Craft Beer Quest: Discovering Breweries Near Eastland, Texas
In the heart of rural Texas, about 100 miles west of Fort Worth, lies the small but historic town of Eastland. While this charming community might not be the first place that comes to mind as a craft beer destination, the surrounding region has developed a surprisingly vibrant brewing scene worth exploring. For beer enthusiasts traveling through this part of Texas, there are several notable breweries within driving distance that offer distinctive flavors and experiences reflective of the area’s independent spirit.
Red Gap Brewing Company - Cisco
Just 10 miles west of Eastland sits the town of Cisco, home to Red Gap Brewing Company, which has become a cornerstone of the area’s craft beer revival. Named after the pioneer wagon camp that existed in the late 1870s before Cisco was established, this brewery embraces the region’s rich history while creating forward-thinking craft beers.
Red Gap’s tasting room typically offers eight different craft beers, ranging from their popular pale ale called “The General” to their rich “Big Dam Porter” – named after the dam that created Lake Cisco in the 1920s. The brewery was founded by Ryan DeKok and Jason Mahon, who chose Cisco as their location rather than joining the crowded craft beer scene in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
What makes Red Gap special is not just their beer but their commitment to the community. Since opening their doors, they’ve become an integral part of Cisco’s revitalization, creating a destination for both locals and travelers passing through on Interstate 20.
Muddy Mike's - Cisco
While not a traditional brewery, no discussion of Cisco’s vibrant drinking and entertainment scene would be complete without mentioning Muddy Mike’s Bar & Grill. Located at the intersection of Conrad Hilton Boulevard and W. 10th Street in downtown Cisco, this sprawling venue has quickly become one of the area’s most popular hangouts since opening in 2023.
Owned by Mike and Jackie Belk, Muddy Mike’s offers an impressive selection of beers alongside great food and live music. The venue features multiple areas including a restaurant section, bar area, bandstand, and comfortable lounge spaces with sofas perfect for socializing. One of its most distinctive features is the row of windows that open like garage doors, creating an open-air atmosphere during pleasant weather.
Muddy Mike’s has gained a reputation as a premier live music destination in the region, often hosting bands from as far away as Austin and Houston. With a spacious dance floor, pool tables, dartboards, and even a cigar patio, it provides entertainment options for everyone. The venue routinely draws large crowds for special events and has become, as the Cisco Development Corporation describes it, “a huge magnet” for the community.
Pioneer Tap House - Brownwood
About 49 miles south of Eastland in Brownwood, you’ll find Pioneer Tap House. While not a brewery itself, this tap house is a craft beer lover’s paradise with 31 rotating taps featuring Texas’ finest craft beers. Opened in July 2019 by Micah and Ashley Jaynes, Pioneer Tap House quickly became a community favorite.
The family-friendly establishment offers a comfortable, relaxed environment to sample a wide variety of Texas craft brews alongside local wines and craft sodas. Their food menu includes pizza, sandwiches, and appetizers that pair perfectly with their beer selection. The modern decor combined with a cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring Brown County.
Pioneer Tap House often features beers from nearby breweries, allowing visitors to sample the best of what the region has to offer without having to drive to multiple locations.
Worth the Drive: Abilene's Craft Beer Scene
About 45 miles west of Eastland sits Abilene, a city that has developed its own thriving craft beer culture. While the city’s brewing landscape has seen some changes in recent years, it continues to offer several outstanding options for beer enthusiasts:
Grain Theory occupies 5,000 square feet on the second floor of the Motis Building in downtown Abilene. This community-focused brewery offers not just great beer but also features a coffee bar and kitchen in an industrial-chic setting with a wraparound balcony providing outdoor seating. Founded by three award-winning homebrewers who met at the local homebrewing club, Grain Theory has become a cornerstone of Abilene’s craft beer revival.
SunnHaus Brewing Project is a veteran-owned farmhouse-style nano brewery located just outside Abilene in the Potosi area. This cozy establishment offers a comfortable taproom, brewery seating, and a beer garden where visitors can enjoy hand-crafted beers modeled after European farmhouse brewing traditions. Beyond beer, they serve wine, beer cocktails, and popular food items like giant pretzels and charcuterie. SunnHaus is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, pet-friendly policy, and popular Thursday night trivia events.
Primal Brewing Company brings unique flavor innovations to the Abilene beer scene. While newer to the area, having expanded from Brownwood, they’ve made a name for themselves with creative offerings like peanut butter banana stout, caramel white chocolate, and mocha flavors that push the boundaries of traditional brewing.
The Growth of Craft Beer in Rural Texas
The emergence of these breweries represents something larger than just new places to grab a drink. They symbolize the changing landscape of rural Texas communities that are finding new economic opportunities through craft beverage tourism. The Texas Craft Brewers Guild launched their “Brew City, Texas Program” in 2024 to promote craft beer-generated economic development and tourism across the state, recognizing that the craft beer industry contributes approximately $4.5 billion annually to the Texas economy.
For small towns like Cisco and Eastland, breweries offer more than just locally-made beer – they provide gathering spaces that strengthen community bonds while attracting visitors who might otherwise pass through without stopping.
Plan Your Brewery Tour
If you’re planning a brewery tour around Eastland, consider making it a weekend trip to fully enjoy what each establishment has to offer. Cisco is an easy 10-mile drive west of Eastland along I-20, while Brownwood lies about an hour south. For accommodations, you can find budget motels along I-20 or explore lodging options in nearby towns.
The best way to experience these breweries is to take your time, chat with the locals, and learn about the stories behind each beer. Many of these establishments were founded by people with deep connections to their communities, and their passion shows in both their products and their hospitality.
Whether you’re a dedicated craft beer aficionado or simply someone who appreciates local culture and flavors, the breweries near Eastland offer a taste of authentic Texas that goes well beyond what you might expect from this rural region. So next time you’re traveling through this part of the Lone Star State, be sure to stop and raise a glass to the independent brewers who are crafting community, one pint at a time.
