Showing posts with label Richardson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richardson. Show all posts

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Oak Highlands gets Grand result at 2026 USBTC Winter Competition

Image credits: Brian Brown/Beer in Big D (background image), United States Beer Tasting Championship (award logo).

Four beers from Oak Highlands Brewery of Richardson have been honored at the 32nd Annual Winter Competition of the United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC).

For the 2026 edition of the event, 562 beers were submitted by breweries from across America. Regional Champions representing seven different U.S. regions were crowned across 19 different style categories. And as always, North Texas breweries competed in the Rockies/Southwest Region.

Surveying the winning beers from Oak Highlands, the brewery's Vanilla Porter was a Regional Champion for the fourth consecutive year. On top of that, Oak Highlands capped off its tenth anniversary in 2025 with a Grand Champion in its Quad Bless Texas Madeira-Aged Belgian Quad (arguably one of the best local beers of the year).

For more on the 2026 USBTC Winter Competition, click here to visit the official competition website.

Oak Highlands Brewery, Dallas
  • Quad Bless Texas, Regional and Winter Grand Champion in the Non-Whiskey-Aged Beer category.
  • Freaky Deaky, Regional Champion in the Belgian Tripel category.
  • Oktoberfest, Regional Champion in the Vienna/Marzen Lager category.
  • Vanilla Porter, Regional Champion in the Bean Beer category.

Cheers and congratulations to Oak Highlands!

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Oak Highlands takes four nods at 2025 USBTC Summer Competition

Image credit: Oak Highlands Brewery.

Regional winners have been announced at the 31st Annual Summer Competition of the United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC).

Entries to the summer edition of the USBTC are separated geographically into one of seven regions. From there, beers are examined against style guidelines covering 18 different categories, with Regional Champions identified in each category (North Texas breweries compete in the Rockies/Southwest region). The seven Regional Champions within a style group are then tasted side-by-side in order to crown a Grand Champion.

And, as has become custom, Oak Highlands Brewery of Richardson was among the winners. Three of the company's small-batch beers secured regional honors, while the year-round offering Golden Mustache received a USBTC regional nod for the fifth time.

For more on the 2025 USBTC summer event, click here to visit the official competition website.

Oak Highlands Brewery, Richardson
  • Royal Scottie - Regional Champion in the Amber/Red Ale category.
  • Golden Mustache - Regional Champion in the Dortmunder/Helles category.
  • The Heffer - Regional Champion in the Wheat Beer category.
  • What Limes with Cucumber? - Regional Champion in the Fruited Sour Beer category.

Cheers and congratulations to Oak Highlands!

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Oak Highlands opens new Richardson locale

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Following an April announcement detailing plans to move operations from their original location in Dallas, Oak Highlands Brewery (OHB) is debuting the company's new digs in Richardson during a grand opening event this weekend.

Situated at 500 Lockwood Dr. in the Lockwood neighborhood of city's Core District, Oak Highlands will occupy an 11,000 square foot structure going forward. Formerly home to Happy Hippie Brewing Co., the turnkey space is a purposeful step down from the 16,000 square feet Oak Highlands utilized in Dallas, with the new site offering a number of advantages.

For one, the interior lays out with a larger taproom (separate from the production area) compared to Dallas, with an alcove set aside for live music set-ups and a separate room that can be cordoned off for events. Plus, there's the potential for more foot traffic, given the change of scenery from an industrial park to the outskirts of a residential community where an array of retail and entertainment destinations now sit in proximity to the brewery.

Neighbors include Communion Coffee Shop and Lockwood Distilling Co., both of which do business just steps away from Oak Highlands' front door. And judging by the opening day tappings of a Nitro Coffee Porter with Communion Coffee and Locktoberfest, a barrel-aged version of the brewery's Oktoberfest finished in Lockwood whiskey barrels, there's the promise of many collaborations to come in the future.

Speaking of beer production, the company will be downsizing with respect to brewhouse operations as well. Ryan Pickering, head brewer and Certified Cicerone at Oak Highlands, is moving from the 30-barrel system in Dallas to a newer 10-barrel setup in Richardson. It's actually a bit of a blessing, according to Pickering, since smaller batches means he'll be able to brew more often and with a lot more flexibility.

Right now, the Richardson tapwall is capable of pouring 10 beers, but there are plans to expand that to the 20-handle wall currently being used in Dallas. Pickering says they'll also bring other equipment over, while making further adjustments to the pre-existing production, canning and cooling capabilities to bring things more in line with the brewery's everyday needs.

Beyond the beer, on the topic of other amenities at Oak Highlands' new spot, there are wide-screen TVs, pinball machines, and a to-go fridge, not to mention fresh merchandise in the form of a new lineup of t-shirts and hats. Oh, and let's not forget about the permanent food truck installation.

After making a name for itself out west, Brix Barbecue will be parked out front serving barbecue to Oak Highlands patrons on the regular. Brix, which has a brick-and-mortar locale in the Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, was among those receiving an Honorable Mention nod in Texas Monthly's just-published list of the best barbecue joints in all of Texas.

As for operating hours, set service times in Richardson are pending, but take note that Dallas will remain open (and hosting events) during the transition, with the final day at the original OHB set for July 31.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Oak Highlands relocating brewery to Richardson

Image credits: Oak Highlands Brewery, City of Richardson.

As the company approaches its 10th anniversary in North Texas, Oak Highlands Brewery (OHB) has announced plans to move operations to Richardson.

Last week, Oak Highlands signed a lease on the existing space at 500 Lockwood Dr., which sets up just off the northwest corner of Central Expressway and Beltline Rd. in Richardson's Core District. This spot should be familiar, since it was originally home to Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

So, what's the motivation behind the move?

According to a press release, Oak Highlands has enjoyed many years of success in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, but "this opportunity allows OHB to move from an industrial park into a high-traffic retail area that is still a convenient drive for our loyal beer enthusiasts, while also creating outstanding exposure to the D-FW area at our new location."

The new venue will also allow Oak Highlands to expand on the range of fun events fans of the brewery already enjoy. Patrons can expect great live music, food events and competitions, private parties and dog rescue fundraisers, along with a recurring calendar of weekly events like bingo, trivia, music bingo and meat raffles.

As for when this will all go down, Oak Highlands hopes to have the Richardson facility open by late spring. Further details will be shared on the brewery's social media channels at once a firm date is determined.

In the meantime, Oak Highlands is planning to host a Farewell Party at the current locale on Brockwood Rd. in Dallas on Saturday, July 26th. After that, it'll be time to head from Brockwood to Lockwood as the company plants new roots in Richardson.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Civil Pour raises a Ruckus in Richardson

Images © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Six years after introducing the concept off Walnut Hill Ln. in Dallas, owners Chad and Nellie Montgomery (also of Big Texas Beer Fest) have brought their "Coffee & Beer Ruckus" to the City of Richardson.

The newly-minted second location of Civil Pour Coffee + Beer is now open at 800 N. Coit Rd. in the city's Promenade North retail development. Set up in a 3,000 square foot space, the new spot very much has the look and feel of the original, with light-letting windows upfront, similar stylings filling the room, and a captivating art mural anchoring one wall.

On that last note, the "Peace Goddess" mural was created by Nellie (her first!), and the work is aptly named given the calm and welcoming air about it, as the goddess seems to be inviting guests to settle in with a cup of restorative liquid.

Of course, the liquids in this case could be coffee, or tea, or beer. Menu options in Richardson basically mirror those of the Dallas locale, in terms of both eats and drinks. There are lattes, espresso shots, pour over coffees, and 25 taps of beer for the discerning sipper, with the shop's familiar selection of pastries and paninis on hand for the hungry.

As for the vibe, if an early-week noontime visit is any indication, the goddess will hold court over an atmosphere promising to be - what else? - civil. Other than some quiet conversation, which at times might include elements of academic discourse thanks to UTD students from just down the way, there's nothing to distract from the enjoyment of a leisurely lunch, a quiet cup of joe, or a thought-provoking pint of locally-crafted beer.

Really then, what Civil Pour Richardson represents is a simple extension of the brand, and one which brings the Ruckus more within reach to residents living north of the I-635 "wall."

And, like it's Dallas brethren, Civil Pour Richardson has the makings of a morning, noon and nighttime destination based on its array of in-house offerings. So, along those lines, the shop operates seven days a week, with hours starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Happy Hippie closes brewery in Richardson

Image credit: Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

Happy Hippie Brewing Co. has closed its brewery and taproom in Richardson.

The business originally got its start in early 2020, bringing its products to market by way of an alternating proprietorship agreement with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine. Two years later, ownership announced plans to open a destination taproom and brewery in the Lockwood District of Richardson. That vision became a reality when the new site opened in October 2023.

Of course, the name Happy Hippie was a reference to the hippie movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Appropriately enough, the brewery's patron saint was Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead - a.k.a. Captain Trips, and the beer Captain Tripels (a Belgian tripel) was named in his honor. Other beer names recalled popular classic rock songs of the era as well.

News of the closure was conveyed in an email to founding supporters, though no specific reason was given for the decision. The ownership group at Happy Hippie included Michael and Kellie Frederick, Scott and Happy Schweiterman, and Dave and Jess Steckel.

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Happy Hippie opens far out fermentation firm in Richardson

All photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Completing the journey to opening a brick-and-mortar location, Happy Hippie Brewing Co. has pulled back the curtain on its new permanent home at 500 Lockwood Dr. in Richardson.

For anyone unfamiliar, Happy Hippie got its start after entering into an alternating proprietorship agreement with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine in 2019. From there, first beers hit the market in early 2020, with more than 10 different recipes eventually making their way into the firm's portfolio over the course of the last three years.

Now, those behind Happy Hippie - a group comprising Michael and Kellie Frederick, Scott and Happy Schwieterman, and Dave and Jess Steckel - can entertain family, friends and fans of the brand in the comfort of their own groovy little hippie pad in the Lockwood neighborhood of the city's Core District.

Happy Hippie operates inside an 11,000 square foot structure. Roughly half is dedicated to the
taproom, which features a spacious seating area flanked by the service bar and an indoor stage setup.

So, what's the new place like? Well, in terms of vibe, clearly a chill and laid back atmosphere is the order of the day. Honestly, it couldn't have been more appropriate that a Grateful Dead ditty came over the sound system literally the second I sat down. Bandleader Jerry Garcia is the patron saint of Happy Hippie, and what might be the brewery's most popular beer, Captain Tripels (Belgian tripel), is a nod to Captain Trips himself.

Given that, along with the playing of other tunes by early 70s artists, and the prominent stage setup anchoring one end of the taproom, it should be clear music is central to the concept. If not, maybe also consider past beer names featuring the song titles "Friend of the Devil" (the Dead) and "Smoke on the Water" (Deep Purple).

Those weren't on tap at opening, but a list of beers that were included Captain Tripels, Honey Magnolia Witbier, Marmalade Sky Blonde Ale, Rich Ale and Wa-Hotter Melon IPA. And while Captain Tripels might be the strongest beer of the bunch in terms of ABV, the punchiest flavor profile emerged from the watermelon and habanero-infused Wa-Hotter Melon IPA. In fact, the latter had a bitter edge on the order of an old-school West Coast IPA.

Beer workings, by the way, are brought to you by director of brewing operations, Nick Thomason. A homebrewing veteran with more than 15 years of experience under his belt, Thomason is formulating the fermentations at Happy Hippie using hardware supplied by ABE Equipment of Nebraska.

Once production is in full swing, beers will pour from as many as 12 tap handles at Happy Hippie.
Flights and full pours are available, with to-go selections presumably set to occupy a fridge adjacent to the bar.

As for other site amenities, widescreen televisions encircle the interior allowing for the viewing of sports and other events at Happy Hippie, with board games provided as an additional diversion. There's also a patio area for those who prefer open-air imbibing.

With regard to grub, food trucks will be the primary purveyor. Bites on grand opening weekend were served by Guitars & Growlers, a fitting partner since the pub's Richardson spot has acted as Happy Hippie's adopted taproom since its inception. Their menu offers a variety of appetizers (fries, onion rings, sweet potato nuggets), entrees (bratwurst, smash burgers, street tacos, wings), kids meals (chicken nuggets, hot dogs), and a Cream Cheese Filled Churro for dessert.

Indeed, taken together, what Happy Hippie has created is a songful space designed to inspire patrons to commune with other like-minded craft beer drinkers. To that end, you're invited to "Find Your Tribe" at the brewery during operating hours from Wednesday through Sunday.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Four Bullets reshuffles ownership group in Richardson

Image credit: Four Bullets Brewery.

Four Bullets Brewery of Richardson is undergoing a reshuffling of sorts in relation to recent movement in the company's ownership structure.

Andrew Smeeton, who co-founded the brewery with Jeff Douglas in 2015, has moved on after selling his stake to a group of supporters, some of whom have worked behind the scenes at Four Bullets for a number of years. One of those co-owners is Doug Steele, who ascends from assistant to head brewer after originally joining the firm in 2017.

According to Douglas, now acting as majority owner, the partnership promises to deliver on changes "to make us bigger and better." That said, the brewery will stick with its staples, which means easy-drinking English ales will still play a key role in the Four Bullets portfolio.

At the same time, Steele will be looking to add some new styles to the mix. A hefeweizen recipe that debuted as a pilot batch is set to return and, yes...the brewery will bite the bullet and brew a hazy IPA for the first time in its eight-year history.

There's more to come, says Douglas, but for now other adjustments include a new weekly event - Music Bingo with HeadTilt Entertainment begins a stint at Four Bullets beginning Wednesday, September 20, and new expanded hours as the brewery is now open Sunday-Monday from 1-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 1-8 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 1-10 p.m.

Friday, July 1, 2022

Happy Hippie hopes to build hip new brewery and taproom in Richardson

Image credit: Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

Happy Hippie Brewing Co. is putting plans in motion to open a destination taproom and brewery in the City of Richardson.

Products from the team of Michael and Kellie Frederick, along with partner Scott Schwieterman, first appeared on the market in early 2020. This, after Happy Hippie entered into a joint proprietorship agreement with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine. Since then, a total have 10 beers have been released, one of which is the firm's highly-rated Belgian-style tripel, Captain Tripels (which is also available in a rum barrel-aged variety).

Going forward, though, Happy Hippie hopes to establish a brick-and-mortar facility in the Lockwood District, an area of development in Richardson anchored by Lockwood Distilling. To be located at 500 Lockwood Dr., Happy Hippie's future home would sit across the street from the spirit maker, and be contained in a existing structure comprising nearly 11,000 square feet.

To aid in this endeavor, Happy Hippie is gauging the public's interest in providing investment by way of crowdfunding. Set up on Wefunder, the company's campaign wants to thank loyal customers for their support by offering them a chance to be a stakeholder in the future of Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

For more details and further insight into Happy Hippie's overall vision for its future, visit the landing spot for the campaign at : https://wefunder.com/happyhippiebrewingcompany.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Pizzeria turned brewpub closes in Richardson

All images © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Pizza Americana, a neighborhood pizzeria turned brewpub in Richardson, has closed.

Originally opening in early 2019, Pizza Americana added brewing operations this past summer, after enlisting the services of Nano Brewing, LLC. - a company which provides full-service brewhouse management from concept to installation and production.

House beers were first poured in July at Pizza Americana, with the official brewery launch taking place just over a month ago in September. From the beginning, four recipes were offered on a daily basis, with the most creative being a bourbon barrel-aged stout brewed with Atomic Fireball candy.

As for Nano Brewing, LLC., despite the sudden end to what was its first installation, the firm's co-founder Michael Wilson says the short-lived partnership did allow the company time to prove out its concept. He adds they are actively working to open at another location.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Pizza Americana in Richardson adding on-site brewery

Image credit: Pizza Americana.

A neighborhood pizzeria in Richardson will soon be adding its name to the roster of North Texas brewpubs.

Pizza Americana originally opened its doors at 800 W. Arapaho Blvd. in February 2019. Now, just over two years later, the restaurant is installing equipment for the creation of house beers to supplement its menu of fresh-made salads, pastas and brick-oven pizzas.

Michael Wilson will oversee brewing operations for Pizza Americana by way of Nano Brewing, LLC., a Dallas-based service company that specializes in adding the brewery experience to existing restaurants. The firm, which Wilson co-founded with Jeff Batson, handles all aspects of the brewing process, from installation of the equipment, to recipe design, to production.

"We manufacture our own proprietary brewery solution in our client's space and manage all brewing operations for them," says Wilson. "It's a completely new concept in brewpub design and we are thrilled to bring it to Richardson first."

At Pizza Americana, an ever-changing lineup of house beers will be tapped alongside upwards of 30 guest beers from local, national and international breweries.

"We will have a handful of [house] beers on tap at a time," says Wilson. "We focus on specialty beers and rotate them frequently. Some beers we are tapping first will be a Summer Ale, Tangerine IPA, Hazy IPA, and a Fireball Stout that is bourbon barrel-aged and infused with Atomic Fireball Candy."

Naturally, house beers will be available to enjoy on-premise, but visitors will also be able to visit Pizza Americana's drive-thru, where they can get all their beer and food to-go.

Look for Pizza Americana to tap its inaugural house beers on or about July 1. 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Four Bullets up and running in Richardson

All images the property of Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Within the first minute of his guided tour, brewmaster and co-founder Andrew Smeeton states what may already be obvious to anyone walking through the door; Richardson's new Four Bullets Brewery is the smallest production operation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Now, had Four Bullets opened a couple of years ago that might not have been the case, at least if the comparison was based on the size of its brewhouse. Square footage-wise, though, it's certainly got the tightest quarters of any new brewery that's opened since 2011. So, how small is small? The five-barrel brewing system and adjoining taproom take up less than 1400 square feet.

Being little isn't a bad thing, by any means, and some will tell you they prefer a more intimate atmosphere like that being offered at what is Richardson's first production brewery (Kirin Court, a dim sum restaurant in the city, produces their own house beers as a brewpub). For one thing, tours are a small-scale affair, which generally affords you more of an opportunity to interact with the person actually brewing your beer. On top of that, you're also likely to experience a little more depth in terms of the discussion as to how that beer gets brewed.

In any case, the brewery does have more room to work with, given there's a slightly smaller adjacent area that is not currently being used, but for now patrons can hang out inside and drink by the fake fireplace (and the TV), or head outdoors where picnic tables are available for you to sit and partake of your pint. Out back is also your best bet for parking, incidentally, since it's an easier in-and-out than the parallel options on the street.

The entrance, brewhouse and bar at Four Bullets Brewery (click to enlarge).

As for the name Four Bullets, if you're not already aware, it's derived from a poker hand of four aces, with the gaming theme extending not only to the miniature playing cards used as drink tickets on tour days (Saturdays 12-6 p.m.), but also to the beer. Along those lines, the brewery's opening hand of three beers consists of Black Jack Brown, Two Pairs Pale Ale and Royal Flush Red. All are easy drinkers brewed with an English flair, a nod to Smeeton's home country, and if I had to pick a favorite I'd probably go with Royal Flush Red. It's a light, smooth beer with a bready malt backbone and just a hint of bitterness in the finish.

Other brews rotate week-to-week in the taproom, with beers like Big Slick ESB, Beer Hand Bitter and Snake Eyes Oatmeal Stout all making appearances over the past few weeks. Another, All In IPA, is also on the way, something co-founder Jeff Douglas said wasn't necessarily in the brewery's initial plan. He and Smeeton started the venture favoring malt-forward recipes, but over time they've both grown to appreciate hoppier beers. Of course, they also know the style is a crowd-pleaser.

In terms of distribution, being small they'll naturally handle the job themselves. For now, they're primarily servicing accounts right around their neighborhood (The Line Bar & Grill, Tavern on Main Street), but they have branched out for launch events outside the city. More than anything, though, they want to be known as Richardson's hometown brewery, so it's assumed they'll continue to play their cards close to the vest for the foreseeable future.


Four Bullets Brewery
640 N. Interurban Street
Richardson



Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Four Bullets betting on October opening in Richardson


Image credit: Four Bullets Brewery

As first reported by Dallas Brew Scene in late March, the Four Bullets Brewery is finalizing its business plan after receiving a Special Permit to begin construction in Richardson. The permit, approved on March 24 by the City Council, was required due to breweries not being listed as a permissible land-use in Richardson's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

The brewery will eventually occupy a 2,660 square foot building at 640 N. Interurban Street, on a lot located less than a mile from the Arapaho Center Station on the DART Rail. Split into two sections, founders Andrew Smeeton and Jeff Douglas expect to take possession of a portion of the property on July 1. The remaining area is tied up with an existing lease agreement that Douglas says they won't be able free-up until sometime next year. Despite this, they'll utilize the available space and proceed with installation of a seven-barrel brewing system designed by Stout Tanks and Kettles. Drainage and electrical work will be needed beforehand, but if all goes as planned Richardson residents could be enjoying their own brand of locally-brewed beer by this coming October.

English ales brewed in a traditional style will be Four Bullet's calling card. They'll have year-round and seasonal beers, as well as a naturally carbonated cask ale, likely a mild or bitter, to be hand-pulled and available only at the brewery. This approach stems from the fact that Smeeton, who brings 25 years of homebrewing experience to the project, was born and raised in England. Still, the partners recognize the demand for beers tailored to a domestic palate. That means you'll likely see an American IPA among the brewery's initial offerings.

Going forward, Douglas indicated one of the brewery's prime directives will be to maintain a strong presence in the surrounding community. He says they are eager to take part in local charity events, and they hope to continue relationships they've developed with area businesses that have supported them along the way. One idea they are considering involves hand-bottling some of their brews for sale a neighborhood bottle shop. This would give locals unique access to take-home beers otherwise available on a draught-only basis.

For now, though, work is focusing on licensing, lining up equipment and perfecting opening day recipes. Those looking to get a sneak peak of what the brewery has in the works can do so this Sunday, May 18, at Brew Riot in the Bishop Arts District. According to Douglas, Four Bullets will be on hand serving Black Jack Brown Ale, Royal Flush Red Ale and Snake Eyes Oatmeal Stout.

*Stay connected to Four Bullets by way of their website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

A burger and a beer at Haystack Burgers & Barley

Image credit:  Haystack Burgers & Barley

It seems I'm under the influence of American Craft Beer Week, since for some reason I've been craving a burger and a locally crafted beer.  We'll call it my version of the all-American meal.  Based on some recent openings and beer/burger partnerships, options for such a combination are growing more by the day.  This time, though, I decided on a place which just celebrated its official grand opening this past Tuesday in Richardson.

Haystack Burgers & Barley has settled into a spot on the southwest corner of U.S. 75 and Beltline, just a few doors down from what will be another craft beer destination, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.  While the proximity is purposeful, partner Kevin Galvan explains he and his co-owners wanted to get roots in the ground well before Alamo's opening, in order to establish themselves as a quality dining (and drinking) alternative for the movie-going crowd.

As far as ambiance goes (if you're into that sort of thing), the digs are simple, modern and utilitarian.  In other words, they get the job done.  To be honest, though, once your man-sized meat patty arrives I doubt you're going to be too worried about what's hanging on the walls.  Seriously, you're going to have some work to do, and spending time gazing at the decor isn't going to help you finish the coming burger any faster.  You've got a table, a chair, and a napkin.  Trust me, you're good to go.

By now you've probably gathered that burgers are the big draw (literally).  I opted to go with something a bit more classic in the Down on the Farm Burger (cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayo and mustard), which in and of itself was outstanding, but I imagine next time I'll take a stab at the Pitch Fork Chili Burger.  It's topped with a rich, porter-infused chili (hooray beer!) which, based on a sample Galvan was kind enough to provide, finishes with just the right amount of spicy kick.

Behind the bar, Haystack features only North Texas taps, with handles secured by Deep Ellum, Four Corners, Franconia, Lakewood, Peticolas and Revolver.  Rotation is strictly brewer's choice, meaning the brewery essentially owns the slot and can swap out a seasonal whenever they see fit.  As far as styles go, the selection is diverse, with no repetition among draft offerings.  A craft-dominated bottle (and can) list is also available, with Big Beer only managing two spots (at the very bottom, no less) in a group of over 25 local and national brands.

Remaining options include a variety of appetizers/sides, salads and sandwiches.  There's also a signature cocktail called the Haymaker, but for the life of me I can't remember what's in it.  Give me a break, I went for a burger and a beer.  Maybe you should too.


Haystack Burgers & Barley
100 S. Central Expressway # 17
Richardson