The craft beer scene in the United States continues to explode, with more than 4,000 registered breweries as of 2015. According to the Brewer’s Association, this was the highest number of breweries on record since 1873 when the number peaked at 4,100. Not surprisingly, cities like Dallas and Houston are prime destinations for craft beer enthusiasts who are looking to try new beers when they travel.
If you’re looking for some specialty craft beer bars, they might not be as plentiful as you assume. Fortunately, many bars in Dallas serve a variety of local craft beers. Some good options include:
Craft and Growler
With a selection of more than 40 rotating taps, Craft and Growler is the go-to spot for many beers that don’t get bottled. Enjoy a glass or two at the bar, and bring your growler to take your favorite brew back home. If you don’t have your own growler, Craft and Growler offers a huge assortment to choose from!
Luck
Located in the Trinity Groves area, Luck serves up nothing but rotating local craft beers on tap. Look for menu items made with local brews as well. Many say the Texas-style pastrami sandwich is not to be missed.
The Meddlesome Moth
Located in the Design District, the name alone makes the Meddlesome Moth worth a visit. The locale offers one of the most extensive beer selections in the city with 40 drafts, two live ales, and more than 85 bottles to choose from. When the weather is nice, head out onto the patio to enjoy the charming ambiance.
If you’ve filled up a couple unopened growlers that will keep fresh for a few weeks, consider heading from Dallas to Houston via bus to check out even more craft beer in Texas.
Houston Craft Beer Bars
The Ginger Man
If you’re hoping to try both local and some imported craft beers, consider stopping by the Ginger Man, which has 68 beers on draft and 140-150 bottles at any given time. It’s also one of the only bars in the area that serves cask-conditioned ales.
Nobi Public House
Not only will you find some of the best craft beers here, you can also enjoy some incredible Vietnamese fusion cuisine as well. Some favorites include char siu pork nachos and butter garlic wings. Nobi Public House had an interesting start as a Shell station selling a variety of craft beer, but is now a freestanding pub.
Local Pour
Local Pour has an impressive array of local Texan beers, including some more rare finds. Of the 48 taps, half are Texas craft beers. Look for around 50 more in bottles, and Local Pour even has a great selection of Texas-made spirits, including Dash Handmade Vodka, TX Blended Whiskey, and Paula’s Texas Orange.
While most people would think first of food when it comes to the flavor of Texas, paying a visit to any of these craft beer hangouts in Dallas and Houston will definitely help you see that there’s much more to the culinary scene in Texas than just Tex-Mex and BBQ.
This post was in collaboration with Busbud, but as always, all views, opinions, and calories gained are my own!
