The Rise of the Craft Beer Revolution
It’s a far cry from the days when the only beers you could find at your local corner store were the usual suspects – Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light. But in Austin, Texas, that’s all changing. These days, you’re just as likely to stumble upon a decent microbrew selection at your neighborhood bodega as you are at the most renowned beer bars in town.
I remember the first time I noticed this trend. It must have been about 14 years ago when I moved to the Crestview neighborhood in North Central Austin. I was shocked to see multiple varieties of Samuel Adams at the Major Brand store on North Lamar, right across from the legendary Threadgills. And then I discovered the Bread Basket on Justin Lane, which introduced me to all sorts of craft beers I’d never even heard of before. We affectionately nicknamed it the “Beer Basket” – because who needs bread when you can stock up on amazing brews?
Since then, the craft beer landscape in Austin has only continued to evolve. Convenience stores and gas stations across the city have stepped up their game, stocking their fridges with an impressive array of microbrews, imports, and hard-to-find gems. But one place in particular has managed to take the “convenience store beer bar” concept to a whole new level.
The Whip In: A Craft Beer Oasis
Picture this: you’re driving down Manchaca Road in South Austin, minding your own business, when suddenly you spot a convenience store that looks, well, not so convenient. This is the Whip In – a self-proclaimed “convenience store on steroids” that’s far more than just a place to grab a six-pack.
Owned by the Topiwala family, the Whip In started out back in the 80s as a “crappy convenience store” selling the usual suspects – Jolt Cola, gas, and not much else. But the Topiwalas quickly noticed that import beers were selling like hotcakes, so they decided to lean into that trend. Out went the Jolt and the gas pumps, and in came an ever-expanding selection of organic and locally-made products, a full-service kitchen serving up tasty Indian fare, and – the real showstopper – a bar with 60 taps featuring some of the most hard-to-find brews around.
As Dipak Topiwala, the general manager, told me, “It’s almost a misnomer to call us a convenience store.” With 28 coolers stocked to the brim with microbrews, a couple rows of wine, and 24 wines by the glass at the bar, the Whip In’s selection is simply unreal. They source beers from all over the world, and even managed to score a keg of the elusive 2005 Real Ale Sisyphus that I was lucky enough to try on my visit.
And if that wasn’t enough, Topiwala has even grander plans in the works – he’s in the process of getting a brewing license so he can start whipping up some high-gravity, high-alcohol concoctions of his own. I didn’t think this place could get any better, but clearly Dipak and his family are always striving to push the boundaries of what a “convenience store” can be.
The Citgo Station With an Unbelievable Beer Selection
Just when I thought I’d seen it all, another Austin convenience store came along and blew my mind. This one’s a tiny little Citgo station on Anderson Lane, and let me tell you, “stepped up” is an understatement for what they’ve done with their beer selection.
Ten coolers – ten – filled with the good stuff. An amazing Belgian selection that I haven’t seen the likes of since the Grape Vine Market on Great Northern closed down. Jester King products. Ranger Creek La Bestia Aimable from San Antonio. Heck, they even had Monks Cafe Flemish Sour Ale, which I didn’t even know you could find outside of the famous beer bar in Philly.
The beer buyer, Raz Mehasania, is clearly a serious connoisseur. He told me they’re always getting feedback, studying the microbrews, and checking ratings online to stay ahead of the game on limited editions, special releases, and collaborations. In fact, when I visited, he was prepping for an event featuring reps from Ommegang, Duvel, Youngs, Deschutes, Butte Creek, and Kingfisher.
And the best part? The prices are competitive with places like Central Market and Whole Foods. As one neighborhood customer said to me, “They are reasonably priced… I was surprised and amazed.” With at least seven Citgo stations using this name around Austin, you’ll just have to check the address to find the one with the truly mind-blowing beer selection.
Organic Oases and Craft Brew Havens
But the Whip In and the Anderson Lane Citgo aren’t the only convenience store-turned-craft beer meccas in Austin. There’s also Thoms on Barton Springs Road, which bills itself as an “organic and local convenience store” – which is a fancy way of saying it’s got a killer selection of craft beers to complement all the healthy eats.
Need a six-pack after a swim at Barton Springs or a kite-flying session at Zilker Park? Thoms has got you covered, with a cooler full of singles you can mix and match into your own custom six-pack for just $10.95. And yes, they even have the big-name macros up on the top shelf – just in case you have an unexpected Bud Light Lime craving.
Then there’s the Hyde Park Market Deli & Organic Grocery, a place that’s been impressing me with its ever-evolving beer selection since I first wrote about it back in 2009. These days, they’ve got 27 coolers devoted to bottles and singles, plus another 9 for bombers. Whether you want the best of the local scene or some hard-to-find Belgian brews, this place is a craft beer lover’s paradise.
The folks who run Hyde Park Market clearly have a passion for curating an awesome inventory. As they told me back in 2009, they decided to get “just one of everything” from their distributors, and now they’ve amassed a mind-boggling 550 different beer choices. Talk about a tough decision…
The Craft Beer Oasis on the Exxon Lot
But my personal favorite discovery has to be the Exxon station on Lake Austin Boulevard. This place used to be your typical gas station convenience store – until a major makeover transformed it into a craft beer oasis.
When I first noticed the neon Boulevard Brewing Co. sign from the outside, I knew something special was happening inside. Sure enough, 7 out of the 9 coolers were stocked to the brim with microbrews and imports – a far cry from the ubiquitous Bud Light.
As beer buyer Daniel Joshi told me, the station’s owner and a new partner decided to upgrade their beer selection in response to the area’s thirsty clientele. “The Draught House is down that way and the Flying Saucer is the other way, and our store is in the middle,” he explained. “After people go to those places, they come through us.”
Joshi summed it up perfectly: “Bud Light, you can find anywhere. But the people that buy here don’t really buy Bud Light.” Amen to that. This Exxon is clearly catering to a more discerning crowd of craft beer lovers, and they’re doing it with aplomb.
A Craft Beer Renaissance in the Lone Star State
As I’ve crisscrossed Austin in search of the city’s most impressive convenience store beer havens, I can’t help but marvel at how much the landscape has changed. Gone are the days of predictable macros and the occasional Shiner Bock. These days, you’re just as likely to stumble upon a Harpoon Winter Warmer or a Belhaven Scottish Stout as you are a Bud Light.
It’s a craft beer renaissance happening not just in Austin, but all across Texas. And these convenience stores-turned-craft-beer-oases are at the forefront, providing thirsty locals and visitors alike with an ever-expanding selection of microbrews, imports, and rare finds.
So next time you find yourself in the Lone Star State, don’t be fooled by the unassuming exteriors. Stop into your neighborhood bodega, gas station, or organic market and prepare to be amazed by the craft beer treasures waiting inside. Who knows what delicious discoveries you might uncover?
After all, as the folks at the Whip In have proven, a “convenience store” can be so much more than just a quick pit stop. It can be a craft beer lover’s paradise – if you know where to look.
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