October 2017-May 2018
Just a hop, skip and a jump from our apartment sits the ABGB, GABF Brewpub of the Year for the last three years. Yes, really.
The ABGB is wonderfully simple yet incredibly complex all at once. There’s something for everyone here, and all of it good. A brewpub specialising in award-winning Czech and German-style lagers, a community-focussed business that supports local non-profits (its Hell Yes Project) and puts its money where its mouth is, a fantastic, affordable kitchen with killer pizza (don’t miss the Texas cheese curd) and an excellent programme of live music and events. Are you sold yet? Oh, and it’s child-friendly, dog-friendly and just generally friendly. Yep.
The ABGB have more than mastered their art, with their Hell Yes Helles picking up a gold medal at this year’s GABF, and their Rocket 100 Pre-Prohibiton-style Pilsner a three-time gold medal winner. While I certainly enjoy both of these, the Velvet Revolution Czech Pilsner is my top ABGB choice, one of my favourite light beers in ATX. If you’re after something more hefty, the Big Mama Red doesn’t disappoint. A flight of five 4oz pours will set you back just $9, and their huge beer garden is a nice shady reprieve from the hustle and bustle of SoCo. If you don’t arrive hungry, their delicious pizzas are available by the slice for a sneaky snack, and if you are hungry skip the Homeslice queues and come straight here.
The ABGB has local live music on most evenings, most of it free of charge, but it’s worth checking their listings in advance. It’s open every day except Monday, hours are day-dependent, and the kitchen closes an hour before the bar. Come down to SoCo and see what all the fuss is about!
Craft Beer Amethyst 