Local Craft Breweries in East Texas Region, TX (8)

Anvil Brewing is housed in an old and historically significant building in Pittsburg. Armed with an idea to create a gathering place for a small town’s community, husband and wife Byron and Kristin Aldredge moved into Pittsburg and established the brewery. The long-shuttered Pilgrim's Pride Feed Store was once part of the town’s booming chicken business, but the 100-year-old building stood abandoned since 1961. With an economic development fund grant from the city as seed money, the Aldredges’ idea soon took flight. They installed craft beer equipment, refurbished the place, cooked up some mouthwatering menu items, and the result was a great venue that was a combination pub, dance hall with live music, and venue for private events. At any given time, they have five craft beers on tap, and their customers rave about the sandwiches. “Best Reuben ever!”

Athens Brewing Co. is a craft brewery in the heart of downtown Athens. The Pierce family owns and operates the brewery, which is located in a historic brick building in the main square. The same family also owns Tara Vineyard & Winery, the oldest winery in Henderson County, and Tara Inn, an authentic circa 1880s house consisting of four large guestrooms overlooking the family’s vineyards. The brewery has usually about ten quality beers on tap, with new ones constantly being introduced. They bring back old favorites, too. The menu receives very positive reviews on review sites as well. “Blue cheeseburger was awesome… but the lava fries were by far our favorite!” There's live music on most Fridays and Saturdays, and there's a spacious patio where one can hang out during good weather. They’re kid- and dog-friendly, too.

The Cedar Creek Brewery is a multi-awarded brewery and taproom in Seven Points. Named after the lake located in the area, it has come a long way from its humble start. Founded by former home brewer Jim Elliott, the brewery first opened in July 2012. Back then, it made do with second hand equipment. Some equipment had to be repurposed, including those once used in dairy production. Despite its modest, tight budget, the brewery proceeded to win a prestigious 2013 Great American Beer Festival gold medal for its seasonal Belgian Dubbel. Since then, with several other award-winning beers, the brewery has moved to its current location in 2015, quadrupling its original production capacity. The new location includes a large taproom and a café, the Plowboys Café, which serves lunch and dinner. They have a kid’s menu and welcome leashed pets in the outdoor area. Trivia: guess which movie filmed in the premises of the café before the brewery took over?

Cypress Creek Southern Ales is a small batch nano-brewery in Winnsboro. Mike Howard and his family owns and operates the brewery, which opened August 2018. Currently one of the highest rated brewery on the popular beer-centric app Untappd, it is also the lone representative for Texas. Mike is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and specialized in IT upon leaving the service. His brewing philosophy simply means he brews “the beers (he and his family) want to drink". The brewery currently has almost 50 beers available for rating on Untappd, which are all named after something in Winnsboro or in connection with the East Texas area. According to one review, the brewery's taproom is “small and cozy”. However, the beers are “nothing short of sudsy divine-ness”. In good weather, the outdoor area becomes a venue for corn hole and horseshoe games.

ETX Brewing Co. is the brainchild of the Gilstrap brothers. Brian is “always on the go”, while Matt prefers a more laid back approach. Despite the differing philosophies on life, they agree on one passion – making exceptional beers. In January 2017, they opened the family-owned microbrewery with the aim to make “a positive impact on the community”. The brewery was a big hit but had limited space. It also housed the brewery’s production facilities. In the spring of 2018, barely a year after opening, they expanded the brewery to the rest of the building and called it The Porch. It features a second taproom, more options for food and beer, a bigger space for live entertainment, and various games. Both spaces continue to support the local community of Tyler with art hanging on the walls created by a rotating set of featured monthly artists. They serve coffee by a local provider, and music from local artists.

Oil Horse Brewing Company is a casual brewery located in downtown Longview. They provide an awesome selection of craft beers including “handcrafted gluten-reduced beers” that is being served in a family and dog friendly environment where everyone are welcome to come and enjoy. If you are in dire need of a fun place to meet up, have happy hour or game nights, Oil Horse Brewing Company is the place to be. They offer so many fun activities and the staff are so knowledgeable about their brews. There are couches, comfy chairs, wooden chairs, long tables and high tables. They strive to facilitate connectedness (community) for each person they serve inside and outside their walls. This is accomplished through a “comfortable and fun atmosphere” with an emphasis on excellence and professionalism in all they do.

The Pint and Barrel Drafthouse is a great place to enjoy a pint and some of their flavorful pub food. Situated in Old Palestine, Texas, the Pint and Barrel Drafthouse has over 18 different brews that you can try out. Their menu also has some Texas beer-match favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, or enjoy a customized burger with different styles to choose from.

Integrity, community, love – these are the three values True Vine Brewing Company brings to every beer they make. Opened by Ryan Dixon and his wife Traci in 2014, the brewery’s first iteration in a 2,000 sq ft warehouse quickly became too tight. They also only opened once a month. In March 2018, after renovating another dilapidated warehouse, they moved to a 10,000 sq ft location, which allows them to open six days a week. The expanded location also features a kids’ park, a dog park, and space for live entertainment. Besides 15 beers on tap, guests can choose from a selection of wines and ciders. There’s pizza from Sola Bread & Pizza Company, and food trucks, too, from time to time. For beer fans, a Mug Club gives members special privileges.