7 New Breweries Worth Checking Out
Houston’s beer scene has exploded in the past few years, following the lead of staple breweries like Saint Arnold Brewing Co and Karbach. Below are a few newcomers worth checking out in what is becoming a deliciously saturated market.
Status: Open
Location: 6820 Bourgeois Rd, Houston
Claim to Fame: Flavorful beers you don’t mind drinking when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Founded by former oil industry workers Jeff Handoff, Bryce Baker and Brandon Moss, 11 Below boasts a 10k SF, 30-barrel brewhouse near Willowbrook Mall. Head brewmaster Kennan Zarling whips up some light, hoppy options like the 7-Iron, a blonde beer with a malt profile. The brewery hosts happy hour every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm and has an open house every Saturday from noon to 3pm.
Status: Opening spring 2016
Location: The Crossing at Telfair, Sugar Land
Claim to Fame: The only first-run movie theater in the world to incorporate a fully functioning microbrewery.
Flix Brewhouse combines two of America’s favorite pastimes: movies and beer. The brewhouse features the latest movies and a dine-in microbrewery serving 12 in-house beers. While Flix isn’t a local establishment (the company already has locations in Iowa, Indiana and Round Rock) it will surely be a popular spot in the booming suburb of Sugar Land. Flix hosts ladies nights featuring chick flicks, pajama parties for families and special baby days for families with infants. You can also enjoy the restaurant and a few beers without purchasing a movie ticket.
Status: Open
Location: 508 West Crosstimbers Rd, Houston
Claim to Fame: In-your-face branding and in-your-face beer.
Originally, owner Ben Fullelove started Brash as a contract brewing company in Massachusetts but due to favorable changes in Texas beer laws, he obtained a license and secured a 13k SF warehouse in Houston. Brash releases three year-round beers in cans along with limited releases in 22-ounce bottles. A few worth checking out include Vulgar Display of Power, a Russian Imperial Stout and a unique chocolate milk stout.
Status: Opening in 2016
Location: 306 Market St, Tomball
Claim to Fame: Smooth microbrews and a small-town vibe.
Owners Kurt and Carl Hohnholt and Bruce Kissinger have over 25 years of brewing experience between them and what started out as a hobby has become a profession. The group spent time traveling the country and studying successful pubs and breweries before developing their own Signature Series beer. Fire Ant offers a wide variety of beer, including Crazy Ant Red Ale, Hells Heavenweizen, Fire Ant Bock and Sandcastle Kolsch. Located in Old Town Tomball, the brewpub will feature a 1,500 SF outdoor seating area and a restaurant.
Status: Open
Location: 10622 Hirsch Rd, Houston
Claim to Fame: Traditional beer with a fresh spin.
Spindletap is in part of a 70k SF warehouse on Hirsch Road but the company self-distributes throughout Texas. Founders Brody Chapman and David Miller are the CEO and CFO of Lightning Logistics, a transportation company, making distribution a breeze. The company expects to brew 4,000 barrels in 2016 according to co-founder Cameron Banks. The brewpub features Toolpusher, a classic pale ale, Hopper House, a zingy double IPA, and Boomtown Blonde, among others.
Status: Open
Location: 1125 W Cavalcade St, Houston
Claim to Fame: Serious ales in a casual bar-like atmosphere.
Owners Steven Macalello, a geochemist, and Justin Engle, a former chemist, opened Town in City Brewing Co after two years of planning and prep work. The property features a 700 SF taproom and 1,400 SF outdoor beer garden. The brewing company functions more like a traditional bar: guests walk in, sit down and can order food or beer. Town In City features English and American-style ales, including City Amber, an English Amber with an American twist, and City Porter, based on classic English porters brewed for those working the ship channels.
Status: Opening not set yet
Location: Silos on Sawyer development
Claim to Fame: Funded by the people for the people.
The brewery has yet to set an opening date but is building out space in the Silos on Sawyer development, which could easily become a popular arts district once completed. Several developers partnered to create a 36-acre creative campus where people can eat, drink and visit more than 300 studios. Co-founders John and Kathryn Holler raised $250k from 19 investors to get Holler Brewing off the ground. While we can’t attest to the quality of the beer yet, we have high hopes for Holler and the Silos on Sawyer development.
