I should probably start out by disclosing that Galveston is my home and I love everything about this place. For example, on days like this past weekend, you forget any of your worries and problems and just relax. Of course, if you have difficulty doing that, downing a few brews never hurts.
The list of places that give you a great selection of craft beer isn’t huge, but there are a few top-notch places that you should visit if you’re planning a trip down to the island.
Beerfoot Brewery – the name of the bar is a little misleading as they are not a full-scale production brewery, but rather a brewpub that brews beers based on what area homebrewers and local brewer recipes are being generated and shared to the bar. The beers are normally one-off choices and are rarely, if ever, brewed again for serving. However, the selection of other craft brews is absolutely stunning. Some of the most sought-after beers are normally here on tap or in the cooler packaged in cans and bottles. For example, our first samples of No Label Perpetual Peace and Karbach Kentucky Habit were both here. In addition, they have had standouts like Saint Arnold Divine Reserve 15 and Southern Star Black Crack in the cooler waiting for folks to buy. What sets this place apart from the other choices is the view. Located just off of the seawall, you can have a picture perfect view of the water which makes it a perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in a relaxing setting with delicious craft beers in hand.
Brews Brothers – this craft beer dedicated bar is right in the heart of the Strand district where most people like to enjoy the nightlife. The place still has its brewpub license to brew beer, but recently lost their brewmaster to 8th Wonder Brewery. However, that doesn’t stop them from carrying a stellar selection of brews that should make any craft beer enthusiast happy. Whether you enjoy beers from around the world, throughout the United States, or, like me, right in your own home state, they offer an array of craft beer that should allow you to find something that will work. When tourists walk in and request any of the macro-breweries (you know the names), usually the bartenders will just look, shake their heads stating they don’t carry that, recommend a similar craft beer or recommend another place further down the Strand that carries their generic beer of choice. It’s a refreshing choice they have made to go all-in on craft brews. Frequently, they have brewery pint nights and the most recent one I attended was Freetail Brewing Company’s visit to the island.
Galveston Island Brewing Company – the island’s only full production craft brewery and recently voted best bar of Galveston by Galveston.com is the perfect place to go if you want to meet locals. Since the taproom is the closest craft beer bar to my home, this is my go-to place on a weekday for happy hour on the west end of town. Probably the biggest reason this place gets the nod as the best bar in Galveston has to be because you have an opportunity to meet so many different people, most of them being regulars like myself. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the pleasure of talking with people from around the country visiting before they take a cruise or talking with folks on vacation taking a break from the beach. The brewery serves a wide array of beers that you can find throughout Galveston County and then a few taproom-only specials. Whether you’re a fan of their flagship beer, Tiki Wheat, or one of their seasonal beers (Hefen-A is my personal favorite), you should find something to whet your tastebuds. Plus, in typical quirky Galveston fashion, there is a resident rooster who roams the outside grounds and has been adopted as the pseudo-mascot.
The Proletariat – different from your typical craft beer bar, The Proletariat is actually a wonderful art gallery housed in the ground floor of an artist loft building in downtown Galveston. Originally, my wife stopped in to look at the art work on display and noticed something just as great as the paintings: the craft beer selection. Granted, they do not have many beers on tap, but usually the ones that are there are a rotating selection with Southern Star and 8th Wonder being two of the choices we’ve seen on several occasions. The first time we ever visited, we were able to glance up and notice a wide selection of Jester King bombers for sale, so Mad Meg was the beer of choice. In addition, they typically do special events tied with craft beer. For example, M.H. Draper, Southern Star’s resident artist came down to discuss art and his artwork for their release of Honesty of Reason since the can design is so unique. These are the types of events that nobody else does and makes this place a gem that deserves exploring.
Stuttgarden Tavern on the Strand – as the name implies, the bar is located on Strand and looks unlike anything else in the area. This beer garden seems to appear out of nowhere and it gives any craft beer lover the feeling of finding an oasis. For me, the food is outstanding and gives my wife and I a reason to take a break from cooking and eat out. Between traditional German fare and the beer garden atmosphere, it makes eating outside on their expansive patio relaxing and fun. They typically have the Saint Arnold new releases very early. For example we were able to grab our first tastes of both Bishop’s Barrel 11 and 12 here. The supply is usually plentiful as it is a local secret for the craft beer lover searching for the new release. The indoor seating is small by the bar, so be sure to go on a beautiful day so you can sit outside, relax, and enjoy people watching on the Strand while drinking craft beer and eating delicious German food.