Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in the San Antonio area of Texas? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer near San Antonio so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Texas, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. If you’re looking for the best breweries near Houston or Dallas, you can find that here and here! We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Lone Star State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#5 Mad Pecker Brewing Co – 3.92 average Untapped rating

Mad Pecker Brewing Co is a craft brewery located in San Antonio, Texas. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location**: Mad Pecker Brewing Co is situated in San Antonio, Texas, offering locals and visitors a taste of craft beer in the heart of the city.

2. **Founding**: Mad Pecker Brewing Co was founded by a group of friends who shared a passion for brewing and a desire to create a unique and welcoming space for beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s playful name reflects its lighthearted approach to craft beer.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: The brewery is dedicated to brewing high-quality, flavorful craft beer using the finest ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. Mad Pecker Brewing Co strives to push the boundaries of traditional beer styles while maintaining a focus on balance and drinkability.

4. **Beer Selection**: Mad Pecker Brewing Co offers a diverse lineup of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their creative and adventurous approach to brewing, often experimenting with unique ingredients and flavor combinations to create memorable brews.

5. **Taproom Experience**: The brewery’s taproom provides a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. With its eclectic decor, friendly staff, and spacious seating areas, the taproom is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts and locals looking to relax and unwind.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving customers directly from their taproom, Mad Pecker Brewing Co distributes its beers to select bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area. They also participate in beer festivals and events to showcase their brews to a wider audience.

Overall, Mad Pecker Brewing Co is celebrated for its commitment to brewing excellent craft beer and its dedication to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among its patrons. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just discovering the world of craft beer, a visit to Mad Pecker Brewing Co promises a fun and flavorful experience.

#4 Longtab Brewing Company – 3.93 average Untapped rating

Longtab Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in San Antonio, Texas. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location**: Longtab Brewing Company is situated in San Antonio, Texas, offering a local destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the area.

2. **Founding**: Longtab Brewing Company was founded by military veterans with a passion for brewing exceptional beer. The brewery’s name, “Longtab,” is a reference to the distinctive insignia worn by U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers, commonly known as Green Berets.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: The brewery is dedicated to brewing high-quality craft beer while honoring the traditions and values of the military community. Longtab Brewing Company aims to create a diverse lineup of beers that appeal to a wide range of palates, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and community among its patrons.

4. **Beer Selection**: Longtab Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of craft beers, including a variety of styles such as IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal specialties. They are known for producing well-crafted and flavorful beers that showcase both traditional and innovative brewing techniques.

5. **Taproom Experience**: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. With its military-inspired decor, friendly staff, and communal seating areas, the taproom offers a comfortable space for socializing and tasting a variety of brews.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving customers directly from their taproom, Longtab Brewing Company distributes its beers to local bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area. They also participate in community events and fundraisers to support charitable causes and give back to the military community.

Overall, Longtab Brewing Company is celebrated for its commitment to brewing excellent craft beer and its dedication to serving and supporting the military community. Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or civilian beer enthusiast, a visit to Longtab Brewing Company offers a unique and rewarding craft beer experience.

 #3 Pinthouse Brewing – 3.98 average Untapped rating

Pinthouse Brewing is a renowned craft brewery with locations in Austin, Texas. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location**: Pinthouse Brewing operates multiple locations in Austin, Texas. Their flagship location is on Burnet Road, and they have expanded to other locations, such as South Lamar and Round Rock.

2. **Founding**: Pinthouse Brewing was founded in 2012 by six friends who shared a passion for brewing exceptional craft beer. Since its inception, the brewery has gained a strong following and garnered numerous awards for its innovative and high-quality beers.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Pinthouse Brewing is committed to brewing world-class beer using the finest ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. They focus on producing a diverse range of beer styles, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. The brewery places a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and creativity in every batch they brew.

4. **Beer Selection**: Pinthouse Brewing offers a diverse and rotating selection of beers, with a particular focus on hop-forward styles like IPAs and pale ales. They are known for their award-winning IPAs, including Electric Jellyfish IPA and Training Bines IPA, which have become staples in the Austin craft beer scene. Additionally, they frequently release seasonal and limited-edition brews to showcase their brewing creativity.

5. **Taproom Experience**: The taprooms at Pinthouse Brewing offer a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, friendly staff, and a casual vibe, the taprooms are popular gathering spots for beer enthusiasts and locals alike.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving customers directly from their taprooms, Pinthouse Brewing distributes their beers to select bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Texas. They also participate in beer festivals and events to showcase their brews to a wider audience.

Overall, Pinthouse Brewing is celebrated for its commitment to brewing exceptional craft beer and its contributions to the vibrant Austin beer community. Whether you’re a hop-head, stout lover, or just looking to enjoy a pint of quality beer, a visit to Pinthouse Brewing promises a memorable and satisfying craft beer experience.

#2 Weathered Souls Brewing Co – 3.99 average Untapped rating

Weathered Souls Brewing Co is a prominent craft brewery located in San Antonio, Texas. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location**: Weathered Souls Brewing Co is situated in San Antonio, Texas, providing a local hub for craft beer enthusiasts in the area.

2. **Founding**: The brewery was founded in 2016 by Marcus Baskerville, who serves as the head brewer. Weathered Souls quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation in brewing.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Weathered Souls Brewing Co is dedicated to brewing high-quality, flavorful craft beers that showcase creativity and attention to detail. The brewery is known for its diverse lineup of beers, including a wide range of styles and experimental brews.

4. **Beer Selection**: Weathered Souls offers a diverse selection of craft beers, ranging from classic styles like IPAs, stouts, and porters to innovative and experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. They are particularly renowned for their barrel-aged and specialty releases, which often feature unique flavor profiles and creative ingredients.

5. **Taproom Experience**: The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. With its rustic decor, friendly staff, and communal seating areas, the taproom offers a comfortable space for socializing and tasting a variety of brews.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving customers directly from their taproom, Weathered Souls Brewing Co distributes its beers to local bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area. They also participate in beer festivals and events to showcase their brews to a wider audience.

Overall, Weathered Souls Brewing Co is celebrated for its dedication to brewing high-quality craft beers and its commitment to community engagement and collaboration within the craft beer industry. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to San Antonio, a visit to Weathered Souls Brewing Co promises a memorable and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#1 Jester King Brewery – 4.02 average Untapped rating

Jester King Brewery is a renowned craft brewery located in Austin, Texas. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location**: Jester King Brewery is situated on a picturesque 165-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin. The brewery’s scenic location adds to its charm and serves as a popular destination for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and rustic brewery experience.

2. **Founding**: Jester King Brewery was founded in 2010 by Jeffrey Stuffings and Michael Steffing. Since its inception, the brewery has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to brewing farmhouse ales using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Jester King Brewery is dedicated to producing authentic and expressive farmhouse-style ales that reflect the terroir of their Texas Hill Country location. They emphasize using wild fermentation, spontaneous inoculation, and barrel aging to create beers that are complex, nuanced, and reflective of their surroundings.

4. **Beer Selection**: Jester King Brewery offers a diverse and ever-changing lineup of beers, including farmhouse ales, saisons, wild ales, and sour beers. They are known for their innovative and experimental approach to brewing, often incorporating foraged ingredients, native yeast strains, and locally grown grains to craft unique and flavorful brews.

5. **Taproom Experience**: The brewery’s on-site taproom provides a rustic and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. With its outdoor seating areas, scenic views, and relaxed vibe, the taproom offers a laid-back space for patrons to sample a wide range of Jester King’s beers while taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

6. **Distribution**: While Jester King Brewery primarily serves customers directly from their taproom, they also distribute their beers to select bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Texas and beyond. Additionally, they occasionally collaborate with other breweries and participate in beer festivals and events to showcase their brews to a wider audience.

Overall, Jester King Brewery is celebrated for its commitment to producing exceptional farmhouse ales and its dedication to sustainability, localism, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to Jester King Brewery promises an unforgettable craft beer experience immersed in the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.