Here’s a list of some notable breweries in the Houston area, along with their websites, review ratings, links, annual events, and upcoming major events for the rest of 2024:
- Saint Arnold Brewing Company
- Website: saintarnold.com
- Google Reviews: 4.7 (2,500+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.5 (700+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: Oktoberfest, Pub Crawl, Santo De Mayo
- Upcoming Events 2024: Art Car IPA Festival (September), Christmas Ale Pub Crawl (December)
- Karbach Brewing Company
- Website: karbachbrewing.com
- Google Reviews: 4.6 (2,300+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.0 (1,200+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: Karbachtoberfest, Love Street Music Fest, Ranch Water Rodeo
- Upcoming Events 2024: Spooky Brews (October), Hoppy Holidays (December)
- SpindleTap Brewery
- Website: spindletap.com
- Google Reviews: 4.7 (1,200+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.5 (350+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: Hazy Fest, SpindleDog Fest, IPA Day
- Upcoming Events 2024: Halloween Bash (October), Winter Wonderland (December)
- Eureka Heights Brew Co.
- Website: eurekaheights.com
- Google Reviews: 4.8 (850+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.5 (230+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: Eureka Heights Birthday Bash, Beer & Bingo Night, Oktoberfest
- Upcoming Events 2024: Haunted Heights (October), Festivus (December)
- Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company
- Website: buffbrew.com
- Google Reviews: 4.5 (1,300+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.0 (450+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: BuffBrew Chili Cook-off, New Year’s Eve Party, Pumpkin Fest
- Upcoming Events 2024: BrewHaHa Comedy Night (September), Holiday Market (December)
- 8th Wonder Brewery
- Website: 8thwonder.com
- Google Reviews: 4.6 (1,200+ reviews) – Google Review Link
- Yelp Reviews: 4.0 (600+ reviews) – Yelp Review Link
- Annual Events: 8th Wonder Anniversary Party, Houston Super Bash, Crawfish Boil
- Upcoming Events 2024: Hops & Hogs (October), Winter Warmer (December)
These breweries not only offer a wide range of beers but also host numerous events throughout the year, making them great spots to visit for both beer enthusiasts and those looking for a good time in Houston. For specific details and more breweries, you can explore their respective websites and review links provided.
As Houston’s brewery scene has expanded in its size, it has also grown and gained both local and national attention because Houston beermakers have created their own unique spin on what is arguably the most popular style in the country: the New England Style India Pale Ale (NEIPA). The NEIPA substyle – adored for its massive fruits and tropical flavors with almost no bitterness smooth and creamy body that is often reminiscent of the taste of orange juice and may even taste similar to one–has marked a change in craft beer. These highly flavorful beers, which usually come packaged in 16-oz cans – rarely are sold in retail stores, which usually leads to thirsty beer drinkers lining out in front of breweries outside to purchase cans the same day that these beers come out of the cans due to their short shelf life and the availability.
The Houston brewery groups that are leading the charge for the new England IPA — or Hazy IPA, as is often called–are SpindleTap Brewery, B-52 Brewing in Conroe, Baa Baa Brewhouse in Brookshire along with Innovative Brewing in Humble. Each brewery has established a solid reputation based on anecdotal evidence for their distinctive and unique takes of the style, as well as the evidence to back them up. According to the popular app for evaluating beer on mobile, Untappd SpindleTap is rated with an average rating of a remarkably sturdy 4.27 five stars, for its unrefined IIPAs. Baa Baa a 4.1 out of five; while B-52 and Ingenious each score a 4.0 five out of 5. which is the highest of four marks in the group of Houston brewery owners who have released five or more styles of beer in the year 2018.
While their overall successes haven’t brought about the expansion of square footage yet the SpindleTap brand–whose appropriately named Juiceton Double IPA (pictured on page 1) marked a turning point in the style as well as for local Houston beer. The brewery and Baa Baa Brewhouse have recently expanded their brewing capacity by adding new fermenters and tanks which highlight a healthy craft beer industry in Houston now and looking ahead
Here are some of Houston’s Best Breweries
Whether you enjoy local brews or craft beers from all over the world, you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings at one of these local Houston Breweries. We’ve selected eight Houston-area breweries for your enjoyment.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
The Saint Arnold Brewing Company was established in 1994 and has been churning out specialty and year-round brews ever since. The brewery was founded in the largest city in the US without a microbrewery, but soon became Houston’s mainstay. The Saint Arnold’s beer lineup includes Lawnmower, a crisp German-style Kolsch. Art Car IPA, with notes of mango and tropical fruit, is another beer popular with Houstonians.
The Saint Arnold Brewing Company is located on the edge of Downtown Houston. The taproom features craft beer, food, games, and stunning views of the city. As of July 2018, the brewery opened a new Beer Garden & Restaurant, allowing visitors to sample its award-winning craft beers. In addition to its innovative beer offerings, Saint Arnold is a great place to experience Houston’s brewing culture.
Known as Texas’ oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold offers year-round brews and limited-release brews. There are even oversized Connect Four games and bocce courts, and giant outdoor fans to enjoy the Texas heat. In addition to tasting their beers, the Saint Arnold also hosts events throughout the year. During “Christmas Week” and other special events, you can visit the Saint Arnold Brewing Company, where Santa Claus visits with children. The Saint Arnold also features barrel-aged beers and even a dining room for special occasions.
Equal Parts Brewing Company
Formerly Sigma Brewing, Equal Parts recently reopened in a remodeled and expanded taproom. The taproom features a wide variety of brews, including a slow pour tap. Several different styles are available, including a German pilsner and a Texas IPA. The Exotica series resembles cocktails. This beer is not just good, but it’s also fun.
The new Equal Parts Brewing Company is located in downtown Houston. This Houston brewery is a great place for movie buffs or those who enjoy comedy wrestling. You can also see a local comedy wrestling group while drinking a beer from one of the brewery’s taps. The beer selection is ever-changing, so you can always find a new favorite. For a night out with friends or family, the taproom also has food.
The taproom is an inviting and comfortable space for visitors to relax. Equal Parts’ beers are typically higher in alcohol than most breweries, ranging from 8% to 11%. You can order them at the window or purchase 16 oz cans. The brewery also offers several varieties of its craft beers. You can also enjoy the brewery’s beer outdoors in the beer garden. The taproom also has tables for pick-nicking.
8th Wonder Brewery
A visit to the 8th Wonder Craft Brewery in downtown Houston is a must for beer lovers. The taproom at this Houston favorite is decorated with Astros baseball team memorabilia. Outside, the brewery has picnic tables and live music. If you’re in the neighborhood, grab a seat at one of these Houston Best Breweries. After a long day of work, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge.
The 8th Wonder Brewery, located a few blocks from downtown Houston, captures the true Texas flavor. It is surrounded by cool Houston sports memorabilia, including vintage Astrodome seats. The labels have cool Houston themed names and distinct artwork. You can expect a variety of styles and tastes at this Houston Best Brewery. Make sure to try a sample of each before you purchase your pint!
The eightth Wonder Brewery has been undergoing some exciting changes recently. The brewery’s open floor plan allows it to host unique events, including live music, market stalls, and yoga classes. They also have a taproom for a variety of different styles of craft beer. No matter how much you love craft beer, you can find it at 8th Wonder. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to something new, 8th Wonder is the place to go.
Platypus Brewery
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of Australian style and Texas taste, Platypus Brewing is a must-try. With a variety of Australian-inspired beers, including the Ranga red ale, this brewery has become a Houston favorite. In addition to its extensive beer list, Platypus also serves Australian-style sausage rolls and meat pies. And while you’re there, make sure to visit their outdoor patio for some scrumptious fare.
The Platypus Brewing Company is located in the former Drake nightclub space. You can park across the street and enter the brewery by walking a short distance. You’ll find a large, modern taproom that’s open from three to ten in the evenings. The patio overlooks downtown Houston, and there are even communal picnic tables for the more adventurous patrons. You can also grab a bite to eat from the expansive menu.
Located just outside of downtown, Platypus Brewery is a fun, relaxed place for a beer and some classic Aussie fare. It features craft beers and a full bar of classic bar foods. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with its extensive menu and its diverse lineup of events. If you’re looking for one of the Houston Best Breweries, you’ve come to the right place.
Buffalo Bayou Brewing
You’ve probably heard of this Old-school brewpub before. It’s a Houston favorite that focuses on inventive handcrafted brews. This brewery offers tours on Saturdays. Tours are free. The beer is excellent, and you’ll get to experience the brewing process first-hand. For more information, visit its website. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll want to make time to visit Buffalo Bayou Brewing.
In a three-story, 28,000-square-foot building on Summer Street, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. is Houston’s most innovative brewpub. You can order creative suds like Bananas Foster or Coconut Mole, or try the IPA Crush City. Dining options are top-notch at this complex, and the views of downtown Houston are unmatched.
Rassul Zarinfar, the co-founder of Buffalo Bayou, has over 34 years of experience in the Hospitality and Beer Industry. His friendship with Rassul began during their first test batch of Gingerbread Stout. The pair met while at a Petrol Station, where they were both experimenting with the first gingerbread stout. Ultimately, this friendship has blossomed into a thriving brewery in Houston.
Holler Brewery
The Holler Brewing Company is a local microbrewery that makes some of the best lagers and ales in Houston. The taproom offers a rotating selection of popular beers at low prices. If you’re a fan of English-style ales, you’ll love the rotating tap list at this microbrewery. Local art is available and there’s often a rotating food truck line-up.
A Houston favorite, the taproom features seven barrels of beer and a quaint atmosphere. Holler has an impressive draft wall, with 19 taps, which is great for mixing and matching different beers. You can also sit outside and play cornhole or disc golf. The beer list is extensive, and the staff is friendly and eager to assist you. The beer selection is also diverse, with a variety of IPAs and seasonal varieties to choose from.
This brewery offers a wide variety of specialty beers, including a hoppy, mosaic-based IPA. The hazy IPA, Yellow Rose, is the city’s first hazy IPA, and is one of the Houston Best Breweries. Other popular beers include Tornado Shark American Strong Ale and Jabberwocky Imperial IPA. The brewery is eco-friendly, composting spent grain from brewing.
Under the Radar
The small brewing company has grown into one of Houston’s top destinations, pumping beer for more than 60 local restaurants and bars. The beer menu offers a wide variety of brews, including several on tap. Pints cost $5, and a $15 pint glass comes with three tokens. Try the popular Radar Love, a light, refreshing pilsner. Or, enjoy the outdoors in the beer garden.
Founded a few years ago by three homebrewers, Fire Ant Brewery offers craft beers in a variety of styles. The brewpub is family-friendly and emphasizes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Customers will find the beer menu easy to navigate and the staff friendly and knowledgeable. This Houston brewery also hosts world-class beer fests. While the brewpub’s name may not be familiar to some Houstonians, locals love it.
Another unique Houston brewery is Montrose Microbrewery. Tucked away in the Montrose area, this microbrewery has an outdoor area with picnic tables and a small indoor area. This brewery is great for families, with plenty of seating and a playground. You can even bring your dog and don a mask! The beer list is solid, and you’ll find some rare brews that you may never have tried before.
Karbach Brewery
Named after a town in Germany where beer is a way of life, Karbach Brewing Company has been growing exponentially since its opening in 2011. Despite its size, the Houston-based brewery remains locally owned and operated and is now planning a major expansion. The Karbach menu features seasonal sippers as well as year-round interpretations of popular beer styles. For more information, visit karbachbrewery.com.
The brewery offers tours of the facility and brunch. You’ll be able to get a full tour of the facility while sipping a delicious craft beer. You can choose from indoor or outdoor seating, and you can play cornhole or check out the restaurant menu. No matter what time of day you visit, you’re sure to find a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Located inside Whole Foods, the Karbach is another one of the Houston Best Breweries. The biergarten offers a relaxing and spacious setting for a beer or lunch. It has games for the kids and a dog-friendly policy. If you’re looking for a unique Houston experience, Karbach is definitely worth a visit. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the Karbach Brewery for a taste of German-style beer.
Houston Breweries & Brewpubs Map
How many Houston breweries and brewpubs in Houston have you been to?
Within the Greater Houston region, there are: 50 active craft brewery pubs and five more under construction (with TABC licenses) 14 active craft breweries, with the possibility of 3 more in the process (with TABC licenses)
What’s the difference? In general, breweries have greater production capacities and are more likely to find their beers in bars. In Texas, Brewpubs are the only ones permitted to sell beer-to-go.
If you’re using a mobile device and want to view your position on the map, visit below.