When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Oddwood Brewing
Why Oddwood Brewing is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Oddwood Brewing, located at 3108 Manor Road in Austin, TX, is an inviting brewpub co-founded by brothers Taylor and Brett Ziebarth. Nestled in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood, this cozy spot stands out for its unique focus on American wild ales and traditional lagers. Inspired by Belgian lambic producers, Oddwood specializes in barrel-fermented wild ales aged in oak foeders and wine barrels, alongside a growing selection of hoppy IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. Their brewing philosophy emphasizes experimentation and quality, driven by customer preferences to shape their beer lineup.\n\nThe atmosphere is casual and welcoming, enhanced by a thoughtfully curated food menu created in partnership with Sicilian-descended chef Ryan Dunn. Guests can enjoy Italian-inspired, bar-style pizzas with crispy, cheese-crusted edges and other Southern-Italian appetizers that pair exceptionally well with the diverse beer offerings. Oddwood’s unique combination of expertly crafted beers and food, combined with an expanding patio for onsite enjoyment, makes it an excellent destination for meeting friends and enjoying a relaxed yet vibrant social experience in the heart of East Austin.
Here's what people think of Oddwood Brewing
As of recent, Oddwood Brewing holds a 4.7-star rating based on 787 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Oddwood Brewing for its exceptional beer quality and welcoming ambiance. Positive reviews highlight the distinctiveness of their wild ales and lagers, noting the complex flavors from barrel-aging techniques. Many patrons appreciate the beer diversity, ranging from sour blondes to hazy west coast IPAs and French-inspired pilsners. The partnership with chef Ryan Dunn for the menu also receives acclaim, with guests celebrating the personal, thin-crust pizzas and Italian appetizers that complement the beer perfectly. The brewery’s cozy and funky East Austin setting, along with trivia nights and arcade games, adds a fun and friendly vibe highly appreciated by visitors. \n\nOn the other hand, some negative feedback points to the brewery being occasionally crowded or busy during peak times, leading to slower service. A few complaints mention limited indoor seating or the brewery being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which can be inconvenient. There are isolated remarks about difficulty in contacting the brewery by phone or online ghosting. \n\nOverall, Oddwood Brewing enjoys a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike for exceptional craft beer and a lively community atmosphere. While operational hitches exist, the positive aspects of beer quality, food pairings, and ambiance clearly dominate, making Oddwood a favored spot in Austin’s booming craft beer scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Julio Moreno (gunmetalblue2010)
Quiet little brewery on the outside of Austin downtown. Ordered beers and got pizza and was pleasantly surprised how good the pizza was. It's thin crust but I got their version of the Hawaiian pizza was and it was sweet and savory! They also used good Canadian bacon but the beers were great to. Some were out of stock but do recommend the Irish red ale. Great place to hangout with a few or lot of friends
Todd
Really great brewery! They do lean into the pilsners. Great space with significant outdoor seating. They have a range of pizzas, but the main draw is KG’s BBQ in the parking lot.
Adam Ryburn
Brewery #6 of Part 2 of my Austin brewery visits. Oddwood Brewing has a little something for everyone, no matter what kind of beer you’re into. Their lineup is diverse, with a solid mix of styles, and they do them all really well. As an IPA fan, I was happy to find a couple of really tasty ones on tap. The vibe is cool, the beer is quality, and it’s a great spot to check out in Austin.
Patrick McDougall
It's always hard to beat a quality bar scene. Lucked out and got a seat at the bar, and had a wonderful experience hanging at the bar with some locals including one that worked at the brewery's taproom. The brews were superlative... not the place for beer fans that gravitate to only hazies, however! Wonderful experience, and wish they were situated in my neck of the woods! UPDATE: my seven days in Texas are now complete, and Oddwood's brews were the best I had!
A Zakv
Normally I'm not a tavern style pizza guy, and this one didn't change my mind in regards to preferring it over a New York Slice, but it was damn fine. Super crispy, well done savory cheese that was perfectly balanced with the slightly sweet sauce. It was great. Service was excellent and friendly.
Julio Moreno (gunmetalblue2010)
Quiet little brewery on the outside of Austin downtown. Ordered beers and got pizza and was pleasantly surprised how good the pizza was. It's thin crust but I got their version of the Hawaiian pizza was and it was sweet and savory! They also used good Canadian bacon but the beers were great to. Some were out of stock but do recommend the Irish red ale. Great place to hangout with a few or lot of friends
Todd
Really great brewery! They do lean into the pilsners. Great space with significant outdoor seating. They have a range of pizzas, but the main draw is KG’s BBQ in the parking lot.
Adam Ryburn
Brewery #6 of Part 2 of my Austin brewery visits. Oddwood Brewing has a little something for everyone, no matter what kind of beer you’re into. Their lineup is diverse, with a solid mix of styles, and they do them all really well. As an IPA fan, I was happy to find a couple of really tasty ones on tap. The vibe is cool, the beer is quality, and it’s a great spot to check out in Austin.
Patrick McDougall
It's always hard to beat a quality bar scene. Lucked out and got a seat at the bar, and had a wonderful experience hanging at the bar with some locals including one that worked at the brewery's taproom. The brews were superlative... not the place for beer fans that gravitate to only hazies, however! Wonderful experience, and wish they were situated in my neck of the woods! UPDATE: my seven days in Texas are now complete, and Oddwood's brews were the best I had!
A Zakv
Normally I'm not a tavern style pizza guy, and this one didn't change my mind in regards to preferring it over a New York Slice, but it was damn fine. Super crispy, well done savory cheese that was perfectly balanced with the slightly sweet sauce. It was great. Service was excellent and friendly.
How to reach Oddwood Brewing
None
Website: None
Why rally at Oddwood Brewing with your friends? Oddwood Brewing offers a unique and inviting environment that perfectly blends the warmth of a neighborhood pub with the excitement of a craft brewery, making it an outstanding spot for gathering with friends or family. Located on the corner of Airport and Manor road in East Austin, this venue embraces a laid-back atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. The brewery’s focus on hop-forward craft beers such as hoppy ales, lagers, and sour beers makes it a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking variety and quality. What truly sets Oddwood apart is its combination of great drinks with delicious, thin crust personal pizzas cooked fresh, alongside an outdoor patio that welcomes dogs and families alike, ensuring inclusivity for groups with diverse preferences. Whether your crew loves a casual hangout over pints or wants to celebrate a special occasion with fantastic food and craft beverages, Oddwood Brewing provides a vibrant, friendly space where the laughter flows as freely as the beer. Its strong local following reflected in its impressive 4.7 rating from nearly 800 reviews attests to the consistently enjoyable experience it offers those who rally there.
What activities can groups enjoy at Oddwood Brewing? Oddwood Brewing goes beyond being just a place to drink and eat; it offers several engaging activities that make group gatherings memorable. For starters, the indoor space is cozy with wood accents and soft lighting, creating a welcoming ambiance for intimate chats or lively conversations. Additionally, Oddwood features a dedicated room filled with vintage video games, giving friends a fun way to break the ice or compete in friendly matches while waiting for food or drinks. The spacious outdoor patio spills into the parking lot and often hosts a food truck—like the local KG BBQ with its uniquely styled Central Texas and Egyptian flavors—providing variety beyond the brewery's own menu. This setup also allows groups to enjoy fresh air, sun, and even bring along their dogs, making it ideal for casual meetups or celebrations in good weather. Happy hours on weekdays from 3 to 5 PM add a budget-friendly bonus for groups looking to enjoy quality craft beers together, while the family-friendly environment ensures everyone feels comfortable, from kids to pet owners.
Why is Oddwood Brewing perfect for a group meetup? Oddwood Brewing's layout and offerings are thoughtfully designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes. While they do not take reservations, the friendly staff encourages larger parties to get in touch ahead of time so they can try their best to accommodate everyone, ensuring you are not left scrambling for space. The availability of personal pizzas makes sharing easy, and the variety of beers—from bitter IPAs to mellow lagers and interesting sours—caters to diverse palates within your group. The relaxed vibe of both the indoor and patio spaces encourages lingering and reconnecting, with seating options that support casual mingling or focused conversation circles. Additionally, Oddwood's family and dog-friendly policies break down typical barriers that might limit who can join your meetup, giving you the freedom to bring all your favorite people and pets. Parking convenience, including neighborhood options when the brewery lot fills, further reduces potential stress for attendees arriving by car. All these factors combined make Oddwood an easy choice for planners seeking a stress-free, welcoming venue that feels more like hanging out at a friend’s place than a formal event.
What kind of food and drink experiences does Oddwood Brewing offer? Oddwood Brewing is well known for crafting beers that appeal specifically to hop lovers and those who appreciate nuanced sour ales and crisp lagers. This attention to quality and flavor makes it a pilgrimage spot for beer aficionados. Complementing the drinks is their pizza kitchen, which serves thin crust personal pizzas—perfect for sharing or individual enjoyment—that add comfort food satisfaction to your gathering. These pizzas are crafted to pair well with their beer selections, balancing flavor and refreshment. Beyond the brewery’s kitchen, the rotating presence of food trucks like KG BBQ enhances the culinary diversity at Oddwood, providing options that range from traditional bar bites to more adventurous fusion flavors. This combination ensures that everyone in your group can find something they enjoy, turning the meal into part of the social experience rather than an afterthought. For non-beer drinkers, Oddwood also offers a nice selection of wines, ensuring inclusivity for all preferences. With kitchen hours lasting until 10 PM on most days, your group can drop by for an early dinner or late-night bite to suit any schedule.
How does the atmosphere at Oddwood Brewing enhance social gatherings? The atmosphere at Oddwood Brewing is intentionally casual, cozy, and inviting, perfect for making any social gathering feel special without any pretense. The warm wood decor and subdued lighting inside offer a comfortable backdrop where conversations flow naturally and guests can relax fully. The dedicated vintage video game room adds a nostalgic and playful element that breaks the ice and encourages interactive fun, perfect for groups seeking a blend of socializing and entertainment. Outside, the generous patio space allows for open-air enjoyment—a rare amenity in many Austin establishments—and is equipped to welcome dogs, which adds to the communal and easygoing vibe. The friendly, attentive staff support this ambiance by being genuinely welcoming, ensuring groups feel seen and taken care of without feeling rushed. Together, these elements create a venue that feels like more than just a bar or restaurant but a community hub where friends can reconnect and create lasting memories.
What should groups know about planning a visit to Oddwood Brewing? Oddwood Brewing operates with thoughtfully set hours to accommodate varied social plans. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays open at 4 PM, making Wednesday through Sunday the prime days for visits. The kitchen closes at 10 PM most nights except Sundays when it closes at 9 PM, providing an ample window for both afternoon and evening meetups. Because Oddwood does not take reservations as a rule, groups larger than usual should reach out via email through their contact section before coming, allowing the staff to prepare as best as possible for a smooth experience. Parking is generally available in the brewery lot, but when full, guests can use the nearby street or neighborhood parking, with clear instructions to avoid blocking business areas—a consideration that reduces hassle during busy times. The weekday happy hour from 3 to 5 PM is an additional incentive for those who can gather earlier to enjoy discounted drinks. Knowing these details helps your group get the most out of your visit, whether it’s a casual catch-up or a celebratory occasion.
In summary, Oddwood Brewing is a destination where friends and families can rally, enjoy great beer and food, and experience a welcoming atmosphere that encourages connection and fun. Its excellent rating reflects the consistent quality and communal spirit fostered by the brewery, homeowners alike, and its commitment to creating a perfect setting for any group gathering. From its variety of beers and pizzas to its inclusive patio and activity-filled spaces, Oddwood Brewing stands out as a premier meetup spot in Austin.