A look at Waco’s growing craft beer scene

Waco and Central Texas has been experiencing growth like the rest of Texas. Today we’ll look at 5 breweries in Waco and I’ll also give you a handful of suggestions on places to eat with a really good local craft beer selection too. 

1. Bare Arms Brewing - Waco, TX 

Bare Arms opened in 2015 and was the first brewery to open its doors in Waco since the former Bosque Brewing opened in 1995 and closed in 1997.  They have engrained themselves in Waco and do have a good following locally. They were one of the first breweries in Texas that went with crowlers before crowlers became popular.  They were purchased by Two Rivers Brewing Company late last year and new CEO Kevin Yackley has added a few new beers to their standard lineup. Located near Waco’s traffic circle east of 35, they have an inviting taproom and is worth a visit to check these guys out

2. Brotherwell Brewing - Waco, TX

Brotherwell opened in 2018, near downtown just off of Martin Luther King Jr boulevard just north of the Brazos. Their popular “Bridge St Wit” and “Act of Faith” Tripel are a couple of their mainstays. They have recently started canning and have beer to go now. Worth it to check them out while in Waco.

3. Waco Ale Company - Waco, TX

Waco Ale company opened in August of last year on Austin Avenue right in the heart of downtown Waco. With a great location, Waco Ale Company brews very solid beers and have a friendly tap room with TVs to watch sports and hang out with friends. They have their “Pearly Gates Pale Ale” and many other staples and are often releasing new beers. They usually have food trucks parked outside so you can grab something to eat while you’re there. 

4. Southern Roots Brewing Company - Waco, TX

Southern Roots opened in October of last year and is also in downtown right around the corner from Waco Ale Company. They offer great pizzas, wings and have a menu of starters as well. They  strive to produce drinkable, fresh beer.  Their “Smokin Aces IPA” and “Heart of Texas Blonde” are a couple of their most popular beers. 

5. Balcones Distilling & Brewing

Known for their award-winning whiskies, Balcones started brewing in February of this year and started with a New England Pale Ale, an English Mild Ale and an English Bitter. They are brewing new beers and plan to produce many other types of beers. They are currently doing Growler fills only. Obviously, many people are hoping they will brew some barrel-aged beers that will blend well with their whiskey. 

Beer bars and good grub in Waco

1. Dancing Bear Pub - just a stones throw from Baylor’s campus, Dancing Bear has its own food truck and always has a great selection of the latest and best craft beer available in Waco. They’re a local favorite and everyone there is really friendly. 

2. Shorty’s Pizza Shack - around the corner from Dancing Bear, good Pizza, Calzones and hot dogs along with good craft beer on tap at Shorty’s, a local favorite. 

3. Barnett’s Public House - Pub in downtown Waco with American fare and usually a good craft beer tap list. 

4.  Slow Rise Slice House - Pizza place with pizza by the slice and a solid craft beer tap list. 

Clint Doherty

Twitter - @DFWBeer

DFWBEERSCENE 

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