Deep Ellum Brewing Company is named for the Dallas neighborhood of the same name. Since 1873, the district has been known as a haven for art, music, creativity, and self-exploration. Making it the perfect place to start a craft brewery back in 2011. In those days, Deep Ellum was the only craft brewery in Dallas; since then, the city has fully embraced beer culture — with more than 25 breweries opening their doors.
On top of their initial brewery, Deep Ellum opened the Funkytown Fermatorium earlier this year in nearby Fort Worth. The Funkytown Fermatorium isn’t just Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s new brewpub and pizza haven, it’s also a looking glass into the future of the brand’s beer releases. The man behind those creations is none other than Ellum’s Innovation Brewer, Brian Morris.
Morris — who was a homebrewer for five years prior to joining Deep Ellum — went through Eastfield College’s Journeyman Brewer Certification Program and has been with the brewery since 2016. These days, he spends the majority of his time away from the brewery traveling, both domestically and internationally, in search of the best craft beers available. Amid these endless (and envy-inducing) stops, he was generous enough to answer a few questions about his favorite breweries, brewpubs, dive bars, and eateries in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Check out his answers below and get thirsty!
FAVORITE CLASSIC BREWERY/TAPROOM EXPERIENCE – PETICOLAS BREWING COMPANY
Since DEBC was the first manufacturing craft brewery in Dallas to open in over two decades, I’ve got to pay tribute to the second. Peticolas Brewing Company opened just a month after us, and have been on a tear ever since. They’ve racked up loads of medals in all the major competitions and there are tons of reasons for you to go check out their draft selections.
FAVORITE EXPERIMENTAL BREWERY/TAPROOM – INTRINSIC SMOKEHOUSE & BREWERY
We were first introduced to Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery back when they were just homebrewers and won our annual homebrew competition. They’ve got killer beers on tap and are always coming up with innovative offerings.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD BREWERY/TAPROOM – OAK CLIFF BREWING COMPANY
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1mrkUCAr0z/
Taking on the namesake of your neighborhood is nothing to take lightly and Oak Cliff Brewing Company has owned that responsibility. Having only been around for about a year now they’ve blown away and converted people to craft beer left and right.
FAVORITE BOTTLE/CAN SHOP – CRAFT BEER CELLAR
Craft Beer Cellar is our favorite place to send out of town visitors looking for Dallas/Fort Worth’s best selection of hard to find (and easy to find) beer.
FAVORITE BEER BAR – THE GINGERMAN
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncdiQqn-gF/
The Gingerman in Dallas may be one of the cooler bar vibes you can find in the area. A retrofitted home right in the middle of Uptown that’s always a good time with good beer.
FAVORITE DIVE BAR – ADAIR’S SALOON
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUBh5L3lp43/
Adair’s Saloon is just a short walk from our brewery. We’ll often leave work and grab a pitcher of cheap beer and some of their amazing sliders. Admire all the history and signatures on the wall while all your worries are washed away by local country music.
FAVORITE HOTEL BAR FOR BEER – STATLER HOTEL
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp8mNFKHjTb/
The Statler Hotel hasn’t been around long, but always has a great beer selection. On premise bar Scout is all about beer, games, and grub. Stop by Bourbon and Banter if you need a break from beer (who does, though?).
FAVORITE FANCY RESTAURANT FOR BEER – MOXIE’S GRILL & BAR
Moxie’s Grill & Bar will never disappoint. Great food and even better beer selection. They always have Deep Ellum on draft (as well as other Texas beer brands like Shiner and Rahr and Sons).
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT PIZZA AND DRINK BEER – BRYAN STREET TAVERN
Bryan Street Tavern is a staff favorite spot of ours to unwind after a long day. They have a list of great beers on draft at all times as well as an ever-rotating list of local and national brands.
FAVORITE BREWERY/TAPROOM RUN BY A FRIEND – CELESTIAL BEERWORKS
Celestial Beerworks is another new offering to the Dallas beer scene that hits all the marks. They’re absolutely crushing it with everything they’re putting out.
