Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling — Restaurant in San Antonio

I honestly thought I would get bored when I saw that the tour takes 2 to 3 hours. We've gone on a lot of beer tours, locally and throughout the USA, so I didn't really expect to learn anything new. We really enjoyed it.

The brewery is in one of those industrial pocket locations that's a bit ratty, but don't let that deter you from going. It's just right off that mess of roads where 410 & I-35 meet. If you're coming from 410, ignore Google directions and get off the next exit to Thousand Oaks, then loop around.

Tours are on Saturday, & start at 2pm, when they open. The tour is $10, and gets you three tickets. You get a choice of three beers, or two beers & a whiskey tasting. No flights here, you get a full size mason jar/glass of beer, and the glass is yours to keep. The whiskey is served neat, in little medicine size cups. There's no food, and no restaurants in the industrial park, so make sure you have a good lunch, or you're going to feel it after two beers and three whiskies. Be warned, there's one bathroom (and one porta potty) for an average of 70 people.

My favorite Ranger Creek beer has been Red Headed Stranger since they started making it, so I decided to try something different. The San Antonio Lager, which has won medals, tasted pretty much like any other lager. The Mission (can't remember the full name) took me by surprise. It smelled like grapefruit, but didn't have that sour flavor that normally accompanies citrusy beers; it was darker than expected, and leaned a little more towards an amber. I enjoyed it more than the lager. My spouse, who doesn't like IPAs, tried the black IPA (again can't remember the name, sorry), and he really liked it.

For those that don't like the heat, don't take the tour in summer. These types of businesses are laid out to maximize workflow, not meet expectations of comfort. I've never known a cool summer in Texas, so the production warehouse will be uncomfortably warm for some of you. It was about 85-90 degrees in the warehouse, on a 100 degree day, but I didn't break a sweat until we stepped outside to the whisky container. It all depends on what you're used to. The entrance/taproom/gift store is air conditioned.

We took the tour with Mark, one of the owners. He went into a lot more detail than I've seen at other tours, which was nice, and answered everyone's questions. The best part was learning about about the production of whiskey from beer, the why's of aging, and all the rules that go into styling it. I got a kick out of the tanks being named for rangers; Big Foot Wallace has his own little corner. But honestly, one of the things that really impressed me about this place, is that it's a family affair and they support Texas farmers. Mark's parents are a part of this business; his father gave the other tour, and his mother works the gift shop. They use Texas grown corn, and give the grain slop to local farmers for feed.

If you're a local and you like beer (& whiskey), I encourage you to visit Reader Creek. I don't know why it took us so long to go...

Went on a Friday night when there was a food truck there, Masshole Lobster truck. It’s in an industrial area and you think you’re gonna get lost, but just follow the GPS -though on that note if you are coming from 35 headed into the city that the exit it tells you to take (GPS) 167A the ramp is closed. Just get off the next exit, get in the right most lane and let your GPS catch-up, or take the exit before. The parking lot is rather small, so larger vehicles be ware you may have to park on the street or in another businesses lot. I showed up, the main tap room area is small, but it seemed to have more room than I ventured to find. They are dog friendly both inside and their patio - because they DO NOT serve food. Their actual tap of beers is small, their whiskey menu matches the size the of the beer menu which also includes cans, their cocktails are made with their whiskey and a slightly smaller selection then the other. They do have canned soda for non-drinking individuals. The atmosphere is low key, and the bar tenders/workers are friendly. If you bring your pup it does not seem as though there are places for them to potty other than in a mulch patch by their door.

This is where my review of their beer is. So okay I only had one because it was just me and I had to drive me and my pup back home. I will start by saying I’m a cider/wine/seltzer/some sours gal. Well… I tried a sample of their Love Struck Hefe, and it went down like butter. No strange after taste that I typically get with most beers, no ugly taste that I typically experience with most beers. It had just the right amount of fizz to it. It was refreshing and honestly I wish I could have had a second or a third. I was blown away, and while my husband is typically an IPA person; I’m sure if I (a cider loving gal) found a BEER that I like this much (I’d drink it all night) then he will find something. I will be back in hopes that it’s still on the menu when I return...

Mission Accomplished! Unforgettable Tour at Ranger Creek's Brewstillery

Our visit to Ranger Creek was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we stepped in, their team welcomed us like old friends, sharing their passion for craft beer and spirits with a hospitality leaving a lasting impression and craving to return.

As military veterans ourselves, we were blown away how this veteran-owned brewstillery supports service members and veterans through employment and education opportunities. It’s clear they’re not just crafting beverages—they’re brewing impact.

Every single staff member was engaging, down-to-earth, and made us feel like part of the Ranger Creek family. Their enthusiasm for what they do was contagious, and their innovative approach to both beer and distilling left us beyond impressed.

We only wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. Ranger Creek has earned its spot as a must-visit rendezvous whenever we’re in San Antonio. If you’re looking for top-notch brews, smooth spirits, and even better company, report to...