San Antonio has us spoiled with so many kickass bars and breweries. But that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of Texas joints that can hold their own against San Antonio. So fill up the tank and venture out to these small towns to enjoy a more laidback style of drinking.

AquaBrew 150 S LBJ Dr, San Marcos, (512) 353-2739, aqua-brew.com Doubling as a brewery and live music venue, AquaBrew is a prime spot for the next time you and your crew are rolling through San Marcos. Photo via Instagram / risingtidesmtx
Fremdes 307 Lafayette St, Castroville, (830) 538-2222, fremdes.com Owned by the town mayor, Fremdes is still in its first year but has quickly become a spot for locals to stock up on wood-fired pizzas and cold beer. Photo via Facebook / Fremdes
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten
148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, (830) 625-2807, krausescafe.com
Leave it to New Braunfels to do biergartens right. Whether you want Texas brews or German booze, you’ll be able to choose from dozens of ales. This spot also offers authentic German style brats and pretzels. The drive is totally worth it.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / krausescafe
Zelick’s 336 W Hopkins St, San Marcos, (512) 757-8787, zelickssmtx.com Set up in a 1930s gas station, Zelick’s will catch your eye and keep your attention with all the booze and fun stuff. Enjoy pool tables, washers, horseshoes, and cornhole, as well as the atmosphere. Photo via Instagram / lizardinsheepsclothing
The CLUB at Barons CreekSide 316 Goehmann Ln, Fredericksburg, (830) 992-342, baronscreekside.com Serving as a wine bar and tasting room, The CLUB is a hoppin’ spot for good booze, live music, and killer views. Open Thursdays through Saturdays, this Fredericksburg spot makes for the perfect getaway. Photo via Instagram / baronscreekside
Random Beer Garden 11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd, Boerne, (830) 428-3026, facebook.com There’s plenty going on here with fun weekly events for all kinds of beer lovers. From live music to Theology on Tap to foodie events, you’ll find something just right for you (besides the booze). Photo via Instagram / randomtexas
Pint & Plow Brewing Company 332 Clay St, Kerrville, (830) 315-7468, pintandplow.com While Central Texas has plenty of breweries, be sure to check out Pint & Plow. The first craft brewery in Kerrville, this chic spot offers a large sitting space (perfect for big groups!) and lets you take some brew to-go with 32 oz. crowlers and 64 oz. growlers. Photo via Instagram / downtownkerrville
The Stable Cocktail Bar 102 E Ufer St, Fredericksburg, (512) 953-9428, facebook.com Just over a year old, The Stable is a small spot that packs in chic decor and crafty cocktails. If you’re a polo fan (any takers?), then you’ll definitely want to visit this spot soon. Photo via Facebook / The Stable Craft Cocktails
The Cocky Rooster Bar 7 US-87 BUS, Comfort, (830) 995-5109, thecockyroosterbar.com Don’t let appearance fool you, this spot is poppin’. On top of having a full-service bar operating out of a shed, The Cocky Rooster has pool tables, dart boards, TVs, poker tournaments and a patio. Photo via Yelp / The Cocky Rooster Bar
Wilson’s Ice House 1621 Water St, Kerrville, (830) 792-9800, facebook.com Do you think Cast Away is the greatest movie of all time? Even if you don’t, head over to Kerrville for a few laughs and pints at this spot dedicated to Tom Hanks’ best bud from the 2000 film. Photo via Instagram / colin.barnett
Der Daiwel 321 E Main St, Fredericksburg, (830) 992-3431, facebook.com Nicknamed a “metal Cheers” by some, this grunge-filled bar combines the German culture popular in the area and the music genre that San Antonio claims as its own. Make it a point to visit if you’re down for getting sloshed and head-bangin’. Photo via Instagram / chiquillatriste
Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, (830) 643-1400, thephoenixsaloon.com Nearly 150 years old, this saloon is packed with plenty of history. If you’re up for a Western spot, you’ll enjoy this one. (Just keep the guns at home, please.) Photo via Instagram / joyously.jo
Cora’s 471 Grill 2204 FM-471, Castroville, (830) 931-9799, coras471grill.com If you find yourself in Medina County, head over to the locals’ favorite – Cora’s. Catch live music out on the patio while you throw back a few beers and sober up on a platter of their famous nachos. Photo via Instagram / kylepark
Grape Juice 623 Water St, Kerrville, (830) 792-9463, grapejuiceonline.com Great wine and beer can be found here, as well as a solid patio that you’ll want to spend a few summer nights on. Drink up there, but be sure to take some booze to enjoy back at home. Photo via Instagram / grapejuicekerrville
Patio Dolcetto 322 Cheatham St, San Marcos, (512) 366-3605, patiodolcetto.com Wine. Craft Beer. Tapas. Patio. This place has it all. Take bae up to San Marcos for a day and enjoy happy hour, daily specials and just being out on the patio. Photo via Instagram / piecesky
Lincoln Street Wine & Cigar Bar 111 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, (830) 997-8463, lincolnst.com Take a trip out to Fredericksburg for its prized wineries, and/or hit up this trendy wine market. Whether you want to get cozy inside or park it out on the patio, you’ll get to shop around for your perfect bottle of wine – with price points from $20 to $500. Photo via Yelp / Ida C.
Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com If you haven’t yet visited Gruene Hall, do so now. On top of being the oldest dance hall in Texas, it’s also where Willie Nelson got his start. So grab your cowboy boots and get on over to boot scoot boogie your ass all night. Just be sure to keep the beer a’comin’. Photo via Instagram / tabithammyers
Comfort Meet Market 714 High St, Comfort, (210) 367-7087, facebook.com On top of a clever name, this market is a go-to for nostalgia lovers. Catch some chill tunes and brews for a relaxing night out. Photo via Instagram / rm_parker
Vino en Verde 2351 Gruene Lake Dr, New Braunfels, (830) 620-4404, vinoenverde.com Head up to New Braunfels for your fix of wine, and stick around for special events like trivia nights, live music and more over at Vino en Verde. Photo via Instagram / aubreyparkah
Taproom Pub & Grub 129 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, (512) 392-9824, If you want some good grub and to wash it down with a few pints, definitely stop here. The 24-year-old spot has happy hour and trivia night, so make it a point to visit. Photo via Facebook / Taproom Pub & Grub