Downtown Tyler has become a destination of its own, and ETX Brewing Co. gives visitors another reason to slow down, order something local, and stay awhile.
Located just off the downtown square, this family-owned brewery combines house-made beer, a full food menu, and a casual gathering place in the center of one of East Texas’ oldest cities.
A Family Brewery Built in East Texas
ETX Brewing Co. began taking shape in May 2016, when the Gilstrap family signed a lease and began converting the downtown location into a working brewery and taproom.
The doors officially opened on January 4, 2017. The original operation began with the lower taproom, but the turnout quickly showed that customers wanted more than a small place to sample beer. The business expanded its space and developed a food menu designed to pair with the brewery’s creations.
Brothers Brian and Matt Gilstrap helped build the brewery around their shared interest in craft beer. Matt serves as head brewer, while the larger family remains involved in the operation and management of the business.
That family ownership gives ETX Brewing Co. the feel of a local gathering place rather than a polished chain concept imported from somewhere else.
Beer Made in Downtown Tyler
The brewery normally keeps more than 18 craft beers on tap, including familiar choices such as light lager, American blonde ale, amber ale, hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Mexican-style lager, and rotating seasonal releases. Flights are available for visitors who want to sample several styles without committing to a full pour.
That variety makes the brewery approachable for both longtime craft-beer drinkers and people who are still figuring out what they like.
Someone who usually drinks lighter beer can start with a lager or blonde ale, while drinkers looking for stronger hop flavors can move toward one of the IPAs. Darker beers and limited releases give returning customers a reason to check the tap list again.
Beer is also available in cans, crowlers, and growlers, making it possible to take a favorite home when current availability allows.
More Than a Taproom
ETX Brewing Co. also operates as a full brewpub, serving burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and other casual food.
One of its signature menu items is The Tyler, a large burger made with two house-ground patties, bacon, American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and brewpub mustard on a brioche bun.
The food changes the experience from a simple tasting stop into a practical lunch or dinner destination. Visitors can order a flight, settle in for a meal, and spend time downtown without needing to move the group somewhere else to eat.
The brewery has indoor seating and a large covered patio with picnic tables. It is family-oriented, and the business welcomes families into the space. Guest parking is available on the north side of the brewery.
Depending on the day, visitors may also find live music, community events, seasonal releases, fundraisers, or other activities happening around the taproom.
A New Business in an Old Downtown
ETX Brewing Co. is relatively new, but the streets surrounding it have been part of Tyler since the city’s earliest days.
Tyler was established as the Smith County seat in 1846 and named for former President John Tyler, who supported the annexation of Texas into the United States. The original town was laid out around a public square, with streets running north, south, east, and west from the courthouse area.
That original square remains the center of downtown.
Tyler later grew through agriculture, railroads, roses, manufacturing, and the East Texas oil boom. The discovery of oil during the 1930s transformed the city into a regional business center and brought new offices, buildings, workers, and investment into downtown Tyler.
Today, the Tyler Downtown Historic District covers roughly 19 blocks and includes the courthouse square, Tyler City Hall, federal buildings, commercial properties, and other structures that reflect different periods in the city’s growth. The district was approved for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.
A visit to ETX Brewing Co. therefore fits naturally into a larger downtown outing. The brewery may be modern, but it sits within a district shaped by more than 175 years of East Texas history.
Make It Part of a Downtown Visit
The brewery’s location makes it easy to combine lunch or drinks with other downtown stops.
Visitors can walk around the square, look for murals and public art, browse local shops, visit nearby businesses, or attend an event at one of the downtown venues.
That flexibility makes ETX Brewing Co. useful as either the main destination or the place where a longer Tyler outing begins or ends.
Before You Go
ETX Brewing Co. is located at 221 South Broadway Avenue in downtown Tyler.
The tap list, food selections, seasonal beer releases, and event schedule can change, so check the brewery’s website or social media before making a special trip.
The brewery is closed on Mondays according to its currently posted schedule, but operating hours should always be verified before leaving home.
For the best first visit, consider ordering a flight and choosing several noticeably different styles. Add a meal, allow time to walk around downtown, and ask what is currently available only at the brewery.