When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Ants Beer Cave
Why Ants Beer Cave is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ants Beer Cave in Austin is a vibrant and unique destination that brilliantly combines a vast craft beer selection with the energetic fun of pickleball, making it a perfect spot to meet up with friends. Located in The Yard, near St. Elmo Brewing Co., this beautifully converted warehouse offers a welcoming and social atmosphere where guests can enjoy over 270 different bottled beers and 16 rotating draft taps, alongside coffees, wines, ciders, and even THC-infused drinks. What sets Ants Beer Cave apart is its innovative concept blending a bottle shop with an on-premise bar experience, allowing customers to explore an impressive variety of beverages in one place.
Beyond drinks, Ants Beer Cave boasts two pickleball courts—one indoor with a glow-in-the-dark feature and one outdoor—providing a dynamic venue for both seasoned players and newcomers to engage in the rapidly growing sport while enjoying great company. Food is also a highlight, with excellent offerings like New York-style pizzas crafted by passionate first-time business owners. The space is designed to be inclusive and approachable, ensuring there's something delightful for every taste and preference. Whether you're there to try rare beers, play pickleball, or share a casual meal, Ants Beer Cave offers an energetic, fun, and inviting environment to catch up with friends and make new ones.
Here's what people think of Ants Beer Cave
As of recent, Ants Beer Cave holds a 4.9-star rating based on 106 reviews.
Customers highly praise Ants Beer Cave for its expansive beer selection and welcoming ambiance, frequently noting the uniqueness of combining a bottle shop with a lively bar and pickleball venue. Reviewers appreciate the friendly staff, the quality and variety of craft beers, and the family-like community feel that encourages socializing and connection. Many positive reviews highlight the glow-in-the-dark indoor pickleball court, free Thursday night sessions, and the delicious food, especially the well-crafted New York-style pizzas, which complement the beers perfectly.
Positive feedback also emphasizes the reasonable pricing of both drinks and pickleball play, accessibility to non-alcoholic options, and the overall inclusive vibe that avoids any pretentiousness, making it comfortable for casual visitors and beer aficionados alike.
On the other hand, a few negative reviews remark on occasional crowding during peak hours and limited parking availability near the venue, which can affect convenience. Some guests mention that the pickleball courts require booking in advance due to popularity, which might limit spontaneous visits. A minority expressed desire for a broader food menu variety.
In conclusion, the reviews reveal that Ants Beer Cave is widely loved for its creative combination of craft beer culture, sport, and community atmosphere, with overwhelmingly more positives than negatives. It stands out as a must-visit for groups seeking a fun, social hangout spot in Austin that offers both excellent beverages and engaging activities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Han Hadacek
Located in south Austin near St. Elmo's brewery, Ants Beer Cave is a great place to bring your friends to hang. They have 2 pickleball courts, one inside and one outside, basketball game, and pool table. They also have multiple TVs to watch sports game with large projector screen projecting most popular game. My husband and I came to watch Sweet Sixteen. It does cost money to use pickleball courts, though on Thursday nights it is free. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and great for large groups as their tables easily 10-12 people. Dog friendly as well with dogs on the patio. Food wise they have two food trucks, Knuckle sandwich and the Pizza Den. Know that both trucks close by 8 pm even on Saturday so don't trust Yelp saying it closes at 9 pm. Beer wise at least for us it was a limited menu, but my husband enjoyed his hazy IPA. This is a great place to come hang with your friend in large group! Parking is free in front.
Paul Hill
Stumbled upon this spot. Very nice selection of beers on tap. Pickleball courts, big screen TVs, food trucks and plenty of seating in and out. Most importantly, they are dog friendly.
Shelby Schreiber
I hesitate to bring attention to this gem of a place for selfish reasons because it checks all the boxes. After reading Anthony’s story, I knew ABC would be a fit! I was in a pinch, holding a small-sized pickleball fundraiser, and ANTS BEER CAVE came through in a big way! Staff, service, space, amenities. The Manager, Jordan, was accommodating & professional - she truly met all of our needs! Top-notch build out and concept, way to go ANT! #tonyfoundation
Justin Pennisi
Great all around bar! Good variety of local beers and then tons of options in the can/bottle fridge. Pickleball courts are fun to use too for both professionals and casual play. I’ve also had a lot of fun watching sporting events here too. Owner is a big sports guy and knows how to deliver a good sports viewing experience.
Risto Andonovski
Outstanding choice of local draft beer and a wonderful setup with games, creating a chill and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to spend time with friends, family, or for team-building. I highly recommend visiting, and I will definitely be back again!
How to reach Ants Beer Cave
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Why rally at Ants Beer Cave with your friends? Because it’s not just a bar; it’s a vibrant, inclusive hub that offers a unique blend of craft beverages, engaging activities, and a lively social atmosphere. Nestled in South Austin, Ants Beer Cave boasts an extraordinary selection of over 270 bottled beers complemented by 16 rotating drafts plus wines, ciders, THC-infused drinks, and non-alcoholic options. This means every group member, regardless of taste or preference, can find something delightful to sip. More than that, Ants Beer Cave melds the joy of great drinks with America’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball, featuring two dedicated courts—one indoor and one outdoor—that encourage friendly competition and fun physical activity. The combination of excellent drinks, energizing sport, and mouthwatering food from local favorites like Knuckle Sandwich and The Pizza Den makes it an ideal venue to reconnect and create memorable experiences with friends. With high ratings reflecting community love and ample parking making visits hassle-free, Ants Beer Cave isn’t just a meetup spot—it’s an experience waiting to be shared.
What activities can groups enjoy at Ants Beer Cave?
First and foremost, the centerpiece activity at Ants Beer Cave is pickleball, a dynamic racket sport that’s easy to learn, social, and energetic. The venue features two pickleball courts—an indoor space for year-round play and an outdoor court for enjoying Austin’s lovely weather. Groups can reserve these courts on a 30-minute scheduling basis for $20, providing a perfect mix of sport and socializing. Whether your group is made up of seasoned players or beginners, the courts foster active engagement and laughter, making it a fantastic way to bond over some friendly matches. Beyond pickleball, the sheer variety of beverages available turns the visit into a tasting adventure, with options that range from rare craft beers and boutique wines to unique THC-infused drinks, thus catering to every kind of palate. This diversity invites groups to explore together, sharing favorite picks or discovering new flavors. Finally, food trucks such as The Pizza Den and Knuckle Sandwich serve craft pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and more, ensuring that hunger never interrupts the fun. The mix of sport, drinks, and food creates a well-rounded outing that truly emphasizes community and shared joy.
Why is Ants Beer Cave perfect for group meetups?
Ants Beer Cave is irresistibly suited for group gatherings because it combines a welcoming ambiance with activities that encourage interaction and enjoyment. The spacious layout, including indoor and outdoor courts, ample seating, and a casual atmosphere, accommodates everything from small friend groups to larger family reunions or celebrations. The venue’s dedication to inclusivity means that people with a wide range of tastes and interests will feel at home—there is no pressure to stick to one activity or drink type. The ability to reserve pickleball courts makes planning easy, ensuring your group can enjoy uninterrupted time playing and socializing. Additionally, the variety of food trucks on-site offers a range of dining choices that can satisfy diverse dietary needs, an important factor for group events. Being dog-friendly also allows attendees to bring four-legged friends along, further enhancing the communal, relaxed vibe. The venue’s ongoing events like happy hours, free pickleball nights on Thursdays, and sports broadcasts (college football, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass) add entertainment value and make each visit engaging in new ways.
What food and drink options make Ants Beer Cave stand out?
The culinary offerings at Ants Beer Cave elevate the entire group experience by delivering quality, flavor, and variety. The partnership with Austin’s beloved food trailers Knuckle Sandwich and The Pizza Den means guests enjoy passionate, expertly crafted meals—handcrafted pizzas and savory sandwiches that perfectly complement the beverage selection. With generous reviews touting the food’s freshness and taste, groups can expect satisfying meals that fuel both socializing and sport. The drink selection’s depth is similarly impressive: over 279 beverage options span from traditional craft beers and wines to innovative THC drinks, alongside non-alcoholic choices like coffee and even nostalgic options such as Caprisuns. This breadth satisfies discerning drinkers, casual tasters, and those seeking something out of the ordinary. The pricing strategy furthers accessibility, with happy hour deals offering $6 drafts and discounts on bottled drinks, making it cost-effective for group outings. Whether sipping a hoppy IPA, exploring a fruity cider, or sampling a THC-infused creation, everyone can experience something new while enjoying food that pairs superbly with their drinks.
How accessible and convenient is Ants Beer Cave for group visits?
Ants Beer Cave ensures accessibility and convenience through its thoughtfully designed location, ample parking, and scheduling flexibility. Situated in South Austin near other local breweries, it’s easy to reach from most parts of the city. The venue provides plentiful parking right in front, so groups don’t have to worry about long walks or complicated transit logistics, which is often a challenge for social outings. The ability to reserve pickleball courts in 30-minute increments aids in organizing group activities without hassle, letting hosts plan precise time slots that fit everyone’s schedule. For larger groups, the spacious indoor and outdoor areas mean nobody feels cramped, and the dog-friendly policy adds a welcoming touch for pet owners. Weekly specials like all-day happy hour on Tuesdays or discounted wine every Wednesday create added incentives for groups looking to enjoy prolonged, budget-friendly gatherings. Ants Beer Cave’s dedication to customer comfort reflects in these conveniences, making it a logical and attractive choice for anyone wanting to host a hassle-free and enjoyable meetup.
What special events or features enhance the group experience at Ants Beer Cave?
Beyond its core offerings, Ants Beer Cave enriches gatherings with engaging features and events that inject extra fun and community spirit. For example, their Thursday night free pickleball from 6 PM to 11 PM invites groups to mingle with other enthusiasts and enjoy no-cost court time, fostering new friendships and lively competition. The venue broadcasts major sports events, including college football, NFL Sunday Ticket, and the NBA League Pass, so sports fans can rally together to cheer on their favorite teams in a communal setting enriched by great drinks and food. Seasonal or themed events, happy hour promotions, and exclusive deals for educators and first responders add layers of value and create reasons to return regularly. The staff’s passion for curating a diverse, welcoming environment shines in how they blend the enjoyment of sport, drink, and food with vibrant community interaction. Additionally, the rare mix of a bottle shop atmosphere with an active sports venue makes every visit unique and memorable for groups looking to combine relaxation, excitement, and discovery.
How does the community and vibe contribute to Ants Beer Cave’s appeal?
Community is at the heart of Ants Beer Cave’s success and appeal, transforming it from a simple drinking spot into a gathering space that celebrates connection. The venue’s inclusive ethos ensures anyone walking in feels welcome regardless of their beer knowledge, pickleball skill level, or dietary preference. Regular patrons praise the friendly, upbeat vibe that encourages both long-time friends and newcomers to socialize comfortably. The combination of upbeat music, vibrant conversations, active pickleball games, and shared food experiences creates a dynamic atmosphere full of energy but still relaxed enough for catching up over drinks. This social energy is compounded by the venue’s openness to local culture, reflected in its support for Austin-based food trucks and local craft brewers. The way the venue balances lively activity and chill relaxation means groups can find their own pace—whether hitting the courts or lounging with a drink in hand. This genuine sense of community and fun makes Ants Beer Cave not just a place to visit, but a place to belong, ideal for group meetups seeking connection, enjoyment, and memorable moments.