From the Pulpit to the Taproom
How Lazarus Brewing found a home on the Eastside
Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Shelby Bella
What do pastors and brewers have in common? While it may seem difficult to connect the two, Christian Cryder is proof that both are rooted in a love for people and a commitment to community.
During his time as a pastor in his home state of Montana, Cryder often found himself fostering community in coffee shops and breweries. It wasn’t until his church partnered with a local brewery, along with a nudge from a brewer friend, that the seed for his own brewery sprouted.
Although he had only visited Austin once, he and his family decided to move here with the sole intention of opening a brewery. The search for the perfect space took nearly two years, but in 2016, Lazarus Brewing finally came to fruition at the corner of East 6th and Chicon. With a name that’s a nod to his background, Lazarus is very much a community space. Stained glass windows adorn the walls and beers on tap have names like “40 Days and 40 Nights.” They believe that “beer is a gift from God and is to be received with gratitude. Not just because it cheers our hearts and brings people together, but it can also be a force for great good.” Cryder ensures that “You don’t have to share your faith in order to be welcome here.” If you like coffee, beer, or tacos, then he says, “come on in.”
The Cryder family had been roasting their own coffee for years. So they already knew they wanted to offer coffee alongside their beer selection, but the decision to serve tacos with the two was completely influenced by the city. Upon arriving in Austin, Cryder and his family stumbled upon a taco truck. After tasting this Austin delicacy, he recalls thinking that his “universe just exploded.” That first week, he went back to the truck five times.
After this delicious encounter, Cryder welcomed Austin’s beloved food group into his world and knew he would eventually offer tacos at his impending brewery. Years later, the employee who took Cryder’s order that first visit to the taco truck is now running the kitchen at Lazarus Brewing. “He’ll probably be here for the long haul,” Cryder smiles.
Cryder emphasizes that life begins in gardens, and their fresh handcrafted menu is an extension of that. Simple and straightforward, the street-influenced interior Mexican food comes in the form of tacos, tortas, and quintessential side dishes like queso fundido. Each dish found at Lazarus is made from scratch, further emphasizing the authenticity behind the menu. Even the salsa options are no-frills. Simply choose between red or green, each one packed with heat and layers of spices.
When it comes to pairing beers with their food, Cryder’s best tip is to choose a beer with lower alcohol content. “If you put the red salsa on and your mouth is on fire, you don’t really want to drink a 9% beer,” he explains, “because you’re going to drink it way too fast.”
Cryder’s journey from pastor to brewer certainly hasn’t been linear. However, Lazarus embodies everything that he’s experienced in life. “I never thought I’d live in Texas,” he admits. “But to actually be able to have a brewery in the
Contact:
1902 E 6th Street
lazarusbrewing.com
@lazarusbrewing
