After nearly a year of anticipation, today Chef Andrew Curren (24 Diner) is opening the doors to his latest concept, Easy Tiger -- a German-style bakery and beer garden located in an old brick building on East 6th Street. From the soft pretzel rolls to the rosemary chicken sausage to the "beer cheese" made with lager, sharp cheddar and garlic, it's difficult to find anything on the menu that's not carefully crafted in-house. If meat, cheese and bread are the holy trinity of food, then Easy Tiger is Austin's new megachurch (hallelujah, praise cheeses). more ›

As January continues, Austin continues to emerge from "event slumber" as news of parties and celebrations begin to flow again. For Austin's many beer lovers, this month has two great parties and one newish spot to offer that should make your month as malty or hoppy as you'd care to have it. more ›

Local brewerys like Jester King Craft have triumphed over the TABC. A federal judge agreed with the lawsuit brought against the state around some unconstitutional regulations, and indicated he was 'shocked and dismayed' about the 'half-hearted' attempt on the state's part to defend their antiquated rules. Two major wins come out of the decision for breweries: they can now tell their customers where their products are sold, and they can call the products what they are (beer). Jeff Stuffings, owner of Jester King, told weareuastin.com, "We can now call beer what it actually is. Our pale ale we had to call a pale beer and our wild ale had to be called malt liquor." Next step? Fighting laws that ban breweries from directly selling their beer (skipping a distributor). Despite the fact that local wineries are able to do so, breweries haven't been able to, and the TABC is probably preparing for the next lawsuit which will bring that issue before a judge. more ›

The Brew Exchange, a West 6th bar with fluctuating prices based on supply and demand for 72 draft beers, will be opening this month at the former Annie's West location. This unique concept, implemented by Kung Fu Saloon owners, has already generated quite a bit of buzz and speculation. We checked in with a group of finance experts and beer connoisseurs for insight and predictions on the Wall Street-inspired pricing model. more ›

Jester King Craft Brewery has announced it is suing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The brewery claims that sections of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code violate the First and 14th amendments of the United States Constitution. more ›

Come March, everyone will be swilling green beer and claiming Irish roots, but 'round about October, it's all about embracing our inner lederhosen. As of now, fall is officially here, and Austin's got more seasonal beer events than you can shake a schnitzel at. We already mentioned the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, going on this Saturday, Sept. 24, but that's only the beginning. Here's our round-up of fall beer events: more ›

Brian Peters is an icon of the Austin brewing scene. Currently the master brewer at Uncle Billy's, Peters is also known for his past work at The Bitter End and Live Oak Brewing Company. That Peters is the organizer of this year's Texas Craft Brewers Festival, taking place this Saturday, should come as no surprise. Peters shares with us some of his insights into the Austin brew culture and offers a few tips for those just starting to sample the beers available from the state's diverse and lively breweries. more ›

There's nothing better after a long day at the office than hitting up a favorite restaurant for a happy hour deal. Luckily Austin has two more great after work options now that Haddington's and The Backspace have commenced with some new (and pretty epic) happy hours. more ›

The Texas Craft Brewers Festival is back on the scene, much to the joy of area beer lovers. This year's festival will feature 18 craft breweries from around the state, showing off more than 75 different beers with brews ranging from the rare to the never-before-seen to be tapped hourly throughout the event. more ›

Beer fans, it's time to break out the pint glasses. Austin's own (512) Brewing Company, Jester King Brewery and Thirsty Planet Brewing are now booking Saturday tours online. more ›

Hip West 6th hangout Haddingtons has gained some recognition for its stellar wine list -- the Austin Wine Guy called it "simply the best, most well-chosen wine list in Austin." But rather than go the obvious route with a wine and cheese pairing, Haddingtons is livin' on the wedge by hosting a BEER and cheese pairing this coming Monday, July 25. more ›

Reel Crafty: Yesterday, Round Rock's Sky Ridge Plaza saw the debut of Flix Brewhouse, a venue which (much like Violet Crown) takes the successful Alamo Drafthouse "brew-n-view" model and spins it in a slightly different direction. The niche here is that the cinema is also a working microbrewery - to begin, they'll feature a whopping 42 draft beers, then will add in their own beers from former Independence head brewer Justin Rizza beginning sometime in August. Rizza was the brewer behind the bottled version of Independence's Stash IPA along with their Saison and Rood offerings. There will also be a full-service kitchen, which will soft launch in early July. The cinema itself has six screens, which are kitted out with hi-def digital projection, high back chairs, and moveable table tops for your grub. One other interesting thing: since it is a microbrewery, they'll leave the lounge bar open to the public daily - if you'd just like to stop in for food or beer, there's no requirement to purchase a ticket. Flix is located at IH-35 and Hester's Crossing (Exit 251) in Round Rock. more ›

Austin's currently got an embarrassment of riches in the beer department, and while we're not complaining, we are having a little trouble keeping track. Luckily the bloggers at Craft Austin and BeerTownAustin have decided to join the 15th century with a novel idea -- a printed guide to Austin's beer scene. The second in a series, the Austin Beer Guide Summer Issue is now in brew pubs, shops, restaurants, and bars around town. It contains lots of handy information to help you answer the age-old question, "Where should we go for beers?" more ›

It’s hot outside. That means swimming holes and cold beer. But wait, your favorite place to chill out won’t allow you to sip on your favorite beer because of a pesky “no glass” policy. And it seems a shame to wrap your prized koozie around a sub-par canned beer. What’s a bikini-clad beer snob to do? Austin Beerworks is to the rescue! more ›

Storms and sun bring skeeters and weeds! But before you venture out into your jungle of a lawn, armed with a thick coat of repellent and a machete, take the easy way out and get yourself a Weedwacker. No, we're not talking about the noisy lawn contraptions, but rather, the smooth, cold wheat beer from Houston's own craft brewery Saint Arnold. more ›

• Save the Children: multiple reports alleging sexual assault of children in war-torn areas of Libya
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Here's a cool and under-the-radar event for beer lovers - on Sunday, the German Free School on East 10th Street (near The Mohawk) hosts the Texas Artisanal Beer Fundraiser, an fundraising event for the YMCA showcasing the best of Texas beer from both microbrewers and brewpubs alike. This represents a great chance to sample beer from places usually requiring a lengthy drive such as San Antonio's Freetail, Darkside Fermentation from San Marcos, and even Padre Island Brewing Company. Local mainstays such as Uncle Billy's and NXNW will also be on hand, as will Live Oak, (512), Circle, Jester King, and the forthcoming Hops & Grain. more ›

What do you get when you combine accomplished New York artisan baker David Norman with 24 Diner executive Chef Andrew Curren and sommelier Billy Caruso? Culinary magic waiting to happen. And what do you get when you put it in a two-story historic building in the middle of the up-and-coming Waller Creek District? A surefire downtown delight! But easy, tiger. Easy Tiger does not plan on opening its doors for a few more weeks. So, until then, here are some teasers to whet your palate. more ›

This is the kind of news that makes our tastebuds go “Holy Schnikes!” Barley Swine, the lovable restaurant that celebrates pork and beer above all, is fulfilling our dreams and hosting a beer dinner on Monday, May 2. Yes, that’s right. Beer. Dinner. Dinner, with beer. As if you needed more of a reason than that. more ›

• The creator of Celis beer is mourned.
• It’s time for Passover!
• The backstory behind this past weekend’s Texas Burlesque Festival.

Every Sunday through May 15th, Pearl is having a party and you are invited. The festivities are free and open to the whole family. Pearl is hoping to start a new Sunday tradition, bringing friends and family together from all over the San Antonio community, and from the looks of the last few turn-outs, it’s safe to say a tradition has begun! more ›

Dogfish Head, despite Delaware roots, really does understand Austin. Normal does not excite us. Give us the bizarre, the weird, the off-centered. Give us off-centered beers served up with off-centered films for off-centered people, and make a festival out of it, and we’re there. This year, the Off-Centered Film Fest is bigger than ever, including four quirky and exciting events spanning April 14th-16th. more ›

The now-ubiquitious Torchy's Tacos, which captured our hearts as a humble trailer giving away free chips and salsa on S. 1st, is expanding their empire with a new location on South Lamar. And to give back to their fans, Torchy's is thanking 78704 with a party featuring the one thing Austinites like best: FREE stuff. more ›

For every specialty showcase presided over by SXSW and its strict badge-holders only policy, about fifteen other events are taking place on the east side and elsewhere, featuring many of the same bands and oftentimes featuring free libations. Both the official and unofficial sides of SXSW have notable advantages and disadvantages, which make for a good chunk of casual conversation during the festival (the rest is taken up with where to find the best and most free beer). What we've compiled here is a list of some of our most worthy hopes for a non-sanctioned SXSW blast during the days and occasionally nights of the coming week. more ›

Tyson Cole is a smart chef. To encourage pre-orders of his new Uchi: the Cookbook, Cole is throwing a VIP book signing on March 1 at Uchiko...with complimentary passed dishes straight from the pages of the new tome. If you're interested, head to uchicookbook.com for more information. The new book retails for $39.95 and was co-authored by Texas Monthly and Fodor's contributor Jessica Dupuy. more ›

While the Jester King Craft Brewery has been providing kegs to local pubs since late October or so, they've kept the brewery closed to the public save for a single Austin Beer Week event in the fall. Most of this was logistical: the road to the brewery hadn't been cut, and the owners were so focused on brewing that the tasting room wasn't ready. Tomorrow, that all changes, as Jester King throws a grand opening at their SW Austin brewery at 13005 Fitzhugh Road (take Highway 290 from the Oak Hill Y.) more ›

This weekend, Dripping Springs residents will have a new watering hole for craft beers. The Barber Shop Brewpub has announced a soft opening starting on Saturday. The tap selection reflects the recent Central Texas craft brew explosion, with two offerings from Jester King, three from Real Ale (including Coffee Porter), and two from Independence. The bar will also serve American craft brew favorites like Sierra Nevada and Deschutes. If patrons need something to do while drinking, darts and a domino table are also close at hand. There is even a custom bar menu done with neighbor The Goodnight Diner to allow bar-goers to order in from down the street. The Barber Shop Brewpub is located at 207 Mercer Street in Dripping Springs, and hours vary by day. Check their website for additional info. more ›

Bryce Gilmore had quite a year in 2010. In December 2009, Gilmore opened The Odd Duck, a South Lamar-based food trailer with the mission of cooking with 100% locally-sourced produce, cheeses, and proteins. He also wisely added the caveat "please keep in mind, this is a trailer." Gilmore's food and philosophy seemed to capture the zeitgeist of a city in the midst of a local and seasonal movement. Lines were long, and reviews were fantastic (Fearless Critic dropped a 9.1 on them.) In the summer, when heat sometimes leaves trailer sales sagging, Gilmore caught a stroke of luck: the trailer was featured during a segment on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations," which sent sales soaring for months to come. The trailer's continued success allowed Gilmore to put together one of his dream projects, a bar with a focus on pork - which came to life last week in the form of Barley Swine on South Lamar.

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• Going to be in Fort Worth over the holidays? Check out this underground-inspired art exhibit!
• Austin’s got a zillion local breweries and brew pubs!
• Remember the Muslim businessman in Houston who was nabbed for selling expired food to US troops in 2006? Here’s the even ickier backstory.

The first time we passed by Antonelli's Cheese Shop was a moment of wonderment. Yes, Central Market has a cheese section bigger than many Austinites' apartments, but the lone cheese section attendant's main responsibility seems to be little more than to set out the tasty samples. more ›