Dallas Breweries and Watering Holes: What’s out there for the true brew connoisseur?

Let’s see, Dallas Cowboy game—check! Nice salty snack to munch on while watching the game—check! A glass of …Bud? Whoa, not going to work here.

After traveling extensively among Germany’s breweries last summer, you got bit by the brew bug and as a consequence of that European Ale experience it turned you into a bit of a beer snob, right? It’s hard to admit, being a Texas-raised, red-blooded American, but that light beer of your college days just doesn’t seem to have the same appeal that it did back when you and your fraternity brothers clinked glasses. Today, your beer has to have a bit of a bite to it; rich, hearty, full-bodied, little hints of vine-ripened fruits followed by a savory, nutty aftertaste. Wow, what has happened to you? Yep, your palate has finally grown up and matured and what’s more, that wishy-washy beer just won’t cut it anymore. Where to go to watch your Cowboys and enjoy an intense and flavorful ale?

Here are four Dallas places that you should keep on your short list:
• Deep Ellum: They’re speaking your language here, namely homegrown American hops. To those who don’t know the difference, you quickly step in and inform them of why our uniquely northwestern crop simply creates that quintessential masterpiece. Stop by to sample brews that will send that tongue of yours on a fully-paid vacation to some exotic locale; vanilla, citrus, pine and floral make a welcomed visit to quench that oh-so refined thirst of yours.
• The Old Monk: Who wouldn’t want to come partake in a little libation celebration with a name like this? Even better than the monastic moniker? The beer selections….good thing you won’t have to take any vows of silence or chastity, you’re free to explore the many flavors with full exuberance, just be careful you leave with your hair fully intact, not with the Tim Tebow monk-do.
• The Idle Rich: Great name, no wonder, they also own The Old Monk. If you’re wanting to sit at the crossroads of modern flavors and Old World elegance, then here’s raising a glass to your new favorite haunt. There will be no lack of draughts, ales and old standby’s like tan and black, hard cider. You’ll be in beer heaven here.
• Humperdinks Restaurant and Brewery: Want to enjoy pub fare and a fine microbrew to wash it down with, then take a chair and sit a spell. Located in Dallas, Humperdinks offers their patrons the full microbrew experience; using a blend of English, German and American hops they create ales that reflect the current seasons. Before summer ends, come in and sink your lips on a Texas Blonde or a Raspberry Blonde, no not your waitress, but one of the many ales on tap. Lucky for you, they even have a food match to work with your brew selections; and to think you used to roll your eyes about wine tasters and their elusive noses, now you inhale that earthy-brewed aroma and choose your meal to enhance your ale experience.
Ahh! You’ve got everything now….Cowboys Football and a little snack to enjoy while you sip and savor that flavorful ale. Life’s good. Now, if the Cowboys could just make it into the playoffs….why, it’d be even better!

Shane Hobbs asked to contribute to the Hatch, so we let him. He’s also the owner of Dalworth Rug Cleaning, a Dallas based textile cleaning company.