Many people are surprised at how many breweries are actually in San Antonio unless, of course, you are from the 210.
San Antonio is the perfect place for brewery lovers. With a wide variety of breweries to explore, you'll never be bored.
From beer factories that have existed since the 1800s to brewpubs across the Alamo City, here are our top picks and must-visits whether you're visiting or a local.
Freetail Brewery
At Freetail, they say that their food is almost as good as their beer.
Almost.
And I'd agree. While the pizza at their restaurant is superb, the beer they brew in-house is sublime.
Both Freetail locations embody the city's spirit with a mission of making you feel like a local. While only the Northside location offers food, they both serve up and offer an impressive lineup of draft beer — including noteworthy collaborations with other local breweries.
Worth trying: Soul Doubt. A 6.8% India Pale Ale that'll leave you wanting more.
Location: 4035 N Loop 1604 W #105
Weathered Souls Brewing Company
These guys know the deal.
Situated on the Northside of town, Weathered Souls is not a chain, and they don't "mass produce" their beer.
This is a legit modern brew-house with wide-open seating for small or large gatherings. Even better is that the openness allows you to watch them brew the beer...live!
Head on over and grab a 4-pack to-go, or hang out a bit on the patio.
Worth trying: the dark and malty Prestidigitator Bock - Doppelbock. At 8.8% ABV, this one gets you going.
Location: 606 Embassy Oaks #500
Blue Star Brewery
A San Antonio icon since 1996, "Blue Star" is a major bike-friendly and local thoroughfare to the city's cultural and historical center that runs right along the San Antonio River. Literally, right along the river.
Spending some time on the river?
Biking around Southtown?
Then the location is perfect. With a large outdoor patio, really great food that pairs well with their brews, and of course, lots of local art, Blue Star makes a perfect date night or simply a great night out.
Just be sure to pay Blue Star Brewing a visit for some 100% organic beer.
Worth trying: Flying Pig. A refreshing, mildly hopped, light-colored ale. ABV 5.0. Perfect for that post-bicycle ride refreshment.
Location: 1414 S Alamo St #105
Alamo Brewery
Since December 2014, and as they say on their website:
"Alamo Beer Company has proudly brewed the only beer to bear the ALAMO name since Prohibition in 1919. And just like the stories of The Alamo Defenders, our beer history is our courageous, independent, unrestrained, and faithful to itself."
While there are many choices in S.A., this beer garden is easily one of the tops in the city. Not only do they feature their very own in-house brews, but a pretty delightful menu of beer food is also available and pairs nicely.
Worth trying: Alamo Golden Ale. This is their flagship, namesake beer and is perfect for almost all occasions—a 4.75% ABV brew.
Location: 202 Lamar St.
Busted Sandal Brewing Company
A veteran-owned brewery, Busted Sandal Brewing Company, began operations in August 2013 and is operated with the thought that excellent brews CAN be made and sourced from only local ingredients in an energy-efficient environment.
Their goal is to create beers that respect the advanced beer lover and, at the same time, generate beer styles that get the attention of the average beer lover.
And yep, they've hit the mark and crafted a type for every beer enthusiast to enjoy!
Best part? Dogs are welcome.
Worth trying: 210 ALE. 210 Ale is a delicate, lightly sweet ale with a clean, crisp finish. ABV: 6.1%
Where: 7114 Oaklawn Dr.
Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
Back in 2015, breweries and food returned to the Pearl District for a big win, thanks to Southerleigh.
Located in the original Pearl brewhouse built-in 1894, Southerleigh is a must-try place, and with over 15 brews on tap, it's pretty much a no-brainer.
One of our tops is the THOT - "That Heirloom Over There." Heh-heh, we love the play on words.
Worth trying: Standard IPA. Anything but standard, this one is a dry, balanced, citrusy, and demanding classic American IPA. 6.8%
Location: 136 E Grayson St #120
Back Unturned Brewing Co.
Back Unturned Brewing Company (BUBCO) serves up various classic beer styles, tasty artisan pizzas, and other pub fares from chef Jared Cattoni. While the name, BUBCO, is a curious draw in and of itself, they're here to show folks to not turn their back on their dreams. One craft beer at a time.
And by the way, the pizza is pretty tasty too.
Worth trying: the Blonde & Hoppy. At 5.2 %, this is a perfect summertime brew.
Where: 516 Brooklyn Ave.
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling
Brewed in San Antonio, for San Antonio.
Part brewhouse, part distillery, Ranger Creek is an eclectic mix of the two. In addition to some of the best beers in south Texas, Ranger Creek does a pretty mean bourbon too.
Try one of their unique and less traditional beers like Love Struck Hefe and Red Headed Stranger.
Worth trying: San Antonio Lager is an easy-drinking German-style lager. With a sweet, malty aroma with low floral hop notes and clean lager character. At 5.2%, it's chill and straightforward.
Location: 4834 Whirlwind Dr.
Pearl Brewery
A local hot spot and fav, the Pearl Brewery is a historical area complete with dining, shopping, and more. Lots more. Its name comes from the signature brew, Pearl Beer, mainly because the foam from the beer is said to resemble sparkling pearls.
While beer brewing operations have been closed since 2001, the site is worth exploring, and it's also home.
Location: 303 Pearl Pkwy.
The final draft
Regardless of the event or the occasion, beer factories and brewpubs are located all across the city. It's no doubt, though, that these are some of the best breweries in San Antonio.
With as many as there are, there is no excuse to not enjoy a local craft brew.