Gather at the Best East Austin Brewery
A place for brews, entertainment, and laughter.
Words by Poonam Patel & Abby L. Johnson Photos by Baptiste Despois
Maybe it’s the string lights or the smell of a freshly baked pretzel, but upon walking out onto the patio at Central Machine Works, patrons instantly feel a sense of ease.
Opening in 2019, Central Machine Works (otherwise known as CMW), has quickly become one of the more popular recreational spots for the community. It’s spacious and always buzzing with patrons young and old; even furry friends are welcome. And it’s not just the neighborhood folks coming to chill out. The beer hall is a hub for all of Austin, located centrally to the East Cesar Chavez neighborhoods. Whether it is with colleagues or a group of friends, CMW is inviting and lively on any given day of the week.
Ultimately, the space is really what sets this brewery apart from others. “Central Machine Works, the name, is a machine shop that opened in 1940. It was making parts for airplanes that assisted in the war effort,” shares Justin Zamieroski, CMW’s Internal Programming Director and Brand Ambassador. The renovated industrial building offers a vast amount of space, a siren call to Eastsiders looking for plenty of company without fighting a crowd for a table. The unique structure and convenient location draws people into CMW, but a friendly conversation over their signature pints is the reason patrons return. “We’ve become a center of community here. A lot of people from the neighborhood come. A lot of people from around Austin come,” says Sarah Mills, who oversees the art gallery at CMW. “[We cater to] a diverse set of interests. We don’t just have beer, but we have cocktails and a big food menu. Usually, we have something going on every day, so I think that because it’s a dynamic space, people feel comfortable, and they gravitate towards it.”
Part of the indoor space is dedicated to the brewery with tall fermenters, and a full bar showcases their signature brew and cocktail options. The friendly faces of the bar staff always give out the right recommendation. The rest of the space showcases large murals and artwork by local artists lining the walls, with even more community-style tables scattered throughout. The expansive steel windows show off the patio beyond and serve as a backdrop to the area where they hold intimate concerts with lounging areas.
CMW is consistently busy coming up with ways to maximize their sleek, yet massive, space. Justin has already hit the ground running with an exciting schedule for the new year.“We have our gallery opening which will have a happy hour so that artists can showcase their work. We’ll [even] have music three to four times a week,” Justin adds.
More than just a large patio or a simple brewery, CMW happily offers their space up as a community gathering spot. They facilitate conversation and connection, bringing neighbors together to share an experience.
Did You Know? With movie nights, live music, and signature food and brews, Central Machine Works has no shortage of entertainment options. Their calendar of events can be found on their website and luckily is one of the few places in Austin that is big enough that no reservations are required.
Contact:
4824 E Cesar Chavez St.
@central.machine.works
cmwbrewery.com
