Perfect

Spring time brings mild weather.

Mild weather is perfect for patio dining.

Patio dining is perfect to enjoy a locally breed beer.

Which... perfectly leads into today's image, a fresco of St. Arnold of Metz, the namesake of the local Saint Arnold's Brewery.

See what I did there?? Cheers.

There's No Better Beer Than Free Beer

Last week St. Arnold Brewery founder Brock Wagner pledged FREE BEER to all the Houston Texans players should they win this past weekend’s playoff game against Cincinnati. Well… the scheme worked as the home team won 31-10.

I wonder how many players have taken him up on the offer, and better yet… if he plans on doing it again this weekend as the Texans travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens.

Whatever works!!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

Christmas Ale!!!

As I talked about HERE, Saint Arnold’s Brewery puts out some excellent craft beers, and one of my favorites is their Christmas Ale. Unfortunately, it’s a seasonal brew and will soon be gone until next year, but until then... just like the glass reads:

"Merry Christmas To All... And To All A Good Pint!"

I Might Have Mentioned This Before

I like beer…

and we, as Houstonians, are fortunate enough to have the oldest craft beer brewery in Texas in our midst. St. Arnold’s Brewery has been producing some of my favorite adult beverages for over 17 years. Today’s image is of the entry to their relatively new home, a refurbished 3-story brick warehouse that was originally constructed in 1914. Allowing them to expand their production, the new surroundings also includes a larger beer hall, where one can sample their wares after taking one of their tours.

Cheers!

Griff's

Opened in 1965 by original owner, Michael Griffin, Griff’s has set claim to the title of the oldest surviving sports bar, as well as, the largest St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Houston.

Located in the Montrose area of town it is truly a neighborhood bar with a great local feel. Plus… it’s where I go for the occasional Thursday night trivia contest.

Beer and Burgers Friday

Here in Texas, “icehouses” have become somewhat of a cultural tradition. Basically... they are open air bars with overhead doors that open up to serve patrons ice cold beer on warm summer nights.

Last night however, we experienced a rarity in this part of the country: Freezing overnight temperatures and sleet giving way to today’s image.

At least the locals at Jimmy's Ice House in the Heights don’t have to worry about keeping their beer cold!!!

Beer and Burgers Friday.

Today is a Daily Double.

The Petrol Station not only serves up an excellent burger, but they also have become a haven of craft beer knowledge. As the name states, it’s a converted gas station located in the heart of the Garden Oaks subdivision, but don’t let that fool you. While they might not have hundreds of taps on the wall or beer from across the globe, they offer an incredible rotating selection of craft beers.

I just might have to visit there this evening!!!

Beer and Burgers Friday

For my money? The best burger in town is served here, at The Hupcap Grill. A very small place on the east side of downtown near the court buildings, is has been recognized several times by local publications as serving up a top notch burger.

I'm a simple man... with simple tastes, so I enjoy the basic cheeseburger. It's a fresh hand-formed patty on a homemade toasted bun.

I'm getting hungry.

Beer and Burgers Friday

Crisp cool days...

Patio seating...

Seasonal craft beers...

It doesn't get much better than this. Now is the time of year that my favorite seasonal craft beer, St. Arnold's Christmas Ale, is being served through most local taps.

This day I located myself at the popular Heights area Onion Creek to sample this year's offering.

Creepy, Scary Halloween Post #4

Plus… it’s Beer & Burgers Friday, so I got creative.

I first mentioned La Carafe HERE, and it’s no surprise that Houston’s oldest bar in its oldest commercial building is said to be haunted. Just the dimly lit décor itself makes it easy to believe.
Sounds of children playing on the second floor are fueled by the tales of children killed during one of the building’s fires, and shadowy images seen in the upstairs window are said to be that of Carl, a former bartender.

Some women patrons say they feel an icy hand on their shoulder as they descend the very narrow staircase in the back of the building. Perhaps that gives credence to the story of a New Orleans woman who casually pushed her competition down those very same stairs.

Attempts to “cleanse” the old brick building of its spectral guests have had no effect.

Seems the ghosts like La Carafe just as much as I do.

Beer and Burgers Friday

This is part of the Ring of Honor inside the The Flying Saucer Draft Emporium in downtown. Participants that taste 200 different beers get their names immortalized on a “saucer” and are displayed for all to see.

With well over 250 beers from all over the globe, they are bound to have something for everyone’s taste.

One of these days you’ll see my name on that wall!!

Kelvin Arms

In keeping with yesterday's theme, I give you the Vault Room at Kelvin Arms. A pub located in the Rice Village area, it occupies a former bank building complete with its huge steel vault. A proper pub (in my eyes) with a decent array of beers on tap and an incredible selection of scotch. I always enjoy a place with character and this place does not disappoint.

Oldest Bar in Houston

Today is the kick-off for Houston Beer Week, and what better way to celebrate than with a post of what is considered to be the oldest bar in Houston.

La Carafe is located on the historic Market Square area of downtown Houston. While it is distputed whether it really is the oldest bar, there is no arguing that the building that houses this gem IS the oldest standing commercial building still in use, dating back to 1847. Originally the Kennedy Bakery, some of its first patrons were Civil War soldiers.

Small, creaky, dark and full of history, its an excellent spot for a quick beer or glass of wine. A true classic.