October 2017 – October 2018
The Yard is a new, hip, up-and-coming development in deepest South Austin, purpose-built but retaining the area’s industrial character. Nice local distillery Still Austin, the Austin Winery and Spokesman café are nestled together in low-rise warehouse spaces, but St Elmo is the biggest draw here.
Despite being less than two years old, the brewery has become well-established and is always busy with a local, family-friendly crowd. Expect to trip over dogs and young children as you carry your beers out to the large yard adorned with hanging fairy lights that look lovely at night. They have a weekly programme of events including bluegrass and trivia nights, as well as regular special events that are worth looking out for.
St Elmo like their German and Belgian-style beers, but cover most other key styles well too. Stand-outs for me have included the limited edition McCaffe coffee DIPA, the Cooper Export Stout, and their delicious first anniversary IIPA One, but their substantial output to date means that if you’re in the mood for a Tripel, Farmhouse, Saison, Sour or Kolsch, your needs will most likely be met among the 12 taps on offer. I’ve been really impressed with both the swift turnover and solid quality of St Elmo’s beers. We visit regularly, this being one of our most local breweries, and are always treated to some new excitement, most recently the stand-out Domino Coffee IPA. That said, there’s no flies on their core range either, the Slater IPA in particular is excellent – a hazy-hop win.
Flights come in fives and will set you back $12, and crowlers and growlers are available to go. SourSop Thai food truck has a permanent spot on the premises, and will bring your order to your table. It’s very tasty although not the cheapest but you do get what you pay for. St Elmo is closed on Mondays, and opens at 4pm Tuesday to Thursday, but stays open until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Craft Beer Amethyst 