Summary
Houston is known for many things—its size, its cultural diversity, and its traffic. Recently, locally-owned breweries have emerged throughout the Houston area, enriching the social and drinking landscape for visitors and residents alike. This guide explores breweries within the 610 Loop, serving as the first part of a two-part series that will also cover breweries located further outside the city.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Established in 1994, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, situated just north of Downtown, proudly announces itself as the oldest craft brewer in Texas. Renowned for popular selections like Weedwacker and Santo, this brewery presents 11 year-round offerings. On Saturdays, guests can secure a souvenir glass and four samples for just $10. During the week, individual beers are available for purchase. The beer hall features long tables reminiscent of a classic cafeteria. For those desiring a quieter ambiance, there’s a smaller room furnished with couches and dart boards available for an additional fee. The main area offers a view of the brewing facilities, which are open for tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Additionally, Saint Arnold operates its own kitchen, serving a variety of food options from snacks to two-course meals.
Details
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
Hours
Monday – Thursday | 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
8th Wonder Brew
8th Wonder Brew celebrates the Astrodome and retro Houston culture. Located in a domed warehouse in the EaDo (East of Downtown) area, the brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating options and features a mix of seasonal and year-round brews, including a cream ale dubbed “Dome Faux’m.” The taproom utilizes a token system, where sets of souvenir glasses and beer tokens range from $4 to $15. Alternatively, patrons may opt for a flight of four tasters for $8, which includes one full refill.
Inside, guests can relax on Astrodome-style seats amid wood-paneled decor, whereas outdoor seating provides a festive atmosphere with string lights and picnic tables, albeit with limited shade. Brewery tours are available on weekdays at 7 p.m., and while food is not offered onsite, the Eatsie Boys food truck frequently parks nearby. Unique offerings include a brew called Free Kick, which incorporates kombucha, and yoga classes are hosted on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for the more agile beer enthusiasts.
Details
2202 Dallas Street
Houston, Texas, 77003
Hours
Monday – Saturday | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Under the Radar Brewer
Since opening in late 2016, Under the Radar Brewer has quickly made a name for itself. Located near the southern edge of Midtown, this brewery describes itself as “the poorly told tale of three guys who liked to brew beer.” It currently offers five distinct beers and a cozy atmosphere with plenty of shade for guests. A glass with three tokens is available for $15. Seating is provided both indoors and outdoors, with views of the brewing process that takes place in a relatively small space; an expansion is rumored to be in the works.
Details
1506 Truxillo Street
Houston, TX 77004
Hours
Saturday | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Buffalo Bayou
The Buffalo Bayou brewers place a strong emphasis on creativity and craft-small batch beers, tucked away in a residential area. Their intriguing pour list features innovative choices at the brewery located east of Memorial Park. Guests can trade $10 for a mason jar-style glass and three pours. Due to limited hours that can result in crowded conditions, it is advisable to check their schedule ahead of time. While seating is abundant, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs just in case.
Details
5301 Nolda Street
Houston, TX 77007
Hours
Friday | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. for happy hour
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for tours
Town in City Brewing
Located in a blue metal building in the Heights, Town in City Brewing incorporates inventive creativity into their beers, with batch names inspired by friends and offerings in a “Farm-to-Market” series featuring three stages. Membership in a club called Townie, with an annual fee just over $200, grants access to discussions, forums, and test batches tailored for discerning palates. Regardless of whether you choose to invest in membership, the brewery provides indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a menu for all patrons to enjoy.
Details
1125 W Cavalcade Street
Houston, Texas 77009
Hours
Wednesday – Thursday | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday | 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Platypus Brewing
Platypus Brewing brings together the passion of Houstonians and Australians who began brewing with a home kit over a decade ago. Located on Washington Avenue near Houston Avenue, Platypus features both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a mezzanine balcony available for special events. The menu is seasonal and based on local ingredients, and specialty wines can also be sampled. A membership option exists; for $99, enthusiasts can become “Platypi” and gain access to company merchandise, early-release tastings, and Q&A sessions with the brewers.
Details
1902 Washington Avenue, Suite E
Houston, Texas 77007
Hours
Monday | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday – Thursday | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday | 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday | 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holler Brewing
Holler Brewing, situated near the Silver Street Studios complex, has been relatively quiet since its opening in November 2016. However, the brewers currently offer eight different beers alongside cold-brew coffee. At present, no menu is provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own food or order delivery on days when food trucks are absent. The venue presents a polished atmosphere, though their website is still under development. For updates on their operating schedule, it’s advisable to check the brewery’s Facebook page.
Details
2206 Edwards Street
Houston, Texas 77007
Sigma Brewing
This East Downtown brewery opened in October 2016 and may appeal to those seeking a lively experience. Featuring loud music and cult classic movies on Mondays, beers are priced at $5, while flights are available for $7. Though the selection is limited, the spacious venue creates an inviting atmosphere. The availability of food trucks varies; thus, checking the brewery’s Facebook page for updates is recommended to find out when food will be on-site.
Details
3118 Harrisburg Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77003
Hours
Monday | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday – Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday | 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday | 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
For ideal conditions and enjoyable experiences within Houston’s brewery scene, visitors can look into local weather forecasts and seasonal trends.
