Buying bottled beer in Austin on a Sunday?

April 3, 2011 6:42 AM

I've got an extra several hours in Austin to fill up due to differing travel schedules from friends. I want to buy some local beer to take back with me (Jester King and Real Ale), but just about every decent looking liquor store is closed due to it being Sunday. After noon, some places open up for beer and wine, but most of those are just selling the normal stuff and Shiner. Any ideas? (As well as other ideas for filling an afternoon in Austin)
posted by kaszeta to Food & Drink (14 answers total)

Groceries may be your friend HEB's Central Market locations (I used on the one on Lamar and 40th, but there were others) had a pretty good beer selection when I lived there, and I bought a lot of beer from the Wheatsville Coop on Guadalupe at about 31st.
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:48 AM on April 3, 2011

Response by poster: Thanks, I'll check out the HEB, I even know where that is.
posted by kaszeta at 6:50 AM on April 3, 2011

Well, it depends on what part of town you're in. Downtown or south, I would suggest Whip-In on I-35 north of Oltorf. Around campus, I would say Pronto Mart on Duval in Hyde Park. Up north, check out a little Citgo station on Anderson (sorry can't remember the name). One of the Indian guys that runs the place is a serious beer nerd.
posted by Gilbert at 6:52 AM on April 3, 2011

You cdon't want to go to a regular HEB -- you want to go to one of the Central Market specialty branches (Basically, HEB's answer to Whole Foods). For that matter, you might try the main Whole Foods location.
posted by GenjiandProust at 7:06 AM on April 3, 2011

A lot of convenience stores have a surprisingly good beer selection. The one on the corner of 45th and Duval in Hyde Park has a really awesome selection. I'd say in central Austin, most convenience stores have at least one variety of Real Ale. I would also check out some Independence and/or Live Oak beers.
posted by elpea at 7:07 AM on April 3, 2011

Live Oak Market at Ben White and Manchaca should have what you want and I think they're open Sundays.
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:08 AM on April 3, 2011

It's probably confusing to refer to Central Market as HEB. Central Market is an HEB chain, but most people just call it Central Market and many people don't even know it's HEB. There is a Central Market on 40th and Lamar and one down south on waaaay south Lamar.
The HEB on 40th and I-35 will also have a pretty good beer selection. You can get Real Ale at the HEB on Burnet and Koenig, too.
posted by elpea at 7:09 AM on April 3, 2011

Central Market may have better selection of exotic stuff, but I'll vouch for HEB carrying a decent range of TX microbrews.

(At least, my usual one does — I-35 near 41st.)
posted by nebulawindphone at 7:10 AM on April 3, 2011

*Sorry, HEB on 41st and I-35, not 40th.
posted by elpea at 7:10 AM on April 3, 2011

Response by poster: Whip-in is right by my hotel. I'll start there.

Thanks
posted by kaszeta at 7:14 AM on April 3, 2011

Yep, 23skidoo, that's the place. I once had an enthusiastic talk with the clerk because he saw that I was picking up a case of Session lager. Between Lamar and Burnet, for the sake of the thread.
posted by Gilbert at 8:00 AM on April 3, 2011

The Whip-In's selection is insane, but sometimes their less popular/rare stuff can sit on the shelf for a long time. You won't have that problem with Real Ale though.

Real Ale offers a six pack of their three regular brews (two of each) as well as offering a couple of seasonal varieties right now. Enjoy!
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:17 AM on April 3, 2011

Response by poster: Whip-in was a win. Stocked up for the trip home.
posted by kaszeta at 12:18 PM on April 3, 2011

YAY FOR THE WHIP-IN!!!!

(late to thread, but wanted to celebrate the "winning-ness")

Whole Foods at 6th and Lamar is also a great place to find all yr beers at.
posted by roboton666 at 8:51 PM on April 3, 2011