Craft Beer Austin Staff Picks | Beers & Venues
In the spirit of taking a fresh look at Craft Beer Austin Staff Picks, I asked the team to tell me what venues and beer they would most likely to be able to safely and easily sit down and frequent right now. So, its not necessarily our favorite places or beers, but instead, its the location and beer that each of us are craving at this exact moment. The rationale could be nostalgia or it could be friends and flavor or possibly a place we just haven’t had a chance to visit in awhile. With that guidance, here are the team’s picks for some of the Best Beers and Venues in Austin that we would most like to enjoy right now.
Melanie
Oddwood | Her Black Wings Schwarzbier
I miss the cozy indoors at Oddwood so very much. Bellying up to the wooden bar and chatting with Bryan, Randy, Lance, Taylor, Brett, ZZ or the rest of the top-notch team warms my heart, dearly. Oddwood has done a fantastic job adapting to Covid-19 and all its rules, but sitting inside next to the yule log channel on the projector screen this time of the year? Now that, THAT is what I want my chilly Texas evenings to consist of. I dream of the day I can sit inside and cheers my fellow patrons with a “Her Black Wings” Schwarzbier. That smooth, malty, roastiness is one of my favorite winter beers. How great does that sound? Sigh… I know we’re all exhausted and miss each other. Wear your masks Austinites. This pandemic’s not gone…We can beat this if we stick together…(metaphorically.) Happy New Year!”
Dani
Hold Out Brewing | Ol’ Gil Pils
Why, hello 2021. I have to say last year was hard, but there were a few bright spots in my year. One bright spot were all the new breweries that opened during Covid, along with the numerous other breweries putting out new releases (many of which were in cans that I could enjoy at home). I had probably more beers than usual sitting in my backyard during the Spring before being able to safely hit up our usual patio spots. One of my new favorite spots has become Hold Out Brewing. It quickly became my go to Sunday brunch patio hang out due to their friendly reservation system, spaced out tables, and numerous beers to enjoy with your small groups. Yet, I still cannot wait to see what the inside of the brewery will bring. Their delicious food, not limited just the burger, and their beers like Ol’ Gil Pilsner and more will keep you coming back.
Andrew
6th St Dive Bars | Craft Pride | Any beer with a crowd again
David
Turnstile Coffee Beer & Spirits | Six from the wall & finish with a Whisky
There have been a surprising number of great new places that have opened in 2020. My go-to lately has been Turnstile Coffee Beer & Spirits on Burnet. There are several reasons for that. The staff—Mark, David, and Ross—are all cool, fun to hang out with, and knowledgeable. The location is close to both work and home for me, and it’s quirky (built out of a remodeled Sonic Drive-Thru). The beer selection is impeccable, with a great mix of top local and national brands that are expertly curated. Lastly, I like to branch out into the whisky realm for a nightcap or a change of pace. They have a great selection of spirits, specifically whisky. It’s a go-to for me right now, and I plan to give them a lot of my business in 2021.
Pam
Pam’s 2020 Untappd Top Picks
