Texas...I owe you some respect!

Freetail
Live Oak
Jester King

 

I second the recommendation to get some Freetail and Jester King.

 

You should definitely try Aaron Franklin's place, Franklin Barbecue in Austin. There's always a line, but it's damn good...the Lockhart BBQ is also top notch (Kreuz and Smitty's are hard to beat).

As others have already said, you need to visit Jester King and Live Oak...damn I miss Austin.

 

Ya, if you are going to Austin growlers of anything from Live Oak and 512 are a must (no bottles). Another Austin brewery I really like is Austin Beer Works. Pearl Snap is my favorite pilsner, and Fire Eagle IPA is excellent.

 

Hell yeah Lockheart BBQ!

 

"Texas brewers rock! . . . I am not really experienced or knowledgable with many Texas brews"

I would fix that up . . . yeah.

 

It is still there and now there is a second one on Lake Travis. They have an awesome pilsner called Hell In Keller. Seek out 512 Pecan Porter which in my opinion is one of the best beers brewed in Austin.

 

Billy's is still going strong. There is at least two locations now (maybe more). Good beer, very average BBQ IMO. Especially for the area.

 

Yeah, the food is just OK.

 

I was just at Jester King two weeks ago... IMO its a must see. Take some time to chill under the live oaks. I also like the original Salt Lick in Driftwood - a dry county makes it BYOB but at least you know you're drinking something good!

 

I like Texas just hate Romo and the Boys

 

As an Okie, I'm not allowed to like Texas or Texans. But they do have some mighty fine beer.

 

Glad you had the chance to have something from Karbach. I'm from Austin and don't see it much around here. Had some Rodeo Clown when I was heading back home from Houston. +1 for Southern Star and Jester King. Another favorite is Ranger Creek, from SA.

I travel a lot and while Texas is no San Diego County or Front Range, the quality of what Central Texas has to offer has grown more than either of those areas (kinda hard to improve when you're best in the world).

 

Karbach, 512 growlers of IPA, Deep Ellum IPA is also mighty fine. Jester King if you like farmhouse brews.

 

Shhh - don't give away our secrets!

Jester King
Austin Beerworks (mostly Austin)
Live Oak
Hops & Grain
Freetail (San Antonio only)
Karbach (Houston only)
Deep Ellum (Dallas/FW mostly)
Real Ale
(512)
Adelbert's
Independence, St. Arnolds, Southern Star, Circle Brewing......

For BBQ, I recommend Franklin's (voted best in the U.S. by Bon Appetit) or J. Mueller. Personally not a fan of Salt Lick, although it has its followers, and the Lockhart places are a more traditional Texas BBQ (strong on smoke, not sauce)

 

Have family in Austin. Franklins is a must, even though the line got longer after it was on Bourdains's show.

The liveoak hefe and pils are vere good. Go to the Draught House or the Gingerman for a wide selection.

In Lockhart try Kreuz, Schmittys, and Blacks if you have the time.

 

I had Franklin BBQ at the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival and frankly I didn't think their BBQ was anything special to tell ya the truth. Smitty's and Black's BBQ in Lockhart are superior. Heck, I'd choose Rudy's over Franklin any day!

If you want great BBQ in-town... seek out JMueller... which annoyingly was on Bourdain's show and now has a line. Grr.

 

Outside of Live Oak...I find that Texas brewers suck colossal donkey dick.

I've always felt like trading someone for their Texas brews is the beer trading equivalent of a pity fuck. I send them the good shit in return for stuff I jettison off as extras.

I know this will ruffle some feathers...but I don't give a fuck. It's how I feel. *shrug*

 

That Ananke or whatever it is called was legit....