When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing
Why Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing offers a unique and delightful destination for meeting up with friends in Austin, Texas. Located within the vibrant and expansive premises of Meanwhile Brewing, a 3.7-acre brewery known for its welcoming taproom, beer garden, and lively events, Bésame stands out as a charming ice cream trailer serving artisanal, seasonally rotating flavors. Friends can gather here not only for creative and delicious ice cream creations — such as lavender blueberry, mango sticky rice, and honey-roasted strawberry paired with burnt Basque cheesecake — but also to enjoy the relaxed and engaging atmosphere of Meanwhile Brewing. Meanwhile Brewing itself features well-curated amenities including a children's playground, a turf soccer field, and an outdoor music stage offering genres from indie to blues and world beat. This variety makes it a versatile venue perfect for casual outings, family gatherings, and social meetups. Bésame Ice Cream’s creative flavor profiles make it a perfect complement to Meanwhile Brewing's rotating beer selection and diverse food trucks nearby, crafting a holistic experience for visitors. The combination of lively outdoor spaces, artisanal treats, and community-oriented events creates an inviting environment for friends seeking both flavor and fun in a South Austin setting.
Here's what people think of Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing
As of recent, Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing holds a 4.7-star rating based on 136 reviews.
User reviews of Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing, along with the overall venue, are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in a 4.7-star rating from over 130 reviews. Many patrons praise Bésame for its unique and carefully curated ice cream flavors that change with the seasons, offering inventive options like earl grey with wildflower honey meringue and tropical flavors such as mango sticky rice. Reviewers appreciate the freshness and creativity, often highlighting limited-edition pints released weekly, which create a sense of excitement and exclusivity. Meanwhile Brewing's extensive amenities, including a broad beer selection, expansive outdoor seating, family-friendly playground, and staged live music, have received compliments for providing a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for socializing. On the positive side, customers frequently mention the communal vibe, quality beverages, and the variety of food trucks as strong points that enhance the overall experience. However, some negative feedback surfaces regarding the quality and speed of some food trucks on site, with a few reviewers noting soggy pizza and disappointing quick-serve items, which detracts slightly from the food experience. Despite these isolated criticisms, the consensus remains that Bésame Ice Cream and Meanwhile Brewing form an excellent combination for anyone looking to spend a warm Austin day with friends, enjoying creative desserts, craft brews, and live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Overall, the positive remarks about flavor innovation, friendly environment, and lively venue ambiance outweigh the negatives, making it a recommended spot for social meetups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jade Keffer
Finally took the leap when I saw basque in sunshine on the hotplate drop. The parking here was chaos, but I went on a Saturday midafternoon so I guess that's fair. The wait in line, for how long the line was, was a bit long but that's okay. The ice cream itself is quality. The strawberry base is creamy, not too sweet, and slightly tart. The strawberry rhubarb sauce, while a tad icy, adds a little more tartness and depth. The strawberry shortcake gravel is exactly as I remember it tasting when the bars were actually good. And the cheesecake is creamy, rich, and offers a little textural diversity. Overall, I won't come here often since it's out of the way for me, but once in awhile for a special pint, definitely.
Pavithra Reddy
Great quality ice cream! My favorite flavors were the painted black and damn good chocolate. Banana pudding was underwhelming because icy texture of the bananas. Will be back to try the other flavors :)
Clayton H
This is one of the best places Ever…it’s almost too good you don’t want them getting any bigger, but they’re so good you have to let the word out so they stay successful. What a conundrum. Absolute the Best ice cream I’ve had in Austin, and top 5 ice cream from all over the world from NYC, to LA, to overseas in Italy with homemade Gelato and so on. I get ice cream whenever I travel, 37 states + 17 countries counting, and this easily lands in the top 5. Bravo. The cookie is CRACK. I always get the painted black ice cream. If you throw that together with the cookie, we’re talking top #3 best dessert. You finish it and you want more instantly. The first time we went we got a brownie sundae that was to die for, sadly, they stopped carrying it. Which makes sense as there was a lot of love that went into that, and hard to do with a small op like they are. I am Thankful this place is 20+ min away from me, if I was any closer I would weigh 20+ lbs more than I do. I wish them continued success and if they ever do expand, I hope they can keep their quality control dialed in like they do now Thank you for blessing us with your amazing recipes!
Sarah Cummins
Decadent ice cream made with the highest quality ingredients! You can taste the difference in how fresh and intentionally selected the ingredients are. Delicious flavor combinations. Super creamy, rich, and thick. The London Fog is incredible! Such a deep earl grey flavor. I highly recommend it. The Banana Pudding is the best banana ice cream I’ve ever had. Great location in the parking lot of Meanwhile Brewing.
Ashley
Best ice cream in Austin hands down! They create the most incredible flavor combinations and haven’t let me down once. Also located at meanwhile so you can have a beer and get ice cream which is a win win. They also have a trio of scoops which allows you to try out multiple flavors which is always appreciated for those that are indecisive. This is a spot I bring everyone who visits and they are always blown away. Also don’t sleep on the milkshakes, they are 10/10. Don’t miss Thursday pint drops either , they are incredible.
How to reach Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing
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Why rally at Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing with your friends? This vibrant spot offers an irresistible combination of craft ice cream and craft beer, serving as a uniquely delightful gathering place. Nestled inside Meanwhile Brewing’s welcoming taproom and patio, Bésame boasts a cozy, lush atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting backyard, perfect for lingering conversations and shared experiences. The ice cream itself is chef-driven and crafted fresh daily, inspired by dense, creamy Central American recipes that elevate every scoop into a memorable treat. As you enjoy innovative flavors like mango sticky rice or honey-roasted strawberry with burnt Basque cheesecake, you and your friends can also savor Meanwhile Brewing’s curated craft beer selection, enhanced by collaborative creations like the BesoBerry fruited summer ale. This rich blend of sweet, savory, and refreshingly cold offerings creates the perfect setting to celebrate special moments or simply unwind after a long day. The vibrant atmosphere, quality products, and welcoming vibe make Bésame at Meanwhile Brewing an ideal rallying spot to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
What activities can you enjoy at Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing? The venue is not just about enjoying ice cream and beer; it offers a multidimensional experience designed to engage and delight groups. First, there’s the chance to explore unique culinary flavors, where Bésame’s rotating menu showcases inventive ice cream flavors that excite the palate and invite discussion among friends about favorite tastes and combinations. Meanwhile Brewing complements this with a variety of craft beers, including special collaborations that pair beautifully with Bésame’s desserts. Together, these offerings encourage tasting sessions where groups can share samples and compare notes. Beyond the food and drink, the ambiance of the taproom and the leafy outdoor patio create a relaxed environment suitable for socializing, playing casual lawn games, or simply lounging. For groups seeking a more substantial bite, the adjacent Veracruz All Natural offers acclaimed breakfast tacos, broadening your options for a meal or hearty snack. Altogether, these experiences provide a versatile venue where friends and family can savor, share, and savor again, all within a lively yet comfortable setting.
Why is Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing the perfect place for a group meetup? The combination of ice cream artistry and craft beer culture creates a unique communal experience that caters perfectly to social gatherings. The wide array of freshly made ice creams with distinctive flavor profiles invites conversations and shared tastes, encouraging groups to bond over culinary discoveries. Meanwhile Brewing’s spacious, thoughtfully designed taproom and patio afford plenty of room to accommodate groups of various sizes comfortably. The open, breezy outdoor patio especially lends itself to relaxed conversations with plenty of shade and greenery, enhancing the sensory experience. Additionally, the collaborative spirit between Bésame and Meanwhile Brewing manifests in special events and limited-edition brews, providing attendees with exciting new reasons to return and celebrate together. The venue operates with extended hours on weekends, making it easy to plan meetups that stretch from casual afternoons to vibrant evenings. This space’s friendly vibe, diverse offerings, and attention to local flavor make it an ideal setting to strengthen friendships and build new connections over shared joys.
How does the menu at Bésame Ice Cream complement Meanwhile Brewing’s beer offerings for groups? The menu at Bésame is carefully curated to create a harmonious balance with Meanwhile Brewing’s celebrated craft beers. Bésame’s ice cream flavors are bold and chef-driven, often blending unexpected yet complementary ingredients that engage the senses and pair exceptionally well with the malty, hoppy, or fruit-forward notes of the brewery’s beers. A standout example is the collaborative BesoBerry fruited summer ale, which features blueberry and miso flavors created in partnership with Bésame to perfectly marry with the ice cream’s daring flavors. Groups can enjoy tasting flights or share scoops alongside small pours of various beers to explore how flavors interplay, enhancing the communal experience. Additionally, there are pastries and baked goods available that add textural contrast and extra flavor depth to accompany both ice cream and beer. This thoughtful pairing elevates the social tasting to an explorative event, where groups can discuss their flavor preferences, discover favorite combinations, and enjoy a full spectrum of tastes all under one roof.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities make Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing comfortable and inviting for groups? The atmosphere at Bésame, housed within Meanwhile Brewing, is an essential part of its appeal for group gatherings. Its patio feels like a lush, secret garden getaway with plenty of greenery and shade, offering a soothing backdrop that encourages guests to stay, relax, and connect. Inside, the taproom combines a welcoming industrial aesthetic with cozy seating options that cater both to large groups and intimate gatherings, fostering a communal yet personal vibe. The friendly and attentive staff adds warmth to the experience by helping guests navigate the menu and suggesting perfect pairings for their group’s tastes. Ample space means groups can spread out without feeling cramped, supporting lively conversation or casual chilling. Accessibility and extended weekend hours ensure that groups can comfortably plan their visits around their schedules. These features create a space where good friends and family feel encouraged to linger and make the most of their time together.
How does the location of Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing add value to the meetup experience? Positioned in Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood, Bésame Ice Cream’s location at Meanwhile Brewing adds a layer of charm and convenience for meetups. The neighborhood itself is quiet and inviting, away from the more frenetic parts of the city, which makes it a restful retreat. The venue’s surroundings feel like a private backyard with lush greenery that blankets the patio, heightening the sense of a leisurely day spent outdoors with friends. Additionally, the proximity to other eateries, including Veracruz All Natural’s well-loved breakfast tacos right next door, means groups have flexible dining options if they want a more complete meal alongside their dessert experience. Being located within Meanwhile Brewing also means easy access to a rotating lineup of craft beers and brewery events that can complement any meetup, adding an energetic local flavor to the visit. Its blend of suburban calm and urban craft beverage culture makes this spot a rare gem for those looking to combine quality food, drink, and social time.
What events and special experiences does Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing offer for group gatherings? Bésame and Meanwhile Brewing frequently collaborate on special events and limited-edition releases that make group visits dynamic and memorable. Seasonal ice cream flavors debut alongside exciting new brews, creating occasions for groups to be amongst the first to taste innovative culinary creations. These events often feature tastings, pairing sessions, and social mixers that encourage mingling and shared discovery. Moreover, meanwhilebeer.com notes that special collaborative beers like BesoBerry highlight the integrative spirit between the two businesses, elevating the group experience beyond typical dining or drinking outings. Such occasions can also include charity fundraisers or local community celebrations, providing meaningful ways for groups to bond through shared values while enjoying world-class flavors. The attentive and enthusiastic service staff further enhances these events, ensuring smooth, enjoyable experiences that accommodate groups seamlessly. Together, these elements make Bésame at Meanwhile Brewing not just a place to visit, but an ongoing source of social and culinary excitement.
How do reviews and customer feedback affirm Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing as a meetup destination? With a strong rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 136 reviews, Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing consistently earns accolades for its quality and atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the creamy, rich texture of the ice cream, the inventive and flavorful menu options, and the welcoming staff who make visitors feel at home. Many mention the relaxing patio and the unique opportunity to pair delicious ice cream with excellent craft beers as standout features. The positive word of mouth reinforces its reputation as an ideal social spot where friends and family can gather comfortably. This world-class combination of food, drink, service, and atmosphere underpins why so many customers return regularly and recommend the venue for group meetups in Austin. Such testimonials provide convincing evidence that Bésame Ice Cream at Meanwhile Brewing offers a consistently rewarding experience for those looking to rally and celebrate with others.