Get the inside scoop on Waco’s brewery scene and find out which breweries and beers are a must-try. From the history of Waco Brewing to the best IPAs, stouts and porters, seasonal brews, food pairings, food trucks, and on-site restaurants, to annual events, special festivals, and industry news, we’ve got you covered.
Waco Brewery Scene
Are you a beer enthusiast looking for a unique experience? Look no further than Waco’s lively brewery scene. With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, Waco has become a hub for beer lovers with its diverse range of breweries, tours, and events. In this section, we’ll dive into the history of Waco brewing, popular brewery tours, and the best breweries to visit in Waco.
The History of Waco Brewing
Waco’s brewing history dates back to the 1800s when German immigrants settled in the area and brought their brewing traditions with them. The first brewery, the Waco Brewing Company, opened in 1869 and was run by brothers Charles and Louis Schlunder. The brewery produced a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and porters, and even won awards at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
Unfortunately, Prohibition put an end to Waco’s brewing industry in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until the 1990s that brewing returned to Waco with the opening of the Dancing Bear Pub, which served as a homebrew supply store and eventually began brewing its own beer. Today, Waco has a thriving brewery scene with a variety of breweries offering unique and delicious beers.
Popular Brewery Tours in Waco
For those looking to explore the Waco brewery scene, there are several popular brewery tours available. The Waco Tours’ Brewery Tour takes visitors to three local breweries and includes tastings and behind-the-scenes tours. The Brotherwell Brewing Tour offers a similar experience with tastings and a tour of their brewing facilities.
For a more immersive experience, the Bare Arms Brewing Experience allows visitors to brew their own beer with guidance from the Bare Arms team. And for those interested in the history of Waco brewing, the Waco History Tour includes a stop at the historic Waco Brewing Company.
Best Breweries to Visit in Waco
With so many breweries to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. Here are some of the best breweries to check out in Waco:
- Balcones Distilling & Brewery – Known for their award-winning whiskey, Balcones also offers a variety of craft beers to try.
- Bare Arms Brewing – This veteran-owned brewery offers a variety of unique and flavorful beers, including their popular Hops for Heroes IPA.
- Brotherwell Brewing – With a focus on community and sustainability, Brotherwell offers a variety of beers made with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Dancing Bear Pub – The oldest brewery in Waco, Dancing Bear offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of beers on tap.
- Waco Ale Company – This family-owned brewery offers a variety of beers, including their popular Dr. Pepper-inspired Dr. Pepper 10-2-4.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Waco’s brewery scene has something for everyone. Cheers to good beer and good times in Waco!
- Balcones Distilling & Brewery
- Bare Arms Brewing
- Brotherwell Brewing
- Dancing Bear Pub
- Waco Ale Company
Waco Breweries and Their Beers
When it comes to craft beer, Waco is making a name for itself with its impressive brewery scene. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best breweries in Waco and the beers that make them stand out.
Best IPAs in Waco
If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, Waco has plenty of IPAs to offer. One of the most popular options is the Balcones Fault from Brotherwell Brewing. This IPA is brewed with Citra and Cascade hops, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for summer. Another great option is the Hipster Sauce from Bare Arms Brewing. This hazy IPA is bursting with tropical flavors like mango and pineapple, making it a fan favorite.
Top Stouts and Porters in Waco
If you prefer your beer on the darker side, Waco has some amazing stouts and porters to try. One standout is the Blackberry Chocolate Milk Stout from Southern Roots Brewing Company. This rich and creamy beer is brewed with fresh blackberries and cocoa nibs, giving it a decadent dessert-like flavor. Another great option is the Waco Traffic from Barnett’s Public House. This bold porter is brewed with locally roasted coffee beans, giving it a smooth, roasty flavor that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
Waco’s Best Seasonal Beers
Waco’s breweries are always coming up with new and exciting seasonal beers to try. One standout is the Festivus from Bare Arms Brewing. This winter ale is brewed with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, giving it a warm and spicy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Another great option is the Strawberry Kiwi Wheat from Brotherwell Brewing. This refreshing beer is brewed with fresh fruit and has a bright, tropical flavor that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
The Food Scene at Waco Breweries
Waco’s brewery scene is not just about the beer. The food scene at Waco breweries is just as impressive, with many breweries offering delicious food pairings with their beers. Whether it’s a food truck parked outside or an on-site restaurant, visitors to Waco’s breweries are in for a treat. Here are some of the best food options at Waco breweries:
Best Food Pairings with Waco Beers
When it comes to pairing food with beer, Waco breweries have got it right. Many breweries offer food pairings that complement the flavors of their beers. For example, the Balcones Barrel Aged Stout at Bare Arms Brewing pairs perfectly with a juicy burger. The hoppy IPA at Brotherwell Brewing goes great with spicy wings. And the light, crisp lager at Waco Ale Company is the perfect match for a fresh salad. With so many delicious food pairings to try, visitors to Waco’s breweries won’t be disappointed.
Popular Food Trucks at Waco Breweries
Food trucks are a staple at many of Waco’s breweries. These mobile kitchens offer a variety of cuisines and are the perfect option for visitors who want to grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying their beer. At Barnett’s Public House, visitors can enjoy burgers, tacos, and loaded fries from the Rockin’ Rollerz food truck. The Milo All Day food truck offers gourmet sandwiches and salads at Southern Roots Brewing Company. And the popular Cheddar Box food truck serves up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches at Brotherwell Brewing. With so many food trucks to choose from, visitors to Waco’s breweries are sure to find something they love.
Waco Breweries with On-Site Restaurants
For visitors who want to sit down and enjoy a meal with their beer, there are several breweries in Waco that offer on-site restaurants. The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill at Bare Arms Brewing offers a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Salty Dog at Southern Roots Brewing Company serves up Texas-style BBQ and comfort food. And the Brazos Bar and Bistro at Brazos Valley Brewing Company offers a menu of pub favorites like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. With so many delicious options, visitors to Waco’s breweries can enjoy a full meal while sipping on their favorite beer.
Waco Brewery Events and Festivals
Waco is a city that knows how to celebrate its love for beer. With a growing brewery scene, it’s no surprise that Waco hosts several beer festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply enjoy a cold brew on a hot day, there’s an event for you. Let’s take a look at some of the top events that Waco has to offer.
Annual Waco Oktoberfest Celebrations
Oktoberfest is a time-honored tradition that celebrates beer, food, and German culture. Waco’s annual Oktoberfest celebration is no exception. Held in late September or early October, this event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The festival features live music, traditional German food, and of course, plenty of beer. Some of Waco’s breweries even create special Oktoberfest brews just for the occasion. Prost!
Special Events at Waco Breweries
Waco’s breweries are always finding new ways to engage with their customers and the community. That’s why they often host special events throughout the year. From live music and trivia nights to charity fundraisers and beer releases, there’s always something happening at Waco’s breweries. One popular event is the “Pints & Pups” fundraiser, where local animal shelters bring adoptable dogs to the brewery for patrons to meet and potentially adopt. It’s a win-win for everyone involved: the dogs get some love and attention, and the brewery gets more customers.
Waco’s Best Beer Festivals
In addition to Oktoberfest, Waco hosts several other beer festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Waco Craft Beer Festival, held in downtown Waco each spring. This festival showcases over 100 craft beers from breweries all over Texas and the country. Another popular festival is the Waco Ale Trail’s “Brews, Blues & BBQ” event, which features live music, local barbecue, and of course, plenty of beer from the Ale Trail breweries.
If you’re a beer lover, Waco is definitely the place to be. With so many events and festivals to choose from, there’s always something new to experience. So grab a cold one and join in on the fun!
- Oktoberfest celebrates beer, food, and German culture
- Special events at Waco breweries engage with customers and community
- Waco Craft Beer Festival showcases over 100 craft beers
- Brews, Blues & BBQ event features live music, local barbecue, and plenty of beer
Waco Brewery Industry News
Waco’s brewery scene is constantly evolving, and there is always something new happening in the industry. Here are some of the latest happenings in the Waco brewery industry.
New Brewery Openings in Waco
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of breweries opening up in Waco. One of the newest additions is Southern Roots Brewing Company, which opened its doors in 2019. Located in the heart of downtown Waco, Southern Roots offers a variety of beers, including a popular IPA and a Belgian-style tripel. Another new brewery in town is Brotherwell Brewing, which opened in 2020. This family-owned and operated brewery offers a range of beers, including a hazy IPA and a chocolate porter.
Waco Breweries in the News
Waco breweries have been making headlines in recent years for their innovative beers and community involvement. In 2019, Bare Arms Brewing won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their American-style amber ale. Meanwhile, Brotherwell Brewing was featured in Texas Monthly’s list of the 10 best new breweries in the state. In addition to their brewing accolades, many Waco breweries are also committed to supporting local causes and organizations. For example, Dancing Bear Pub hosts regular fundraisers for local charities, and Bare Arms Brewing donates a portion of their profits to veteran organizations.
Waco Brewery Awards and Accolades
Waco breweries have been racking up awards and accolades in recent years. Bare Arms Brewing has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival, including a gold medal in 2019 for their American-style amber ale. Another local favorite, Brotherwell Brewing, was named the Best New Brewery in Texas by the website CraftBeer.com. Meanwhile, Balcones Distilling was named the Best Craft Whiskey Distillery in America by USA Today in 2020.
As you can see, the Waco brewery industry is thriving, with new breweries opening up, innovative beers being brewed, and awards being won. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s never been a better time to explore the Waco brewery scene and sample some of the best beers Texas has to offer.
- Southern Roots Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries in Waco, offering a variety of beers, including a popular IPA and a Belgian-style tripel.
- Brotherwell Brewing is another new addition to the Waco brewery scene, featuring a range of beers, including a hazy IPA and a chocolate porter.
- Bare Arms Brewing has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival, including a gold medal in 2019 for their American-style amber ale.
- Brotherwell Brewing was named the Best New Brewery in Texas by the website CraftBeer.com.
- Balcones Distilling was named the Best Craft Whiskey Distillery in America by USA Today in 2020.
