If you love sampling inventive stouts, seasonal sours, and crisp lagers, you’re in luck…the area around Southlake is bursting with distinctive breweries that go way beyond ordinary bar fare. From family-friendly patios dotted with food trucks to taprooms pouring bold, small-batch creations, there’s a spot for every beer lover nearby.
Let’s get to it.
Malai Kitchen
At Malai Kitchen in Southlake, the on-site nano-brewery crafts Asian-style beers you won’t find elsewhere. The expanded brew room behind the kitchen gives brewers room to experiment. They use the same fresh herbs and spices from their dishes to flavor the beers.
Six taps flow constantly with five staples and one rotating seasonal. The core lineup includes an IPA, Vietnamese lager, pale wheat, pilsner, and porter. The standout, Thai PA IPA, blends lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and five American hops. That combination balances big, bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Seasonal releases take creativity further. A recent mango guava Kölsch highlights tropical sweetness, while a farmhouse braggot brewed with Texas honey and bee pollen adds depth and subtle spice. Each beer highlights ingredients that also appear in menu items.
Food pairings are straightforward: curries, rice bowls, and noodle dishes match the spice profile of the beers. This approach turns a meal into a cohesive tasting adventure rather than simply a drink alongside dinner. Malai Kitchen’s focus on shared ingredients sets it apart from typical Thai and Vietnamese restaurants.
Keyworth Brewing Company
Keyworth Brewing Company in North Richland Hills creates a community hub around craft beer and friendly competition. A sprawling patio under string lights stretches out to Davis Boulevard. Bike racks and picnic tables invite guests to linger. Hammock chairs add a playful touch.
Inside, a kids’ corner and bookshelves full of board games offer entertainment for all ages. The taproom features 11 rotating taps, intentionally diverse to avoid an IPA overload. Selections range from Daughters Tears Strife stout to Cherry Bomb sour, Mexican lagers, German bocks, and American cherry wheat.
Cornhole boards sit ready for impromptu tournaments and live music nights fill the schedule. Trivia fights use brainteasers instead of pop culture bits. Puzzle races and vendor popups keep events fresh. The beer garden welcomes dogs with water bowls and treats on standby.
By focusing on variety, genuine Texas hospitality, and family-friendly fun, Keyworth has built a loyal following. It feels less like a bar and more like a neighborhood gathering spot where good beer and good company go hand in hand.
False Idol Brewing
In North Richland Hills, False Idol Brewing blends Norse-inspired decor with a friendly craft scene. Giant wolf murals and husky motifs line the walls. Their mascot huskies appear on can labels and merchandise. The 10-barrel brewhouse produces a steady flow of new beers.
Juicy NEIPAs like Side Hustlin’ and Trustfund Baby Strawberry Milkshake pop up regularly. The Jam Session DIPA clocks in at 8.2% ABV for those seeking a stronger hop punch. Their stout lineup is equally inventive: the French Toast Imperial Stout layers maple syrup and cinnamon, while occasional specialties include carrot-cake imperial stouts reaching 17% ABV.
Lighter options arrive as seasonal fruited Berliner Weisses. The brewery hosts themed release nights for each new batch, drawing crowds with music and special setups. Kids and dogs roam freely around communal tables. Family groups mingle with beer enthusiasts, keeping the atmosphere welcoming.
Winning the Texas Craft Brewers Brewery of the Year award raised expectations, but False Idol meets them with bold flavors, playful designs, and a down-to-earth taproom.
Turning Point Beer
At Turning Point Beer in Bedford, the focus is on hazy New England style IPAs and bold barrel-aged stouts. As the first local brewery to embrace the hazy trend, they keep several rotating IPAs on tap at once. Small-batch creations arrive weekly under quirky names like Johnny Karate or Breakfast Cereal Stout.
Their barrel-aged stout program releases a new flavor each month. Past editions include a Cinnamon Toast Crunch stout and a pecan brownie variant at nearly 15% ABV. These dessert-style stouts pack intense flavors and substantial strength.
The taproom has a lively, laid-back vibe. Trivia nights and cornhole games fill the schedule, while large-screen TVs show sports. Food trucks line up outside and the occasional Detroit-style pizza appears. Shelves hold board games and both kids and dogs roam freely.
Across from the bar you’ll spot a massive barrel wall, a bold centerpiece. With creative brews, rotating events, and casual seating, Turning Point delivers the mix of experimentation and neighborhood-brewery comforts that keep fans returning.
Hop and Sting Brewing Company
Hop and Sting Brewing Company in Grapevine combines craft brewing with backyard charm. In-house brews range from a crisp Monarch American Lager to Frigid Underworld Imperial Stout, known for its heavy body. Seasonal stouts often feature maple infusion, and creative releases like Red Velvet Cookie Ale add playful variety.
A spacious beer garden wraps around the patio. Picnic tables, string lights, and shaded areas create a backyard feel. Dogs roam on leashes, enjoy water bowls, and grab occasional treats at the welcome station. Kids sip from complimentary sodas and iced tea before heading off to the board games.
Events range from live music and trivia to bike rides and yoga sessions with punny names like Bend & Brew. Local food trucks park outside, occasionally offering Texas barbecue for beer pairings. Weekly rotation ensures you might find a Dunkelweizen, Märzen, juicy IPA, or a summer-style gose on tap.
Hop and Sting’s blend of well-crafted beers, outdoor space, and family-friendly activities has earned multiple “Best Brewery in DFW” nods. It feels more inviting than many traditional taprooms.
