Our Houston Breweries Spotlight Series take a deep look at all of the most iconic and upstart craft breweries across Greater Houston. Check out our Definitive Guide to Houston Breweries.

Raise a pint of fine craft beer brewed by the sea at a Galveston Island Brewing, situated just a block from the beach on Galveston Island.

Whether you’re coming off the beach, exploring down the seawall, or just trying to find a cold pint of beer, Galveston Island Brewing offers you award-winning ales and spacious digs that invite connoisseurs, families, and pets alike.

With doors open since June 2014, GIB has quickly cemented (or is that fermented?) itself as an island mainstay for visitors and residents seeking out accessible session beers packed with flavor, hops, and a surprise or two.

Fresh Brews a Block from the Beach

Once you arrive, you’ll find a front lawn dotted by patio tables, a playground for children, a few rows of stadium seating, and a raised patio deck offering plenty of chairs and a bit of shade.

Don’t linger too long without a drink. Make your way into the taproom where, under the warm glow of a skylight, you’ll find around a dozen different beers crafted in the adjoining brewery.

Interior Bar at Galveston Island Brewing | Photo: Justin Jerkins

Award-winning Craft Beers

The highlight on the tap wall is the Blue Ridge Amber Ale, a beer that carried bronze medal honors from the 2017 Great American Beer Festival. It’s well-balanced with a nice bite of hops that isn’t too overwhelming. Pleasant and slightly citrusy, it makes a wonderful start to your visit.

From there, you’re certainly not short of options. We were also able fond of the following brews from Galveston Island Brewing.

  • Tiki Wheat – GIB’s island-appropriate flagship brew is a light, crisp beer that offers perfect refreshment after a day spent in the sun.
  • Citra Mellow – An American Pale Ale, this beer boasts surprisingly bright citrus flavors thanks to the use of Citra hops.
  • Nightfall Porter – Malty and a touch smoky, this dark ale is far from heavy and makes an easy beer to drink for those who prefer stronger flavors.
galveston-brewery-galveston-island-brewing
Photo: Justin Jerkins

From Tugboat to Taproom

With around a dozen beers on tap, and several of those carrying award honors, Galveston Island Brewing finds itself in smooth sailing thanks to the efforts of owner and brew master Mark Dell’Osso and head brewer Jason Stromberg.

A one-time tugboat captain, Dell’Osso spent his free time crafting homebrews for his friends and co-workers. After winning a few awards for his efforts, Dell’Osso felt like he might be good enough to have his own brewery.

From there, he opened a tap room in an empty brewhouse with a few friends. Along with the help of Stromberg, the duo now hold multiple awards for several of their beers and have become a favorite brewery destination along the Gulf Coast.

No longer empty, Galveston Island Brewing also offers up their space for events including yoga, run and bicycling clubs, and drives that have provided dog adoptions and marine mammal rescue funding.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events that might interest you.

yoga-at-galveston-island-brewing
Photo courtesy of Galveston Island Brewing

Tips for Visiting

Prices for brews vary from $3 to $6.50 for a pint, or for $1.50 each, you can fill a flight of four beer samples. Growlers and six-packs are also available to-go.

Though the brewery itself is a bit small, tours are still offered on Saturday at 1pm. You’ll get a chance to see the brewing process and learn a little about the history of Galveston Island Brewing over the course of a half hour.

If you’ve come hungry, don’t despair. Soft pretzels, chips, and sandwiches are available at the bar.

Photo: Justin Jerkins

Galveston Island Brewing

Looking for more great craft brewery options in Greater Houston? Check out our Definitive Guide to Houston Breweries inside the Loop and in neighboring communities like Conroe, Kay, Pearland, Galveston, and beyond.

Galveston Island Brewing | Photo: Justin Jerkins
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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.