Before arriving in Austin, we both had Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden (79 & 81 Rainey St, 512-386-1656) on our to-do list and we weren’t disappointed. Rocking up at a touch after and despite the threat of rain, we sat at the long wooden tables in the beer garden ready to sample the diverse menu. There’s even a fenced area for dogs to hang out while their masters revel in sausages and local beer.
Every main dish comes in sausage form and the vast selection of beers on tap has anything you could want. Andrea started with the more traditional Bockwurst: a Berlin original pork and veal sausage in a bun, while I went with the BBQ Bacon & Shrimp that came with white cheddar grits and house-made BBQ sauce.
Having heard of Austin’s great craft brews and already trying the 512 Pecan Porter (6.8%) the night before, I accompanied my sausage with the Thirsty Planet Thirsty Goat Amber (5.5%). This was quickly followed by the Revolver Bock (6.5%), that made the cool breeze more bearable while we perused the menu some more.
We shared the delectable Fried Chicken, with horseradish mustard, honey and Chef’s Momma’s biscuit. Any description of this sausage will not justify just how good it is, so it’s a must-try if you’re there. The Independence Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout (8.0%) completed my meal and I was ready for day of walking…and it wasn’t even 1pm yet.
Andrea Spirov is a content developer and entrepreneur currently travelling the world with her husband, John, and living as an expat when she isn’t. With a Masters in Media and Communications, Andrea is a specialist in online and is fascinated by the intersection of conversations and technology. Born in the United States, Spirov is a dual American and Australian citizen and has travelled extensively in North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. She currently blogs at InspiringTravellers.com and also takes on freelance projects and consulting work in social media and community management.
