Waco, Texas, has developed a reputation as a laid-back yet culturally rich Central Texas destination. Known for its history, collegiate spirit, and downtown revival, Waco is also a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. With a growing number of local breweries offering unique styles, creative flavors, and unforgettable atmospheres, Waco has quickly earned its place on the Texas craft beer map.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavors or a visitor in search of a cold pint, these top-rated, currently operating Waco breweries deliver quality, community, and character—one glass at a time.
Pivovar Czech Brewery
A cornerstone of downtown Waco’s beer culture, Pivovar Czech Brewery blends old-world European traditions with modern Texas hospitality. Located next to the historic Magnolia Silos, this Czech-inspired brewery offers more than just beer—it’s an experience. Their taproom features authentic Czech side-pull taps for creamy pours, and flagship beers like their Pilsner and Vienna Lager are local favorites.
Pivovar also features a hotel, restaurant, bakery, rooftop beer garden, and a beer spa, where guests can relax in warm brews infused with hops and barley. If you're looking for an immersive cultural and culinary escape, Pivovar is a must-visit.
Pivovar also features a hotel, restaurant, bakery, rooftop beer garden, and a beer spa, where guests can relax in warm brews infused with hops and barley. If you're looking for an immersive cultural and culinary escape, Pivovar is a must-visit.
Bare Arms Brewing
As Waco’s first microbrewery, Bare Arms Brewing helped ignite the city’s craft beer scene back in 2015. Their no-frills taproom exudes authenticity and community spirit, with regulars drawn to staples like the Java Joule Coffee Porter, IPAckin Heat IPA, and Bluffview Blonde.
Bare Arms is known for live trivia nights, small batch experimental brews, and a loyal base of locals who treat the taproom like a second home. Their rotating taps make every visit a little different, while their commitment to quality keeps people coming back.
Bare Arms is known for live trivia nights, small batch experimental brews, and a loyal base of locals who treat the taproom like a second home. Their rotating taps make every visit a little different, while their commitment to quality keeps people coming back.
Southern Roots Brewing Company
Southern Roots Brewing Company combines Waco charm with creative culinary offerings. Their inviting taproom and beer garden are family- and pet-friendly, with a menu that includes handcrafted pizzas, appetizers, and even seasonal desserts to pair with your favorite brews.
Fan-favorite beers include the Highland Amber, Brazos Blonde, and the Yard Sale Pale Ale. The brewery often hosts live music, trivia, paint nights, and more—making it a popular hangout for Baylor students, families, and craft beer fans alike.
Fan-favorite beers include the Highland Amber, Brazos Blonde, and the Yard Sale Pale Ale. The brewery often hosts live music, trivia, paint nights, and more—making it a popular hangout for Baylor students, families, and craft beer fans alike.
Waco Ale Company
A more recent addition to the downtown brewery scene, Waco Ale Company brings innovation and energy to Franklin Avenue. Their small-batch brews showcase a bold, experimental spirit, with creative options like grapefruit pale ales and tropical IPAs appearing on rotation.
Waco Ale Company has big plans for expansion, including future additions like pickleball courts, rooftop hangouts, and regular live music events. Their intimate indoor-outdoor taproom setup is ideal for socializing with friends and sampling something new on tap every week.
Waco Ale Company has big plans for expansion, including future additions like pickleball courts, rooftop hangouts, and regular live music events. Their intimate indoor-outdoor taproom setup is ideal for socializing with friends and sampling something new on tap every week.
Brotherwell Brewing
Brotherwell Brewing is not only about great beer—it’s about community. Located on Bridge Street just east of downtown, Brotherwell offers a rustic industrial taproom with a wide, tree-shaded beer garden. Their beers span a range of styles, from the crisp Incredibeer Kolsch to the Shelter in Haze IPA and the seasonal Pecos Porter.
Brotherwell actively supports local nonprofits, art shows, fitness meetups, and food truck rallies. They also host a weekend “Bridge Street Farmers Market” featuring local vendors and makers. It’s more than a brewery—it’s a neighborhood gathering place.
Brotherwell actively supports local nonprofits, art shows, fitness meetups, and food truck rallies. They also host a weekend “Bridge Street Farmers Market” featuring local vendors and makers. It’s more than a brewery—it’s a neighborhood gathering place.
Balcones Brewing (inside Balcones Distillery)
Though Balcones is world-famous for its award-winning whiskey, the distillery also offers limited-run, small-batch beers available only on-site. Visitors to their tasting room can sample unique, whiskey-barrel-aged brews that showcase the brand’s commitment to depth and complexity.
This is the spot to try something truly different—like a stout aged in a single malt barrel or a brew infused with flavors found in their rye or rum spirits. It's a unique experience that bridges beer and spirits in one historic Waco location.
This is the spot to try something truly different—like a stout aged in a single malt barrel or a brew infused with flavors found in their rye or rum spirits. It's a unique experience that bridges beer and spirits in one historic Waco location.
Honorable Mentions and Craft Beer Spots
While these breweries are top destinations for fresh craft beer in Waco, other local establishments also serve impressive Texas beers and host rotating taps from around the state.
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Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits: A stylish downtown hangout offering craft beer alongside cocktails and artisan coffee.
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Slow Rise Slice House: A pizza joint with a rotating selection of local brews and an outdoor patio overlooking the Brazos River.
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Dancing Bear Pub: An excellent bar for craft beer lovers, with a strong focus on Texas breweries and rare seasonal selections.
Create Your Own Waco Brewery Tour
Want to make a day of it? Here’s a sample self-guided brewery crawl through Waco:
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Start at Brotherwell Brewing with a mid-afternoon flight and snack from a local food truck.
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Walk or drive to Waco Ale Company downtown and enjoy a light ale or fruited sour.
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Grab dinner and a pint at Southern Roots Brewing, pairing one of their pizzas with a seasonal stout.
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Cap off the evening at Bare Arms Brewing, catching a local band or trivia night while sipping your favorite hop-forward brew.
Most of Waco’s breweries are within a short drive or Uber ride of each other, and many offer shaded patios, live music, or food options—making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon or weekend adventure.
Beer and Food Pairing Tips for Waco Brews
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Light Lagers or Kolsch: Pair with fish tacos, pretzels, or citrus salads.
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Amber Ales: Ideal with roasted chicken, pork sliders, or BBQ.
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IPAs: Cut through spicy dishes, fried chicken, or blue cheese.
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Porters and Stouts: Best with rich chocolate desserts, ribs, or smoked brisket.
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Sours or Fruit Ales: Complement summer salads, goat cheese, or cheesecake.
Thinking About Calling Waco Home? Let Jacob Sloan Help You Settle In
Waco’s brewery scene is a great reflection of the city itself: relaxed, friendly, and full of character. For those considering a move to Waco, finding the right neighborhood near your favorite taproom—or with room to entertain at home—is key.
Jacob Sloan is a local real estate expert who understands what makes each corner of Waco unique. Whether you’re looking for a walkable downtown condo, a family home near Baylor, or a property with backyard space for weekend gatherings, Jacob can guide you to the right fit.
Let Jacob Sloan help you raise a glass to your next chapter in Waco, TX. Cheers to great beer and even better living.
Jacob Sloan is a local real estate expert who understands what makes each corner of Waco unique. Whether you’re looking for a walkable downtown condo, a family home near Baylor, or a property with backyard space for weekend gatherings, Jacob can guide you to the right fit.
Let Jacob Sloan help you raise a glass to your next chapter in Waco, TX. Cheers to great beer and even better living.
