Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Texas. But the Houston establishment is also a place where the small crew still takes pride in “brewing, filtering, bottling, selling and drinking the beer” – thereby ensuring, they say, that their suds “have soul.”
And while the beers are available around the city and state, there’s no better place to have one than in the beer garden/patio, which overlooks the Houston skyline from a distance that is not too near and too far.
Notably, the venue is also family-friendly with games like lawn games cornhole and Connect 4 for the kids, plus craft root beer, and pets are welcome (and in attendance).
Guests set up at picnic benches below a partial roof for shade or under the big Texas sky, and a fountain and TV screens (usually with sports) add to the ambiance.
Inside, Saint Arnold clearly channels its inner Bavarian beer hall with elaborate German-style décor and even a traditional stein-hanging room.
Ah, the beer. There are a couple of dozen (plus ciders) on tap, some available year-round, others single batch brews. Beer samplers (like the one I tried, photo below) are offered to give guests to taste of multiple vintages and real enthusiasts can also book a brewery tour. Extensive descriptions (with stats and bar charts) are even offered online for those who want to pre-plan their tastings, or perhaps research what they had.
As for food, the pizzas are a cut above, as are sandwiches both standard (grilled chicken) and not (crawfish roll, shrimp fire po’boy). We had a delightful assorted board (photo). There’s also salads, wings, fries, and Frito pies!
Saint Arnold Brewing Co. is located at 2000 Lyons Ave. in Houston; it’s a short drive away from the downtown (as per the scenic skyline view) and open every day.*
(*Actual operating hours during the pandemic may vary and should be checked in advance).
With summer in mind – and glass in hand – we at Travel Industry Today continue our seasonal series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues to enjoy during the (hopefully good) weather. Send your suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.
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