Gus Kelley
Some cities are known for one thing may it be their skyline, that one building, their sports team, or a speciality food or drink. The thing I love about San Antonio is that it cannot be defined by one single feature within its city limits. There are so many different aspects of our city that define it: the Spurs, the Alamo, the culture, the food and now the brews. Brewing companies have found sanctuary in San Antonio and have begun sprouting up everywhere over the last couple of years. Below are some of the breweries around town where you can grab a pint, a can, or a bottle of lagers, IPA’s, ales, and more made right here in SA.
Busted Sandal Brewing Company located at 7114 Oaklawn Drive has brought a team of beer brewing lovers from all across the country to settle in San Antonio. The atmosphere inside is very relaxed. I’d like to think that Busted Sandal could also be interpreted as Hakuna Matata – it means no worries! You can stop by for a pint, a flight or even a tour whenever they are open (Wednesday – Friday 5PM-9PM & Saturday 2PM-9PM). Busted Sandal is dog friendly and also a Pokestop for you Pokemon Go players! Buy tickets and come celebrate Busted Sandal’s 3rd Anniversary Saturday August 13, 2016! Tickets include a commemorative glass, food, beer, 7oz pours of various brews, music and good company of course! Party is for 21 and over…of course!
Relatively new to the San Antonio scene is Alamo Beer Company located at 202 Lamar St just under the beautiful Hays Street Bridge. The brewery may have opened its doors early last year but they are gaining well-deserved attention serving up serious brews and hosting events throughout the year. Earlier this year, Alamo Beer hosted the Food Truck Showdown where various mobile food trucks around town competed for the crown of Best Food Truck in SA. Among other events, you can visit Alamo Beer to taste their brews on tap at the Beer Hall or take a tour of the brewery to learn about the process and finesse that goes into their beer. Schedule of tours:
Thursday 3PM-9PM
Friday 3PM-12AM
Saturday 12PM-12AM
Sunday 12PM-9PM
Did you know the official flying mammal of the state of Texas is the Mexican Free-tailed bat? This bit of trivia gave way to the creation and naming of San Antonio’s own Freetail Brewing Co. Freetail has two locations. First is a tasting room located at 2000 S. Presa where you can check out where all the magic happens at the Production Brewery. Freetail offers tours every Saturday at 3PM & 5PM, check their website to schedule a tour! Freetail Brewing Co.’s Tasting Room offers picnic tables, two standing bars, and even some board and card games to play with amongst your group and is open Thursday – Friday 4PM – 9PM and on Saturday from 2PM-9PM. Don’t worry if you can’t make those hours, Freetail also has a Pub on the Northside of town serving cold brews Monday through Saturday 11AM – Midnight and Sundays from 12PM-12AM. Check out Freetail Brewing Co.’s site for future events including: movie nights, pairings, and even yoga & crossfit!
Southerleigh, both brewery and restaurant, is located inside the landmark building and centerpiece of The Pearl. Head Brewer Les Locke, born and raised in San Antonio, had started brewing at the age of 19 while stationed in Hawaii for the Marines. After moving around the country he later teamed up with Chef Jeff Balfour to create Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery. Southerleigh offers a variety of brews spanning from Drop, Hop, & Roll, Darwinian IPA, Traditional German Lager, and even a brew that hasn’t been made in San Antonio since the end of Prohibition (the Ittie Biggie). Talk about historic.
The Granary is a restaurant and brewery that focuses and celebrates the relationship between BBQ and beer. The from-scratch kitchen produces high quality, progressive dishes enhanced with their house craft beers. Some of their craft beers include: Coffee IPA ( bright, bitter, grapefruit with a coffee nose), Rye Saison (dry, crisp, tropical fruit with spicy, aromatic nose) House Seasonal Beer, Brown Ale, and TG Rootbeer among others. Located at The Pearl at 602 Avenue A, the Granary has been recognized by Texas Monthly magazine as one of the Top 50 BBQ joints in Texas, which is well worth a visit!
Blue Star Brewing Company has made a name for itself in Southtown creating a whole sub-city of sorts. With the Blue Star Art Complex, Blue Star Provisions and Blue Star Brewing Company Pub you can’t help but feel impressed. Blue Star has deep roots within the San Antonio community offering a neighborhood atmosphere and tasty beers. Blue Star currently brews over 10 different flavors all which you can try at their Southtown location with occasional seasonal brews sneaking its way into thirsty patrons. Want to take home a growler full of Blue Star Brew? No problem. You can even fill up on over a dozen of your favorite Blue Star organic craft beers next store at Blue Star Provisions! So many choices!