Ambassador’s Corner: Meanwhile Brewing
Hello Austin Fit Fam! Nikki Zahka (@Fitwithnikk_) back again for Ambassador Corner to highlight some must-visit health and wellness spots around Austin. For all the people who take their health and wellness seriously… but also love a good drink, this spot is for you! I am talking about Meanwhile Brewing Co. Meanwhile is a 3-vessel, 15-brewer barrel brewery and taproom located in South Austin that opened their doors back in October of 2020 before the pandemic and they have been going strong ever since. They are a family-owned company founded by their Brewmaster Will Jaquiss. Will is a formally trained brewer having attended the World Brewing Academy and spent time as a brewer at Rogue Brewing in Newport Oregon. This family owned spot has had a focus on building their taproom into a community gathering center from day one.
Before we dive into the community that Meanwhile has become, I am happy to dedicate this Ambassador’s Corner to I Live Here I Give here. Supporting 750+ local nonprofit organizations, I Live Here I Give Here has produced year-round programs and activities that actively engage and empower individuals, companies, nonprofits, and foundations to be more generous and contribute to a more equitable community for all.
Nikki’s chosen nonprofit: I live here I Give Here
Every contribution can make a big difference for our community! Donate Here.
Community at Meanwhile has evolved over the last four years as they grew, pivoted, and created new events to offer, but the heart of what the taproom began as has remained the same. To create a space that is welcoming and intriguing to all in our community, not just beer drinkers. As they say on their site, “We’re beer-people. But we’re also people-people.” Meanwhile was built as a place for all to gather & enjoy to remind us all that we are more alike than we are different. “At Meanwhile, we believe that when you see the good in all people, you’re always in good company.” Much of what they stand for and believe at the core of this business is finding beauty in everyday occurrences. A place where anyone can take a moment for themselves, catch a breath, and get a drink, no matter where you are in life.
Their space features a turf soccer field, outdoor stage, and private events venue to accommodate pretty much anyone that wants to go and connect with the community in a fun way. My first experience at Meanwhile Brewing was actually doing a Barre3 class on the turf Sunday morning before grabbing some brunch and enjoying the atmosphere they had created. It was honestly hard to pick which event I wanted to go to; they offer so many fun options, from movie nights, free concerts, pop-up local artisan markets, trivia nights, and various workout classes. https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/events
I went with a friend to get some movement in on the turf and try out a new class we had never done before with some new friends we met there; then, we had multiple options for food with the various food trucks on site. It is actually a very family-friendly spot with a playground, plenty of outdoor seating by the outdoor stage and trucks, and an adorable indoor space that was all done up for the Holidays. They even had a selection of holiday cocktail choices to enjoy with your meal. It does not feel like your typical brewery, it is a great spot for your worker bee happy hours, families that want to get out, visitors wanting to hear local musicians or support local artists, sports enthusiasts to play some pick-up games, I could even see myself just going to hang out and work for a few hours during the week.
Something that is very exciting coming up is the launch of their very own rec sports league! Adult Coed Soccer will continue 5 nights a week and they will be offering Coed sand volleyball for the first time starting February 3rd. The sand volleyball court is currently being constructed right next to our soccer field. Sign-ups and details for both leagues can be found at https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/sports. With the option to sign up as individuals or get your friends together and sign up as a full team!
If you could not tell already, Meanwhile Brewing has truly created a special place in South Austin, and it has been recognized by many awards and acknowledgments in the four years the doors have been open. Including Austin Chronicle’s Brewery of the Year – People’s Choice in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and Austin Chronicle’s Brewery of the Year – Critic’s Choice 2023 and 2024. Plus a full list of their handcrafted beers winning awards such as Meanwhile Pilsner – German Style Pilsner winning Gold at 2021 Great American Beer Festival, Secret Beach IPA winning Gold at Texas Craft Brewers Cup in 2022 and 2023, Meanwhile Lager – Munich style Helles winning Gold at 2022 World Beer Cup and 2024 International Beer Awards, Left Handed Hummingbird – Barrel Aged Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout winning Gold at the 2024 Texas Craft Brewers Cup, and a handful of others.
There is a list of Beer Releases, seasonal offerings, cocktails, coffee, and food menus available to check out what may catch your eye right now on their site https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/taproom .
Whether you want to grab a beer, play in a league, listen to music, throw a party, make memories with your family, or just relax for a little bit…I will catch you at Meanwhile Brewing real soon!
