Local beer has deep roots in New Braunfels. After all, brewing is a tradition that the city’s German settlers brought with them when they founded the city in 1845. Today, that heritage is kept alive through the city’s vibrant, unique craft breweries.
While beer has been a part of local life ever since those early days, local breweries offer more than just great-tasting beer. Just as important is the sense of community that craft breweries bring to New Braunfels.
That idea of creating a place for people to gather and connect inspired Jacklyn Hebert to take the helm at New Braunfels Brewing Co. in 2021.
After spending several years with her husband and two sons in England and Scotland, Hebert fell in love with the British pub tradition—places where families mingle, children play on village greens, and neighbors connect over a pint.
“It was actually very family-friendly,” she recalled. “I love that kind of culture of going to the same pub, knowing the same people, everybody knowing each other.” When she returned to Texas with her family and saw New Braunfels Brewing Co. was for sale, Hebert decided to take the leap.
“We try to make really good beers that are interesting, but more important for me personally, it’s the community and culture of the place,” she said.
The brewery enjoys a prime location in downtown New Braunfels next door to the beloved Got Toys toy shop and across the street from McAdoo’s Seafood Company and 2tarts Bakery. That makes it easy for visitors to find, but also attracts a loyal following of locals.
“We have amazing regulars,” she said. “I like to think our beer is really unique and very craft. But also people are coming for the environment and the camaraderie we have here.”
The previous owners focused primarily on sour beers. Working with brewmaster David Jones, Hebert has taken the brewery in a new direction, expanding the menu to include a variety of beer styles. Many of the selections are inspired by Hebert’s beloved British pubs. An Irish red ale is regularly on tap, as are a selection of IPAs and an English-style cream ale, served on nitro for a smooth, velvety finish.
The brewery also experiments with different styles and ingredients for its rotating seasonal selection. In a tribute to her Latin roots, Hebert asked Jones to create the Mangonada, a fruit beer infused with mango and served with Tajin on the rim of the glass.
Hebert is particularly proud of the brewery’s signature stout, which is crafted with locally roasted coffee beans.
“I’ve had Guiness in Ireland, poured on draft at the factory, and I’m telling you, ours is better,” Hebert said. “I like to stick Bluebell ice cream in it like a float. It’s one of my favorite things.”
Although the vibe is inspired by the pubs of Britain, Hebert also embraces local history. She originally planned a different concept and name for the brewery, but when she learned that “New Braunfels Brewing Co.” was the name of one of the city’s original breweries, she opted to preserve the legacy.
“I love having the history of that old, pre-Prohibition past,” she said.
Other local breweries are also keeping the city’s brewing heritage alive and well, including the Faust Brewing Company, which produces classic German and English style beers with an American twist. The Faust offers year-round selections, seasonal varieties and small batch creations, and also offers food and a full bar.
The Guadalupe Brewing Co. is top-rated brewery featuring 32 beers on tap and a pizza kitchen making fresh food on site. They specialize in full-flavored, well-balanced and approachable craft beer with the use of natural ingredients.
Just outside the city, 5 Stones Artisan Brewery offers a more rustic experience on its 19-acre site on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. Their innovative brews include their signature Aloha Piña, a golden ale with fresh pineapples and roasted jalapenos.
At Krause’s Biergarten and Café, established in 1959, an enormous tap wall dispenses more than 80 beers from Germany, Texas and many places in between. Grab a pint and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional German beer hall and garden.
So come thirsty on your next adventure to #VisitNBTX and experience good beer, friendly vibes and the unique atmosphere each of the city’s craft breweries offer. Go to visitnbtx.com to learn about the city’s craft breweries, dining, accommodations, attractions, shopping and more.
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