You’re never too far from a great place to grab a pint or two when you’re in the Lake Travis area. Lately I’ve noticed breweries expanding their tap rooms, making for some very interesting evenings at places like Jester King, Oasis Texas Brewing Company and Solid Rock Brewing.
When you’re thirsty and find yourself in the Spicewood area, take a turn down Bee Creek Road and continue on for a couple of miles. On the left just behind a few rows of mesquite trees you’ll find Solid Rock Brewing, one of the newer breweries to spring up in the Texas Hill Country.
On a typical Saturday night you can drive up to the brewery and grab yourself a parking spot on their spare land, then head up to their warehouse for a chance to grab a pint of their newest brews, straight from the brewers themselves. It’s a weekend tradition that has quickly grown in popularity, which I found out firsthand last weekend.
Come visit on Saturday between 4-8 pm and you’ll find several of the necessary things you need for a good time: live music, fresh Austin food, great conversation with Spicewood locals and of course — plenty of beer. You can expect to find their cornerstone beers such as the Solid Rock Cream Ale, Roundhead Red Irish Stout and Cho’Sen. You’ll also have a chance to sample specialty brews like the Trinity Vanilla Milk Stout, a sweet chocolatey brew with hints of coffee notes.
Their new change in licensing to a brewpub now allows them to sell six packs and kegs directly to the public, which is great when you find a beer you like and can’t get enough of one on a Saturday night.
There’s plenty to do while you savor the subtle flavors of Solid Rock brew and the line for beer was one of the most efficient I have seen. For one thing, they have a pretty solid system going — pay for your beer upfront and get tokens to redeem at the bar. The first $5 goes toward a beer and your own glass that you can keep for later and bring back for future brews.
Outside were the smooth cover tunes sung by Spicewood resident and singer Todd Westbrook, while families lounged about on picnic tables or on blankets on the lawn. The scene was relaxed; dogs are welcome and there’s plenty of space for the little ones to run and play. We used the excuse that it was dinnertime to gorge on smoky barbecue brisket sliders from Smokey Denmark’s, which perfectly paired with our golden brews.
Come early, take a tour with the brewers and don’t be afraid to ask a question or two — these guys really know their stuff about beer. And they want you to know more about it, too, so it’s a great time to learn and unwind all in the same place — one beer at a time.
Solid Rock Brewing (map)
2214 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood, TX 78669
Saturday Tap Room hours: 4-8 pm
