New Brewery from Karbach Alum Blasts Off Near Downtown

New Brewery from Karbach Alum Blasts Off Near Downtown

Keener and Fall of Near Northside's forthcoming Bad Astronaut Brewing Company

FOR THE MOST part, the neighborhoods around Downtown have gotten a lot hoppier over the last several years, with the addition of City Orchard, Holler Brewing, Platypus Brewing and Frost Town Brewing, plus Buffalo Bayou's new three-story HQ. The next brewery to touch down? Bad Astronaut Brewing Company has plans to open this fall in a sprawling warehouse in Near Northside's Hardy Yards neighborhood.


Founders Chris Fall and Craig "Rocky" Keener cut their teeth at Karbach many moons ago, and now, as industry vets, are excited to open their own brewery not far from Saint Arnold, Texas' original craft-beer purveyor. The pair will start with four bevs: an American IPA, hazy IPA, Munich Helles and a German pilsner. These will be available for purchase in liquor stores around town, and Bad Astronaut will pour a larger selection inside its taproom, which will tout arcade games, board games and pool tables.

Having signed a 10-year lease on the former hardware-production factory, it's safe to say these friends have big plans for their out-of-this-world venture, which is slated to open late August or early September. “We are excited to bring Bad Astronaut Brewing Company to the Hardy Yards neighborhood,” said Keener in a statement. “Our goal is to deliver the highest quality beers and a fun destination for the community.”

Even as new breweries bow, others are making plans to close after a tough few years: The Houston Chronicle reports that City Acre Brewing has shuttered, and others like B52 in Conroe are for sale. Local Group Brewing, which is also in Hardy Yards, was recently bought out and reportedly will soon announce a new name and direction.

Inside what will soon be Bad Astronaut Brewing

The newly transformed exterior of what will be Bad Astronaut Brewing

Keener and Fall

Food
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt

IT'S BEEN A century since what’s now known as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston debuted, and the society set celebrated the 100-year milestone in high style. Some 375 guests turned out for the 2024 Grand Gala Ball at the museum, raising $5.5 million in total, including Nancy and Rich Kinder’s $1 million gift and another hefty gift from J. Venn Leeds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art+Culture

The brunch bread basket at Rumi's Kitchen beckons.

NEW HOT SPOTS in Montrose, a happy-hour shakeup on Post Oak, and supreme sushi offerings are making headlines this week. Read on for more tasty tidbits!

Keep ReadingShow less
Food