Austin
Blue Owl is pretty small and there's not much for kids to do. The beers look funny and colorful, but it's kind of boring for us.
Blue Owl Brewing in East Austin has carved out a unique niche in the craft beer world by specializing in sour-mashed beers. Founded in 2015, this brewery makes approachable, sessionable sours that appeal to both sour beer enthusiasts and newcomers to the style.
For families, Blue Owl offers a small but charming outdoor seating area. There's no playground, and the space is more compact than the sprawling Hill Country breweries, so it's not ideal for families with very active kids who need room to run. That said, kids are welcome, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
The taproom interior is vibrant and creative, with playful decor that matches the brewery's innovative approach to beer. Blue Owl's beers are unique—the Little Boss sour session wheat and Spirit Animal sour pale ale are local favorites. For something more adventurous, try the Professor Black sour cherry stout.
Blue Owl occasionally hosts family-friendly events and offers tours of their brewing process for those interested in learning about kettle souring. Food trucks visit regularly.
This is more of an adult-focused brewery that welcomes kids rather than a family destination. If you're in East Austin and want to introduce someone to sour beers in a friendly environment, Blue Owl is worth a stop—just don't expect a lot for the kids to do.