Beer Market Company

A recent addition to the Houston craft-beer scene, Beer Market Company offers over 365 beer varieties from around the world. With over 30 flat-screen TVs throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, Beer Market has a sports-bar feel. But, with 24 taps ready to go, including local Karbach and St. Arnold offerings, this place is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Salads, burgers and tacos for lunch and dinner give way to chicken waffles, short rib eggs benedict and strawberry-banana crepes for Sunday brunch. For those who want to go beyond a beer, they offer a full bar specializing in craft cocktails, including the Moscow Mule (vodka, a spicy ginger beer and lime juice served in a tin cup).

Updated July 1, 2015
With a sports-bar theme, Beer Market serves craft beers, specialty cocktails and, most important, very good burgers. I selected the Beer Market Burger with cheddar and bacon. This is a hand formed, half-pound, certified, Angus-beef patty served on a grilled, buttered, brioche bun with leafy lettuce and onion. After carefully “divorcing” the burger (a commonly used term for cutting the burger in half), I couldn’t help but comment on the perfectly pink center of my cooked-to-order (medium temperature) patty, which contrasted with a beautifully charred crust. Each flavor complemented the other without overpowering. While the brioche bun was a bit fluffy, the sweet taste was the perfect match to the charred taste of the burger. The bacon was flavorful and crispy, with oozing-over-the-sides cheddar cheese presenting the right amount of sharpness. The shoestring sweet potato fries were crispy on the outside, with a sweet, tender middle. This was a good value for $12, along with a cool atmosphere and prompt, friendly and attentive service.