17 Excellent Craft Breweries in San Antonio

By Kelsey Kennedy | June 15, 2023

The Best Breweries in San Antonio

San Antonio's beer scene is booming. There have been tons of craft breweries opening inside and (just) outside the city lately. Which ones are worth visiting? I’ve personally visited all of the San Antonio breweries (my love of breweries is STRONG, y’all) to write up this guide + map of the best breweries in San Antonio.

The Best San Antonio Breweries: Black Laboratories

For starters, this city is still fairly young in the craft beer movement. While it’s not quite as booming as nearby cities Houston and Austin, San Antonio is holding its own. (In fact, it was supposed to be the host city to the 2020 Craft Brewers Conference before it was suddenly canceled due to the pandemic.) San Antonio Breweries have started winning national awards at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Fest. I have no doubt that the beer scene in SA is going to keep getting better and better.

For right now, there are plenty of cool breweries in San Antonio that you can visit. Hang out a while, sip on a few pints, and enjoy some food. I’ll share photos and details to help you find the perfect brewery for your weekend adventure.

How this guide to San Antonio Breweries is written

First off, every brewery on this list is worth visiting!

Use the map (above) to find the location of the brewery.

In each paragraph, you’ll be able to read a little bit about the brewery, details like whether they offer food or not, a photo of the brewery ambiance, and any other helpful tidbits that will help you discover the San Antonio brewery scene.

Finally, there will be a beer recommendation for you to try if it’s your first time visiting that brewery.

17 Amazing Craft Breweries in San Antonio

1. Second Pitch Beer Co.

One of the newer breweries in the San Antonio brewery scene, Second Pitch is owned by a husband/wife team.

Their goal was to start putting San Antonio on the beer map, and they quickly accomplished that with a silver medal at World Beer Cup for their Hometown Lager. SA Magazine voted them best new brewery in 2022.

Owner Jim Hansen was a brewer in the Bay Area before opening Second Pitch, and he wanted to prioritize brewing high-quality beers that pay attention to their original roots.

FOOD? Yes, they have rotating food trucks. Check their calendar for details.

AMBIANCE: Second Pitch is a small San Antonio brewery inside an industrial area. You’ll find the tap wall + a few tables inside, and a larger patio area outside on the parking lot in front of their building. It’s a shaded area with picnic tables and a very nice place to enjoy a few brews with a friend.

They cater to all types of beer drinkers. Weekly events include runners club meetups and bingo nights.

WHAT TO TRY: the Hometown Lager, Second Pitch’s California Common that landed them a silver medal at the 2022 World Beer Cup.

WEBSITE | 11935 Starcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247

2. Künstler Brewing

Küntsler means “artist” in German, and this brewery is truly a work of art! It’s a neighborhood craft brewery that has a fun and inviting ambiance, delicious German food, and a solid beer list of old-world styles.

They won a silver medal at the 2018 GABF for their chile beer, but if it’s your first time visiting, definitely check out some of their delicious German lagers.

FOOD?

Yes, they have a full menu of Texas-inspired German food.

AMBIANCE:

This comfortable and hospitable brewery is literally in a neighborhood! (Like, you might have to park in front of someone’s house…) There’s a big indoor space with a long tap wall, and some outdoor covered seating on the front porch and the side patio

WHAT TO TRY:

If it’s your first visit, try a flight of their German beers, like the Cashmere hefe, the Verklemmt pils, and the Narcolepsy kolsch.

WEBSITE | 302 E Lachapelle, San Antonio, TX 78204

3. Roadmap Brewing

Roadmap Brewing has earned a name for themselves in the San Antonio beer scene for providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere, delicious beers in a wide range of categories, clever names. This family-owned brewery recently won its first World Beer Cup medal for their Late Night Polka Party.

This is a family-friendly space with lots of games for all ages. Dogs are allowed (on leash.) Roadmap is a BYO food place, so feel free to get your Uber Eats order delivered directly to the taproom. Or indulge in their on-site food truck.

FOOD?

Yes, Project Pollo food truck is on site. See the menu here.

AMBIANCE:

Industrial space that’s just a 15 minute walk from the convention center.

WHAT TO TRY:

The Mini Van Dad, a hefty double IPA that weighs in at 7.9% abv.

WEBSITE | 723 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78215

4. Weathered Souls Brewing Co.

Nearly every beer drinker in the country has heard of Weathered Souls in San Antonio. That’s because Marcus Baskerville, the 35-year-old black founder and head brewer of Weathered Souls, created one of the most successful beer collaboration projects in history. His Black is Beautiful initiative started with his own stout beer recipe on tap, and 100% of the money from sales went to local organizations that support equality, inclusion, and social justice reform. Word spread and other breweries wanted to help out, and there have now been over 300 breweries around the country that have brewed his recipe, used the Black is Beautiful label, and contributed the profits.

And while that’s how most people know about Weathered Souls, their beer program is so much more than just that single stout! They’re a small brewery with a super fresh, super local approach to brewing.

FOOD?

Yep! A good menu of bar food from South BBQ in case you need dinner with classics like burgers, chips and queso blanco, or brisket tacos.

AMBIANCE:

A big industrial space in a strip mall. Cool spot! Tall ceilings with twinkle lights so you feel like you’re outdoor, plus a small patio to the side. The brewery space is exposed so you can see it from the tap room.

WHAT TO TRY:

They have a pretty robust beer list of various styles, so a flight is definitely the way to go here. Weathered Souls likes to do creative seasonal beers, like a strawberry blonde brewed with Poteet strawberries in the spring, big and bold pastry stouts, and a wide variety of IPAs.

WEBSITE | 606 Embassy Oaks #500, San Antonio, TX 78216

5. Longtab Brewing Company

This veteran-owned brewery in San Antonio honors the history and service of veterans. They brew lots of Belgians and German-style beers, and they prioritize proper glassware and proper pours. Because of that, flights aren’t available (because tiny flight glasses don’t leave enough room for the proper head on the beer.) The cool thing about this? Their glassware is beautiful!

Longtab is a fully operating restaurant that serves food, veteran-owned coffee and tea, and a Sunday morning brunch . Whether you want to stop in for a big pour of Dubbel or Tripel at the bar or you want a full dinner with your fam, Longtab Brewing is a must-try brewery in San Antonio.

FOOD?

Yes, Longtab offers soups and salads, snacks like pretzels and nachos, sandwiches, and weekend entrees.

AMBIANCE:

It’s located in an industrial space and kind of feels like you’re driving to the middle of nowhere, but once you park and step inside it’s a beautiful taproom with a bar, table and high-top seating, couches, and an exposed brewery space that you can see while you drink your beer.

WHAT TO TRY:

Longtab is known for Belgians and German beers, so it’s a good idea to start with one of those. Belgian beers are typically higher alcohol (7-10%), while German beers are a bit lower (4-6%).

WEBSITE | 4700 Timco W Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78238

6. Vista Taproom in San Antonio

It’s not technically a brewery, but Vista’s San Antonio space is so unique and welcoming and their beers are so delicious, this is a must-visit beer bar in San Antonio. The original Vista Brewery exists in Driftwood, about 70 miles north of San Antonio. This San Antonio satellite taproom features the same Texas Hill Country-inspired beers you can get ath their original location.

The taproom is located in a beautiful, rustic space that used to be a uniform factory. It’s been transformed into a lovely tap room with an outdoor beer garden.

FOOD?

A selection of snacks from San Antonio artisan food creators.

AMBIANCE:

Small indoor space with a few seating options, and a larger outdoor beer garden under twinkle lights. There’s a walk up window so you can order straight from the garden.

WHAT TO TRY:

Their Dark Skies black pilsner is a great place to start if you’re new to Vista’s brews. It won them a gold medal at the 2018 US Open Beer Championships.

WEBSITE | 1333 Buena Vista St STE 107, San Antonio, TX 78207

7. Gather Brewing Company

Gather is a little family-owned brewpub located just on the outskirts of San Antonio. They opened in the height of the pandemic (2021-ish) and had a few rounds of soft openings before really getting their feet on the ground. But now that they're up and rolling, Gather is just that: a gathering spot for the local community.

They focus on communal tables, menu favorites like burgers and wings, and, of course, a well-rounded menu of beer with a little bit of something for everyone.

FOOD?

Full restaurant.

AMBIANCE:

Family-friendly interior taproom with long tables, and a large outdoor patio.

WHAT TO TRY:

Their flagship Brew SA American IPA is delicious on a hot Texas day. If you're visiting in the winter and hoping for something cozy, their coffee porter is delicious.

WEBSITE | 210 E Aviation Blvd, Universal City, TX 78148

8. Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery

For sure located at one of the most beautiful (and popular!) breweries in San Antonio, Southerleigh is a southern food restaurant located in the original Pearl Brewing building. It was built in 1894, and by 1916 Pearl Brewery was the largest brewery in Texas. Although it eventually closed in 2001, it was reopened as this beautiful new restaurant and brewery called Southerleigh.

Southerleigh is a gorgeous restaurant and brewery with tall ceilings, a chic/industrial space, and really great beer. With the leather seats, dark wood, and more upscale feel, this is a great brewery to visit when you want to pair it with a sit-down dinner.

Beautiful, rustic space that used to be a uniform factory. It’s been transformed into a lovely tap room with an outdoor space. The beer garden overlooks the main outdoor area at the Pearl where they have live music in the summertime evenings.

FOOD?

Full restaurant.

AMBIANCE:

Beautiful indoor restaurant with a luxurious feel inside the historic Pearl brewhouse in San Antonio

WHAT TO TRY:

The Southerlite is a clean, dry lager that tastes amazing on a hot San Antonio day.

WEBSITE | 136 E Grayson St Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78215

9. Freetail Brewing Co.

Freetail is one of the OG breweries in San Antonio (it opened in 2008!) You’ll find Freetail beer cans in a lot of bars and stores all over SA. Since they have two locations, they’re able to have a pretty large-sized distribution.

The original location is a bit smaller with an industrial feel, and the new(er) north location is more of a restaurant vibe. Both are fun places to grab a beer and some food with a friend.

FOOD?

Full restaurant.

AMBIANCE:

South location: industrial space with an indoor taproom and outdoor picnic table area. North location: more of a sports bar feel.

WHAT TO TRY:

Start with the Bat Outa Helles lager (great for SA temps), and then try some of their seasonal stuff.

WEBSITE | 2000 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210

10. Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling

Ranger Creek is a really fun stop on your tour of local San Antonio breweries. Why? It’s not only a craft brewery with a nice selection of brews and weekend tours available, but it’s also a whiskey distillery. Whether you’re a beer drinker, a whiskey aficionado, or you just like delicious cocktails, Ranger Creek does it all. But since this is a guide about the best craft breweries in San Antonio, you should know that Ranger Creek won a bronze medal at the 2018 GABF for their Hatch Lager.

Regarding location, you’ll feel like you’re driving to the middle of nowhere. But once you get to the taproom you’ll find a warm and welcoming experience. The bartenders are awesome, and the taproom, albeit teen tiny, has a really fun and festive atmosphere.

Pre-register for their tours if you want a behind-the-scenes peek at how they make their beer and whiskey.

FOOD?

They serve meat and cheese plates and some snacks. Rotating food trucks on site, as well.

AMBIANCE:

In an industrial park. The taproom is small and dark (perfect for whiskey).

WHAT TO TRY:

The San Antonio lager. Get the salted version if it’s on tap.

WEBSITE | 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217

11. Black Laboratory Brewing

Black Laboratory Brewing was founded by “two scientists and a dog.” Love it already? 😉 Flights come in mini science beakers to stay on brand. They have a wide variety of brews, including their flagship blonde ale, several IPAs, a stout, and a beer slushee machine for those who aren’t super into beer.

FOOD?

AMBIANCE:

A cute taproom with some indoor tables and a small patio. Located next door to Truth Pizzeria and The Magpie if you want to grab some dinner.

WHAT TO TRY:

The beer slushee...

WEBSITE | 1602 E Houston St Suite 109, San Antonio, TX 78202

12. Maverick Whiskey Distillery and Brewery

Not to be confused with Maverick Brasserie (one of the best restaurants in San Antonio), Maverick Whiskey Distillery and Brewery is a family-owned distillery and restaurant in a historic bank building.

Although it’s marketed as a whiskey distillery (and you definitely should go try a flight of their whiskey!), Maverick also makes craft beer. They’re located in downtown San Antonio near the Alamo. It’s a really cool spot to stop in for a while, get a tour, and enjoy a drink or two.

FOOD?

Yes, full restaurant serving seasonal Texas cuisine.

AMBIANCE:

Beautiful old Texas charm with leather chairs, dark furniture, and a “whiskey” ambiance.

WHAT TO TRY:

Archie’s IPA, their American-style ale.

WEBSITE | 115 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205

13. Blue Star Brewing Co

If we’re talking about iconic San Antonio breweries, Blue Star definitely has to be a part of the conversation. This craft brewery has been around since 1996! It’s located in a really fun, visitor-friendly part of San Antonio called Southtown. They have a multi-level outdoor deck, live music on the weekends, and a full menu.

Blue Star started as a brewery in the 90s, but the name expanded to include the whole development called the Blue Star Arts Complex. After you get your beer, check out the art galleries, retail shops, restaurants, and bars.

FOOD?

Yes, full menu of classic pub food

AMBIANCE:

Large indoor space and an outdoor deck overlooking the riverwalk.

WHAT TO TRY:

It’s a BIG menu so you’ll probably want to try a flight, but the Texican lager is a good place to start, especially if you’re stopping by in the summer months.

WEBSITE | 1414 S Alamo St #105, San Antonio, TX 78210

14. Alamo Beer Co.

Alamo Beer Co. is a HUGE indoor/outdoor space with cornhole, picnic tables, lots of beer and food, and a great ambiance for weekend hangs.

The brewery has been around since 2014. Quality of beer isn’t quite up to par as some of the top options on this list, but the ambiance of the space is absolutely amazing for a Friday night out with friends.

FOOD?

Yes, full menu of classic pub food.

AMBIANCE:

Giant outdoor space with yard games, indoor tap room with lots of tables, HUGE parking lot.

WHAT TO TRY:

Try an amber if it’s your first time!

WEBSITE | 202 Lamar St, San Antonio, TX 78202

15. Dos Sirenos

This dog-friendly, kid-friendly brewery in San Antonio has an awesome outdoor patio, delicious food, and a nice selection of craft brews. Stop by on a Friday or Saturday night for live music, and bring the whole fam for dinner.

FOOD?

Yes, full menu.

AMBIANCE:

Large indoor tap room, large outdoor patio with twinkle lights.

WHAT TO TRY:

The hazy Zeus Juice IPA.

WEBSITE | 231 E Cevallos St, San Antonio, TX 78204

16. Back Unturned Brewing

A small yet fully-operating craft beer and kitchen just north of the riverwalk, Back Unturned is where you can get a personal pizza + personal beer for a weekday lunch stop. (The pizza is really delish, btw!)

Back Unturned is located just off of the San Antonio riverwalk, so the location really can’t be beat!

FOOD?

Yes, pizza and wings.

AMBIANCE:

Small indoor taproom.

WHAT TO TRY:

A flight! The menu changes often and they offer a wide variety of beer styles.

WEBSITE | 516 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

17. Breakaway Brewing Co.

Located directly across the street from Fort Sam Houston military base, Breakaway Brewing is a new brewery in San Antonio that's already making quite a name for itself!

There's a cycling theme that runs throughout the brewery. But don't worry - it's subtle, and if you're not a huge Tour de France nerd, you'll still love this place. The main intention behind the place is for Breakaway Brewing to be "the local gathering place -- an intimate public house of yore."

Owner and head brewer Chris Pal-Freeman has a diverse and refreshing selection of drinkable Texas beers, including the number one seller, "The Texan" which is a medium-bodied Tex Mex ale that pairs perfectly with one of their big, juicy burgers.

FOOD?

A full gastropub menu + brunch on Sundays.

AMBIANCE:

A bright and open taproom with a small sidewalk patio (standing room only). Family friendly!

WHAT TO TRY:

The Oregon Common. It's Breakaway's take on a California Common.

WEBSITE | 516 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215