Zilker Brewing Company and la Barbecue are expanding the availability of their popular collaboration lager. la Beer is now available across Austin for the first time since 2021. The return will also be celebrated with Pickle Palooza, a community event scheduled for August 1.
Zilker Brewing and la Barbecue Bring Back Beloved Lager Collaboration
la Beer has been available year-round at la Barbecue and select retailers. While it has remained available year-round at la Barbecue and select retail locations, this marks its broadest local retail release in four years.
The American lager has been available at Zilker Brewing’s taproom on East 6th Street and at an expanded list of retailers since July 21. It is available while supplies last.
The American lager is brewed with German-grown Weyermann pilsner malt, corn, and traditional American lager yeast. It’s cold-conditioned for several weeks to produce a light, refreshing beer to pair with Texas barbecue.
“la Beer has never just been another collaboration beer — it’s a reflection of nearly a decade of friendship between our teams,” said Patrick Clark, Co-Founder of Zilker Brewing.
Here’s a list of Austin retailers where customers can find la Beer:
- H-E-B SoCo
- H-E-B Circle C
- H-E-B Lake Austin
- H-E-B Allandale
- H-E-B Mueller
- Central Market N Lamar
- S Lamar Wine & Spirits
- Barton Hills Food Mart
- Beer Geek
- East 1st Grocery
- Royal Blue E 6th
- MLK Food Store
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Pickle Palooza Event and Community Engagement
Zilker Brewing and la Barbecue are celebrating the expanded release with Pickle Palooza. It is a special event planned to take place in August from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Zilker Brewing’s taproom.
The free community event will support Urban Roots. This Austin nonprofit promotes urban farming and culinary education.
The event will feature a pickle tasting competition. Local restaurants, bars, and chefs will compete across multiple categories. The rewards include Overall Winner, Crowd Favorite, Best Spicy Pickle, and Most Creative.
Guests can also join a pickle-eating contest and enjoy pickle-themed food and drink specials. They can explore limited-edition merchandise, get pickle-inspired tattoos, and dance to live music throughout the afternoon.
The Story Behind la Beer Collaboration
The collaboration between Zilker Brewing and la Barbecue started in 2017. la Barbecue operated from its East Austin trailer. Customers often waited a long time in line. Zilker Brewing provided kegs during that time, which helped build a friendship between the two businesses.
The bond grew even stronger. la Barbecue owners Ali Clem and the late LeAnn Mueller became neighbors with the Zilker Brewing team. Eventually, they created la Beer, which first launched in cans in 2021.
The collaboration returns during a milestone year for la Barbecue. The restaurant recently earned a Michelin Star.
Zilker Brewing was established in 2015 as a popular independent craft brewery in Austin. It offers a variety of lagers, IPAs, and seasonal brews. la Barbecue started as a neighborhood food trailer. It has since grown into one of Texas’ best-known barbecue destinations. Diners enjoy Central Texas-style brisket, ribs, house-made sausages, and classic sides. Chef and owner Ali Clem leads the restaurant.
