Second Helpings: Brewpubs

Bitter End Bistro & Brewery

311 Colorado, 478-2337 Monday, 11:30am-1am; Tuesday-Friday, 11:30am-2am; Saturday, 5pm-2am; Sunday, 5pm-1am
This award-winning brewpub just celebrated its 10-year anniversary and has 25 special brews served throughout the year. With four staples on tap in addition to the seasonal beers and ales, their choices will please the occasional beer drinker as well as the seasoned hops expert. Chef Reggie Ferguson's eclectic, upscale pub grub is arguably the best in the city and the perfect complement to brewmeister Tim Schwartz's award-winning brews.

Draught House Pub & Brewery

4112 Medical Pkwy., 452-6258 Monday-Thursday, 5pm-2am; Friday-Sunday, 3pm-2am
The Draught House has been a neighborhood beer bar in the Medical Parkway area for decades. They serve 60 different beers in addition to their house brands. By having so many beers available, it gives brewer Josh Wilson the flexibility to experiment and produce beers available only at the Draught House. They have experimented with some 19th-century beer recipes from England and have the perfect English ale on tap.

Lovejoy's

604 Neches, 477-1268 Daily, 4pm-2am
Despite having a full bar, the draw to Lovejoy's is their selection of close to 100 beers and ales, many of which are hard to find in Texas. On tap are five brews that change throughout the seasons. The Dennis Hopper IPA and Samson's Pale Ale are favorites. The space is small but has two stocked bars to serve draughts.

North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery

10010 Capital of TX Hwy., 467-6969 Monday-Thursday, 11am-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-12mid; Sunday, 11am-10pm
Across 183 from the Arboretum is North Austin's popular brewery, NXNW, or North by Northwest. Here they serve five in-house brews that range from light to dark as well as a seasonal choice. They have a fabulous menu to boot and are the perfect place to dine and partake in some of the best locally made beers and ales. Sample all six varieties for only $3.95, or take some to go for dinner or a party.

Copper Tank Brewing Co.

504 Trinity, 478-8444 Tuesday, 8pm-2am; Wednesday-Friday, 4pm-2am; Saturday, 8pm-2am; Sunday-Monday, closed
Friday and Saturday nights find this place packed with your usual Sixth Street crowd or Greek mixer event. The space is huge, so it's easy to find a little space if necessary – but the crowd is part of the fun at Copper Tank. They serve a typical range of house brews from Copper Lite to Firehouse Stout. The Copper Tank supplements its wide array of beers with a menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and personal pizzas.