True Anomaly Brewing Co

 

 

Relaxed vibe on a Thursday evening with plenty of seating: and protected patio and spacious interior with space-themed decor (e.g. Lego lunar lander). Wide selection of styles including plenty of Belgian-inspired and obligatory IPAs. No food offered, but plenty of choices nearby, including pizza by the slice across the street at Vinny’s.

 

 

 

This is a very trendy brewery that's located just east of downtown Houston, in a hipster-like neighborhood with some good food locations, small music venues and another brewery (8th Wonder) near bye.

I visited here 3 times while on a week long trip to Houston, so that should say that I liked the establishment. The vibe was created by a clientele that is almost half and half filled with out of town visitors and regular local frequenters. Can be a bit loud when crowded, like the day there was a brewers' invitational event or when the bar is packed.

The building appears to be relatively new and decorated with all the trendy new brewery decor: repurposed wood, Edison bulbs, high top tables.... very stylish decor, all that. Nice outdoor seating area as well which is accessible through multiple large glass garage doors which can be opened and closed by the brewery at any time. Everything was good quality.

Service was good and the bartenders were friendly. There are no servers and there is no food available at the establishment, so the drinks are ordered at the bar. My only gripe is that there are only 2 points of purchase for such a popular place, meaning there was typically a line that formed at both spots and you might have to wait a bit before you get your drink on a busy evening.

Selection was approximately 12-15 beers on draft (nothing available to-go), with most of the offerings being, again, of the trendy type: NE IPAs, kettle sours and stouts. A hefe and quad were also available.

A trendy spot which you could pluck out and drop into any trendy type of neighborhood in Chicago, Denver or the like. The establishment and everything it is of good quality, and the location being close to downtown as many other food and entertainment establishments makes it appealing to visitors staying in the area. I would visit the brewery again if in Houston.

Went on a recommendation. In an interesting older part of Houston near the convention center. Very pleasant atmosphere with young families, regulars addressed by name, and visitors are cordially welcome. Beers were first rate with a good selection from the light but tasty to excellent sours.

No food but the bar tender recommended an excellent Vietnamese restaurant for take out. We had to endure Houston traffic but had a very pleasant visit.

Being a space geek, I enjoyed the ambiance of the place.

 

 

Edit:
Upping the score a bit, they are for sure putting out some great Saisons and Lagers. Really impressed with that. For sure one of the better breweries in Houston now, and I'll take some of their Saisons over some of the more hyped like Jester King.

---------------

Across the street from 8th Wonder and Rodeo Goat. A big and spacious industrial setting, with concrete floors and a comfortable bar. The tanks are right behind the bar, and you can see the wood foudres used for fermentation behind the glass. Which is unique for Houston area breweries. Their abbreviation is TABC :)

Sitting at the bar, the service was great. Knowledgeable, quick, and sometimes chatty when they had the time. They have some Belgian styles, like Saison, Grisette, and Dubble. Also a few IPA's and a true traditional Berliner Weisse. I like the Saison's, well made but could have used a bit more of the distinct yeast character the style is known for. The Berliner was very good, and at 3.2% ABV true to style and a true session beer. I can down that in big gulps.

I'll be coming back to see what else they have, and am interested in the mix culture/fermentation they will be using in the future. I also want to see what else those foudres will pump out. So far, unique for the breweries around Houston, and enjoyed the clean simple expressions they have created.