Frothing at the Mouth: DFW-area Craft Brewery Landscape Has Experienced Dramatic Growth During Past Two Years

What’s Brewing in Dallas

The craft beer scene in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is experiencing a robust surge —given that the majority of brewery locations are classified as industrial space, the growth in this segment is particularly noteworthy for the commercial real estate industry. According to the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, the DFW area hosts nearly 200 craft breweries, establishing itself as one of the most dynamic craft beer landscapes in the country.

Among the most highly-regarded in the area are Celestial Beerworks, whose hoppy and juicy Hazy Double IPAs, mouth-puckering American Wild Ales, and rich and decadent Imperial Stouts have garnered both local and national acclaim and are largely responsible for the brewery’s Dallas-leading (and #2 ranking in all of Texas) 4.12 aggregate rating on the popular craft beer check-in app Untappd. The 2nd-

highest in DFW is Bedford’s Turning Point Beer (which is right behind Celestial in Untappd’s statewide rankings at #3). Rounding out the top three highest-rated Dallas-area breweries is North Richland Hills’ False Idol Brewing.
Of late, the DFW craft beer community has witnessed a remarkable influx of new establishments. From 2022 to 2023, more than 20 new breweries opened their taps, and this upward trend is anticipated to persist over the near term. Several factors contribute to this flourishing growth:

Growing Consumer Interest in Craft Beer

The increasing enthusiasm for craft beer among consumers is a key driver behind the expansion of the microbrewery scene in DFW. As patrons seek unique and locally crafted beverages, microbreweries are capitalizing on this demand.

Rise in Support for Local and Independent Businesses

Austin, renowned as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” attracts tourists and music enthusiasts from all corners. The city’s vibrant music scene, arts, and culture communities make it a hub for creative exploration.

Affordable Brewing Equipment and Technology

The accessibility of more affordable brewing equipment and advanced technology is empowering entrepreneurs to enter the microbrewery market. This factor is pivotal in the continuous growth of the DFW craft beer scene. Despite the overall positive trajectory, it’s essential to note that some breweries in DFW have closed their doors in recent years. The closures are primarily attributed to factors such as heightened competition, economic downturns, and changes in ownership.

Noteworthy craft breweries in DFW include:

A curated list of new openings that have enriched the DFW landscape since 2022.

3 Nations Brewing
3 Nations Brewing features a spacious indoor beer hall, a second-floor mezzanine, an outdoor biergarten, and a grill. They specialize in fresh interpretations of old-world styles, boasting 16 beers on tap and a new release every Friday.

Addison Brewing Company
Addison Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the upscale Addison neighborhood. They are committed to using the finest ingredients to create high-quality craft beers. They also have a sophisticated taproom, perfect for enjoying a night out with friends.

Allen Brewing Company
Allen Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the vibrant Allen community. They are known for their creative and flavorful beers, often using unique ingredients and techniques. They also have a full-service kitchen, serving up a variety of pub fare.

Carrollton Brewing Company
Carrollton Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the family-friendly Carrollton community. They offer a variety of approachable and easy-to-drink beers, perfect for casual gatherings and family outings. They also have a large outdoor patio, making them a great place to enjoy a day out with friends and family.

Frisco Brewing Company
Frisco Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the booming Frisco community. They are known for their innovative and experimental beers, often pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They also have a lively taproom, perfect for catching up with friends and enjoying live music.

Funky Picnic Brewery & Café
Funky Picnic Brewery & Café offers a diverse array of beers along with a café menu featuring sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The Back Room, an adults-only speakeasy, adds to its unique appeal.

HopFusion Ale Works
HopFusion Ale Works specializes in hop-forward beers, featuring a variety of IPAs, pale ales, and other hop-centric styles. They also offer a limited food selection.

Manhattan Project Beer Co.
Manhattan Project Beer Co. focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers, often incorporating experimental ingredients and techniques. They have a 10-barrel brewhouse and a taproom with a rotating selection of craft brews.

McKinney Brewing Company
McKinney Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the historic McKinney downtown. They specialize in traditional and classic beers, with a focus on using local ingredients whenever possible. They also have a cozy taproom, perfect for enjoying a leisurely afternoon with a pint of beer.

Mesquite Brewing Company
Mesquite Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the growing Mesquite community. They offer a wide variety of beers to please all palates, from light and refreshing lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs. They also have a rotating food menu, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Oak Cliff Brewing Company
Oak Cliff Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the vibrant Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. They focus on traditional and classic beers, with a focus on quality and flavor. They also have a large outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day.

Oak Highlands Brewery
Oak Highlands Brewery is a neighborhood-centric brewery offering a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and sours. A food truck onsite provides snacks and meals.

On Rotation
On Rotation is a rotating taproom featuring a diverse selection of beers from various local and regional breweries. They also offer a small food menu and live music on weekends.

Pegasus Brewing Company
Pegasus Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the up-and-coming Design District of Dallas. They specialize in innovative and experimental beers, using a variety of ingredients and techniques. They also have a small plates menu, including shareable snacks and appetizers.

Plano Brewing Company
Plano Brewing Company is a new brewery located in the family-friendly Plano community. They offer a variety of approachable and easy-to-drink beers, perfect for casual gatherings and family outings. They also have a large game room, making them a great place to bring the kids.

Siren Rock Brewing Co.
Siren Rock Brewing Co. specializes in producing high-quality, balanced beers with a focus on drinkability. They have a 10-barrel brewhouse and a taproom with a rotating selection of craft brews.

Soul Fire Brewing Co.
Soul Fire Brewing Co. is a Black-owned brewery dedicated to creating craft beers reflecting the rich culture and heritage of the African diaspora. They have a 7-barrel brewhouse and a taproom with a focus on community engagement.

Turning Point Beer
Turning Point Beer is a family-friendly brewery offering a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and sours. A full-service kitchen provides pub-style food.

The Impact of Advanced Technology

Alongside the availability of affordable equipment, advancements in brewing technology are further empowering entrepreneurs to enter the microbrewery market. Automated brewing systems, precise temperature control mechanisms, and sophisticated monitoring tools have streamlined the brewing process, reducing the need for extensive expertise and manual labor.
These technological innovations have also enhanced the quality and consistency of craft beer production. Brewers can now precisely control every aspect of the brewing process, from mashing and fermentation to filtration and packaging. This precision ensures that their beers consistently meet the high standards of quality and flavor demanded by craft beer enthusiasts.

The Driving Force Behind DFW’s Craft Beer Scene

The combination of affordable brewing equipment and advanced technology has created a more accessible and conducive environment for entrepreneurs to establish their microbreweries in the DFW area. This accessibility has fueled the continuous growth of the DFW craft beer scene, leading to:These technological innovations have also enhanced the quality and consistency of craft beer production. Brewers can now precisely control every aspect of the brewing process, from mashing and fermentation to filtration and packaging. This precision ensures that their beers consistently meet the high standards of quality and flavor demanded by craft beer enthusiasts.

Increased Diversity and Innovation

With more entrepreneurs entering the market, the DFW craft beer scene has witnessed a surge in diversity and innovation. Brewers are experimenting with new ingredients, brewing techniques, and styles, resulting in a wider range of unique and flavorful craft beers.

Enhanced Community Engagement

Microbreweries have become hubs for community gathering and social interaction, fostering a sense of camaraderie among craft beer enthusiasts. These establishments host local events, support community initiatives, and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of DFW.

Economic Contribution

The growth of the DFW craft beer scene has generated significant economic benefits, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and boosting local businesses. Microbreweries have become integral parts of the local economy, contributing to the overall vitality of the DFW region.

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Steve Triolet
Senior Vice President of Research and Market Forecasting
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