I like beer. That could be quite an understatement, but I like beer. I am constantly seeking out new flavors, dark richness, and good beers that have the slight, sharp bite. This is something I enjoy.
I came to The Ginger Man, and stood in awe of my new beer place in Austin.
Upon walking into The Ginger Man, located on Lavaca between 3rd and 4th Street, it looks like a regular dimly lit bar with a crowd of men around a basketball game in the corner.
When approaching the bar, however, I was quite surprised to discover draught beer.
A lot of draught beer.
And I smiled.
I ordered The Kraken, which was delicious, even in the disappointing mandated non-pint sized glass.
(Guinness, The Kraken)
Apparently beers with higher alcohol content are not served in full pint glasses.
The atmosphere inside The Ginger Man is laid back and relaxing, a near requirement for a beer establishment. There was room to be comfortable, and had a nice outdoor patio.
While waiting at the entrance to The Ginger Man, I had a great "beer talk" with two employees and met a cool stranger.
Massie
Massie, 31, has lived in Austin for two years. Originally from Virginia, he says that "family, friends, and experience" brought him to Austin, and it is what continues to keep him here.
He enjoys working, drinking, swimming at Barton Springs, and playing music.
A guitar player, Massie can be found playing "thrash metal, aggressive, adrenaline music" at the Dirty Dog, located at 505 East Sixth Street.
Massie was insistent that he enjoys his job and loves The Ginger Man. His favorite beer offered at The Ginger Man is Double Bastard and he says The Ginger Man is the only place he will go for beer.
With an honest smile, he said, "I sought this place out. I demanded that I work here. It's by far the only place I would come to."
He looked at his laughing coworker and shrugged. "I'm very selective about where I work. I don't work at places I don't like."
Massie's recommendation for restaurant:
Zax
312 Barton Springs Road
Massie explains it as "one of those unknown places that's excellent and has a good beer selection."
Austin's Hidden Treasure:
Hamilton Pool
24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Travis Southwest, Texas
Next week, Massie sends me to Zax.