I last visited Austin in early 2017. I'll be in town next week from Thurs-Sun. I started doing research but it's a bit overwhelming. There are a ton of new breweries/bars since I last visited. Any recommendations on new bars or breweries to visit that opened in the last ~3 years? If it helps, I love hops, sours and big stouts. My normal staples from previous visits are Pinthouse, Craft Pride and Bangers. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
I'd definitely recommend Oddwood Ales on Manor Rd and Airport Blvd. It's my favourite place outside of Live Oak. They have very good IPAs and sour saisons. I also really like their lagers but I don't really have much of an opinion on their stouts. I also really liked Skull Mechanix for their English ales but I didn't really try much else.
Southern Heights will take care of you on the Hops. SH and Oddwood are close and should not be missed.
Based on several visits to Austin I would recommend the follow: Bangers ( you mentioned, but is a favorite and they have recently expanded) Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co (good beer cool atmosphere) Lazarus Brewing Co (great Belgian brews) Zilker Brewing For BBQ - The Salt Lick (bit of a drive , but great bbq, its byob and cash only) There are a ton more places that I still want to try myself, but you can only do so much
Southern Heights and Oddwood are probably my two favorite newest breweries actually in Austin. If you include outside areas, Vista and Roughhouse both have a lot of potential. If you want south but still in town, St. Elmo have been great (and the food truck out back is even better). Zilker/Lazarus are a good combo if you haven't been to either - Zilker has great beer, while Laz has solid beer, great food, and a good patio. Obviously, PHP and JK are still great.
What’s the deal with to go cans/bottles at breweries? I know JK sells to go, but on Live Oak’s website they claim they do not sell due to Austin laws. Can anyone confirm?
Depends on the license. If you are licensed as a Brew Pub (as JK is), you can sell beer to go, have guest taps and sell wine. Law just passed that allows all breweries to do sell beer to go, but won't go into effect until Sept 1, 2019 I believe.
