Check out this blog from Visit Fort Worth on FortWorth.com.
Fort Worth’s Ale Trail continues to grow, and the stops runneth over with evermore artisan offerings. The Ale Trail is currently self-guided, so you won’t need to take a printed passport along, and there are no prizes other than the joy of sipping your way through Fort Worth’s many breweries.
BANKHEAD BREWING COMPANY
Bankhead Brewing Company occupies the former home of Funkytown Fermatorium just northeast of the Cultural District. The brewpub has a wood-fired oven that bakes creative pizzas like the Little Piggy (pork, sweet figs, bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, aged balsamic vinegar) and a wide range of entrees. Award-winning brews and a top-notch cocktail menu round out the tasty offerings at this new brewpub.
COWTOWN BREWING CO.
Cowtown Brewing Co. aims to capitalize on Fort Worth’s two great loves: Texas barbecue and craft beer. The brewpub is nestled just east of downtown in an area historically known as Rock Island. You can order a tray of ’cue at the bar or enjoy the spacious outdoor patio. The popular brewery features local music on select weekends.
MAPLE BRANCH CRAFT BREWERY
With a broad metal gate, maple trees and vine-covered walls, Maple Branch Craft Brewery’s beer garden offers an escape from the hustle of city life. Beyond ample beer offerings, The Foundry District-based brewery offers regular events like trivia night, vendor markets, cornhole tournaments and more.
LOCUST CIDER
Locust Cider ferments rather than brews, but the results are equally delectable. Locust Cider co-founders Jason and Patrick Spears have deep Fort Worth roots. The duo looked north to start their popular brand of cider and recently returned with a production facility and taproom in the Near Southside. The cozy space holds vintage Nintendo consoles and several taps that make use of locally sourced ingredients. Flatbread pizzas are a recent and popular addition to the menu.
FORT BREWERY & PIZZA
Fort Brewery & Pizza has gone through a handful of incarnations since opening several years ago on West Magnolia Avenue. What has tied the brewpub together is an emphasis on authentic Italian pizzas, freshly brewed beers and a kid-friendly environment. The Near Southside location has closed, but the brewpub plans to open at 2737 Tillar Street (in the Foundry District) in the early fall of 2021.
HOPFUSION ALE WORKS
HopFusion Ale Works effortlessly accommodates pets, kids, bicyclists and even non-beer drinkers. It’s no easy feat, but with doggy water stations, board games, small discounts for bicyclists and taps full of lemonade, kombucha and tea, HopFusion may be one-stop shop for, well, everyone.
RAHR & SONS
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company isn’t standing by while “younger” breweries steal all the limelight. The brewery has reinvented itself in recent years. Gone are the old logos and glass bottles. Rahr & Sons jump ahead of the West Coast IPA line with the release of Dadgum IPA in 2017 followed by two breakout hits: Adiós Pantalones (lime-kissed cerveza) and Paleta de Mango (mango-tinged ale lightly spiced with tajín chile).
SECOND RODEO BREWING
Second Rodeo Brewing is set to open by fall of 2021 in Mule Alley. Chef-driven food, live music and outdoor games promise fun for the whole family. Restauranteur Jason Boso is heading the project. The refurbished historic building will feature a rustic interior and a retractable roof.
MARTIN HOUSE BREWING
Martin House Brewing Company must get a kick out of keeping the rest of us guessing what they will brew up next. Building off past stalwarts Salty Lady, Bockslider and Day Break (among many others), the Riverside brewery has churned out a healthy selection of sour beers (Lemon Ice Box, anyone?) and seasonal favorites like the Parker County Peach.
NEUTRAL GROUND BREWING COMPANY
River East is truly hoppin’, thanks to Neutral Ground Brewing Country, the Riverside area brewery headed by Stan Hudson and Sean Doublet. What happens when you pair a chemist and engineer who love making a wide range of beer styles? Apparently, you end up with tasty craft brews. There’s more than a little N’awlins influence at this new brewery, and the King Cake beer is king around these parts.
PANTHER ISLAND BREWING
Fort Worth’s lone North Side brewery, Panther Island Brewing Company, has diversified its beer portfolio as of late. There Gose My Hero and Imperial Sweet Fang are as quirky as they are delicious. Panther Island offers now wine on tap and the option to buy sixers of brew to-go.
WILD ACRE BREWING
Wild Acre Brewing Company earns kudos for its pristine, sprawling outdoor patio. The brand has single-handedly revived conversations about Billy Jenkins Worth (our fair city’s namesake) with Billy Jenkins Bock. The brewery is a partner in nearby Wild Acre Live, the new outdoor music stage that features local, regional and national acts.
SHANNON BREWING COMPANY
Brewery stalwart Shannon Brewing Company is known for fire-brewed beers that are made with pure Texas spring water. The Keller-based brewery offers pub grub through a partnership with Grillas Grub food truck. Every day, year-round beers like the Irish Red and Mór IPA along with seasonal favorites like the Lemon Head Tart give North Texans a reason to clink pints while enjoying a crisp, clean Shannon brew. Sláinte!
WILD ACRE BREWING CAMP BOWIE
Wild Acre Brewing Camp Bowie is headed by celebrity chef David Hollister. Craft sammies are the big draw, and there are new offerings each week. The menu runs deep, and the beer offerings include one-offs and brews that can’t be found at the flagship Wild Acre Brewing location.
FUNKY PICNIC BREWING
Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe is now a popular destination in the South Main Village neighborhood. The brew cafe serves light noshes, creative brews and a focus on community and beer education. Watch out for the brewery cats. Head brewer Michael Harper has adopted several.
