It’s National American Beer Day, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Texas — a state that practically runs on ice-cold brews and backyard good times. From small-town taprooms to massive breweries with statewide followings, Texas beer has carved out its own bold, flavorful identity.
Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, rich stouts or light lagers perfect for game day, there’s a Texas beer for every taste — and every kind of Texan. Today’s all about raising a glass to America’s and the Lone Star State’s finest, from longtime legends like Shiner and Lone Star to craft standouts like Saint Arnold and Karbach right here in Houston.
So grab your favorite pint, kick back and toast to the breweries that keep Texas on tap. Here are some of the best beers made right here in the Lone Star State.
Shiner Bock
Style: Bock
Created In: 1913
Brewed By: Spoetzl Brewery
Brewed In: Shiner
About: The pride of Shiner, this smooth, malty classic defines Texas beer.
Lone Star Original
Style: American Lager
Created In: 1940
Brewed By: Lone Star Brewing Company
Brewed In: Fort Worth
About: The “National Beer of Texas,” crisp and simple for any tailgate. While the original Lone Star Brewery dates back to 1884, the current company’s origins date back to 1940.
Saint Arnold Amber Ale
Style: Amber Ale
Created In: 1994
Brewed By: Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Brewed In: Houston
About: A balanced amber from Houston’s oldest craft brewery.
Karbach Love Street Blonde
Style: Kölsch-Style Blonde
Created In: 2018
Brewed By: Karbach Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: Easy-drinking blonde ale made for Houston summers.
Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap Pils
Style: German-Style Pilsner
Created In: 2014
Brewed By: Austin Beerworks
Brewed In: Austin
About: A crisp pilsner built for patio weather.
512 Pecan Porter
Style: Robust Porter
Created In: 2008
Brewed By: (512) Brewing Company
Brewed In: Austin
About: Rich and nutty.
Southern Star Bombshell Blonde
Style: Blonde Ale
Created In: 2007
Brewed By: Southern Star Brewing Company
Brewed In: Conroe
About: Smooth, approachable, and brewed in Conroe.
Live Oak HefeWeizen
Style: German Wheat Beer
Created In: 2003
Brewed By: Live Oak Brewery
Brewed In: Austin
About: Austin’s gold standard for German-style wheat beer.
Buffalo Bayou 1836 Copper Ale
Style: Amber Ale Hybrid
Created In: 2012
Brewed By: Buffalo Bayou Brewing
Brewed In: Houston
About: A smooth amber honoring Houston’s heritage year.
Galveston Island Tiki Wheat
Style: American Wheat Ale
Created In: 2010 (as Wyatt Wit)
Brewed By: Galveston Island Brewing
Brewed In: Galveston
About: Beach-ready wheat beer brewed for island life.
Karbach Hopadillo IPA
Style: American IPA
Created In: 2013
Brewed By: Karbach Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: bold, hoppy bite that’s become a Houston staple. It’s my personal Texas favorite.
8th Wonder Dome Faux’m Cream Ale
Style: Cream Ale
Created In: 2013
Brewed By: 8th Wonder Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: Smooth, nostalgic and brewed to replicate an Astrodome staple.
Saint Arnold Art Car IPA
Style: American IPA
Created In: 2015
Brewed By: Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Brewed In: Houston
About: Bright, tropical hops inspired by Houston’s art scene.
Karbach Crawford Bock
Style: Bock Lager
Created In: 2019
Brewed By: Karbach Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: Brewed in partnership with the Astros, perfect for game day.
Naked Iguana Lagoon Lager
Style: American Lager
Created In: c. 2024
Brewed By: Naked Iguana Brewery
Brewed In: Galveston
About: A crisp, easy-drinking lager from downtown Galveston’s microbrewery.
Galveston Island Citra Mellow
Style: American Pale Ale
Created In: c. 2014
Brewed By: Galveston Island Brewing
Brewed In: Galveston
About: Bright and citrus-forward with Citra hops, this pale ale captures Gulf breeze vibes.
Bad Astronaut Cloud Punch German Pilsner
Style: German-Style Pilsner
Created In: c. 2023
Brewed By: Bad Astronaut Brewing Company
Brewed In: Houston
About: Crisp and clean, this space-themed brew channels German-style precision with Houston swagger.
B-52 Wheez the Juice
Style: Hazy IPA
Created In: 2017
Brewed By: B-52 Brewing
Brewed In: Conroe
About: A juicy and hazy IPA.
Saint Arnold Summer Pils
Style: German-Style Pilsner
Created In: 1997
Brewed By: Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Brewed In: Houston
About: Crisp and refreshing with a delicate sweet-malt body and a bright hop aroma from German and Czech hops.
8th Wonder Cougar Paw
Style: Red Ale
Created In: c. 2017
Brewed By: 8th Wonder Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: Malt-forward sweetness fades into a dry, easy-sipping finish — brewed for Houston Coog fans and year-round enjoyment.
Clutch City Lager
Style: American Lager
Created In: 2021
Brewed By: Karbach Brewery
Brewed In: Houston
About: A clean, game-day lager with Houston pedigree and a nod to “Clutch City” pride.
Electric Jellyfish
Style: Hazy IPA
Created In: 2015
Brewed By: Pinthouse Brewing
Brewed In: Austin
About: Bright, tropical and juicy.
Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde
Style: Blonde Ale
Created In: 2012
Brewed By: Deep Ellum Brewing
Brewed In: Dallas
About: Fun and flavorful.
Blue Owl Spirit Animal Sour Pale Ale
Style: Sour Pale Ale
Created In: 2015
Brewed By: Blue Owl Brewing
Brewed In: Austin
About: Tart, hoppy and totally Austin weird.
Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower
Style: Kölsch-Style Ale
Created In: 2000
Brewed By: Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Brewed In: Houston
About: A crisp Kölsch tailor-made for mowing weather.
