Zilker Brewing and la Barbecue Bring Back Beloved la Beer to Austin Retail Shelves for First Time Since 2021

Fan-favorite collaboration lager returns to expanded summer distribution beginning July 21, with Pickle Palooza celebration on August 1

 

AUSTIN, TX (July 22, 2026) — Zilker Brewing Co. and la Barbecue are bringing back la Beer — their beloved collaboration lager — to expanded Austin retail distribution for the first time since 2021. Beginning July 21, the crisp American lager will once again be available at Zilker Brewing’s East 6th Street taproom and at an expanded list of Austin retailers throughout the summer, while supplies last. La Beer remains available year-round at la Barbecue and select retail locations, but this marks its widest local release in four years. To mark the occasion, the two Austin institutions will co-host Pickle Palooza on Saturday, August 1st from 4–8 p.m. at Zilker Brewing — a day-long celebration of friendship, community, and the kind of briny, chaotic fun that only Austin could pull off.

“la Beer has never just been another collaboration beer — it’s a reflection of nearly a decade of friendship between our teams,” said Patrick Clark, Co-Founder of Zilker Brewing. “It was created to pair perfectly with great Texas barbecue, but more importantly it represents two Austin businesses that have grown alongside each other. We’re excited to get it back into more people’s hands this summer and celebrate with the community that has supported us from the beginning.”

The story behind la Beer began long before it was canned. In 2017, while la Barbecue was still operating from its legendary East Austin trailer on Cesar Chavez, customers routinely waited hours in line for a chance at some of the city’s most celebrated barbecue. Zilker Brewing began donating kegs to help make those long Texas afternoons a little more enjoyable, planting the seeds for what would become one of Austin’s most enduring food-and-drink partnerships.

Around the same time, la Barbecue owners Ali Clem and her late wife, LeAnn Mueller, lived right next door to Zilker Brewing. The neighbors became friends over post-work beers and conversations about building businesses rooted in hospitality and community. When la Barbecue opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant, creating a collaboration beer felt like a natural next chapter.

The result was la Beer — a clean, crisp American lager brewed with German-grown Weyermann pilsner malt, a touch of corn, and classic American lager yeast before being cold-conditioned for several weeks to create an exceptionally refreshing beer designed to complement, rather than compete with, Texas barbecue. Originally released in cans in 2021, la Beer quickly became a fan favorite and has remained a staple at la Barbecue ever since.

Its expanded return comes during a milestone year for la Barbecue following the restaurant’s recent Michelin Star recognition, further cementing its place among the country’s premier barbecue destinations. For the Zilker Brewing team, the honor represents the continued success of longtime friends whose journey they’ve proudly supported from the very beginning.

La Beer is available year-round at la Barbecue and a select number of retail locations. Beginning July 21, la Beer will be available at Zilker Brewing’s East 6th Street taproom and at the following Austin retailers throughout the summer, while supplies last:

  • H-E-B SoCo

  • H-E-B Circle C

  • H-E-B Lake Austin

  • H-E-B Allandale

  • H-E-B Mueller

  • Central Market N Lamar

  • S Lamar Wine & Spirits

  • Barton Hills Food Mart

  • Beer Geek

  • East 1st Grocery

  • Royal Blue E 6th

  • MLK Food Store

To celebrate the return of la Beer, Zilker Brewing and la Barbecue will host Pickle Palooza on Saturday, August 1, from 4–8 p.m. at Zilker Brewing’s East 6th Street taproom. Free and open to the public, the event benefits Urban Roots, Austin’s nonprofit urban farm and culinary training program, and brings together local restaurants, chefs, breweries, and pickle enthusiasts for an afternoon of friendly competition, food, drinks, and community.

The centerpiece of the event is the Pickle Tasting Competition, where up to 20 local bars, restaurants, and chefs — including confirmed participants Canje, Distant Relatives, The Low Down, The Grackle, Liberty Bar, and more — will compete for the title of Austin’s Best Pickle. Winners will be selected across nine categories, including Overall Winner, Crowd Favorite, Best Classic Dill, Best Spicy Pickle, Most Creative, Best Texture/Crunch, Best Brine, Wild Card, and Judges’ Choice. Competitor registration is now. 

Beyond the pickle tasting competition, Austinites can enter to compete in the Pickle-Palooza Pickle EATING Competition, enjoy pickle-inspired drink specials including a one-day-only Pickle la Beer, la Barbecue Pickle Lemonade, pickleback shots, and pickle Jell-O shots, shop limited-edition merchandise, get pickle-themed tattoos, and enjoy live music from a local DJ throughout the afternoon.

For more information, visit zilkerbeer.com or follow @zilkerbeer on social media.

About Zilker Brewing Co.

Founded in 2015 by three friends with a shared passion for craft beer and community, Zilker Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery located on East 6th Street in Austin, Texas. Known for its thoughtfully crafted beers, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to quality, Zilker has become one of Austin’s favorite neighborhood breweries and gathering places. The brewery has built a reputation for approachable, high-quality lagers, IPAs, and seasonal releases that reflect the character and creativity of the city it calls home. In 2026, Zilker earned a Silver Medal at the World Beer Cup for Bolo Season (Hazy IPA), Gold and Silver Medals at the Texas Craft Brewers Cup for Heavenly Daze (Hazy IPA), and Gold and Bronze Medals at the North American Brewers Association International Beer Awards for Icy Boys and Heavenly Daze. Through a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community, Zilker continues to create fresh, memorable beer experiences that are unmistakably Austin.

 

About la Barbecue

Ali Clem is the chef and owner behind the Texas-style smoked brisket you’ll find at Michelin-starred restaurant, la Barbecue, in Austin, Texas. Ranked among the top barbecue chefs in the world, Ali has devoted her culinary career to perfecting her craft and, most importantly, carrying on the barbecue legacy she and her late wife, LeAnn Mueller, built together. What began as a beloved East Austin trailer has grown into one of the city’s most iconic barbecue destinations, celebrated for its wood-smoked Central Texas barbecue, including brisket, ribs, house-made sausages, and classic sides. A fixture of Austin’s culinary community, la Barbecue has earned national acclaim while remaining committed to exceptional craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and doing things the right way.

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