Austin’s Best Kept Secrets: The Brewery Edition

Written by Tricia Barendregt.

It’s no secret that Austinites like their beer. Austin was named one of the best cities in the US for beer lovers, according to Travel and Leisure. Breweries are a dime a dozen here. Off the top of my head, I can name a few of the most popular places to tour and taste a brew, but what about the lesser-known breweries?

Here at the WCA, we are interested in discovering what is off the beaten path. We like to find Austin’s Best Kept Secrets. I consulted my beer loving friends (as well as a few top secret sources) and I came up with this list just in time for Oktoberfest:

Strange Land Brewery. Strange Land is a new brewery generating buzz in West Lake Hills. Focused on roots, history and tradition, their goal is to make “the beer less traveled”. Strange Land’s tap room is open every Friday and Saturday from 5-9 pm. Learn more here.

Middleton Brewing. Located in San Marcos, Middleton Brewing is a dog-friendly brewpub with a wide array of quality ales. Opened in 2011 by owners with decades of brewing experience hoping to create a place where people could feel at home. Open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 2-10 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-10 pm. Learn more here.

Thirsty Planet. This place isn’t exactly a secret but is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Jester King. Devoted to brewing with a purpose (often donating gratuities and proceeds to charity), Thirsty Planet is also committed to making as little environmental impact as possible. Open every Saturday from 11-3pm. Learn more here.

Rogness Brewing Company. Rogness debuted in March 2012 in North Austin/Pflugerville. This brewery specializes in making small, handcrafted batches of beer. Their location features an outdoor space where you can picnic with your kids and dogs. Open Thursdays 6-10 pm and Fridays 4-10 pm. Learn more here.

Infamous Brewing. Infamous creates beers to be enjoyed with friends and family for any occasion. Their tours and tastings are kid and dog-friendly parties complete with food and music. BYOM (Bring your own meat for the grill) is encouraged. Learn more here.

Bluebonnet Beer Company. Bluebonnet opened its doors in Round Rock in December 2014.This small brewery run by master brewer David Hulama and his wife Clare, is quickly gaining a following. The tasting room is open every Friday and Saturday 5-8 pm. Learn more here.

What do you think? Did we miss any? Stay tuned as the WCA uncovers more of Austin’s hidden treasures!