Smoke'n Hops

 

Not too far west of Austin you'll find Smoke'n Hops just along E Highway 290. It's nice looking building with a metal-decking roof and a good-sized area outside with picnic table seating and lights strung overhead. There's not a lot of parking out front, but don't worry as there's much more in the back.

Inside it's pretty wide open with a fairly tall center point, and the floor is wood and it an get a little loud when it's busy and sound is bouncing around. You'll pass a dining are to your left, and a shuffleboard and pool table on your way to the bar which is straight back. There's more dining to the right, and it's nicely-appointed, Tejas-style, with turquoise 'pleather' booths. The bar area is surrounded by big screen TV's, so if watching a game is your thing they've got you covered.

The food is quite good, keeping in mind that this is Texas, and everyone's got the best BBQ! Let's just leave that at that, but I would recommend trying the Texas Egg Rolls with smoked brisket and pico de gallo as an appetizer. Beyond that you've got burgers and sandwiches really, so at least you know what you're coming in for and you won't have a hard time deciding! Mmmmmm, it's been a long time since I've had a good chicken fried steak sandwich.

I was impressed by the beers, truth be told, and I hold them to a higher level than what I would normally expect from most brewpubs. Whoever's brewing knows how to balance a beer, and give it a little life at the same time. They're pretty basic in general, there's nothing crazy going on (triple IPA, double dry-hopped sour ale, etc.), but they're worth trying.

I'll suggest you make a stop anyway, but given that they're fairly close to Twisted X, Real Ale, Thirsty Planet, and Jester King (and a few others) you could easily make a tour out of it.