Mesquite, Texas boasts a thriving craft beer scene that’s worth exploring for both locals and visitors alike. The city’s independent breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from traditional ales to innovative experimental brews. Mesquite’s craft beer community showcases the region’s brewing culture through high-quality, locally-made beverages that reflect Texas pride.
Beer enthusiasts can discover a variety of taprooms and brewpubs in and around Mesquite. These establishments not only serve exceptional craft beers but also provide inviting atmospheres for socializing and learning about the brewing process. Many of these breweries allow pets in outdoor areas, adding to their welcoming appeal.
The Mesquite area is home to several notable craft breweries, including Oak Highlands Brewery and Lakewood Brewing Company. These local favorites, along with others in the vicinity, contribute to the rich tapestry of Texas craft beer. Each brewery offers its own unique take on beer-making, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Mesquite
Mesquite’s craft beer scene has blossomed in recent years, reflecting the city’s growing appreciation for artisanal brews. Local breweries have emerged, offering unique flavors and styles that capture the essence of the community.
Understanding Craft Beer
Craft beer is characterized by its small-batch production and emphasis on quality ingredients. In Mesquite, brewers use traditional and innovative techniques to create distinctive beers. Local craft breweries often experiment with flavors, incorporating regional ingredients like pecans or honey.
Styles range from light lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. Many Mesquite breweries offer seasonal beers, taking advantage of local produce and changing tastes throughout the year. Craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the attention to detail and creativity found in these small-scale operations.
Mesquite’s Beer History
Mesquite’s relationship with beer dates back to its early days as a farming community. However, the craft beer movement gained momentum in the city over the past decade. The first local microbrewery opened its doors in 2015, sparking interest in artisanal brewing.
Since then, several craft breweries have established themselves in Mesquite. These businesses have become integral parts of the community, hosting events and collaborating with local artists and musicians. The city’s craft beer scene continues to grow, with new breweries and taprooms opening regularly.
Mesquite’s craft beer industry has also boosted tourism, attracting visitors from nearby Dallas and beyond. Beer festivals and tasting events have become popular annual attractions, showcasing the city’s diverse brewing talent.
Exploring Local Breweries
Mesquite’s craft beer scene extends beyond its borders, with several renowned breweries in the surrounding Dallas area. These establishments offer unique flavors, tasting experiences, and tours showcasing local brewing expertise.
Lakewood Brewing Co
Lakewood Brewing Co, located in Garland, produces a range of year-round and seasonal beers. Their taproom features 16 rotating taps and a spacious beer garden. Visitors can enjoy popular brews like The Temptress Imperial Milk Stout and All Call Kölsch.
The brewery offers tours on Saturdays, giving beer enthusiasts an inside look at their brewing process. Lakewood’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them several awards in local and national competitions.
Deep Ellum Brewing Co
Deep Ellum Brewing Co, founded in 2011, has become a staple of the Dallas craft beer scene. Their taproom in the Deep Ellum neighborhood offers a rotating selection of beers on draft.
Signature brews include the Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde. The brewery hosts regular events, including live music and food trucks. Tours are available on Saturdays, providing insights into their brewing techniques and history.
Bankhead Brewing Company
Bankhead Brewing Company in Rowlett combines craft beer with wood-fired pizzas. Their taproom features a variety of house-brewed beers, from light lagers to complex stouts.
The brewery’s industrial-chic atmosphere and outdoor patio make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Bankhead often collaborates with local businesses, creating unique beer flavors that reflect the community.
Oak Highlands Brewery
Oak Highlands Brewery in Dallas focuses on creating approachable craft beers. Their taproom offers a family-friendly environment with games and ample seating.
Popular brews include the Allgood Kölsch and Freaky Deaky Belgian Tripel. Oak Highlands hosts regular events, including trivia nights and yoga classes. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of solar panels and recycling practices.
Intrinsic Brewing
Intrinsic Brewing in Garland combines craft beer with Texas barbecue. Their taproom features a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and guest taps from other local breweries.
The brewery’s industrial-style space includes indoor and outdoor seating. Intrinsic is known for experimental brews and collaborations with other local businesses. They often host live music events and food specials.
Community Beer Co
Community Beer Co, located in Dallas, has gained a reputation for consistently high-quality brews. Their taproom offers a wide selection of year-round and seasonal beers.
Popular options include the Mosaic IPA and Public Ale. Community Beer Co provides tours on Saturdays, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. The brewery’s spacious taproom hosts regular events, including beer releases and local artist showcases.
Texas Ale Project
Texas Ale Project in Dallas focuses on creating bold, flavorful beers. Their taproom, known as the T.A.P. Room, offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and seasonal releases.
Signature brews include the 100 Million Angels Singing Double IPA and Fire Ant Funeral Amber Ale. The brewery’s modern, industrial-style space includes indoor and outdoor seating. Texas Ale Project often hosts food trucks and live music events, creating a lively atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Brewery Experiences
Mesquite’s craft breweries offer immersive experiences that go beyond just tasting beer. Visitors can explore the brewing process, enjoy live entertainment, and savor local flavors in unique settings.
Tours and Tastings
Brewery tours in Mesquite provide an inside look at the craft beer production process. Guests can observe the brewing equipment up close and learn about different beer styles and ingredients. Many breweries offer guided tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of beers while learning about their flavor profiles and brewing techniques.
Some breweries feature educational sessions where beer enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge. These may include discussions on beer history, food pairings, or the science behind brewing. Tasting flights are popular, giving patrons the chance to try several beers in smaller portions.
Live Music and Events
Mesquite’s breweries often double as vibrant entertainment venues. Live music performances are common, featuring local bands and solo artists across various genres. These events create a lively atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy their favorite brews.
Many breweries host themed nights, such as trivia contests or game nights, encouraging community engagement. Food trucks frequently park outside, offering diverse culinary options to complement the beer selection. Some breweries organize seasonal festivals, celebrating new beer releases or local cultural events.
Special tap takeovers and collaboration events with other breweries or local businesses are also popular, providing unique tasting opportunities for visitors.
Craft Beer Selections
Mesquite’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles to satisfy beer enthusiasts. Local breweries and taprooms showcase an impressive range of options, from classic styles to innovative creations.
Seasonal Varieties
Mesquite breweries embrace the changing seasons with limited-time offerings. Spring brings refreshing wheat beers and fruit-infused ales, perfect for warmer weather. Summer features crisp lagers and session IPAs ideal for outdoor sipping.
Fall introduces rich amber ales and Oktoberfest-style brews. Winter warms patrons with robust stouts and barrel-aged specialties. These rotating taps keep the local beer scene exciting year-round.
Many breweries also create unique holiday-themed beers, like pumpkin ales for Halloween or spiced ales for Christmas. Beer lovers can look forward to new flavors with each season.
Small Batch Specialties
Mesquite’s craft breweries take pride in their experimental small batch offerings. These limited-run beers allow brewers to showcase their creativity and push boundaries.
Some popular small batch styles include:
- Barrel-aged sours
- Coffee-infused porters
- Herb and spice-infused ales
- Fruit-forward saisons
These specialties often use locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting Texas flavors. Many are only available at brewery taprooms or select bars, making them sought-after treats for beer aficionados.
Breweries frequently host tasting events to introduce these unique creations, offering patrons a chance to sample rare and innovative brews.
IPAs and Unique Blends
India Pale Ales (IPAs) remain a cornerstone of Mesquite’s craft beer scene. Local brewers offer a wide spectrum of IPA styles, from traditional West Coast varieties to hazy New England IPAs.
Popular IPA variations include:
- Double and Triple IPAs
- Session IPAs
- Fruit-infused IPAs
- Black IPAs
Beyond IPAs, Mesquite’s breweries craft unique blends that push flavor boundaries. These may include hybrid styles like Belgian IPA crossovers or experimental brews combining multiple beer styles.
Many taprooms offer flights, allowing visitors to sample several distinctive blends in one sitting. This variety ensures there’s always something new for beer enthusiasts to discover in Mesquite.
Pairing Food with Craft Beer
Mesquite’s craft beer scene harmonizes beautifully with local culinary offerings. The city’s breweries and restaurants have embraced creative pairings that enhance both the brews and the dishes, creating unique flavor experiences for diners and beer enthusiasts alike.
Farm-to-Table Trends
Mesquite’s farm-to-table movement has found a perfect companion in craft beer. Local breweries source ingredients from nearby farms, creating beers that reflect the region’s terroir. These brews pair exceptionally well with dishes made from the same local produce.
Several restaurants in Mesquite feature rotating menus based on seasonal availability. Chefs work closely with brewers to develop pairings that highlight the best of both worlds. For example, a crisp wheat beer might be paired with a salad of fresh greens and goat cheese from a nearby farm.
Farmers markets in Mesquite have become popular spots for beer tastings. Visitors can sample craft beers while browsing local produce, creating an immersive farm-to-table experience.
Brewpub Eats
Mesquite’s brewpubs have elevated pub fare to new heights, designing menus that complement their beer offerings. These establishments serve as culinary destinations in their own right, attracting food lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Popular brewpub dishes include:
- Beer-battered fish and chips paired with a light lager
- Spicy chicken wings matched with a hoppy IPA
- Artisanal burgers served alongside rich stouts
Many brewpubs offer beer flights alongside tasting platters, allowing patrons to explore different flavor combinations. Some even incorporate their beers into cooking, creating unique dishes like beer-braised short ribs or stout-infused chocolate cake.
Local Favorites: Pizza and Craft Brews
Pizza has emerged as a beloved pairing for craft beer in Mesquite. The city’s pizzerias have embraced this trend, offering an array of artisanal pies designed to complement local brews.
Popular pizza and beer pairings include:
- Margherita pizza with a crisp pilsner
- BBQ chicken pizza paired with an amber ale
- Meat lovers’ pizza matched with a robust porter
Some pizzerias collaborate with local breweries to create signature pies featuring beer-infused ingredients. These partnerships have resulted in innovative creations like IPA-pickled vegetable toppings or stout-based pizza sauces.
Many establishments offer pizza and beer pairing events, providing guided tastings that educate patrons on flavor profiles and complementary combinations.
Events and Community
Mesquite’s craft beer scene thrives on lively events and community engagement. Local breweries host a variety of gatherings that bring beer enthusiasts together, fostering a vibrant craft culture.
Festivals and Gatherings
Mesquite’s craft beer festivals showcase the best local brews and attract beer lovers from across Texas. The annual Mesquite Beer Fest features over 50 craft beers, food trucks, and live music. Smaller seasonal events like Oktoberfest celebrations and holiday-themed parties occur throughout the year at various breweries.
Lakewood Brewing Company hosts monthly trivia nights and beer release parties, drawing crowds eager to try new flavors. Community Beer Co. organizes beer pairing dinners, collaborating with local chefs to create unique culinary experiences.
Brewery Supported Events
Local breweries actively support community causes through charity events and fundraisers. Siren Rock Brewing hosts an annual 5K run, donating proceeds to local educational programs. Four Bullets Brewery partners with animal shelters for adoption events, combining beer tastings with opportunities to meet furry friends.
Live music is a staple at many brewery taprooms. Vector Brewing features local bands every weekend, providing a platform for emerging artists. Oak Highlands Brewery organizes summer concert series, turning their outdoor space into a lively music venue.
Staying Informed
Mesquite’s craft beer scene thrives on community engagement and information sharing. Beer enthusiasts have multiple avenues to stay updated on local brews, events, and industry news.
Newsletters and Announcements
Local breweries often distribute newsletters to keep patrons informed about new releases and upcoming events. Craft Culture, a popular digital publication, offers a weekly roundup of Texas beer news, including Mesquite’s latest offerings. RateBeer Weekly provides comprehensive updates on beer ratings and reviews, helping enthusiasts discover top-rated local brews.
Many Mesquite breweries send email announcements about limited-edition releases and tap takeovers. These newsletters often include exclusive promotions and early access to special events.
Social Media and Connections
Breweries in Mesquite maintain active social media presences on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They share real-time updates on tap lists, brewery operations, and upcoming collaborations.
Beer enthusiasts can follow local brewers, bartenders, and industry experts on Twitter for insider insights and discussions about Mesquite’s beer scene. Many breweries use hashtags specific to Mesquite beer events, making it easy to track local happenings.
Local Enthusiasts and Groups
Mesquite boasts several beer appreciation groups that organize tastings, brewery tours, and educational events. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet fellow beer lovers and share knowledge about local brews.
Online forums and discussion boards dedicated to Texas craft beer often feature sections specific to Mesquite. Here, enthusiasts exchange tasting notes, recommend new spots, and coordinate meetups.
RateBeer’s community features allow users to connect with local experts who offer valuable insights into Mesquite’s beer scene. These connections help newcomers navigate the local beer landscape and discover hidden gems.
