Whether you’re a discerning oenophile or a craft-beer connoisseur on the hunt for your next favorite brew, these three local breweries offer a unique blend of ambiance, innovation, and unforgettable flavors. From scenic biergartens to artisan experiments, each offers its own refreshing twist on the art of brewing. Here’s what sets them apart and, more importantly, why they deserve a spot on your social calendar.
Southern Star Brewing
3525 N. Frazier Street, Conroe
Founded in 2008 in Conroe, Southern Star Brewing made history as the first brewery in Texas to can its craft beer. By 2016, booming popularity allowed them to expand into a custom-built facility set on more than 13 acres of wooded land. Their taproom affords sweeping views of the production brewhouse, while the new outdoor patio features wooden beams, open-air design, and ample seating—a perfect gather-and-sip venue. The brewery offers a diverse lineup of craft beers. Their flagship brews include the Bombshell Blonde, an American blonde ale; the Pine Belt Pale Ale; and the Buried Hatchet, a strong American stout. Open Friday through Sunday with a biergarten and live-music stage, it’s ideal for everything from casual hangouts to weekend escapes that savor both sunshine and suds.
Mad Llama Brewing
22131 Rothwood Road, Spring
Born from “sibling-in-law chemistry,” Mad Llama began as a garage hobby between Stephen Daulong and Arrian Brantley. Years of home-brewing led to perfected recipes now beloved by fans and envied by fellow brewmasters. The atmosphere at Mad Llama is warm and playful—think bingo, trivia, and steak nights, all flowing from 12 thoughtfully curated brews on tap. You can choose from Honey Llama Lager, Triple Llama, Llama Hazy Nug IPA, Llama Double Elder (double IPA), to name a few. For the “baby Llamas” in the family, a craft root beer is also on tap. Pair those pints with rotating food trucks, and you’ve got a lively, laid-back outing that feels both personal and festive. Located in Spring, it’s the kind of quirky, community-minded gem that turns simple plans into fond memories.
B52 Brewing
12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe
Set amid a tranquil forest near Lake Conroe, B52 Brewing occupies a three-acre shaded beer garden with an equally inviting climate-controlled taproom. They boast nearly 20 house-brewed beers on tap—from effervescent lagers and bold stouts to inventive fruited sours—plus a generous rotation of wine, cider, and mead. Pet and family-friendly, B52 keeps things fresh with daily food-truck collaborations, public events, and the option to host gatherings like birthdays or rehearsal dinners. It’s an elegant yet relaxed destination where creativity, quality, and hospitality come together under the Texas sky.