Cheers To The Five Best Spots for Drinks in Austin During the 2022 Rogue Invitational

Similar to the food scene in Austin, TX, it’s almost a disservice to try and pair down the best places to grab a libation into a list of five recommendations, as the variety of excellent options is abundant and evergrowing. Therefore, we encourage you to use this as more of a starting point, and let the culture-rich city take you where it takes you during your time in town for the 2022 Rogue Invitational. 

Also, one big reason we love ATX, aside from the glorious November weather, beautiful street art and plethora of food trucks, just to name a few, is the forward-thinking and inclusive community. The spots on this list have mocktails and NA (non-alcoholic) beer available, so don’t hesitate to join the party and stay sober if that’s more your vibe.

1. Meanwhile Brewing Co

3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744

When you land in TX, y’all can just head straight here as it’s only a short 5-minute drive from the airport — conveniently located to start your trip off on a high note.

“We pour a lot of energy into our beer quality, but we also invest a lot of time into our taproom experience,” Will Jaquiss, Founder and Brewmaster of Meanwhile Brewing Co. said. “We encourage people to visit so they can enjoy our beautiful outdoor space and some of the fantastic music and programming we have all year round.” 

With over 20 rotating beers on tap, coffee, low-proof cocktails, wine, cider and several food trucks accompanied by numerous outdoor tables, it’s the perfect group hangout spot to grab a drink and stay awhile. 

2. Lazarus Brewing Co

1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

While we don’t normally suggest consuming alcohol before 8am, with Lazarus’ hours, you could! Open all day from 7:30AM until 11PM (9AM on Saturday/Sunday), their coffee and breakfast tacos are a must. And, as a family owned, small-batch, zero-distribution urban brewery, all of their beer contains less than 20ppm gluten. 

“Lazarus is special because we live our story by sharing life! Our motto is to Share Life. It is our joy to share time while enjoying conversation over tacos, beer, and coffee,” said Eva Shivers, Assistant Taproom Manager. “When people visit Lazarus they can expect to have a laid back time with delicious coffee, beer and food.”

The staff recommends the Active Rest, a sour with fruit described as “tropical notes dominated by guava and passionfruit.” Plus, it has added electrolyte salts to help you beat the heat from cheering on your favorite athletes all day long. 

3. Zilker Brewing Company and Taproom

1701 E. 6th Street Austin, TX 78702

The locals just call it “Zilker”, and it’s a classic favorite. Housed on famous 6th St., it’s the local go-to for good brews, live music, big tables and an artistic industrial taproom ambiance. It’s a solid 30-minute drive from the competition, but conveniently located in central east Austin where many spectators stay to be near the action outside of the event. 

The Parks & Rec is bright and citrusy safe bet, while the newly added seasonal Mystical Forest is a pink hazy IPA with strawberry and guava that we can’t wait to try. Plus, you can order beer and cider online to go if you’d rather crack open a cold one in your hotel or Airbnb. 

4. Bluebonnet Beer Company

1700 Bryant Dr #107, Round Rock, TX 78664

Founded in 2013 by a homebrewing husband and wife duo, Bluebonnet has the welcoming family feel we love about the south and is located just 3.5 miles from Dell Diamond. 

There are four core beers always on tap (a cream ale, Texas Pecan Brown Ale, American Amber Ale and American IPA), and a rotating and seasonal list is available as well.

The food truck selection varies — here’s what accompanies the brewery during Rogue weekend:

10/27: Gringos Locos Tacos
10/28: Schnitzel Wagon
10/29: Bahler Street Pizza

5. Zanzibar 

304 E Cesar Chavez St Unit 700, Austin, TX 78701

Hands down, this is the most Insta-worthy pick on the list. Located seven stories up on a rooftop in downtown Austin, the tropical getaway is a break from the norm amongst the surrounding skyscrapers. Hawaiian-inspired dishes compliment the handcrafted drinks and include healthy protein options like sushi, shrimp, duck, tofu, chicken and pork. 

One of the delicious signature mocktails gives you all the flavor without the buzz; order the Clean Wave for an infusion of pineapple, peach, mint and lime. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

Honorable mentions:

• Austin East Cider: 1530 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
• Central Machine Works: 4824 E Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78802 
• The Brass Tap: 204 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664

We hope this helps guide your thirst-quenching visit to Texas, as the best thing to compliment a weekend full of fitness is a tasty beverage. And, pro-tip from a local: Austin has no shortage of vibrant people like yourself, all trying to snag a seat at the best spots in town. Unless an establishment takes reservations (most don’t), expect to wait a while for a group table during peak hours, and know that food trucks are almost always available nearby to keep you busy and well-fed until it’s cocktail time. Cheers!