Cheers to Beer

Popular Austin brewery opening new taproom and headquarters to satisfy thirsty fans

There's so much brewing in Austin's craft beer scene. Jester King bought a whole bunch of land, Live Oak moved east, the heir to Celis announced her return, and now Thirsty Planet has big news.

On Monday, the brewery revealed plans to move to a new brewing facility — with tasting room — in South Austin. Later this year, Thirsty Planet Brewing Company will take over the former Capital Area Food Bank space at 8201 S. Congress Ave, south of Highway 71.

"The overwhelming local demand for our beer is very humbling, and we're thrilled to keep contributing to the increasing enthusiasm for craft brewing here in Austin," said owner and founder Brian Smittle in a press release. "We are deeply invested in the unique culture of this community and want to continue bringing people together over quality beer."

The new 60,000-square-foot brewery will allow Thirsty Planet to triple its current output of 10,000 barrels per year. But perhaps more exciting to local beer drinkers is the new Austin taproom.

Thirsty Planet plans to lure Austinites to its new South Congress headquarters with a bar-like atmosphere as well as expanded hours, tours, and events. Think of it like the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company, says Allison Kelly, communications manager.

The new facility is slated to open by the end of 2016. With the move, Thirsty Planet fans should anticipate more bottled beers, specialty offerings, and expanded distribution across Texas.

Thirsty Planet is heading to South Congress — with a new taproom.

Thirsty Planet Brewing Company sign brewery Hill Country Circle Drive

Thirsty Planet Brewing Company/Facebook

Thirsty Planet is heading to South Congress — with a new taproom.

craft-beer drinks breweries openings

Cat's Out of the Bag

Classic Austin dive bar Mean Eyed Cat opens new Driftwood outpost

Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

There ain't no grave can hold Austinites down when it's time to break in this new dive bar.

An Austin bar with a lot of personality has its eye on a new location. The Mean Eyed Cat is opening in Driftwood on Thursday, November 21.

This Johnny Cash-inspired bar has certainly always had the country aesthetic: the weathered wood, the live oak-shaded picnic tables, the black-and-white photos on the wall, and even the occasional taxidermy specimen. The same rustic vibes continue in Driftwood at 8750 W RR 150, Bldg. 100, according to a short press release.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior This new bar already looks like it's been collecting antiques for decades.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Good luck getting there on Google Maps. Right now, it drops a pin at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 150 and Elder Hill Road. However, it appears to be next to Mad Rooster's Liquor Store — we can see the side of the building through the window and the same road signs. We've reached out to a spokesperson to get the proper directions.

The Austin original has been around since 2004, and this offshoot is only its second location. The promises "the same laid-back, offbeat charm that made the original bar an icon."

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior What's a dive bar without a pool table?Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Before the Austin location was a bar, it was a chainsaw repair shop that was aptly featured in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Chris Marsh was who converted it to a watering hole and Christened it the Mean Eyed Cat, and he later sold it to current owners Matt Luckie, Max Moreland, and Jed Thompson, placing it in a lineage that also includes Lavaca Street Bar & Grill, Sign Bar, Lala’s Little Nugget, and more locally beloved staples and oddities.

All the proper references are there in Driftwood, including several saw blades on the wall, Johnny Cash memorabilia, and lyrics on every available surface, including a picnic table that ominously says "HURT." First and foremost on the menu are whiskeys and classic cocktails, keeping things as simple as anyone would expect at a dive bar.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood patio A spacious patio takes advantage of the Hill Country surroundings.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Despite the relatively remote location, commenters on Instagram have already spotted people inside and started chomping at the bit. It sounds like opening day will be a lively affair.

The Mean Eyed Cat in Driftwood will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 2 pm to 2 am, and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 2 am. Happy hour will be weekdays from 4-7 pm.

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