As if you needed more of an excuse to drink than by being cooped up with your kids for the better part of a month, April 7 happens to be National Beer Day. What better way to celebrate Austin’s Best Local Beer! This is also a great chance to support local Austin breweries and their workers, who are out there serving up beer to-go so we can enjoy the best of the city from home. Breweries around town are offering growlers, crowlers and packs of cans that you can order ahead and pick up with minimal contact.
Hit up a few, stock up your fridge, and don’t forget to tip! Here are some groupings of breweries easy to visit in one trip and some recommended beers to try (we’ve gotten crowlers or mix-packs from most of these since we started social distancing, and it’s quick and simple), or pick up from all your favorites to make sure they will be going strong once taprooms are open again.
- Hopsquad Brewing: The Dutchess of Oltorf Roggenbier was a big hit in our house. One of our quarantine favorites. Every day, 1-7 p.m. Place curbside order by phone/text, direct message, email, or Facebook.
- Circle Brewing: How about the award-winning Doppel Blur Imperial Hefe or Alibi Blonde? Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Email for large orders.
- Austin Beerworks: Go for easy-drinking Pearl-Snap pils, citrusy Bloodwork Orange, and a seasonal release. Every day, 12–8 p.m. Order online.
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- The ABGB: Hell Yes Helles was a standout for us, even among our mountain of crowlers. Every day, 12–9 p.m. Order online or by phone.
- St. Elmo Brewing: We could drink Carl Kolsch every day. If you need a beer you’re always in the mood for, Carl’s your guy. Tuesday through Sunday, 12–8 p.m. Order online.
- (512) Brewing: No crowlers, but you can get a growler fill or grab a four pack of Pecan Porter. We haven’t done curbside yet, but you can’t go wrong with this classic. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Order online.
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- Black Star Co-Op: We liked Self Esteem blonde ale and Recalcitrant Dockhand oatmeal porter. Monday, 4-8 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Order by phone.
- Brewtorium: Try out Lightning Wizard Belgian Witbier or celebratory Admiral Spaceship Triple IPA. Closed Mondays, check for daily hours. Order online.
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- Whitestone Brewery: Bring home a Keyboard Gangsta West Coast Hazy IPA. Every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Online or by phone.
- RedHorn Coffee House & Brewing Co.: You can pick up some beer (maybe the Morning Run coffee cream ale or Trail Runner golden ale), coffee or a brew kit. Every day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Order online.
- Compadre Brewing: Get a crowler of Dia de los Compadres Muertos Mexican amber lager or The Pfog Hazy Pale Ale. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Order online.
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- Zilker Brewing: Check out the bright Parks and Rec American Pale Ale or go darker with a Coffee Milk Stout. Tuesday through Sunday, 12-8 p.m. Order online.
- Lazarus Brewing: We grabbed a crowler of Amandus Belgian Strong Golden Ale, but Lazarus is a good stop for non-beer drinkers too, with coffee, wine and food to go. Check for daily hours. Order online.
- Hops and Grain Brewing: ALTeration German Altbier is a standby at Hops and Grain, having won a World Beer Cup Gold Medal in 2012. Wednesday to Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Order online, by phone or email.
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More options:
- Jester King: (If you’re lucky, you might get to see their goats!) Every day, 12-8 p.m. Online or by phone.
- Live Oak Brewing: Every day, 12-7 p.m. Drive thru.
- Bluebonnet Beer Company: Monday through Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Order online.
- Oddwood Ales: Wednesday to Sunday, 12-10 p.m. Order online.
- Blue Owl Brewing: Check for hours. Order online or by email.
- 4th Tap: Weekdays, 3-7 p.m. Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Order by phone.
- Central District Brewing: Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends, 1-4 p.m. Order online.
