The vibrant city of Dallas has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, evolving into a modern tech hub while preserving its rich southern heritage. Beyond being home to famous sports teams, Dallas now boasts an impressive craft beer scene that rivals any other major city in the United States. This burgeoning industry showcases the city's ability to blend tradition with innovation, offering visitors and locals alike a diverse range of artisanal brews.
The North Texas region first made its mark on the craft beer world in 2004 with the establishment of Rahr & Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth. Since then, the number of breweries has steadily grown, reaching a peak of seventeen new openings in 2019 alone. Today, Dallas is home to over sixty breweries, each specializing in unique styles from rich dessert stouts to sought-after hazy IPAs. The local brewing community continues to thrive, proving that Texas craft beer is here to stay.
Among these establishments, several stand out for their creativity and quality. Celestial Beerworks, founded by a former art teacher and her husband, combines elements of art, science, and space in its offerings. Their taproom features an array of hoppy and hazy beers, including the ultra-smooth Double Stars double NEIPA, which has garnered praise for its tropical fruitiness and balanced flavor. Meanwhile, False Idol Brewing, despite opening during the pandemic, has carved out a niche with its Mexican lager and hefeweizen, as well as experimental collaborations like Perpetual Contortion, a barleywine aged in whiskey barrels with notes of sweet cherry and toffee pudding.
Other notable breweries include Turning Point Beer, known for its exceptional NEIPAs, and 903 Brewers, synonymous with decadent stouts inspired by popular desserts. Outfit Brewing, hidden off I-35, offers a mix of milk stouts and hazy IPAs, while Vector Brewing stands out for its use of local ingredients and diverse styles. Peticolas Brewing Company has earned numerous awards for its wide range of beers, and Manhattan Project Beer Co. blends old-world techniques with new-world flavors. Lastly, Smittox Brewing, set to open soon, promises an intimate space celebrating music and craft beer.
This flourishing craft beer scene in Dallas not only enhances the city's cultural landscape but also fosters a sense of community and innovation. Each brewery contributes uniquely to the local economy and social fabric, demonstrating the power of passion and creativity. As more breweries continue to emerge, Dallas solidifies its position as a leading destination for beer enthusiasts, proving that everything really is bigger—and better—in Texas.