San Antonio, Texas, is a lovely city in the Lone Star state that’s known for its history, scenery, and incredible craft beer scene. Are you looking to explore a city known for making delicious brews, while enjoying unique Lone Star State history? You’re in luck.
Officially founded by the Spanish in 1718, then part of Mexico starting in 1821, San Antonio wasn’t American-controlled until February 1836. Of course, that came just before the start of the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.
Today, San Antonio is known for a whole lot of things, including the historic Alamo and River Walk. While the city may be named after a saint, there are still plenty of places to let loose, and plenty of places to imbibe. Currently, over 300 breweries exist in Texas and dozens of those are breweries in San Antonio.
Whether you’re looking for a local craft beer or happen to be a tourist during happy hour, San Antonio has something special for you. To get you started, we put together 15 of the best breweries in San Antonio. Use this as a guide to becoming an expert on all things San Antonio lager and more!
Best Breweries in San Antonio
1. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Address: 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217
Why not start the list with an award-winning brewery? Ranger Creek Brewing focuses not only on craft beer but also whiskey packed with Texas attitude. Only a Texan would appreciate that last part but everyone can agree on the quality.
Visit their tasting room to try out a few for yourself, and keep an eye on their calendar to join Ranger Creek for food truck nights and other lively events.
Take a tour and you’ll get to experience the brewmasters and distillers at Ranger Creek showing you how they make both beer and bourbon – it’s truly two tours in one! Sample three of their products at the end of the tour. Want to bring along a friend who isn’t a drinker? They’ll still love to learn about the process, and anyone joining as a designated driver enjoys a discounted ticket. Local rideshare services are easy to come by, if you need a ride home..
Ranger Creek also offers a VIP Whiskey Sampling Experience. As an addition to the regular tour, visitors also get to try two future drinks directly from the barrel. They also sell bourbon chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth.
A few of our favorite beers include San Antonio Lager, Strawberry Milk Stout, and Love Struck Hefe. If you experience love of your own at first sip, you can find Ranger Creek beers across Texas. With all these options, you might want to bring a crowd. Ranger Creek also rents out private spaces for events.
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2. Alamo Beer Company
Address: 202 Lamar St, San Antonio, TX 78202
When the weather is warm, clear, and breezy in Texas, take advantage of it! Alamo Beer Company has outdoor seating, picnic tables, and you’ll often hear live music if you plan your trip just right.
This beautiful beer garden offers more than just a scenic view of downtown San Antonio – comfortable seating, food truck nights, and some of the tastiest brews in the country are waiting for you.
Alamo Beer is one of the best breweries in San Antonio, thanks to the effort of their brewmaster. Gregg Spickler is one of the best in the state when it comes to developing flavors and perfecting beermaking technique.
Alamo Beer Company hosts events all week long – Sunday Brunch is a staple, and they also offer trivia and karaoke.
The highest-rated craft beer selections are Davy Bockett, Original Golden, Amber Lager, and Hayz Street IPA. Play cornhole under the historic Hays Street Bridge and sip your favorite craft beer while you take in the fresh air.
3. Blue Star Brewing Company
Address: 1414 S Alamo St #105, San Antonio, TX 78210
When you first gaze upon the building, you immediately get a sense of its character. There is some rust, brick, and an open-air patio on the second floor.
Opened in the mid-90s, Blue Star Brewing Company picked a strategic location. Since it’s sitting right on a historic strip of the city, locals and tourists both find the brewery a convenient place to stop. Just outside is a trailhead for the River Walk path, frequented daily by walkers and bikers. With a perfect location for tourists, locals, and anyone on the River Walk, Blue Star hit the mark.
Texans will love knowing that Blue Star Brewing Company sources its ingredients from farmers in the region. Clearly, this brewery and restaurant takes quality and sustainability seriously! Aside from the beer and burgers, there is also live music, group bike rides, community events, and a shuttle service. Their menu is varied – favorites include Blue Star Nachos and Brisket Poppers. There’s even a brunch menu if you stumble in for some hair-of-the-dog.
Great beers available in the taproom include the Texican, King William Ale, Flying Pig, Apache Amber, and Green Tractor. Try one to the cool sound of jazz played by San Antonio-based performers and bands.
If you like the sound of everything Blue Star has to offer, you might want to rent the space for an upcoming event. There are multiple options to choose from, including Beer Garden by the River, the Blue Star Patio, and the Blue Star Barrel Room.
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4. Roadmap Brewing Co.
Address: 723 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78215
All roads lead to beer! It’s clear that the husband and wife duo behind Roadmap Brewing – along with their pets Wesley and Simcoe – have worked hard to create a fun and welcoming space that serves up bar snacks and delicious craft brews.
Aside from the tall ceilings that make this space’s industrial theme stand out, one of the cool things about the interior is you can sit right next to where the beer is being made. It’s an open space with an inspired design – and quite popular for events in town.
Some of our favorite brews include Peyton Manning’s Forehead, Cat on a Roller Coaster, and Freudian Slip N’ Slide. If you’d like something salty or savory to accompany your beverage, grab something from the food trucks that park right outside. A variety of snacks are for sale, too, and you can order something to be delivered or pack your own food, too.
Come watch the big games when the brewery is open, and don’t stress about getting a babysitter or pet sitter. The modern taproom has an assortment of fun stuff for all ages and species – and yes, it is dog friendly.
5. Freetail Brewing Co.
Address: 2000 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210
Since 2008, Freetail Brewing has operated on the philosophy that a brewery is more than just a place that makes its own beer — it’s a community-based business and a spot built to embrace heritage, culture, and local pride.
Freetail sources everything they can from local farmers and markets. Over the years, their focus on community has helped weave them into the very fabric of San Antonio.
In fact, Freetail Brewing has been so passionate about its beer and philosophy that the company worked with local leaders to allow breweries to sell directly to customers. Now, you can enjoy the great tastes made here a lot easier. Even with that convenience, there’s no replacement for the community outreach and a multitude of trivia nights and other special events you can experience at their two San Antonio locations.
You can’t go wrong with signature brew selections like Barrel Aged Space Eyed Cowboy, Velocihoptor, Limelight Lager, Texicali Brown Ale, or Bat Outta Helles.
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6. Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Address: 606 Embassy Oaks #500, San Antonio, TX 78216
Word of mouth is how Weathered Souls Brewing gets its customers. Luckily, their craft beers are so memorable that locals have continued to sing their praises to others.
Some of that might be due to the staff’s obsession with sharing knowledge. Customers can easily see where the beer is being made and are often roped into conversations about the process before they realize it.
Don’t leave without trying at least one of the best options, such as MALTerial Girl, Cinnamon Roll, or Who’s Got the Juice Now? Stop by for one of their various events, and in short time, you’ll end up trying each brew from this San Antonio space. You can choose to sit under the hanging lights inside or the outdoor seating on a grass patch. It feels more like a picnic area than a pub.
Stop by this brewery in the Embassy Oaks Shopping Center and you’ll soon find yourself joining a chorus of its fans.
7. Vista Brewing
Address: 1333 Buena Vista St STE 107, San Antonio, TX 78207
With a popular satellite location in San Antonio, Vista Brewing is actually headquartered an hour north of the city, in Driftwood. That’s where the beer is made, a process that happens in what looks like a rustic barn.
A lot of effort is put into making the brewing specific to the Texas Hill Country, and the San Antonio location is where those in charge get to show off their creations to tourists and locals alike.
Fresh air, fresh beer is the local motto and as soon as you step on the property, you’ll understand why. Picnic tables line the mulch-covered space with lights dancing overhead.
That vibe continues inside with tall, wooden ceilings and spacious woven chairs. Each one is brewed with the best taste of Texas, try the Barton Creek Gold, Muse, Dark Skies Black Pilsner, or the Driftwood Pale Ale.
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8. Busted Sandal Brewing Company
Address: 7114 Oaklawn Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Just after the turn of the millennium, two guys were drinking and playing darts in Austin. They realized that they wanted to be able to have this same type of experience back in San Antonio. As they were leaving, one of the men tripped on a broken sandal in the parking lot. That was all it took to create a lightning bolt of inspiration, and Busted Sandal Brewing was born.
In an unassuming shopping center between a furniture store and a sewing machine repair shop is a sort of beach-themed brewery. The small size feels much bigger with its long pine tables, fun overhead lights, and wide bar. Talk about a hometown lager, here are some of the best beers on tap: Hill Country Lager, Finding Friday Mexican Lager, and Velvet Slipper Nut Brown Ale.
Try their artisanal beers when you stop in and you’ll be hooked. They also have a second location in Helotes, Texas.
9. Mad Pecker Brewing Co.
Address: 6025 Tezel Rd #122, San Antonio, TX 78250
The name alone is enough to induce a sly grin without even stepping inside. But once you’re through the doors and you discover the bold art and Texas pride, you’ll quickly understand why Mad Pecker is one of the best breweries in San Antonio.
From happy hour specials to bingo, there are plenty of reasons to come in and find out for yourself. Try something new in the form of Thiolicious, Whirlwind Thru Citra, A Stout Called Quest, or the Emerald Valley Pale Ale. Let’s not forget the full menu of appetizers, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches to wash down with the beer.
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10. Dos Sirenos Brewing
Address: 231 E Cevallos St, San Antonio, TX 78204
An all-day happy hour isn’t the only excuse to come check out Dos Sirenos Brewing. This building might be the best looking in the city. The front is entirely underwater — at least that’s the story you gather from the two beer-holding mermen on either side of the door.
To the right, there are sharks on the side of the building and a quite-large seating area. Since Texas is super hot, there is an awning extending over the area.
The nautical theme continues inside with blue waves overhead and artwork throughout. Dos Sirenos has games patrons can bring to their tables, so put down your phone and get ready to get competitive. If you feel so inclined, you can bring your own game from home, too.
Playing cards with live music and drinking a beverage is a great way to enjoy any afternoon. Add a dish from the menu and you’ve got the whole evening planned.
Want to try a beer of the gods? Any of these selections should make you feel the power flowing, or at least the good times. Try Zeus Juice, Apollo Vienna Lager, or the Morpheus Stout.
11. Back Unturned Brewing Co.
Address: 516 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Right along the San Antonio River Walk is a brewery that makes the best pizza in San Antonio. It only exists because someone had a dream that they could not turn their back on.
Right as you walk in, not only do you see a bar and dining area that is full of life and decoration, but you also see brewing beer. You’re immediately wrapped in the fun and business of Back Unturned Brewing Co.
What better way to keep the masses coming back than daily specials, trivia night, and pizza like you’ve never tasted? Aside from pies, there are also salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and even appetizers.
Dip your toes into local flavor with Riverwalk Pale Ale, Kiss My Razz, or Nightmare Before. This lively spot is sure to be a favorite San Antonio brewery.
12. Künstler Brewing
Address: 302 E Lachapelle, San Antonio, TX 78204
Firmly planted in a local neighborhood, Künstler Brewing is where Germany meets San Antonio. To make customers feel even more excited about moseying into Europe, there are plenty of tables on the front porch to welcome you before even opening the door.
Once inside, it’s like stepping through a portal where it becomes Oktoberfest. Impress your friends when you drag them along to try signature brews such as Ghost Tracks Roasted Oatmeal Porter, For the Love of Hops, Texas Chainsaw Triple, and Cashmere Hefeweizen.
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13. Longtab Brewing
Address: 4700 Timco W Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78238
Where Longtab Brewing is located, all you can see is an industrial park on all sides. The building itself looks like a warehouse. Luckily, the big sign above the roll-up doors lets you know this building is not like the others. While this is a Veteran-owned brewery, it’s also a coffee shop and restaurant.
Longtab is one of the newest San Antonio breweries and also the only one dedicated to Green Berets. The name is derived from the cloth patch worn on a soldier’s uniform indicating they are from Special Forces. If you come in and ask a staff member about the name, you’ll get to hear all about what it means to be part of the U.S. Army.
The style of beer is closer to German, but all the ingredients are grown nearby. And the beer here is inventive. How can you pass up choosing a brew called PhDs Who Can Win a Bar Fight, Long Haired Dictionary, or Kill For Peace?
Longtab is conveniently located in the Bandera Business Park and one of the few breweries in San Antonio that’s open all week.
14. Black Laboratory Brewing
Address: 1602 E Houston St Suite 109, San Antonio, TX 78202
It’s not every day a brewery is founded by scientists. But thanks to San Antonio’s business acceleration program, Break Fast & Launch, the two scientists behind Black Laboratory Brewing were taught how to take their passion and make a business out of it.
The area inside is small but the outdoor seating is quite comfortable and open enough to bring your furry friends. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat, Black Laboratory offers five hot dog varieties and an assortment of snacks.
What’s on tap? Here are a few of the best core beers: Greetings from Helles, Hackberry Pale Ale, Vanilla Joe, and Grizzly Greg’s Mountain Ale. Come back for seasonal beers such as Monster Blood, Space Force X586, Tiger Blood Harder Soda, or Pom Pom Berry Sour.
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15. Man Overboard Brewing Company
Address: 1203 Camden St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Man Overboard Brewing Company found a way to make the best use of their space by brewing a variety of drinks, welcoming food trucks, and even offering an exclusive membership. This family-owned brewery specializes in Belgian and American beer, as well as house-made seltzer.
There are a variety of food trucks on-site throughout the week, and Man Overboard Brewing offers a beer club membership which provides access to members-only events, a discount on merchandise, and one free beer each day you visit, among other benefits. Some of the most popular brews are the Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast, Midway Magic, Shall Not Perish, and Great White Ghost of the Arabian Coast.
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