Beer stores in Austin

I'm leaving for Austin, TX on Wed. to do some beer drinking while my wife meets with people at SXSW. I have a pretty good idea of the better beer bars/ brewpubs from my visit to Austin last year but I'm looking for recommendations for retail stores (near the downtown area) that carry a good selection of local (texas/Southern/anything I cannot find in Norcal) beer.

I'm planning on spending a good amount of time at the gingerman and the B-side lounge at the Bitter End but if there are any other recommendations of good drinking establishmens (or good eating establishments for that matter) I would appreciate those as well.

mike

Reply to
hopdevil16
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You are in luck. Whole Foods just opened their biggest store ever just a couple weeks ago on Lamar @ 6th, and they have quite the beer extravaganza, with 5 different eating places in it, and you can pretty much get any beer along with food.

Central Market-one of the best beer selections I've ever seen, although it is 3-4 miles (north or south, there's 2, but well worth the visit)

Wiggy's-a funky liquor store on 6th(a few blks. w. of Lamar)

I would also reccomend checking out Waterloo Records, as they will have live music Thur-Sat, with lots of free Saint Arnold beer, although it will be crowded. Bar rec's- GMan(free music, Thu-Sat), Bitter End(Dogfish Head party), Lovejoys(cool little brewpub on Neches, just N. of 6th, also with music this week), Opal Divine's(6th@ Rio Grande). While I am a paid shill for Saint Arnold, also check out the other locals-Live Oak, Real Ale, and Independence(the newest kid on the block). Frank in Austin (Ask any of the bar staff if I'm there-if so, I'll buy you a cold Saint Arnold!) P.S-If you would like a list of all the daytime parties with free beer & BBQ, e-mail me)

Reply to
Frank Mancuso

I'm not familiar with retail outlets near downtown, but during my trips there for at least the past ~5 years the grocery stores have carried a decent selection of beer, from the region and notables from other regions, e.g., Celis and New Belgium. (We stay on the far north side, and buy beer at Albertson's and Whole Foods.)

If you don't mind somewhat upscale, Fonda San Miguel rocks for foofy Mexican-style (not Tex-Mex or border Mex) food. They have a web site if you want to get an idea about the place and their menu.

Reply to
Joel

Check this page ...

BeerAdvocate.com BeerFly City Guide Austin

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Cheers!!

-- Jason Alstrom

-- BeerAdvocate.com American Beer Fest - June 17-18th 2005

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Reply to
J. Alstrom

Unfortunately, I can't offer any advice regarding Austin's beer hot spots. I will request that you report back to us on SXSW

...and the beer too, I guess ;)

have fun!

Reply to
Paul Hobson

Thanks for all the recomendations, Austin and SXSW kicked ass as usual although I'm far to old to spend 5 days acting like I am back in college (albeit drinking better beer).

I spent 2 good afternoons at the gingerman and ws able to try:

Dogfishhead 90 min. IPA- I'd had it before but it has been a while FG as usual.

St. Arnold's spring Bock- FG as well much better than Shiner Bock (although I don't mind Shiner Bock and I drank more than my fair share of it while out at shows each night)

Live Oak Winter IPA- Very good as well.

Great Divide Barley Wine- God Damn good, definately one of the better barley wines I've had (and I've had quite a few) very balanced and drinkable.

Liberation Ale which I think was brewed by Live Oak- Good but after the Great Divide it didn't stand out too much.

Also had a chance to hit the Bitter End once for drinks and once for dinner had a very good Wee Heavy, An excellent dark and fruity Rye,a Good ESB and the very herbal Equinox which I enjoyed but doubt I coud drink very often. Unfortunately they were out of their Barley Wine.

Finally I swung by Lovejoy's for an hour or so of bad glam metal bands a good but not great barley wine and an IPA that was very average and had the same strange off flavor that plauged many of my attempts at homebrewing.

I was also able to find the Trader Joe's and pick up some St. Arnold's Elissa IPA (very good)and some dogfish head 90 min. (can't find it in my neck of the woods and unfortunately I'm down to my final bottle)

Other than that I spent a lot of time at shows and parties and drank a lot of Shiner,some Real Ale Brewing pale ale and a little Lone Star.

Mike

Reply to
hopdevil16

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