It's been a good week for brewery-restaurant hybrid openings. First, the Brewer's Table opened in East Austin with locally-sourced fare and an upcoming beer program that shares ingredients among the kitchen and brewery. And today, Vista Brewing opens in Driftwood, bringing both brews and bites to Hill Country.
At the helm of the beer program is Josh Watterson, an award-winning brewer who cut his teeth at Brasserie Saint James in Reno, Nevada before coming to Vista. His beers reflect both European origins and Texas sentiments, and focuses on three styles: beer garden brews (approachable and low ABV like the Shallow Roots Table Pilsner), barrel program brews (using wine barrels from neighboring wineries) and collaborations. Merriwether Foraged Brett IPA is an example of the latter, which was created in partnership with Foraging Texas using wood sorrel, agarita and dewberry blossoms. All of Watterson's beers are made with water sourced from the Vista's limestone-filtered water well, and fans who can stand to wait a while should keep an eye out for his Belgian-style lambics, which will age in barrels for up to 18 months.
Photograph: Courtesy Vista Brewing
But Vista isn't just a brewery—the property, which sits on an impressive 21 acres—is also host to a farm, which chef Andrew Stiver uses to define his weekly-changing menu. The Texas-American fare employs a nose-to-hoof mentality and a wood-fired grill for many of its dishes, all of which are designed to pair well with Vista's beer.
Owners Kent and Karen Killough founded Vista after a trip to Europe—in particular, the English countryside—inspired them to open a gathering place in Driftwood that didn't just focus on great food and drink, but also beautiful vistas and a relaxed, family-friendly experience. “We built Vista out of love for the Texas Hill Country and as a place where we could bring our family,” says Kent Killough. “With Vista, we are striving to create a place where both locals and visitors can connect with the beautiful world around us, while drinking some of the best beer folks have ever tasted.”
The brewery opens today, April 20, at 13551 FM150 W in Driftwood. Operating hours are Thursday to Saturday, 11am-10pm, and Sunday, 11am-8pm.