Beer Town Austin

For a guy who spends more money on beer than I’d like to admit, I frequently feel buyer’s remorse for many of my other purchases. I’ll spend way too much time “surfing the web” (if that’s what they still call it) researching a recent buy to confirm my decision or go into a small panic attack when dropping some more serious money. While the latter may be the extreme circumstance, I admit I sometimes feel a little guilt spending more money on a few beers to accompany a meal out when I have an (overly) full fridge at home.

Subsequently, BYOB can be a great and often overlooked option. It clears room in the fridge (resulting in a need to restock!), saves a few bucks and leaves you an endless list of possibilities of what to drink. I am sure there are a plethora of fine BYOB establishments in the Austin area, but I am lucky to have two of my favorites just a short walk, ride or drive from home.

The Little Deli & Pizzeria has been a sandwich shop staple in the Crestview neighborhood for nearly two decades, but in 2009 new owner Tony Villani stepped up the game with a new pizza oven. The space is small inside, but outside is a great shade tree with ample seating. Just order your pie (the #7 was great) and head to the picnic table with a six-pack and set up shop. Tony, the friendly owner, will happily offer you a bucket of ice if needed, along with taking care of your every need (including tips on how to reheat those leftovers).

Forgot to grab the beer on the way out? Just walk across the parking lot to the Crestview Minimax and hit up their recently added walk-in “beer cave.” (Their words, not mine. I hate caves, especially “man caves.”) Nothing in there will blow you away, but you’re sure to find something, from Lone Star to Real Ale to Stone to select bombers and more. (Note: Sadly, Little Deli is not open on Saturday nights… hopefully that will change this spring)

Just south of there on Burnet at 45^th is La Cocina de Consuela, a great little homemade Mexican food place located in an old house. The seating here is even more limited (no more than seven to eight tables between inside and out, most just for parties of two) but it adds to the atmosphere. The patio can be dark, desolate and almost forgotten, but for me it is a great place to relax, pop open a beer (my wife seems to enjoy taking the home brew here, thus fully encompassing the “bring YOUR own beer” philosophy) and enjoy a meal undisturbed. The menu is small but delicious. I personally have a hard time straying from the chipotle potato enchiladas (they aren’t as hot as owner Connie warns), but I’ve vowed to try the highly recommended Friday special of salmon enchiladas next time.

Most customers seem unaware of the BYOB policy the first time as we’ve received a few looks when we start pulling stuff out of the lunch tote (perfect for two beers each between you and your date – yes, I try unsuccessfully to pass this off as a date to the wife). The staff is welcoming and the food fresh. The fact you can enjoy something besides a Corona or Dos XX is just the icing on the cake (or should I say the head on the pint…).

So, there you have it. One man’s take on two great little BYOB options in one small pocket of Austin. But, it does raise the question, where do you like you bring your own beer? Let us know in the comments section below (or feel free to tell me what bad taste I have!).

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