Eureka Heights Brew Co.
Housed in a facility just above the Eureka Heights fault system lies one of Houston's most charismatic and wackiest craft brew pubs, the appropriately named Eureka Heights.
Opened in the summer of 2016 by three passionate home brewers, the brewery quickly found success with their flagship beers, Buckle Bunny and Mini-Boss. Now Eureka Heights distributes in restaurants and grocery stores across the greater Houston area.
Their brewery offers 18 beers on tap, from their most popular ales to their more experimental brews. Their LABS (Limited Awesome Beer Series) is wildly popular, allowing the customers to select their favorites, determining which brews become permanent.
Although Eureka Heights offers many complex and high-alcohol brews, what makes them unique is its ability to provide more "sessionable ales." According to events manager Evan Camp, these lower alcohol beers are the ones that keep people drinking and having a good time longer, which is what Eureka Heights is all about.
In addition to exceptional brewing and creating fun and zany names for their beers, Eureka Heights gives back. They partner with many local organizations, creating specialized brews where a portion of the proceeds go back to the charity. Last month, they released My Own Best Friend benefiting the Houston SPCA.
To learn more, visit eurekaheights.com
CounterCommon Beerworks & Kitchen
Seeing a brew go from grain to glass brings total satisfaction to CounterCommon owners Jaime Robles and Dennis Rhee.
What began as an interest in homebrewing became a brand-new concept: CounterCommon, a family-friendly brewpub in the heart of Bellaire. Drawing on the diversity of the Houston area, the pub perfectly pairs Asian and Latin American cuisine with German-style brews.
After graduating from the world-renowned Master Brewer program at Siebel Institute of Technology in Munich, Germany, Dennis returned to Houston and partnered with Jaime. The duo began planning their concept in 2017 but had to delay opening due to the pandemic. They opened their pub this summer with highly positive reviews.
CounterCommon has a strong inclination for both German styles and low gravity beers, which they brew all in-house. Their two most popular brews are Nein Schadenfreude – a Kölsch-style ale, and Münchin' Bier, a Munich Helles lager. For Octoberfest this year, they are putting a spin on the traditional German Märzen.
The brewpub offers a distinctive and imaginative menu, with dishes like shrimp ceviche, Korean/Mexican queso (or K-so, as they call it), and wok specialties such as Pad See Ew and Kimchi Fried Rice.
To learn more, visit countercommon.com.
QUOTE: "We love how different beer styles and food work together, and we’ve put our own spin on them and offer both under the same roof."
Paradigm Brewing Company
Sitting on five acres in Tomball, Texas, this suburban brewery is the perfect place to grab a cold beer and some great food.
Three good friends, Josh Schwaiger, Craig Windholz, and Chris Juergen, opened Paradigm Brewing Company in December 2021 had have
had great success ever since.
What makes this brewery unique is the quality food and creative take on craft beers such as Coconut Blonde and Margarita Gose.
One of Paradigm's most popular brews is Unforgotten Blonde, which not only tastes great, but a portion of the proceeds goes to our service members. Paradigm partnered with Boots and Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping our active duty men and women.
"Being able to do what we love and impact people is a great feeling," says Josh. "We get to pick and choose what works best for our production, and watching it succeed is very rewarding."
This fall, Paradigm will release its take on Oktoberfest with an event held on Saturday, October 15th. In addition, Paradigm is celebrating its first anniversary Saturday, December 17th. The community is invited to both events to try some craft beer, tasty food, and some newer items added to the Paradigm menu.
Paradigm beers are available at local stores like HEB and Kroger.
For more information, visit paradigmbrewingcompany.com
Holler Brewing Co.
Holler Brewing Co. has become a huge success for providing some of the freshest and highest quality beer in Houston. Located in Sawyer Yards, the brewery was started by John and Kathryn Holler in 2016.
This unique brewing company takes pride in serving "Tank Fresh" beer, which means they serve directly from their brite tanks instead of kegging and canning immediately after production. Though they don't distribute cans or bottles at this time, you can find Holler beer on draft at local bars and restaurants all over the city.
Their brews include fun and creative names such as Czech My Phone and Don't Be Tardy To the Party. Their most popular brew is a German Pilsner named Holler Dollar Pils Y'all.
Open seven days a week, Holler Brewing hosts a long list of free events, including Holler Haulers run club, Hollers Gears and Beers Bike Club, Trivia, Yoga, and more. They are hosting their Sixth Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 5th, with live music, VIP tasting, giveaways, and special beer releases.
For more information, visit hollerbeer.com
11 Below Brewing Company
Owned by three very close friends, Brandon Moss, Jeff Handojo, and Bryce Baker, 11 Below Brewing is known for having some of the most popular beers in the city.
It all started in 2001 when Brandon got his first at-home brewing kit. Brandon then started to show his friends and family a beer he had created, which included Bryce and Jeff. Everyone was amazed by how tasty and fresh Brandon's beer was. Brewing became a regular hobby, and soon after 2012, the trio began planning a business together. By March 2015, the three good friends had sold their first keg.
Two of their most popular beers include Hipster Sauce IPA and Oso Bueno, a spinoff of the first beer Brandon ever produced. They are very excited to release their Octoberfest this fall. The three owners wanted their Octoberfest to be as traditional as possible, using an authentic German approach.
On top of having some of the most popular beers in Houston, they are known for their friendly environment, bringing communities together. "My customers have become family," says Jeff. "We've even had a friend and customer get married at the brewery."
For more information, visit 11belowbrewing.com.
Platypus Brewing
Located on the northwest side of Downtown Houston, Platypus Brewing serves an excellent variety of craft beers, cocktails, wine, and food.
It all started ten years ago in Australia when Houstonian, Rachna Hanrahan, bought her husband and Australian native, Sean, an at-home brewing kit. Sean then developed a passion for brewing and went on to take a master brewer course.
The couple moved back to Houston in 2015 and collaborated with friend and Australian native Morgan Hughes, who also had a background in home brewing. All three went on to open Platypus Brewing in 2016.
Popular brews include Bobby Dazzler Aussie Blonde Ale and Gold Coast IPA. They just recently started selling seltzers, with a favorite being Passionfruit Coconut. They are also excited to include their Octoberfest on the menu this year which Rachna says "tastes like fall in Houston."
To learn more, visit platypusbrewing.com
QUOTE: The menu and environment of Platypus Brewing showcase its "Texan Heart and Australian soul."