Austin has a true love for craft beer for generations — though that loyalty is starting to be stress-tested. In the last 15 years, massive population growth and state law reforms around taprooms have increased the brewery count from about a half-dozen to over 70 options in the metro area. Given the sheer volume of competition, the national decline of beer sales, challenging summer weather, and the pandemic’s financial pressures on the hospitality industry, it was inevitable that some contraction would occur. Within the last year, there have been many closures, including Adelbert’s, Thirsty Planet, and even Austin-FC adjacent Circle Brewing, and one suspects others may follow,
Austin brewers are doing amazing work. The atmosphere, amenities, and food at Austin breweries has truly never been better. The city’s scene offers plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite hoppy and malty beverages, and as the scene has matured, it has been nice to see so many brewers lean into the lighter, warm weather styles that truly suit our city’s weather and taste. There’s something here for everyone, be it the beer itself, the pub grub, or a place to let the kids roam.
For more beer needs, check out the beer bar map and beer gardens map. For other boozy needs, check out Austin's cocktail heatmap, picks for essential cocktail bars, wine, and happy hours.
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