Fredericksburg Craft Breweries You'll Want to Try
Fredericksburg is often celebrated as the heart of Texas wine country, with more than 75 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms scattered across Gillespie County. But there’s another side to the town’s drink scene that deserves just as much attention — its breweries. With deep German roots, it’s no surprise that Fredericksburg has a lineup of brewpubs and taprooms that celebrate the art of beer-making in all its frothy glory.
Everywhere you turn, that heritage shines through. From crisp pilsners to hefeweizens, hop-forward ales to seasonal stouts, Fredericksburg’s breweries pour a little something for everyone. And thanks to the city’s open-container policy, you can grab a cold craft brew and stroll right down Main Street. Now that’s Hill Country hospitality.
During your next stay at Hotel Giles, check out these six breweries in Fredericksburg — all less than 30 minutes from Comfort.
Fredericksburg Brewing Company
Let's start with a classic. Fredericksburg Brewing Company is the oldest operating brewpub in Texas, and it has earned numerous awards over the years for its traditional German-style beers. Inside a restored 1890s building on Main Street, you’ll find brewing equipment on full display and six beers on tap at any given time. Their Peacepipe Pale Ale and Enchanted Rock Red Ale are longtime favorites, while rotating seasonal selections keep things interesting. Pair your pint with a hearty German-inspired meal and then relax in the brewery’s spacious, air-conditioned biergarten.
If you’re looking for a true Bavarian experience, Altstadt Brewery is the place. Fredericksburg’s largest brewery, situated just outside town, adheres to the historic German purity law of 1516, utilizing only four ingredients in its premium German-style beers: hops, barley, yeast, and artesian spring water. Beyond the beer, Altstadt offers live music in the Grand Hall, a free Tractor Museum, and a biergarten with views of rolling Hill Country hills. Grab a seat outdoors to watch the sunset with a crisp lager in hand. You also can take a brewery tour of Altstadt’s copper-plated Rolec brewhouse, led by the brewers, to see firsthand how they craft their award-winning beers, available Thursdays and Fridays at 4 p.m.
A newer face on the scene, Ogle Brewery opened in 2022 as part of the Arch Ray Resort complex. The owners had already operated Fiesta Winery for 10 years before starting this venture. The tap list at Ogle Brewery rotates frequently, but standouts like the Paloma Gose fruited sour and Llano Clouds hefeweizen showcase their creativity. The industrial-chic space is perfect for sipping a flight and sampling the range of handcrafted lagers, stouts, and ales. With a winery, distillery, and restaurant on site, Arch Ray Resort makes it easy to linger a little longer.
This one-of-a-kind spot started with wine-making and expanded into beer, all on the owners’ ranch. The quirky name comes from their family mule, whose overeating inspired the brand’s playful spirit. Today, Fat Ass Ranch is home to both a winery and brewery, along with classic cars, food trucks, and live music on weekends. Take the free tram ride through the vineyard to the brewery, sign up for a guided tour, and taste fun brews like the lighter Ass Kicker Lager or the earthy Lucky Arse Irish Red Ale. Take their 30-minute brewery tour to see how the beers are made and meet the brewmaster. Each tour includes a sampling flight, and you might even taste straight from the tank.
Opened in 2024, Belly Up Brew Pub has quickly become a friendly hangout spot. Alongside artisan bar bites, salads, and sandwiches, they pour a wide variety of brews, from the dry and crisp Honey Badger Blonde to the citrusy Wise Guy Blood Orange Wheat. Cozy and inviting, the indoor space features a U-shaped bar and a small, intimate but lively vibe. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables and yard games, made even more charming at night with string lights. Guests can enjoy live music, trivia nights, and sports games in a fun, energetic atmosphere as they sip on some stellar craft beer.
The newest addition to Fredericksburg’s brewery lineup is Witcher Craft Brewing Company, which held its grand opening in August 2025. This community brewpub gives German biergarten vibes right here in the Texas Hill Country. They offer several house-brewed beers, including a Mexican Lager and seasonal Oktoberfest Märzen — not to mention the seltzers, wine on draft, and a full kitchen. Families will appreciate the dog- and kid-friendly space, complete with a covered porch, turf play area, and live entertainment during busy seasons. Trivia nights, bingo, and even outdoor movies bring a lively, local energy to this new spot.
Let Someone Else Do the Driving
Want to try them all? Local tour companies like Reserve Tours and Kirchman’s Private Tours make it easy. Hop into a luxury bus or SUV and enjoy a customized brewery crawl without the hassle of planning or driving.
If you’re staying with us at Hotel Giles in Comfort, Fredericksburg is just a short drive away and makes for the perfect day trip. While the wineries may get all the attention, the breweries offer a relaxed, flavor-packed way to soak up the town’s German heritage. Raise a glass, take a sip, and discover why Fredericksburg is just as much a beer destination as it is a wine lover’s paradise. Prost!
