Meanwhile, We Drink

From Morning Joe to Afternoon Ale

Words Abby L. Johnson  |  Photos Baptiste Despois

Cultivating community is an art form, much like the creative culinary endeavor of brewing the perfect craft beer. The prime ingredients in creating a neighborhood gathering space of Meanwhile Brewing’s caliber include a spacious and welcoming coffee garden, an aesthetic Pacific Northwest-inspired indoor area, a calendar chock-full of diverse events, and, most importantly, the social lubricant of a really good brew.

After cutting his teeth in the Portland beer scene, Meanwhile’s founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss landed in Austin to be closer to family. When the opportunity presented itself to take part in Austin’s admittedly smaller (in terms of breweries per capita), yet slightly more expansive, craft beer scene, he jumped on the opportunity. 

The concept of Meanwhile was to not only deliver great beer but to also create a space where people could gather and enjoy one another. Will excitedly took inspiration from Austin’s laid-back, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Explaining his vision, he notes, “There’s a really wonderful coffee garden instead of a beer garden culture here in Austin…So I wanted to go into that and bring a Hill Country coffee garden experience to the space.” Patrons can arrive early in the day for a morning pick-me-up and stay late into the evening, perhaps catching some live music or even a drag show while enjoying one of Meanwhile’s unique libations.

One thing that immediately stands out in Meanwhile’s rotating lineup of lagers, IPAs, sours (and more) is less than traditional specialty ingredients like earl grey tea. “We are hyper-focused on quality, and we definitely take that seriously. But the ingredients that we like to put in [our beer] can be really fun and kind of whimsical. At the end of the day, drinkability is paramount. If we are using something that’s usually found more in a cocktail or culinary setting, it’s because we think that it’s going to produce a highly drinkable beer.” This ethos of prioritizing fun without sacrificing quality runs through not only the taproom but also in all aspects of the business. It’s seen in everything from the events they host, to their playfully designed merchandise, to the select wines served alongside their house-made beverages.

With their expansive outdoor area, in addition to their indoor seating, production space, and warehouse, the possibilities of Meanwhile Brewing seem endless. The addition of a soccer field, outdoor stage, numerous food trucks, and a playground expands upon the coffee garden concept, turning Meanwhile into an anytime oasis for kids and adults. Whether it’s date night, a family gathering, or a good time with friends, Meanwhile offers the necessary components for a more than satisfying experience. 

What’s in a Name? The concept behind the Meanwhile name stems from founder Will’s affinity for science fiction. “I really like this idea that something is going on right underneath your nose; a whole different world, or parallel universe, is happening simultaneously. I like the idea that there’s more than meets the eye.”

Contact:
3901 Promontory Point Dr.
meanwhilebeer.com
@meanwhilebeer