While Austin tends to get more of a reputation as one of Texas’ biggest craft beer cities, the beer scene in Houston has also blossomed over the years, with currently over 25 breweries in Houston and plenty more beyond city limits. I was in Houston for a work conference in January, and while I didn’t have a ton of personal time for brewery-hopping, I was able to hit two breweries during my time there, but being in the events industry I also got to sample my way through more of the Houston beer scene at various meals and receptions during my time there. Here are some of the brews I got to enjoy!
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Houston, TX
Named for the patron saint of beer, Saint Arnold Brewing is Houston’s oldest craft brewery, started in 1994. At the time, Houston was the largest U.S. city without a microbrewery. Today, they operate their brewery and beer garden on the edge of downtown Houston. I didn’t get to visit this time around, but had their Art Car IPA from a can at Walker Street Kitchen restaurant in my hotel. It’s a 7.2% hoppy smooth fruity IPA with notes of apricot and tropical fruits.
Karbach Brewing Company
Houston, TX
Karbach Brewing was started in 2011 by beer industry veterans Chuck Robertson and Ken Goodman along with brewmaster Eric Warner, formerly of Flying Dog. It rapidly grew to become one of Texas’ largest breweries and was acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2016. Karbach operates its pub and beer garden on its namesake street at 2032 Karbach Street in Houston.
I tried two of their beers while out and about at events – their mainstay Love Street Blonde, a light and clean 4.9% Kölsch, and their 4% Clutch City Lager.
Galveston Island Brewing
Galveston, TX
Galveston Island Brewing sits about an hour outside downtown Houston on the gulf coast island of Galveston. Since its founding in 2014, its distribution has since expanded to bring coastal vibes to the greater Houston area. At one of my events, I enjoyed their Tiki Wheat, a 5.8% sweet and fruity American wheat beer brewed with Hallertau hops, marketed as “the official beer of Galveston.”
True Anomaly Brewing
Houston, TX
After a team dinner during my conference, I stopped off to check out a brewery right behind the convention center. True Anomaly was started by four former NASA employees – rocket scientists, space-suit developers, and mission managers – that was voted the Texas Brewery of the Year in 2023. Ever the scientists, they specialize in creative and experimental brews, while also keeping a solid lineup of year-round offerings. I did a flight to ensure I could try several of their beers during my visit, and the taproom was a cozy and fun hangout for a Monday night. Here are the beers I tried:
- Valentina – a tart 5.3% fruited sour with blueberry and blackberry
- Peach Trap – a malty and sweet 5.3% Belgian Trappist Single style beer with peach puree addition. LOVED this beer
- Go Flight – a 7.6% Hazy IPA brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Galaxy hops for a nice juicy and citrusy flavor
- Check Down – a 6% Czech amber lager with rich malty and bready flavor
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
Eureka Heights Brewing takes its name from a fault system that runs under the brewery. They started in 2016 with a goal of bringing Houston “approachable” beers with low alcohol content. After reading through their witty website, I wish I had a chance to visit the actual brewery, but their 4.5% Buckle Bunny cream ale brewed with corn was a staple of a fun night out with coworkers at a bar near our hotel.
Great Heights Brewing Company
Not far from Eureka Heights Brew Co is Great Heights Brewing Company, a brewery that opened in 2017 in the midst of Hurricane Harvey. Also while out with my coworkers I had the chance to try Fruity Pellets, their 6.2% New England hazy IPA with Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops that was creamy, citrusy, and bitter with a soft mouthfeel.
8th Wonder Brewery
Houston, TX
A stone’s throw from True Anomaly behind the convention center is 8th Wonder Brewery + Cannabis, a brewery and dispensary that also serves up THC-infused beverages. I stopped into their chill, trendy taproom on my last day in Houston, a rainy afternoon where I had time to kill before catching my flight out. So why not catch a different kind of flight? Here are the beers I got to try at 8th Wonder:
- Little Dove – a 5.2% Belgian enkel with honey
- Rocket Fuel – a 5% Vietnamese Coffee Porter collaboration brew with Greenway Coffee Co. that was smooth, sweet and creamy
- IP8 – an 8.8% hoppy double IPA
- Mr. White – a 5.2% smooth and aromatic witbier
After reading this, you’re probably wondering if I actually got any work done while I was in Houston. I promise that despite taking in as much of the Houston craft beer scene as possible with my busy schedule, I did show up and accomplish everything that I needed to while I was there. I look forward to checking out even more Houston brews on my next adventure there!
C to Shining C 
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