Introduction
East Austin has transformed into one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. It is also home to a thriving craft beer scene.
The area east of I-35 now hosts dozens of breweries, taprooms, and beer gardens. Many of these spots welcome dogs with open arms.
For dog owners who want to enjoy Austin's famous craft beer culture, East Austin offers plenty of options. This guide covers six of the best dog-friendly breweries in East Austin where you can bring your pup along for a pint.
What Makes a Great Dog-Friendly Brewery
The best dog-friendly breweries in East Austin share some common traits.
Space is important. Look for breweries with large patios or beer gardens. East Austin's warehouse-style breweries often have expansive outdoor areas perfect for dogs.
Indoor access matters during Texas summers. Some breweries allow dogs inside their air-conditioned taprooms. This can be a lifesaver when temperatures climb above 100 degrees.
Water and shade are essential. The best spots provide water bowls and covered seating areas to keep your dog comfortable.
Finally, consider the overall vibe. Breweries with a laid-back atmosphere tend to be more welcoming to dogs. Loud crowds and cramped spaces can stress out pets.
6 Best Dog-Friendly Breweries in East Austin
Zilker Brewing Company
Zilker Brewing Company sits in the heart of East Austin on East 6th Street. Three high school friends started the brewery in a garage in 2008. They opened their current taproom in 2015.
The brewery specializes in hazy IPAs, American IPAs, sours, and lagers. Popular choices include the Marco IPA and the Coffee Milk Stout.
Dogs are welcome on the spacious patio. The outdoor area features picnic tables with umbrellas and fans. Spicy Boys Fried Chicken operates as the on-site food truck, serving up excellent fried chicken sandwiches.
Note that dogs are only allowed on the patio, not inside the taproom.
Address: 1701 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Lazarus Brewing Company
Lazarus Brewing is a funky East Austin brewpub on East 6th Street. It opened the day before Christmas in 2016.
The brewery combines coffee, beer, and street tacos in one cozy space. You can grab a morning espresso and return later for a pint. Their house beers range from Belgian styles to hoppy IPAs.
Dogs are welcome on the patio. The space has a well-curated living room vibe with comfortable couches and antique rugs. Lazarus is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent breakfast tacos.
The brewery also has a second location on Airport Boulevard with an even larger patio.
Address: 1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Blue Owl Brewing
Blue Owl Brewing specializes in sour-mashed beers. The brewery has been perfecting the craft since 2015.
Their tap list features creative sour beers with playful names. Popular options include Spirit Animal and Van Dayum. They also brew non-sour alternatives under their Bob's Fine Beers line for those who prefer traditional styles.
Dogs are welcome both inside and outside at Blue Owl. The space is cozy, so the brewery asks that pets be well-behaved and respectful of other guests.
The brewery offers sensory tours and small bites from their on-site kitchen. Happy hour runs Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM with discounted pints.
Address: 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #300, Austin, TX 78702
Southern Heights Brewing Company
Southern Heights is a small brewery focused on fresh, quality beers. The warehouse-style taproom sits in an industrial area of East Austin.
The brewery is known for its rotating selection of IPAs. They keep a variety of styles on tap, from hazy IPAs to more traditional offerings.
Dogs are allowed in the breezy taproom and on the covered patio. The expansive 7,500-square-foot space gives dogs plenty of room to relax.
Food trucks rotate through regularly. Taquicardia is a frequent visitor, serving excellent Mexican food.
Address: 6014 Techni Center Dr, Ste 2-101, Austin, TX 78721
Hi Sign Brewing
Hi Sign Brewing is a veteran-owned brewery near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The brewery opened with a focus on fresh, high-quality craft beer.
The taproom offers a rotating selection of craft beers and cocktails. Popular choices include the Violet Blueberry Blonde and the Wooderson West Coast IPA. They also serve coffee.
The brewery features an acre-long beer garden that is both family and dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas but not inside the taproom.
Food trucks typically park outside. Norte ATX serves tacos, and Ranch Hand offers healthful protein-based dishes.
Hi Sign participates in the annual Barks for Beers event, raising funds for Divine Canines, a nonprofit providing free dog therapy in Central Texas.
Address: 730 Shady Ln, Austin, TX 78702
Central Machine Works
Central Machine Works occupies a converted 1940s steel fabrication shop on East Cesar Chavez. The brewery opened in 2019, carefully preserving the building's industrial heritage.
The space is massive. Inside, you will find an 18,000-pound steel lathe that serves as a backdrop for the main bar. Outside, there is a beer garden, fire pits, and an outdoor stage for live music.
Dogs are welcome in all areas of the brewery. The brewery asks that dogs remain leashed and well-supervised.
Central Machine Works brews traditional beers like German pilsners and American-style ales. They also offer a full bar with creative cocktails and a food menu featuring pizza and burgers.
Address: 4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Tips for Visiting East Austin Breweries with Your Dog
Beat the Heat
Texas summers are brutal. Visit during morning or evening hours when temperatures are more comfortable. Look for breweries that allow dogs inside their air-conditioned spaces.
The American Kennel Club recommends watching for signs of heat exhaustion in dogs, including excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.
Plan a Brewery Crawl
Many East Austin breweries are clustered together. You can easily walk between several spots on East 6th Street or East Cesar Chavez. Bring water for your dog and take breaks in shaded areas.
Check Food Options
Most East Austin breweries rely on food trucks rather than full kitchens. Food trucks rotate schedules, so call ahead if you want to confirm something will be available.
Verify Policies
Dog policies can change. Some breweries allow dogs inside while others limit them to patios. A quick phone call can confirm current rules and save you a trip during hot weather.
Mind Your Manners
Keep your dog leashed and close to your table. Clean up after your pet. Not every brewery patron is comfortable around dogs, so be mindful of personal space.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department maintains several off-leash dog parks in the area if your pup needs to burn off energy before settling in at a brewery.
Conclusion
East Austin offers some of the best dog-friendly breweries in the city. Whether you want sour beers at Blue Owl or tacos and beer at Lazarus, there is something for every taste.
These six breweries welcome dogs with spacious patios, water bowls, and a relaxed atmosphere. They make it easy to enjoy Austin's world-class craft beer scene without leaving your pup at home.
Explore more dog-friendly restaurants and breweries in Austin on Tailmate.
VENUES NEED VERIFICATION: The venue details in this guide (addresses, dog policies, hours) were researched from publicly available sources. Please verify current policies directly with each brewery before visiting, as policies can change.
