When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Southern Heights Brewing Company
Why Southern Heights Brewing Company is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Southern Heights Brewing Company, located in East Austin, Texas, offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Founded by Austin Russell and Chris Rich, this brewery occupies a spacious 7,500 square foot warehouse-style facility featuring a large taproom and plans for an outdoor patio, making it ideal for groups of any size. The brewery is conveniently situated off of 183 South and Techni Center Drive, in a growing southeast brewery corridor alongside notable neighbors such as Friends and Allies and Live Oak. Southern Heights prides itself on a rotating selection of fresh, craft beers of various styles to satisfy diverse tastes. Its commitment to quality and passion is reflected in their name and craft; it's inspired by taking bold, life-altering leaps following their passion. The taproom ambiance is enriched with artistic decor, vintage cars, and album covers, creating a unique setting that enhances the social experience. Whether you are a fan of IPAs bursting with citrus notes or prefer smoother, juicy brews like their popular "Tahitian Dreamin'", Southern Heights offers a dynamic variety that appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. This brewery’s combination of excellent beer, spacious and artful venue, and friendly staff make it an exceptional place to gather with friends for a relaxing and memorable outing.
Here's what people think of Southern Heights Brewing Company
As of recent, Southern Heights Brewing Company holds a 4.8-star rating based on 298 reviews.
Southern Heights Brewing Company holds an impressive 4.8-star rating based on nearly 300 reviews, reflecting widespread customer satisfaction. Reviewers consistently praise the brewery for its quality and freshness of beer, highlighting the diverse rotating taps that cater to a wide range of preferences. Positive feedback often mentions standout brews such as the "Tahitian Dreamin'", noted for its smooth, juicy character and balanced hops, which is a favorite among patrons. The atmosphere receives high marks as well, with visitors appreciating the spacious indoor and outdoor seating, enriched by unique art and vintage decor that fosters a welcoming and engaging environment. Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders further enhance the customer experience. Some critical reviews occasionally point out issues related to construction-related access challenges or limited outdoor space during certain periods. A few patrons desired more extensive food options or noted that the taproom can get busy during popular times. However, these negatives are minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive sentiment emphasizing the brewery’s commitment to craft, freshness, and community atmosphere. Overall, Southern Heights Brewing Company is regarded as a top-tier destination in Austin’s craft beer scene, with reviewers strongly recommending it as an ideal venue for social gatherings and beer enjoyment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Adam Ryburn
Brewery #8 of Part 2 of my Austin brewery visit. Southern Heights Brewing Company is a great find! Tucked away in an industrial park (which always seems to be a good sign), this place has a fantastic variety of beers and plenty of space to kick back and enjoy them. The lineup has something for everyone, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Definitely one of those hidden gem breweries that’s worth seeking out in Austin!
Daniel Liptak
Brought our dog here for the last stop of the Barks for Beers Pawsport. Beer was great, our dog loved the pup charcuterie board, and I appreciate the NIN sticker on the Reznor HVAC unit.
Jack Workman
Waltzed in close to closing and enjoyed a delicious unnamed hazy ipa poured as part of Barks for Beers, best charity event in Austin. And enjoyed a thunderstorm on their patio while reading a book. Great brewery.
Josh
Enjoyed a flight at Southern Heights, finding the Classy AF Blonde their best beer. They have a long bar, many tables, two indoor seating areas, and a taco truck with shaded picnic tables outside. Overall the place reminded me of Northwest Austin's Circle Brewing. They share a large parking lot with several other businesses in a warehouse area. On Sunday I wonder if they sell more beer if the cowboys win or lose. I was there for a loss. I'll have to go far more frequently to witness a win.
Christina Knaak
An amazing brewery! Delicious unique beers, a very good food truck, and a classic Austin vibe. On a Sunday evening, we were served very quickly at the bar, even with a good sized crowd around. The beertenders were great and very clearly cared about their beer. The food truck was also amazing and worked well with the beers we got. We loved how big the space was and how relaxed the vibe was. Will keep coming back!
How to reach Southern Heights Brewing Company
None
Website: None
Why rally at Southern Heights Brewing Company with your friends? Because it offers a unique blend of craft beer excellence, a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and a perfect social setting to enjoy quality time together. Situated in East Austin, Southern Heights Brewing Company boasts a solid reputation with a high rating of 4.8 from nearly 300 reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction. Whether you and your friends are beer enthusiasts or casual sippers, this small brewery takes pride in serving the freshest, most flavorful beers on tap, rotated frequently to keep your taste buds engaged. The brewery’s inviting taproom provides a relaxed, pet-friendly environment where groups can gather comfortably indoors or outdoors. Beyond just beer, the on-site resident food truck, La Taquicardia, offers mouthwatering tacos, birria, nachos, and more, making it easy to pair fantastic brews with satisfying meals. Southern Heights also hosts weekend brunches, turning any meetup into a memorable weekend tradition. Ample space, great drinks, delicious food, and a vibe that feels like a local secret shared among friends make Southern Heights Brewing Company an ideal place to rally your crew.
What activities does Southern Heights Brewing Company offer that make it ideal for group meetups? Primarily, it is the exceptional lineup of craft beers and the social experience of the taproom atmosphere that attract groups. Their rotating tap list features core, seasonal, and exclusive brews available only on-site, giving your group the chance to try new flavors with each visit. The brewery’s timeline of operation—Wednesday through Sunday with extended hours Friday and Saturday—allows for flexible scheduling of meetups, from casual weekday hangouts to lively weekend gatherings. The pet-friendly taproom means that even four-legged friends are welcome, adding to the family-like atmosphere for groups that don't want to leave anyone behind. For food enthusiasts, the resident food truck La Taquicardia serves a variety of authentic and flavorful dishes throughout the brewery’s open hours, including weekend brunches. Whether your group enjoys sampling diverse craft beers, sharing delicious meals, or just relaxing in welcoming company, Southern Heights provides an all-encompassing experience designed to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Why is the atmosphere at Southern Heights Brewing Company perfect for groups? The brewery’s ambiance balances a casual and intimate vibe that suits both small and larger gatherings. The taproom has a friendly, local charm that encourages connection and conversation, highlighted by the staff’s passion for craft beer and customer hospitality. A notable feature is the indoor/outdoor seating options, which accommodate preferences for fresh air or cozier surroundings, making it suitable in any season. Additionally, Southern Heights is known as a community-centric spot, often hosting special events and embracing an inclusive environment that welcomes a diverse clientele. Being dog-friendly further enhances this welcoming spirit, as it allows group members who bring pets to fully participate in the outing. Whether your group is looking to casually sip a pint, celebrate an occasion, or simply enjoy the weekend, the atmosphere here fosters a relaxed and inclusive setting ideal for socializing and creating lasting memories.
What makes the beer selection at Southern Heights Brewing Company stand out for your meetup? Southern Heights is committed to “Ale in a Day’s Work,” emphasizing freshness and quality in every brew. Their constantly updated rotation ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting, keeping regulars and newcomers eager to explore. You can expect an inviting range of styles to suit different palates, from hop-forward IPAs to malty lagers and creative seasonal specialties. This commitment to variety and freshness appeals strongly to groups with diverse tastes, as it encourages tasting sessions and beer flights to sample multiple offerings. Moreover, the brewery often features exclusive beers available only at the taproom, giving visitors a reason to choose Southern Heights over other local breweries. Pairing these thoughtfully crafted beers with the flavors from the resident food truck elevates the tasting experience, creating a dynamic meetup where food and drink complement each other perfectly.
How does the food complement the Southern Heights Brewing Company experience for groups? Food plays a crucial role in extended social gatherings, and Southern Heights enhances this with its on-site food truck, La Taquicardia. This vendor specializes in authentic Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, birria, and nachos, known for their bold flavors and satisfying portions. Open Wednesday through Sunday alongside the brewery’s taproom hours, the food truck ensures that hungry guests have plenty of delicious options without needing to leave the premises. The weekend brunch, offered from 12 pm to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, is a popular draw, providing a fantastic pairing for morning or early afternoon meetups. The combination of rich, flavorful food with fresh craft beers contributes to the brewery’s reputation as a full-service social destination. This convenience and quality in dining make Southern Heights ideal for groups that want to enjoy a complete outing with minimal hassle, focusing on connecting and celebrating rather than planning complicated meals separately.
What should groups know about scheduling a visit to Southern Heights Brewing Company? The brewery’s schedule is designed to accommodate a range of social plans, with taproom hours from Wednesday through Sunday and particularly long hours on Fridays and Saturdays. This allows groups to plan after-work get-togethers or weekend day outings with plenty of time to enjoy the space and offerings. While the brewery is closed Monday and Tuesday, the midweek openings from 3 pm to 8 pm provide a great opportunity for smaller, less crowded meetups. Visitors driving from south Austin should note specific traffic advice due to nearby construction, ensuring a smoother arrival by using the MLK exit and navigating carefully to 6014 Techni Center Drive. Orders can be placed in person or online for to-go options, accommodating groups who might want to bring Southern Heights’ fresh brews to another location or keep things casual at home. Awareness of these logistics helps groups maximize their experience and avoid potential inconvenience, ensuring that their meetup is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Why is Southern Heights Brewing Company highly rated and trusted as a meetup location? The consistently high customer rating of 4.8 stars from nearly 300 reviews attests to the overall outstanding experience Southern Heights delivers. Visitors frequently praise the quality and freshness of the beer, exemplary customer service, and the approachable, friendly atmosphere. Its reputation is built on genuine local roots and a commitment to craft excellence that appeals to both beer connoisseurs and families alike. The combination of pet-friendliness, excellent food offerings, and a warm, inviting space distinguishes it from larger commercial breweries, making it feel like a treasured community hub. This trust and positive word-of-mouth play a crucial role in convincing new visitors that Southern Heights is a safe, fun, and rewarding spot to host meaningful social gatherings with friends or family.
How can Southern Heights Brewing Company enhance a special event or celebration? The brewery’s versatile space and engaging environment are ideal for hosting a variety of celebrations, from birthdays and reunions to casual group meetups or even small corporate outings. The rotating beer selection allows you to customize your drink offerings with a range of styles sure to please diverse tastes. The availability of the resident food truck ensures you can provide excellent catering without extra planning hassle. Moreover, the laid-back but vibrant ambiance helps foster a communal spirit, encouraging laughter and shared experiences. While not explicitly mentioned as a venue for large private events, the brewery’s flexibility and welcoming nature mean smaller groups can comfortably reserve or informally coordinate get-togethers that feel special and intentional. Southern Heights Brewing Company makes hosting memorable events easy by combining great drinks, tasty food, and an unmatched local vibe.
What additional amenities or features support group enjoyment at Southern Heights Brewing Company? Besides the core offerings of fresh beer and food, Southern Heights Brewing Company’s pet-friendly policy stands out as a valuable feature for groups that consider pets part of their social circle. The brewery’s indoor and outdoor seating arrangements provide flexibility for groups with different preferences or sizes, from quiet corners to more open communal tables. The establishment’s focus on rotating selections and local community events creates an ever-changing experience to keep groups coming back. Ample parking near the brewery adds convenience, particularly important when traveling with a larger group. Lastly, seasonal specials and occasional events, posted on their social media channels, offer extra ways to enhance your meetup, making every visit potentially unique and exciting.
In sum, Southern Heights Brewing Company offers everything a group needs for a quality gathering: outstanding craft beers, delicious food in a casual setting, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere that embraces all kinds of visitors. Whether you plan a laid-back afternoon with close friends, a lively weekend get-together, or a special occasion, this East Austin brewery is a top choice for anyone seeking a memorable and enjoyable social experience.