#Zilker Brewing Co

[sxsw2013gg]

AB: Sego are recording new music, and played some of it (with a slight lineup change) at Zilker Brewing. They still sound great, even if the songs from their fantastic last album (and their hard-rocking cover of “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”) are hard to beat.

[deja-emtendu]

🍻 🍻 🍻

ig: deja_emtendu

[texasbeernerd]

Glutenous Maximus by Zilker Brewing Co.

Glutenous Maximus is a rye IPA by Zilker, a downtown Austin brewery named after our most famous public park. This beer poured darker than I would have expected but then again, it uses a buttload of malts, something like 11 different ones. This beer also manages to be balanced between maltiness and hoppiness. I wasn’t sure if that’d be the case. Jumping off from a dense, bready malt backbone is the spice from the rye and a good bitterness from the hops. 

[austinbeerguide]

Lager Jam 7 Details and Beer List (Plus, New Guide!)

It’s been a while since we jammed so we put together a few tips to help you make the most of your day. Don't forget to check out that fresh issue at the end of the post.

Beers will start pouring at noon and keep flowing until Spokesman closes at 7:00 pm.

Have your ID and a Mask. Masks are required at all times inside where you’ll order at the bar. All drinking will take place outside in the Spokesman lot and side patio. Shade tents will be provided.

Tickets are NOT required. Party Packs are sold out, but they are not needed to attend. Show up and order beers a la carte.

What if you did purchase a Party Pack? You’re Awesome! Make sure to bring your ID. Stop by the check-in table to get your glass, drink tickets, and swag between 12:00 - 2:00 pm. After 2ish (or when it closes), you can get it behind the bar. Additional beers will be available for purchase at the bar. Also, listen up for our Yeti Prize Pack raffles taking place throughout the day. All Party Pack people are automatically entered, but you must be present to win!

Kick the Keg Prize. Keg blow on your lager pour? You'll take home a Yet 24 oz mug!

Don’t drive! Rideshare, bus, bike (we've got extra racks), etc. If someone is driving you or you are leaving your car, please respect the surrounding neighbors and businesses.

Shirts. Goose Prints will be printing up Lager Jam shirts for $10. Look for their tent to order.

Hydrate! Party Packs include a Spokesman Cold Brew or Gatorade on tap. We’ll also have water and gratis Rambler (while it lasts).

Eat. Walk to one of the nearby food trucks like Lil' Nonas (next door @Austin Winery), Bonsai Bowl (@Texas Sake), Trill Foods (@Vacancy Brewing), and Spicy Boys (@St Elmo). You can also bring your own outside food or have something delivered.

Pre and Post-Party. We’re kicking things off on Friday with the Hans’ Tap Take Over at Spokesman ft. Alacrán & Blackie Graham, Saturday walk down the Yard for $1 off beers starting at 6:00 for the official Lager Jam Afterparty at St Elmo, and Sunday head back to Spokesman for the Paprika Pop-up @ Spokesman to cure your hangover with tacos and micheladas.

Be Cool. Tip your servers and DJ, give people their space, and remember...beer is fun!

BEER LIST

Draft:

(512) Brewing – Helles (Helles)

Austin Beerworks – Super Awesome Lager (Helles)

Brewtorium – Celestial Specter (Pale Vienna Lager in collaboration with the Beer Museum)

Family Business Brewing – Aurora (Vienna Lager)

Ghost Note – Painted Porch (Pilsner)

Hold Out – Hesky Czesky (Czech Dark Lager)

Holler Brewing – Czech My Phone (Czech Pils)

Jester King – Devin the Dude's Brew (German-Style Pilsner)

Live Oak Brewing – Kleines (Tiny Lager)

Meanwhile Brewing – Phoenix (Oolong Tea Lager)

Oddwood Brewing – Ride The Leichtning (German-style Leichtbier in collab with Live Oak)

Pinthouse Brewing – Benny's Premium Lager (Helles)

Pinthouse S. Lamar – La Serrenisimia (Italian Pilsner)

Real Ale Brewing – Siriusly Hans (Hans' Pils brewed with Modern German Hops and Dry Hopped)

Roughhouse – Pilsner (Pilsner)

Southern Heights – I Just Want A Pils (Pilsner)

St. Elmo – Pony Boy (Gold Lager)

Zilker – Jamaican Lager (Jamaican Lager in collaboration with Austin Beer Guide)

Cans:

Austin Beerworks – Cold Glory (Hoppy American Lager)

Blue Owl – Bob's Fine Pilsner (Clean Pilsner)

Family Business Brewing – Golden Age (German-Style Pilsner)

Freetail Bewing – Puro Pils (Pilsner)

Independence Native Texan (German-Style Pilsner)

Live Oak Brewing – Pilz (Czech-Style Pilsner)

Real Ale Brewing – Hans' Pils (German-Style Pils)

Real Ale Brewing – Firemans Light (Light Lager)

Saint Arnold Brewing – H-town Pils (Czech-Style Pilsner)

Texas Beer Co – K9 Lager (American Lager)

Vista Brewing – Dark Skies (Schwarzbier)

Zilker Brewing – Festbier (Festbier)

We've also got a fresh guide coming atcha at the jam. Cover by @sample_co and @damnyouandrew

[lezbrew-blog1]

Another favorite from our trip to Texas! Not only did the can catch our eye but the TASTE was where we really fell in love! Marco IPA (7.0% ABV) is brewed by Zilker Brewing Co. out of Austin, TX. This American IPA features El Dorado and Simcoe hops! As described by Zilker Brewing, “Burnt orange in color, it has a substantial and complex malt profile. Powerful aromatics of tropical fruit and pine, from extensive dry hopping, will welcome you. A warm, bready malt character quickly washes away the initial bitterness, and then gives way to the resinous hops. Overall, a well balanced and full-bodied IPA with complexity in both the malt and Hop profiles.” * * * * * * * * #craftbeer #craftbrew #beer #beerenthusiast #beers #beerporn #beergeek #beernerd #beersnob #beertime #beerme #beertography #beerstagram #beerlover #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtpride #gay #gayguy #instagay #gaylove #gaylife #lesbian #lesbians #lezbehonest #ipa #americanpaleale #beerus #craftbeernotcrapbeer #lezbrew (at Zilker Brewing Company) https://www.instagram.com/lezbrew/p/BwIGKJIFfbV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15yqmpwyq97l1

[southaustinbrewery]

How Many Breweries There Are in Austin

Craft beer has grown to be a big-deal through the entire United States and the range of craft breweries is basically developing and growing. Austin has no scarcity of craft breweries with 37 of them, almost all within Austin’s city limitations. You will discover a lot more craft breweries throughout Austin than any other town in Texas. Craft beer has grown to be such a big deal; it also has its very own tradition.

Craft breweries in Austin that you can visit and enjoy!

(512) Brewing Co

4th Tap Brewing Cooperative

Adelbert’s Brewery LLC

Austin Beerworks

Black Star Co-op

Blue Owl Brewing

Celis Brewery

Circle Brewing Company

Draught House Pub and Brewery

Flying Man Brewing Company

Friends and Allies Brewing Company

Frontyard Brewing

Hi Sign Brewing

Hops & Grain Brewing

Infamous Brewing

Jester King Brewery

Last Stand Brewing Company

Lazarus Brewing Company

North By Northwest Restaurant and Brewery – North Capital

North By Northwest Restaurant and Brewery – Slaughter

Oasis Texas Brewing Company

Oddwood Ales

Orf Brewing

Oskar Blues Brewery

Pinthouse Pizza North

Pinthouse Pizza South

Skull Mechanix Brewing

Southern Heights Brewing Co LLC

St. Elmo Brewing Company

Strange Land Brewery

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co

The Brewer’s Table

The Brewtorium

Thirsty Planet Brewing Co

Uncle Billy’s Brewery

Uncultured Ales

Zilker Brewing Co

The best part with this checklist for beer enthusiasts is this is just a summary of breweries in the city limits of Austin. If we included the neighboring cities of Austin to the directory of breweries, the list would increase a lot more.

Brewers Association listed that the market impact by breweries throughout Texas is essential, proclaiming Texas ranks 3rd in economic impact by breweries in the U.S.

All these community breweries keep money from beer sales in the state and also hire residents to help the market.

Texas even has it’s very own celebration for craft beer, which is the Texas Craft Brewers Festival.

The breweries offer individuals an area to assemble and enjoy, regardless of the celebration. Some breweries also launch their very own custom made beers for holidays. Texas breweries aren’t just a big-deal to Texans either. In fact, they get acknowledged across the country.

Because of so many craft breweries in one region and every brewery producing various beers, you can find a lot to try.

from South Austin Brewery https://southaustinbrewerytx.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/how-many-breweries-there-are-in-austin/

[tsgaustintexas]

My Austin with Zilker Belts

In honor of Masters weekend, we’re kicking off a new blog series called ‘My Austin’ and getting to know the men behind Zilker Belts, and their favorite things about our home sweet home - Austin, Texas. We sat down with Wade Green and Hill Shands to talk about everything from their Austin history to their go-to spots around town …

Shop Zilker Belts | Follow Zilker Belts 

Left to Right: Casey & Wade Green + Brittany & Hill Shands

TSG: Tell us about Zilker Belt’s history in ATX…

WG: The idea for Zilker Belts was inspired on a double-date with our now wives back in March of 2014. We had a desire to bring the classic Argentine gaucho belts to the U.S. while building a fun-loving Austin brand around the concept.  It took over a year to find the right manufacturing partner in Buenos Aires, but we’re grateful we took our time as we couldn’t be any happier with who we’re working with.  Their quality and attention to detail is second-to-none.

TSG: Where did the name ‘Zilker Belts’ come from?

WG: Zilker Park has been a very special place for us in the combined thirty-ish years that Hill and I have lived in Austin. It’s everything from a recreational hub, a great place for live music, and - most importantly to us - the location of the Austin Sunshine Camps, a non-profit that we’re passionate about supporting and where we served on the board for nearly a decade. That blend of outdoors activity, social and musical involvement, and the spirit of giving back encompassed what we wanted to communicate with our brand.

TSG: What’s your favorite season in ATX?

WG: They all have their merits for sure, but picking one, I would probably go with Spring. The transition from Winter to Spring electrifies the city: South by Southwest, patio dining, outdoor activities…  

HS: Without a doubt, my favorite time of the year is Spring. To start, crawfish season kicks off in March and I love spicy cajun food. Plus, the weather starts to warm up and my golf clubs come out of hibernation. I enjoy sneaking out to Lions to play a few holes in the afternoon. It’s a great time to get outside to hike, kayak, and fly fish.

Photos by Paige Newton

TSG: What’s your favorite Austin event?

WG: My favorite season coincides with my favorite Austin event: SXSW. The interactive and film portions also bring an eclectic, creative mix of people to the city. It’s a great opportunity to see a wide variety of bands all over town, and a nice chance to introduce our belts to new people from all over the world.  

HS: This is a hard one… but I’d say SXSW followed by the Dell Match Play Tournament and Save Muny Invitational. A good mix of live music and high-level golf is hard to beat.

TSG: What’s your favorite Austin neighborhood?

WG: Hard to choose just one, so I’ll give you my top three… Hill lives in Barton Hills, which would definitely be one of my top 3 with its easy greenbelt access and proximity to downtown. Clarksville is a great historic neighborhood with a ton of charm & character. Casey (my wife) and I live in Westlake and love the feeling of being in nature and on the water while still being close to the city.   

HS: My favorite Austin Neighborhood is Barton Hills/Zilker neighborhood. I enjoy hiking the greenbelt with my wife (Brittany), dog (Jazzy), and son (Judge). Also, hard to beat cruising our bikes to Zilker and swimming in Barton Springs.

TSG: Where’s your go-to place for a drink?

WG: Deep Eddy Cabaret + Pool Burger is our go-to spot for Zilker meetings and happy hours.  

HS: East Side - Lazarus Brewing Co, Whisler’s, Weather Up, Cisco’s, and Zilker Brewery.

TSG: What’s your go-to coffee shop?

WG: I’ve been making my own cold brew coffee for years now and have fallen out of the frequent coffee shop visits. That said, Mozart’s would probably be my favorite setting to grab a coffee and knock out some work on the patio.  

HS: Radio Coffee & Beer

TSG: What’s your go-to for a special night out?

WG: We don’t have a favorite, but we do make a habit of trying new restaurants around town, which we always follow up with live music at C-Boy’s, Antone’s or The Gallery above Continental Club.  

HS: South Congress - Dinner at Perlas or Botticelli’s, drinks at Hotel San Jose, and catching some music at C-Boys or Continental Club.

TSG: Finish this sentence - ‘You know you’re an Austinite when…’

WG: You have tacos for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Or, when you get crushed by cedar fever every winter.

TSG: Favorite part about living in Austin?

WG: All of it? We love how vibrant the city is: everyone is so friendly, companies are so creatively-oriented, the outdoor opportunities are endless, the food is amazing and world-class music is hard to avoid.

HS: The laid back lifestyle with a work hard/play hard mentality. Let’s not forget, Mexican food and margaritas!

TSG: What’s it like to be an entrepreneur in Austin?

WG: Collaborative. As young of a company as we are, we’ve been humbled and inspired by how helpful other brands have been throughout our journey. In Austin, there’s a feeling of community that can’t be taken for granted that I believe is unique compared with other cities.

[austinbiketoursrentals]

5 Things to Do During Your Austin Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

Wedding season is upon us! Getting married is a monumental step for every person out there. It’s a day you won’t forget, from the “I do’s” to the dance floor and everything in between.

As great as the wedding day will be, there is one infamous pre-wedding event that every groom and bride can’t miss out on: the bachelor and bachelorette party.

If you’re looking for a fun place to make the memories of a lifetime and have one last bonding moment with your best friends before the big day, we know just the city for you: Austin, TX.

Here are 5 spots to check out for your next bachelor and bachelorette party in Austin.

1) ENJOY THE SCENERY BEFORE YOU GET HITCHED

Getting some good cardio in and working those muscles is a sure fire way to get your adrenaline pumping, and your mind and body ready for the big day.

Visit Barton Springs, a natural swimming hole, for a quick swim or go kayaking in downtown Austin with your friends. If you’re looking for some serious cardio before the big day, take a long hike in the Greenbelt.

2) HAVE A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN

There is no way you haven’t heard of Austin’s night life. A night out on 6th Street will be one for the books (or may only end up being a few fragments in your memory). 6th Street is one of the most iconic streets in Austin, and it’s one of the major reasons for Austin’s famous reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Music lovers out there will also find live music almost every night of the week at places like Maggie Mae’s, The Mohawk, Stubb's and many more!

6th Street isn't the only nightlife option in Austin, though. Be sure to check out Rainey Street, a stretch of historic houses turned into unique bars, East 6th for a more laid-back and hip vibe, and 4th Street for some delicious food and cocktail options.

3) EXPLORE AUSTIN'S ART SCENE

Austin offers many great “picture-friendly” locations (read: Instagram-friendly) to capture your last hurrah with your best friends. Check out the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, stop by Jo's Coffee's famous "I love you so much" mural wall, and don't miss Daniel Johnston's "Hi, How Are You" frog near the UT Campus.

Looking for museum fare? Visit the Harry Ransom Center, The Blanton Museum and MASS Gallery.

Want to see a lot of these sites in the same day? We offer an Art of this World tour that showcases several of Austin’s most popular murals. That’s the beauty of art in Austin: it’s original work and it’s always changing. So this tour truly is a unique one.

4) EAT TO YOUR BELLY'S CONTENT

Many people who visit Austin can assure you that the city of Austin is obsessed with food. And they're not wrong; we are a ravenous, exploratory bunch. From breakfast tacos, to pizza, to ramen, to sushi, to BBQ, to ... okay, we'll stop here. Point is, you'll never go hungry in this city, but you'll always be hungry for more.

5) DRINK UP

It's a celebration, after all! And there is no way you can have your party in Austin without visiting a brewery, which we have in droves. We love Hops & Grain, Jester King Brewery, Austin Beerworks, Independence Brewing Co., Zilker Brewing Company and (512) Brewing Company - just to name a few. Our Austin’s Gem tour focuses on a few of these breweries while doing a little site seeing in between. It’s a win-win!

For those wine lovers out there, check out Jester King Brewery, The Austin Winery and Infinite Monkey Theorem.

[beerselfie]

#Repost @austinglobetrekker Z I L K E R 🇺🇸 B E E R That moment when you remember you bought a 6-pk @zilkerbeer and it’s STILL in your car. Inside your YETI Hopper… And it’s STILL 🥶cold. Since Friday.😳 HEAVENLY DAZE Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV) Hazy. Juicy. Low bitterness. Zilker Brewing Co. [Austin, TX] #heavenlydaze #zilkerbeer #austin #texas #hometown #512 #iloveaustin #craftbeer #supportlocal #brewery #beer #craftbeeraustin #texasbeerlover #craftbeerlover #beertogo @austinglobetrekker https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb9OyOTLeAm/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sxsw2013gg]

All the bands I saw at SXSW this year:

SATURDAY 3/18

1 Drakulas - Hotel Vegas Patio

2 TVOD - Hotel Vegas inside

3 DANA - Hotel Vegas Patio

4 Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Hotel Vegas Patio

5 Kiwi Jr. (again) - Lazarus Brewing Co.

6 Golden Dregs - Lazarus Brewing Co.

7 Sego - Zilker Brewing Co.

8 Night Cap - Low Down Lounge

9 Floodlights - Valhalla

10 Free Range - Seven Grand

11 Personal Trainer - Esther’s Follies

FRIDAY 3/17

1 Dean Forever - Lucille

2 River Boy - Lucille

3 MANE - Lucille

4 Ashli - Lucille

5 Civic - Lucille

6 Tulliah - Lucille

7 Annie Hamilton - Lucille

8 Nat Vazer - Lucille

9 Ron Gallo - Clive Bar

10 Rock Eupora - Lamberts

11 Molly Martin - Lamberts

12 Future Crib - Lamberts

13 The Minks - Lamberts

14 Indigo de Souza - Half Step

15 Husbands - Chess Club

THURSDAY 3/16

1 Y La Bamba - Empire Garage

2 Bartees Strange - Empire Garage

3 Kiwi Jr. - Empire Control Room

4 Protomartyr - Empire Garage

5 Cheekface - Empire Control Room

6 Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires - Side Bar

7 Margaritas Podridas - Chess Club

8 Snooper - Chess Club

9 Jobber - Latchkey

10 Friko - Seven Grand

11 The Trials of Cato - The Creek and the Cave

12 Say Zuzu - Antone’s

13 Bonny Doon - Antone’s

14 The Scratch - The Velveeta Room

15 Silverbacks - The Velveeta Room

WEDNESDAY 3/15

1 Hans Pucket - 13th Floor

2 Be Your Own Pet - Mohawk Outdoor

3 Girl Scout - Mohawk Indoor

4 SOAK - Cedar Street Courtyard

5 Dead Gowns - Velveeta Room

6 The Garrys - Swan Dive Patio

7 Skye Wallace - Swan Dive

8 Mariel Buckley - Swan Dive Patio

9 Death Valley Girls - Lucille

10 Sabrina Ellis - Valhalla

11 Sports Team - The Creek and the Cave

TUESDAY 3/14

1 Sea Lemon - Side Bar

2 Pat G - JNL BBQ

3 Timothy Eerie - JNL BBQ

4 Enjoyable Listens - JNL BBQ

5 Cherym - JNL BBQ

6 The Ophelias - Central Presbyterian Church

7 Katie Malco - Central Presbyterian Church

8 Le Ren - Central Presbyterian Church

9 Bartees Strange - The Belmont

10 Foyer Red - Vaquero Taquero

11 Hamish Hawk - 13th Floor

12 Voka Gentle - 13th Floor

13 English Teacher - Seven Grand

MONDAY 3/13

1 Gen and the Degenerates - Cedar Street Courtyard

2 Panic Shack - Cedar Street Courtyard

3 Puppy Angst - 13th Floor

4 Foamboy - 13th Floor

[texasbeernerd]

Parks & Rec by Zilker Brewing Co.

Reps from Zilker were on hand at Which Craft Taproom to debut their new pale ale Parks & Rec, in celebration of the 100th birthday of Austin’s Zilker Park. This is a pretty good beer. It’s hoppy and balanced well with biscuity malt. I’d definitely drink this again.

[austinbeerguide]

Online Merch Sales from Austin Breweries

“Ask and you shall receive” is not the usual ABG philosophy, but you’re in luck Emily. With a little extra time on our hands and a desire to support our brewery friends any way we can, we put together a quick list of breweries selling merchandise online. 

Hopefully you stocked up on provisions from our local breweries if you’re self isolating or are being responsible if you’re still heading out to support the service industry. Watch respective breweries/pubs/bars social media for extra measures they’re taking, modified hours, and any new ways they are helping you get food & beer to go safely. We will update this post as needed.  

Online merch sales:

512 - https://512brewing.com/shop/

The ABGB - https://shop.theabgb.com/

Austin Beerworks - https://austinbeerworks.square.site/

Austin Eastciders - https://austineastciders.com/collections/merch

Black Star Coop - https://blackstar.coop/shop/

Blue Owl - https://blueowlbrewing.com/store/

Bluebonnet - https://bluebonnetbeerco.com/products

Bull Creek - http://www.bullcreekbrewing.com/store/

Central Machine Works - https://www.cmwbrewery.com/cmw-lifestyle

Fairweather Cider - https://stores.inksoft.com/fairweather/shop/home

Flix Brewhouse (gift cards only) - https://www.flixbrewhouse.com/gift-cards/

Family Business - https://family-business-merch-shop.myshopify.com/

Friends & Allies - https://friendsandallies.beer/online-store

Frontyard - https://www.frontyardbrewing.com/merch/

Hops & Grain (gift cards only) - https://swipeit.com/product/1847/hops--grain-brewing

Independence - http://independencebrewing.com/merch

Infamous - https://infamousbrewing.com/wp/shop/

Jester King - https://stores.kotisdesign.com/jesterking

Lazarus - https://www.lazarusbrewing.com/store

Live Oak - https://liveoakbrewing.com/merch/

Meridian Hive - https://www.meridianhive.com/merch

New Braunfels Brewing Co - http://nbbrewing.com/

Pinthouse Pizza - https://shop.pinthousepizza.com/

Real Ale - https://realalebrewing.com/store/

Red Horn - https://red-horn-coffee-house-and-brewing-co.myshopify.com/

St. Elmo - https://squareup.com/store/st-elmo-brewing-company

Suds Monkey - https://sudsmonkeybrew.com/shop/

Texas Beer Co - https://www.texasbeerco.com/#gear

Vista (gift card only) - https://www.toasttab.com/vistabrewing/giftcards

Whitestone - http://www.whitestonebrewery.com/onlinestore.html

Zilker - https://zilkerbeer.com/shop/?v=7516fd43adaa

Hit us up if we’ve left someone in the area out.

[hokey]

March 15, 2018 at 07:15PM: Suntle but strong — Drinking a Two Fisted Marco by Zilker Brewing Company

[yesborg9]

Austin, TX

The time had come once again for my wife to have a week off from work in February. We had some trouble deciding where we would go for this vacation; she wanted to go back to Europe or possibly Toronto while I wanted to go somewhere warmer. We ended up polling each other’s top 5 destinations, and only Austin was on both of our lists. She wanted to see the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library while I had heard about the craft beer culture there.

The first thing I noticed there was that they take their craft beer very seriously. We arrived Tuesday night and went to a semi-famous burger bar chain called Hopdoddy. They have 9 locations in Texas, one in Denver, two in the Phoenix area, and four in California. I was surprised to only recognize one tap: Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale. The waiter told us that they only had Austin beers on tap, which is a little amazing, but I countered that Oskar Blues is in Colorado. He confirmed that was true, but they contracted out brewing of Dale’s Pale Ale in Austin. I had a Pecan Porter by (512) Brewing Company, a hefeweizen by Live Oak Brewing, a Devil’s Backbone tripel by Real Ale Brewing, and a Thirsty Goat Amber by Thirsty Planet Brewing. All of these choices were excellent, my favorite being the Pecan Porter. I had the local staple pilsner recommended by several people that night called Pearl-Snap at the hotel bar, but I didn’t really like it. I find it odd that often the most popular beer in many cities is overrated. I finished off the night with a London Homesick Ale by Oasis Texas Brewing, making it six different beers by six different Austin breweries.

It was slightly disappointing that we were missing the great weather back home in Wisconsin; Madison broke an all-time February record high. I say slightly because the weather for us in Austin could not have been better. We saw highs in the 80’s and not a cloud in the sky all week. We took advantage of the weather by dining and drinking outside every chance we got. Every venue we visited, including breweries, had an outdoor dining/beergarden area.

Wednesday we had lunch at Torchy’s Tacos, which seemed to be a very popular place at all times of the day. If there are two things I saw the most of in Austin, it was taco bars and food trucks. Another peculiar thing about Austin was the lack of national brand names. When it came to ordering beers or soda, it was rare to see Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Miller Lite, or Budweiser on the menu. At Hopdoddy, if you didn’t want an Austin-brewed tap beer, your only other options were Lone Star (brewed in Fort Worth by Miller), Shiner Bock (about a 90 min drive SE of Austin in Shiner, TX), and Dos Equis (imported from Mexico). At Torchy’s Tacos, the fountain sodas are all from Maine Root, a handcrafted beverage company in Portland, ME that was selected as an exclusive supplier at Austin’s City Limits Music Festival for the last 4 years. I had something called Doppelganger which tasted just like Dr. Pepper.

We took a tour of the state capitol as well as the LBJ Presidential Library. After that, the first brewery I decided to visit was Zilker Brewing Co. They had a lot of hoppy selections as well as two coffee stouts. They also had one very good sour called Rare Candy. We moved on to Lazarus Brewing, which was only two blocks away. There we had some more tacos (I had some hot sauce that was very spicy even for me) and I sampled all of their beers. They had a double IPA I thought was amazing; I’d compare it to Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute.

We ventured back up north of the capitol to the Scholz Garten, which was described as a “historic German biergarten.” We arrived to find it was closed to the public for a private party. We decided to just head back toward the hotel and ate at Home Slice Pizza which served New York style pizza. It didn’t compare to the pizza we had in Brooklyn last month but it wasn’t bad especially after the last barleywine I drank at Lazarus.

On Thursday the high reached the upper 80’s, but the humidity was low and it was breezy so it didn’t feel bad at all. We had lunch at Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que, a brewery that specializes in BBQ meats. I sampled all of their beers, and while I really wasn’t blown away by any of them, some were very interesting. Their Brew Oyster Cult is an oyster stout, which is exactly what it sounds like, but it didn’t taste fishy or anything. They have a Dark Chocolate Russian Imperial Stout that the wife liked, and a pale ale I liked called Clusterf*#%.

We went for a walk around the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. I’m not an artsy person, but I seemed to interpret the sculptures as representing Christianity, family, and sexuality. There were sculptures of angels, families, naked women, naked couples embracing, and Christ on a cross. We continued on our walk, crossing Barton Creek and into the Austin City Limits Music Festival grounds, which was just a large park with sunbathers, dog walkers, and kite-flyers.

That night we were heading to the Rainey Street Historic District for food & fun, when I twisted my ankle walking downtown. We were learning that Austin is not a very pedestrian-friendly city, as many sidewalks were uneven, in very rough shape, or end without warning or a safe place to cross. I was able to hobble along to our destination, Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Boasting itself as a German-style biergarten, aside from having sausage on the menu there was very little German fare there. They have over 100 taps(!) but only one German import. They also had live country music, which I actually didn’t mind after a few beers. I took advantage of one of the few authentic German items on the menu, Currywurst, and it was good. I sampled several hefeweizens and wits that were very pleasing including (512) Wit, Harpoon UFO Twist (Boston, MA), and Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen (Park City, UT).

The next day for lunch, my ankle was feeling better so we walked a while to catch a bus to the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. I had a five-beer flight and we both had delicious turkey sandwiches. I skipped the hoppiest beers and just stuck with lighter stuff as it was another beautiful day to eat & drink outdoors. I tried two more pints there, then the wife wanted to stop back along South Congress near our hotel to buy a top. It was my intention to visit at least two more breweries our last full day in Austin, so she obliged.

Our next stop was Hops & Grain Brewing. They did not offer samples, so I purchased five half-pours. I tried a very good alt, porter, sour, and German-style lager, but I didn’t care for the hoppy Pale Dog. Several blocks away, we found Blue Owl Brewing, which was the crown jewel of my Austin beer sampling experience for two reasons: 1. They were having a fundraiser for a dog shelter and there were 10 (well behaved) dogs running around the beer garden, 2. All 8 beers they brew are sours. Sour pale ale, cherry stout, raspberry strong ale, imperial oatmeal stout, session wheat, flanders brown, wee heavy, and chocolate/raspberry ale. They’re all as amazing as they sound if you like sour beers.

The weekend crowd in the city started increasing so we decided to avoid it by getting some pizza to-go and just watched Netflix the rest of the night in the hotel (because we’re old) as I finished off my six-pack of Black Thunder schwarzbier by Austin Beerworks.

The last thing I noticed about the beer culture in Austin was the irony that none of the restaurants we visited had domestic beers like Miller or Bud, nor even Corona or Samuel Adams, beers that you would find in just about any restaurant in most of the country. But in the Austin airport the only beers I saw on tap were Miller Lite, Bud Light, Sam Adams, and Stella Artois. We then arrived at O’Hare to find airport bars with Goose Island and Revolution on tap.

My overall thoughts of Austin are mostly positive. The service was excellent every place we visited. Sure, there were a lot of hipsters with man-buns and I don’t think I saw a single tattooless woman, but everyone was very friendly and polite, even on the Metro buses. I felt like an old person at some places because most of the people we saw were millennials. I can only take so much hip & trendy before I just want to go home and watch Star Trek on the couch. We did have a fun time and might go back if only to visit more breweries as I only visited 6 of the more than 30 in the city, which is more than double what is was in 2010. And if you love tacos, you’ll love Austin. My only other negative about the city besides the terrible sidewalks is that the water tastes bad. We noticed this at every venue. I have to wonder how much better the beer would be if they had better water.

[southaustinbrewery]

Dog-Friendly Craft Beer Breweries in Austin, Texas

Are you looking for a place to relax and enjoy a cold one together with your furry partner? Many craft breweries in Austin have opened their doors to beer enthusiasts that have furry sidekicks. So now you could find year-round dog-friendly enjoyment for both you as well as your doggie across Austin.

With tons of these unique craft beer breweries to select from, you’re guaranteed to have many possibilities close to your home or anywhere your journeys take you along with your furry friend. Grab your doggy and head over to a brewery in Austin City that embraces pet clients. Enjoy the company of your furry partner as you chill out and enjoy at one of Austin’s dog-friendly breweries.

Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery 7020 Easy Wind Drive – Austin, TX (Map) Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery is super dog friendly! The patio is set up perfectly, and there is big picnic-style tables. Find a seat at Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery and let your little friend enjoy as well.

Jester King Brewery 13187 Fitzhugh Road – Austin, TX (Map) Jester King Brewery can undoubtedly make you and your doggie feel as if you’re royalty! This Austin, TX brewery loves craft beers almost just as much as they love pet dogs!

North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery 10010 North Capital of Texas Highway – Austin, TX (Map) Austin, TX is humming with pleasure over dog-friendly North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery. Get a cold craft beer with your dog at your feet!

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing 1305 West Oltorf Street – Austin, TX (Map) Get a refreshing beer at The Austin Beer Garden Brewing because this is another dog friendly-brewery that welcomes you and your dog!

Uncle Billy’s Brewery 1530 Barton Springs Road – Austin, TX (Map) Bring your furry friendto this brewery today. Uncle Billy’s Brewery in Austin, TX, is famous for their iconic craft brews.

Zilker Brewing Company 1701 East 6th Street – Austin, TX (Map) Zilker Brewing Company invites you and your doggie friend to enjoy their craft beers at their outdoor setting. Also, while you’re there, perhaps you can get a new craft brew only for you!

from South Austin Brewery https://southaustinbrewerytx.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/dog-friendly-craft-beer-breweries-in-austin-texas/

[themusicenthusiast]

In 2019, Austin City Limits Music Festival Will Feature Headline Performances from Guns N’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, The Cure, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala and Robyn; Returns to Zilker Park October 4-6 and 11-13

The 2019 Austin City Limits Music Festival returns with a powerhouse lineup featuring Guns N’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, The Cure, Cardi B (Weekend One), Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and Robyn (Weekend Two). This fully-loaded bill marks Guns N’ Roses’ first show in Austin since 1993 and their first-ever ACL Fest performance. 2019 also represents first time ACL Fest performances from superstars Cardi B, Billie Eilish and Robyn, while Mumford & Sons and The Cure will make triumphant returns alongside a highly anticipated set by Childish Gambino, who was forced to cancel his ACL headlining performance in 2018 due to injury. Kacey Musgraves, The Raconteurs, Gary Clark Jr., Lizzo, Thom Yorke Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, James Blake, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Tyler Childers, Third Eye Blind (Weekend Two), Rebelution, GRiZ, RL Grime, Jenny Lewis, BANKS, The Kooks (Weekend One), Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Chris Shiflett and many more will take the stage for the 18thannual Austin City Limits Music Festival, taking place October 4-6 and October 11-13 at Zilker Park in Austin, TX.  Tickets are on sale now.

This year’s diverse bill also includes a sonically wide range of new and established female artists from around the world, including Lizzo, King Princess, Kali Uchis, Rosalía(Spain), Lauren Daigle, Jenny Lewis, BANKS, Sigrid (Norway), Natalia Lafourcade (Mexico), K.Flay, Bea Miller, Joseph, Koffee (Jamaica), The Aces, Cherry Glazerr, Men I Trust (Canada), Monsieur Periné (Colombia), Weyes Blood (Weekend One), Yola (England – Weekend Two), Karol Conka (Brazil – Weekend Two), Delacey (England – Weekend One), and many more. Austin City Limits Music Festival has a proud tradition of celebrating Texan artists, and this year is no exception. This year’s crop of homegrown talent includes Kacey Musgraves, Gary Clark Jr., Asleep at the Wheel (Weekend One), Black Pistol Fire, Megan Thee Stallion (Weekend Two), Pike and Sutton (Weekend Two), Blackillac (Weekend Two), Night Cap (Weekend One), Otis the Destroyer (Weekend One), Abhi The Nomad (Weekend Two), Jane Ellen Bryant (Weekend Two), Alesia Lani (Weekend One), Kady Rain (Weekend Two), Stone Wheels (Weekend One) and more. Zilker Park has been the home of the Austin City Limits Music Festival for the past 18 years. Since 2006, ACL Festival, in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, has generated more than $35 million towards improvements to Zilker Park and parks across the city, and in 2018 alone, through a percentage of ticket sales, fans of ACL Fest contributed $5.1 million to improving Austin’s public parks, trails and green spaces. New this year is GA+, the ideal ticket for those looking to step up their ACL Fest experience with additional perks.  GA+ is a brand-new private lounge featuring shade, lounge seating, air-conditioned restrooms and complimentary water and soft drinks.  GA+ fans will be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails from a full-service bar, as well as food from some of Austin’s favorite restaurants. 3-Day General Admission Tickets for both weekends are available now. 3-Day VIP and Platinum Tickets and Hotel Packages are also available. VIP ticketholders will enjoy a shaded viewing deck with exceptional sightlines of the main stage, as well as the VIP-Platinum bar located at Rock Island, the perfect place to grab a cold beer or glass of wine while roaming the festival grounds. A full list of VIP and Platinum amenities can be viewed here.  Music fans ages 10 and under will be admitted free of charge accompanied by a ticketed adult. 1-Day General Admission Tickets, 1-Day VIP Tickets and 1-Day Platinum Tickets will be available later in the year. Austin City Limits Music Festival is generously sponsored by American Express, Honda, Miller Lite, VRBO, BMI, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Karbach Brewing Co., and Lifeway Kefir.