews.