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Denton, Texas
401 N Elm Street
Denton, TX 76201
visitdenton@discoverdenton.com
1-888-381-1818
www.discoverdenton.com
Denton, Texas

7 of the Coolest Places You Can Enjoy Craft Beer in Denton

By: James Waterson  |  Last Updated: January 15, 2026


The craft beer craze is sweeping across Texas, but there aren’t many places in the Lone Star State that have embraced the culture quite like Denton. This North Texas town is so serious about its craft beer that it has its own radio show about it, and even its wine bars have brews on tap. Not only is Denton home to two of its own breweries, it has numerous other one-of-a-kind bars and pubs that, together, offer hundreds of beers on draught. So whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich and savory stouts, or something in between, you’ll find more than you can imagine in Denton. Check out the following craft beer spots and you’ll be champing at the bit to plan your next beercation to Denton.


A man sits with craft beer cans lined up on a table during a Free Beer Friday in Denton, Texas.

Free Beer Friday

Why You Should Go: Was the word “free” not enough for you?

If you love craft brews, there are no words sweeter than “Free Beer Friday.” Keep an eye on the Discover Denton socials for Free Beer Fridays that occur throughout the year. It's the perfect opportunity for you to sample the wares of brewers from Texas and beyond. 

This celebration of all things beer is more than a tasting session. It’s also a great starting point for your time in Denton, where you can discover Denton’s culture and get suggestions for shops, restaurants, and bars to visit while you’re in town.

Check their website for current events and updates to this listing.


A glass of beer with the Denton County Brewing Company logo, with patrons gathered at tables in the taproom behind it.

Denton County Brewing Company

Why You Should Go: House-made beers and 24 others on tap.

When you’re looking to try a local brew but still want to be able to choose something from further afield, roll on over to Denton County Brewing Company. Located just northeast of the downtown square, this town hangout pours six of its own creative beers, including the creamy and fruity Bikini Bottom Pineapple Milkshake IPA. Denton County also has other beers from as far away as Belgium that you can try. Order your drink of choice, find a seat on the cozy outdoor patio, and admire the beer-themed mural splashed across the wall next door.


The vintage sign for Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor on the front of a historic white house in Denton.

Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor

Why You Should Go: One of the coolest outdoor patios in town. Oh, and the more than 70 beers on tap.

From the outside, Oak Street Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor looks like the kind of house you’d see on a historic homes tour. Yet outer appearances can be deceiving, my beer-loving friend. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of craft beer, where more than 70 brews (24 from Texas) flow from the taps.

While the always-rotating selection is undoubtedly the star of the show, Oak Street has far more going on than its palate-pleasing pours. After all, sometimes the joy of imbibing in craft beer is just as much about where you do it as what you’re drinking. Oak Street sits within one of the oldest remaining houses in Denton, meaning you can park up on the wrap-around porch or find a spot inside. Yet you’ll definitely want to spend some time on the sprawling back patio complete with a colorful “Greetings from Denton” mural covering the side wall.

Soak up some sunshine, play a game or two of ping pong, and enjoy an afternoon with great beer and even better company.


Three rows of colorful beer tap handles line the wall at East Side Denton.

East Side Denton

Why You Should Go: The selection of 80 beers on tap, including 60 from Texas.

For you patriotic Texans out there, East Side Denton is one of the best spots in town to get craft beer made in the Lone Star State. With 60 Texas craft beers on tap, East Side Denton has one of the best selections in town. Take your brew of choice outdoors to the dog-friendly beer garden, or hang out inside and watch local sports on any of the TVs. Stay here long enough and your appetite is bound to catch up with you. Fortunately, East Side Denton sits right next to the Austin Street Truck Stop, Denton’s home for food trucks. Order something creative and delicious, then come back for another round.


A brown growler with The Bearded Monk logo sits on the bar, with bottles and a chalkboard menu in the background.

The Bearded Monk

Why You Should Go: If the more than 1,000 craft beers don't convince you, we don't know what will.

As the Shakespeare-inspired saying goes: “Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.” Not so at The Bearded Monk, where the vast selection of craft beer will leave you stumped. Needless to say, this is not the kind of joint you walk in and out of. If all the variety wasn’t enough, The Bearded Monk also has more than 20 beers on tap, so you can work on a pint as you try to decide what you’re going to take home with you.

You can even fill up a growler and take it to any of the upcoming events in Denton’s downtown entertainment district, such as Arts & Autos, Mean Green Game Day, Fall Twilight Tunes, Geezerpalooza, and Denton Day of the Dead. Just remember to not open your growler outside the Arts and Entertainment District; that’s a no-no in these parts.


Three craft beer cans in colorful Free Play koozies, with vintage arcade games glowing in the background.

Free Play Denton

Why You Should Go: More than 50 beers and ciders on tap, plus all the retro arcade and pinball gaming you can handle.

Pair your favorite craft beer with the ultimate nostalgia trip at Free Play Denton, home to vintage arcade games and a ton of different brews. Take on more than 50 pinball machines and classic quarter eaters like Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, NBA JAM, and even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time as you savor your favorite style of beer or cider. All these games are set to free play, although you still need to pay an entry fee at the door.

Believe it or not, Free Play Denton isn’t the only bar with arcade games you can play. Game Changers also has games from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s and an array of beers on tap. Since it’s less than a mile away, you can do some serious gaming and beer drinking right here in Denton.


A band performs on stage under green lights and string lights at Harvest House in Denton, with a crowd watching from the outdoor patio.

Harvest House

Why You Should Go: A bar, beer garden, live music venue, and coffee shop rolled into one place.

Denton is famous for its live music scene, and Harvest House is one of its top venues. Take in a performance by a local, regional, and touring band as you sip on your pick from the 48 domestic and international craft lagers, pale ales, IPAs, porters, and stouts from around the country on draught. Harvest House also has kombucha and cold-brew coffee on tap, as well as a full cocktail bar and more. When a band isn’t playing, play a game of darts or pool in the indoor bar area or kick your feet up in the all-season outdoor patio that has heaters and fire pits for when it gets cold outside. Come for the craft beer and stay for the live music and you’ll have a great night out here in Denton.  


With its one-of-a-kind bars and abundance of ales and lagers on draught, Denton is a must visit if you love craft beer. Yet it’s just one of many reasons to come here. After all, Denton’s live music scene, fun-for-all-ages events, first-rate restaurants, and vibrant youthful vibe make this North Texas town perfect for a weekend getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit here.

 

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Contact Information

Denton, Texas
401 N Elm Street
Denton, TX 76201
1-888-381-1818
www.discoverdenton.com
Denton, Texas

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