This Father’s Day, buy dad a beer at anyone of these nearby breweries. Brewmasters at these local hot spots know how to mix art with brewing science to create unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Use this list as your own personal guide to find a brewery you’ll want to keep coming back to over and over again. Whether you’re thirsty for a fruity IPA or craving the heavy taste of dark chocolate stout, these locations have it all. Bring the kids and dog along too, because most of these spots are family and pet friendly. Some offer kids menus, outdoor games and dog-friendly taprooms. From cozy taprooms to larger German beer-hall style establishments, each has its own fun vibe that makes for a relaxing time with your fellow beer lovers.
KLAUS BREWING COMPANY
Grab your stein and head over to Klaus Brewing for a taste of true German-style beer. Simple, pure ingredients are key for Klaus brewmaster, Thomas Lemke, whose family hails from Germany. Klaus beers are crafted according to the German purity law and use only water, malt, hops and yeast. Sip your brews in their taproom or on the covered patio. Visit Wednesday for all-day happy hour or Thursday for $6 stein night. KlausBrewing.com
BEARDED FOX BREWING COMPANY
Named for its bearded founders and their “foxy” wives, Bearded Fox Brewing likes to keep things local. These bearded beermakers blend Texas honey into their GOAT Imperial IPA and locally-roasted coffee into their No. 48 Pecan Coffee Porter. Try the Foxtrot, an Irish red ale, and $1 of your purchase goes to support local veteran support group Guns to Hammers. BeardedFoxBrewing.com
11 BELOW BREWING COMPANY
Make it Taco Tuesday every day with one of 11 Below Below Brewing’s newest beers. This margarita-inspired brew combines lime puree and sea salt in a refreshing blonde ale. 11 Below is dog and kid-friendly with an on-site food truck for those post-beer munchies. The brewery is run by a team of native Texans including two of its founders who are Cy-Fair High School grads. 11BelowBrewing.com
FIRE ANT BREWING COMPANY
Liven up your tour of OId Town Tomball with beer and comfort food at Fire Ant Brewpub. With its hearty sandwiches, kids menu and dog-friendly patio, Fire Ant is an ideal outing for the whole family. A popular brew is the Summer Craze Blonde Ale, but beer-lovers should also try the Sand Castle Kolsch or Destination Dunkel. Wine and champagne is also on tap. FireAntBrewing.com
WICKED BOXER BREWING
Wicked Boxer Brewing, Cypress’s first local brewhouse, combines both pups and pints in its one-barrel brewhouse. This veteran-owned watering hole hosts regular dog adoptions and a hot dog food truck. Expect to find seasonal summer brews like pineapple blondes, blueberry and hazy IPAs. Try the malty and sweet Wiggle Butt Blonde or the chocolatey Rogue Black IPA which boasts hints of coffee. Dad and dog-lovers are sure to enjoy it. WickedBoxer.com
FORTRESS BEERWORKS
Take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle at Fortress Beerworks. Situated on the edge of a small forest, Fortress is a destination brewery with plenty of room for kids or pets to roam. Order the popular Viking Blonde for a light, refreshing taste or try the Watchtower Wit, brewed with orange peel and coriander. Visit Wednesdays for $8 wings and beer, Thursdays for cornhole league or on weekends for live music. FortressBeerworks.com
4J BREWING COMPANY
Named for the four sisters who founded it, 4J brewing is the only all women-owned family brewery in Houston. The founders —Jessica, Jackie, Joanna, and Jennifer— like to make simple, flavorful beers with higher alcohol content. Try their Amber Ale with its 5.9% alcohol volume or the American Stout with its 6.7% alcohol volume for a beer that packs a punch. The brewery also serves Texas wine and non-alcohol root beer.
PARADIGM BREWING - COMING SOON
Tomball’s Paradigm Brewing Company is slated to open by the end of the year. It’s founded by former Karbach brewmaster Chris Juergen alongside his business partner Joshua Schwaiger. The two plan to offer a full spectrum of beers from classic pilsners to creative hazy IPAs. The brewery sits on five acres and will offer high-end gastropub-style dishes, live music and cornhole. ParadigmBrew.com
