I love Independence Brewery! I was exposed to craft beer through the fine folks over at St. Arnolds in Houston at an early age. (Early LEGAL age, mind you). Independence Brewery was the first Austin beer I ever drank and I was instantly in love. There is something about a great beer that is almost literally brewed in your backyard. Yes, they do RAD brewery tours the first Saturday of the month and have quite the following; anytime I go, there are plenty of familiar faces and tasty beers. They never run out of beer, completely anyways. My favorite thing about Independence Brewery (besides Convict Hill brew!) is the staff. Knowing the guys personally that make my beer make it taste that much better. They know what they are doing...8 years and going strong, and they still keep a small town and family vibe! read more

This place has an amazing open atmosphere with plenty of games including shuffle board. LOVED the sour and the oatmeal stout beers. The bartender named James was so nice and welcoming, made our experience extraordinary! read more

I came here on a Saturday for the free beer tasting. Well in Texas, they know how to do a free beer tasting. They didn't serve the 2 oz "samples" I was used to having formerly lived in Seattle. They did it right, a full 16 oz sample. How can you appreciate a beer after just 2 oz? That's like buying a house because it looked good on the outside, before ever touring the inside. Despite my pleasure with the size of the samples, this Microbrew is just OK. But I'm a beer snob, and this place was top shelf for local micro brews in the Austin Texas area. Be sure to check out the sample day on Sat. Bottoms up! read more

First Saturday of the month is always an amazing time. Every first Saturday of the month they have a beer tour which is basically people standing around and drinking on a Saturday afternoon-the 'tour' part is unnoteworthy and optional. For $6.00 you receive a high quality pint glass you can keep and they will fill your pint glass up to three times (they usually have about 4-7 of their beers on tap). The lines can be a little long but with friends the wait is insignificant especially after a beer or two. WEAR SUNGLASSES; there is room inside their brewery to stand around as well as a few seats. Some people bring chairs but my friends and I get along fine without them. Lots of people bring dogs and unfortunately we dont have one. The owner is usually around and he's friendly and conversational. The event is MUCH more fun than it sounds. We shoot to get there about fifteen minutes early...some people get there as early as 30 minutes before it starts. read more

It's hard to beat a place where you can have a few great beers, meet new friends, enjoy live music, and bring your dogs with you. Their first Saturday event allows you to try 3 (full-size) beers and head home with a new pint glass. If you have a pop-up tent and lawn chairs, you'll be all set. Pop-up tent is almost 100% necessary in the summer when the temps creep up into the 100s but in the fall, just bring a chair and yourself. Arrive early to snag a parking spot and a good position in line. Then all that's left is to enjoy a cold adult beverage and watch the band! read more

October 2018. Four out of five. We stopped at this brewery as part of a brew tour while in Austin. It's one of the older breweries in town. Their main line beer was a Pilsner which is apparently the style most common in that part of Texas. But they also offered a number of other styles that were well done. At the moment they were featuring a series of mild sours that were quite good. They offered a nice balance between the normal sour flavors and the added flavors that they claimed. This is not often the case with a lot of beers that will claim certain flavors but then just have the general flavor for of the style of beer they are. They are obviously much more of a production Brewery then an experience Brewery which is fine because they are more focused on making good beer than running a Tasting Room. The Tasting Room was small but more than sufficient and they did have outdoor areas that would have been more useful if the weather had been more cooperative. read more

I have been on brewery tours. They take 15-30 minutes and you get to try something, get a beer and keep the glass... ehhhh... cool. Not bad. **Independece Brewing Co** magically transforms an industrial parking lot into a live concert venue with excellent beer (Illuminati blew my freaking mind and I don't like dark beers), awesome chill people (not one d*?%# bag all day) and another dog friendly hangout for people to drink 3 big, quality beers for $6 plus tip. Advice: 1) Plan to stand from 12:45pm until you leave, or bring a lawn chair. Plan to stand in line 5-20 minutes to get in, to get a wristband, to get beer, to go to the bathroom, to go on a tour, to.... well, that's it. Comfy shoes and bring a chair. Everyone told me to. I didn't. Not smart. 2) Board game or very interesting conversationalists. There is seating inside so a picnic table and a game would really rock. 3) A fan for you. Saw people with those pretty asian hand fans. Brilliant. 4) It is dog friendly and the poochies have a blast. Today most were off leash so everyone clean up after your dog, bring only well-mannered dogs and respect other people and poochies so the the leash policy doesn't get enforced. 5) Do the tour if for no other reason, than to get to spend some time in the cooling room!!!! read more

Independence brews great beers. The IPA is a solid drink. Bonus: the first Saturday of every month at 1pm the brewery hosts a festival of sorts. They have live music and great beer, all for 6 dollars. read more

I love 1st Saturday and I love the laid back atmosphere. I have been many times and think it is a great way to conenct with friends and good brew. Even though the feeling is industrial and the main thing bringing us together is beer, it is very family freindly and I see lots of kids. I do wish that people would put their dogs on leashes, but that is not specific to Independence, but Austin in general. However, the folks there are super great and so friendly. I also like the added vendors, last time I got a massage! The only really bad thing is that they are getting too popular and the brew lines are ridiculous at time. But that is good right? Mean business is thriving, so it is true that I will be going back for more. read more

Super impressed with this brewery! The beer is awesome, the staff are great and the atmosphere is pretty rad! 10/10 will drink there again!

First Saturday at the the brewery is pure Austin. It makes me all happy and bubbly inside. It's not over the top or flashy but full of cool. Definitely a must do.... and repeat. The music was solid, their beers are quite tasty (especially the stout), and the folks serving were all fun and welcoming. AND they had a few cornhole games setup - good stuff. Only major problem: the line for the bathroom - use it early on, prepare to hold it, or get a beer and some good company to stand with because, as 3pm approaches, the line is looooooong. read more

The beer is awesome but it tastes better drinking it here at their brewery! Nothing fancy just good beer and I have to write more because my review is currently shorter than most. I need to stop typing so I can drink my beer but it is still too short ! Try the redbud wit plum and the Irish stout! Only here read more

Independence Brewing - Redbud w/ plum! Awesome - Breweries Near Me - Austin, Texas

Cool spot and great energy. Thanks for the beer recommendations! Native Texan is a favorite now

Good beer and great vibes. Just came on a scream-o music live band night. Def would come back.

Driving to this brewery was a GPS challenge, found it behind a loading dock. The staff was super friendly. Sampled 4 beers, all great except the sour beer. I just don't get sour beers. Thursday is open mike comedy night, was fun to watch. No food truck on Thursdays. Overall, fun place! read more

It used to be really good, but there are definitely better out there now. They no longer allow dogs unless it's in the parking lot, they no longer let you keep the pint glass, it's no longer $10 for a few pours, and possibly the most disappointing is that if you purchased the Barks for Beers, I you do not get a free beer as stated. They give you a $4 credit. This is the only brewery that has not followed through with this great event. Disappointing. read more

This is essentially a review of Independence Brewing Co.'s "first Saturday." Basically, show up, pay $5 for a beer glass, and get three pints of the beer of your choice. Or, if you're like me and can't quite stomach three fulls beers at one in the afternoon without the remainder of the day spent napping, you can opt to be served three "4 ounce" (me thinks it was a wee bit more) beers in a plastic cup. And while free beer always tastes so much better, this beer is quite enjoyable on it's own, regardless of the price tag. So now that I've obviously convinced you to go to the next first Saturday, here's what you need to do to fully enjoy the experience: 1. Bring chairs. Better yet, bring a tent to put your chairs under (you're out in the sun). If you're really cool, you'll bring a spare tent to let me borrow, as I have no such tent to bring for myself, and I am a pale little sun-wimp. (If you're like me, bring sunscreen). 2. Bring extra monies for food, also known as "pie monies" . They had Boomerang Pies, which were delicious (and don't forget to ask for the southwestern sauce). If you don't have any spare pie monies, be sure to bring your own munchies. I highly recommend a large bag of goldfish. 3. Make sure to actually go inside to go on the brewery tour. It doesn't take too long, and you can spend some quality cool-off time in the refrigerator. 4. If you have a well-behaved dog, be sure to bring it. There are tons of pups running all over the place. 5. Get there early, beer stops being served at 3:00, and yes, you will have to wait in line. read more

i'm a fan of independence beers!!! free beer tasting every first saturday of the month! tip - buy their pint sized glass and use that as your beer cup. great place to hang out on a saturday with your friends and play "bunnies" when it's not too hot. i remember we use to go in the summer and the brewery had no a/c (not sure if this has changed yet) and it was SO HOT - we'd go on the tour just to go into the freezer to cool off. read more

As of January '16 there were only a couple dozen beer lovers inside the building, very different than the warmer seasons where the whole parking lot is filled with people. We got a free tour and had no problem tasting new beers and ordering a flight or a pint from the bar inside. Friendly staff all around. Best new beer I tried was called "Ending Credits" sponsored by the Alamo Drafthouse I think. This place was very dog-friendly by the way read more

Came here for the first time with my wife on their Saturday May 5 tasting. We really enjoyed it and it's a great deal for $6.00 per tasting. For $6.00 you'll receive one pint glass that you can keep and 3 tastings. For this particular Saturday they had their Amber, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and I think one other. All the ones I tried were awesome. We really enjoyed the Oatmeal stout. We arrived early and only stood in line maybe 15 minutes. Once we were through the line it was quick getting our beer. The beers are cold and good, but they don't stay cold long if you're standing in the heat, so here's some advice! DO: Arrive early, at least 12:30pm. Bring a tent cover thing if you have one, and foldable chairs/blanket to camp out on. It gets incredibly hot outside so wear a hat and sunscreen if you want to avoid the sunburn of death. DON'T: let your dog run around unleashed and pee on other people's chairs. Not cool dude...party foul/fail. Keep the pooch on the leash. Don't arrive smelling like a dirty hippie - please wear deodorant and don't be one of those smelly hippies that sits next to us in the sun. Don't bring your kids. Seriously? Why the hell are you bringing your kids to a brewery in 100+ heat? You're terrible. If you do insist on bringing a well behaved child, please put a lot of sunscreen on them and give them a hat. We literally saw this couple bring their fair, red-headed child to the tasting (with no shade or cover) and she was already sunburned while we were standing in line. Parenting fail. Now that you know, go!!! read more

If you have not been to the first Saturday of the Month free tasting you should. Very Austin....In the parking lot and brewery building with a very cool fun crowd. FREE!!!! read more

Cool place to grab a beer on a Saturday. Amiable atmosphere, very relaxed. People were playing board games, families were there with kids and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Disc golf cage outside. Wish they had a few more picnic tables outside, there were only 2. Definitely bring chairs! Wish I had remembered to bring ours. Will be back for more . read more

THESE FOLKS. The crew at Independence are total rockstars. I've never worked with a kinder, more professional group of people. We used Independence for a wedding rehearsal and set up karaoke in their space, which is pretty ample - we fit 100+ people inside and outside very comfortably. The price for the space was extremely reasonable and clear cut. If you've had Independence's beer before you already know it's top notch, and the folks behind the bar were welcoming and super helpful at every turn, from planning to execution. I'd use Independence again in a heartbeat for any big events I have coming up. read more

Did the first Sat. free brew/tour... Kristen F. gives an accurate description of what to expect... I will add that the owners seemed like very nice persons and both took part in the tour... sausage wraps were available... five full time employees... many people brought pic-nic stuff, folding chairs, dogs (mostly leashed)... Bootlegger was my favorite brew... Good weather and a very happy outing... yes, I will pay money to drink the stuff around town and plan to return first Saturdays to research the other flavors. read more

We had a great time at Independence Brewing's crawfish boil yesterday! $10 for 3 beers of your choice and a tour of the brewery is a great deal. Amy took us on a really fun casual tour of the brewery and had tons of cool beer knowledge to share. Everyone was really mellow and friendly. We will definitely be back to this hidden gem to hang and enjoy more of their tasty brews. read more

Well truly the beer is free. You get three 4 ounce samples if you come without any money. If you bring $6 though for an Independence Brewery pint glass though, you get three full pints. Beer was pretty good. Celis, brewed in Austin circa 1998, had better beer...especially the White. A perfect summer beer. read more

A great Austin craft brewery. And to make it even better, it's very close to work. Great flight options to provide four sample beers. I was familiar with a couple of their beers, but there were several that I had never tasted. This will not be a regular after-work happy hour spot. read more

Went here for the Independence Day open house/tour. They had a good crowd present, very laid back, family friendly atmosphere. Yes, they let kids in. Texas law is rather ambiguous regarding minors in the presence of parents who are drinking. Nothing corrupt or dangerous was going on, everyone is very laid back. If you buy a $6 Independence Brewing pint glass, you get 3 free samples. Their Austin Amber is noteworthy, the Independence Pale Ale is good but not outstanding. read more

Great beer, fun activities and friendly folks! Every 1st Saturday of the year they have a party at their brewery. $10 gets you a glass (to keep) and 3 refills of their beer along with live music, tours and food trucks. Dog friendly and a favorite spot of ours every 1st Saturday (year around). read more

$6 for a flight of their classic brews or $1.50 for each 4oz taster. $2 for a 4oz taster of their Big Brews. $7 for a goblet or pint glass plus a fill. They have tables inside and a band the Saturday that we visited. read more

This place is great! On the first Saturday of every month they open up their parking lot for a mini beer fest! You stand in line, show id and enter in for free beer! They have live music and have gotten more organized outside with ropes to contain the sometimes out of control lines. You can bring a chair, tent, food, etc. The only thing negative I can say is they let kids in here. They should really put a stop to that. read more

We went to check out the first Saturday brew tour today and it was well worth it. The parking lot was chock full of serious repeat brew goers who appear to return month after month with their $5 pint glasses and lawn chairs. The sultry summer heat made it feel nice and sweltering inside as you waited in line for the amber tasty adult treat. I really loved Live Oak back in the day but frankly, they should have gotten their act together and started bottling. I only wish I could get Independence in Cali where I live now. So, in summation, first Saturday party is enjoyable and it would be oh so much nicer if it were the fall, spring or perhaps, even the winter. I wouldn't recommend going in August or September. It doesn't matter how cold your beer is when you are melting in a parking lot. read more

They make Stash IPA. This is where you can come get a pint as fresh as your tom tom tickle toes. Plan on leaving your whip because it ain't nuthin to f whit. read more

I came here for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest event last Wednesday and the brewery is adorable! It's in this eclectic warehouse that has walls decorated with beautiful, colorful paintings. I really loved the atmosphere, and everyone that I met that night: from the front-woman of Tank and the Bangas, to the owner/ manager of the brewery, to the attendees were in good spirits. This place just seems like the kind of place where you can go and have a good time on any given day (that they're open). I will say that the only downsides are that the brewery is very far south to the point where you almost don't think you're in Austin anymore, and their beer selection is limited (rest assured, everything they have on the menu is still good). BUT for the atmosphere, Ten Barleywine (which was a beyond incredible beer), the people, and tasty (as well as cheap) tacos they sell at the taco stand outside, I would - 9/10 - recommend this place. It's a true gem! read more

Independence Brewing - Remnants from a beautiful night! - Breweries Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I've been here for one or two of their anniversary parties, but did you know that you can rent the brewery for your private parties? (Did I just blow your mind?) This was new and wonderful information for me, and I was pleased to attend a birthday party at Independence this past weekend. It was kind of perfect. There were plenty of picnic tables to sit around and talk. Dogs were welcome. And three Indy beers were on tap - the brown, the amber, and Stash IPA. There's nothing quite as thirst quenching on a hot summer day than a fresh IPA, still smelling of resinous hops. Tasty. What a great venue for a private party. I only wish I had thought of it first. read more

So redbud is by far my favorite refreshing summer beer (the cucumber one especially). I also love the atmosphere here! I've been several times but now i want to leave more than 5 stars as Matt has been working with me to plan my two year old's birthday party here in July. he has been amazingly accommodating and actively worked to help me ensure this party is an absolute blast for a group of beer loving adults celebrating a 2 year old! I can't wait and as a repeat visitor, i plan to keep returning long term. read more

First Saturdays are MY JAM! I love this place. Bring your tailgate chair and some friends, post up and try all of the delicious beers! The newly renovated tasting room is a nice little spot to chill on a date or with friends. The staff is friendly, funny, and super helpful. You can tell that they just want everyone to have a great experience there. By far, my favorite brewery in Austin. Also, their tshirts are super comfy :-) LOVE LOVE LOVE me some Independence Brewery! read more

I've had all of the Independence beers on tap at numerous local institutions. I just attended there 5 year anniversary where I got to try the full line up on tap all in one go. So the good first, the convict hill stout has great malt character, good rich mouthfeel and for those of you whose tastes tend to the west coast has a nice touch of hops bitterness on the finish. The three versions of Jasperilla (regular and two oaked versions) where also tasty, with a complex sweetness that is lactic and fruity and reminds me of the pineapple empenadas from Mr. Naturals. Still for the ABV and price I think Jasperilla needs to add some additional depth a complexity of flavor. From here things drop off pretty quickly. The IPA is decent, but probably either too hopped for the non hop heads or not hopped enough for the bitterness junkies. The pale and brown are sub par, too watery without enough malt character. I'm really not sure what they are going for with their wheat beer, it is unfiltered but lacks the fruity spicy notes that define hefe weizen nor is it a hoppy american wheat. The same is true for the 5th anniversary beer, I think they where going for a saison style Belgian Ale, but the beer is overwhelmed by esters that border on chlorine and rotting fruit. I hate to ding a local institution that is working to bring craft beer to the people, but independence really needs to pull it together and increase both the quality and originality of its beers. read more

Great beer, kid-friendly. Warehouse-style with a bit of a steep ramp. I wish I had gone without the kid and taken a ride-share :) I've had their beer around Austin. These guys know what they are doing. HOPS! read more

Having never been to Texas (and thus, never having been to the brewery), I cannot comment on tasting the beer. However, I want to give a big shout out to Matt, who helped me over the phone when I was having trouble ordering from the website. Amazing customer service. I will make a point to come out and enjoy a pint, in the near future!!! read more