The Ginger Man

I write this review soon after hearing consistently more credible rumors that the Gingerman is moving, but I still truck ahead because this place is worth visiting.
The beer selection is deep and full of quality. You’ll find a cask ale most of the time, and the place itself is really cool. Comfortable, calm ambiance, with a great Bier Garten in the back that is super inviting. The staff is really knowledgeable and pretty nice if they’re not busy with regular.
My only complaint is the markup on the beer, but I guess that comes with the downtown territory. Metro bars and lounges are closing in fast (already chasing away the Fox and Hound), but I still prefer this place 1000 to 1 over anything else on 4^th or 5^th street. Get it before its gone!

This is an awesome laid back bar, with a truly excellent selection of beers on tap. I enjoy both The Ginger Man and Halcyon across the street so much, I’d probably be able to just hang out at these two places for the night.
Ginger Man is not at all like some of the more «touristy”/frat boy type places a few blocks away — just a nice, relaxed place to grab a pint and relax — no pressure.

In a neighborhood full of douche bag bars this place stands out. in a good way.
It’s relaxed, has like 50 beers on tap, the crowd seems pretty normal, and you can actually have a conversation.
the backyard is chill, the beers are great, what else do you need?

This is a warm, inviting place where a girl can get her beer on. What I mean is, even the girliest non-​beer drinking girls can find SOMETHING on the menu to suit their taste.
Anyway, the selection is awesome, it does hurt to pay for a bottle of Chimay there when you know how much a bottle costs by heart (maybe thats a personal problem) but all in all there are so many drafts to choose from you always have a chance to take a chance on something new. Unfortunate location but rumor is they’re moving — - my first request would be that it moves next door to my apartment.

Know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears?
Remember how the little blondie tried things, finding them, in turn, too this, too that, then just right?
The Ginger Man’s beer is never too cold, too flat, too warm, nor anything of the sort. Always served just right. And if the one you try isn’t the right one for you, the menu’s neither too big nor too small — it’s bound to have something you’ll like (unless all you like is Bud Light) if you try enough varieties.
It can get a bit packed, but it’s rarely TOO packed.
The warm atmosphere, nice patio and a generally amiable staff add to the whole package.

This joint has a lot going for it. Besides the justly famed beer selection (over 100, with 30 on draft), I love the atmosphere. It’s sort of a cross between a pub and a beer hall. It’s open and convivial without seeming cavernous and impersonal. The staff are unpretentious, thank goodness, and the patrons are a far cry from the obnoxious college crowd over on Sixth Street.
They host monthly tastings for $ 30 which are probably awesome; alas, I will probably never know. Also, the limited food menu is very reasonably priced.
A word of caution which has nothing to do with Ginger Man: stay away from this year’s Anchor Steam Christmas Ale. Awful stuff. I sipped on my friend’s St Arnold Christmas brew, and it is much better.

Great place to go and fantastic for groups/​chill evenings. Fantastic selection of beers and friendly bartenders.
Reminds me of hanging out at someone’s house rather than going to the bar. I keep coming back here and really like it. Hopefully what with the economic downturn, the landlord will get their act together and they won’t demolish this building.

I just recently experienced the Austin Gingerman for the first time, and yes, it’s very similar to the Dallas location. However, the Austin location has pool tables, dart boards, and Austin people.
The beer menu — fabulous. The bartenders are funny, nice, and much more customer service savvy than their counterparts in Dallas.
It was also busy, but not so crowded that you could find a place to sit or have a conversation. I will definitely be returning.

This is the fado’s killer, if you ask me. Placed conveniently one block away from the trendy warehouse district bars on 4^th and Lavaca, the Ginger Man serves up a gigantic selection of great draft beers in a pub setting. They’ve got darts, a big back patio and lots of places to sit. They also always seem to be playing good music, which is key to my bar experience (dance music/​rap dominate too much of the bar scene).
If you like to actually talk to your friends when you hang out with them and enjoy a variety of beers, then this place will do you well. Well worth the visit.

So I’m on my «I’m new in town, I don’t have a job, and I need to have a drink everywhere» bender and the Ginger Man is my stop today. I love this bar. The last time I was in here was about 8 or 9 years ago when I was last in Austin and I always loved the vibe. It’s nice to know this hasn’t changed.
They have an excellent selection of beers with a large number of Texas brewed beers, as well as a bunch of European selections. They also have wine and ciders, but no liquor. There’s a small menu of «Solids» which include a nice fruit and cheese plate. I ate it. It was tasty. Everyone who works here is not only hot, but really freakin’ nice. What is it about you Austinites? I’m not used to everyone being so nice. It’s… well… nice.
The bar itself is spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings, wood floors, and a large back patio. There are a bunch of tables, as well as little nooks with couches and comfy chairs. A big plus in my book. I’m living in an apartment with no furniture (I just moved here, yo), so I set up shop here and lounged on the couch for several hours. It is a very nice, relaxing environment, and I could see this becoming one of my regular haunts.
Oh, and the jukebox. Stellar. They have everything from The Shin’s «Oh Inverted World» to The New Pornographers «Electric Version» to Curtis Mayfield’s «Super Fly». Oh, and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Amazing album.
I hear the bar is going to be moving. Apparently the land was sold and they will be building some big building on the site. It’s a crying shame because it’s such a sweet little spot. Hopefully wherever they end up the same great service and atmosphere will follow.
Oh, and a quote straight off the beer menu: «You’re not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.» — Dean Martin. True dat.

My first visit to the Ginger Man was ok…
I had a good time, but I was with good friends. Everything besides the friends about Ginger Man was just «meh»
I was hungry so I ordered the pizza… It was edible (barely), but it tasted like frozen pizza… .and at 3.00 a slice I kind of expected a better pizza. I’m lame, so I ordered a Dr. Pepper… the menu says it comes in a glass bottle! Cool! When it arrived I realized that yes, it did COME in a glass bottle, but it was in a tiny glass bottle (the equivalent to a can). I spent 10 dollars at the Ginger Man… what I got was a Dr. Pepper and two slices of frozen pizza…
I didn’t order a beer… so, take that into consideration.
I will say that I enjoyed the atmosphere a lot… and the jukebox was full of really great music. I don’t see myself coming back here unless all my friends are going again… I’ll make sure to eat beforehand.

Ginger Man has not failed me yet. I have been to Ginger Man in Greenwich CT, NY, NY and now Austin, TX. Love it! Why? They have a gazillion beers from all over the world.
Ginger Man in Austin has live music on Wednesdays from 6−11PM and $ 3 drafts every Thursday from 6 – 6:30PM. Pretty sweet deal. Nice chill place to go on a Friday night. Not too crowded and you can play darts or billiards.

I do say, a mighty fine pub indeed. Good brews, great IPAs, and a bit of a rustic feel that makes the booze flow down that much easier. Coming from a beer culture I have very high standards and the GingerMan MORE than succeeded them!
I raise my glass to the GingerMan!

I could leave this as a one line review and just say this is pretty much a perfect bar, but that wouldn’t be fair to those who, unlike me, don’t live for simple bars that offer up a lot of character and a hefty list of micro-​brews.
This lovely pub offers up beer tasting events, and a beer list arranged by location, we are talking around the world (yes Texas brews included). I tried the Blance de Bruxelles as suggested by the bartender when I asked for a nice Belgian wheat. It was delicious (with just a hint of banana my favorite!). We enjoyed a perfect spring day on the vegetated back patio. We even sat through a light sprinkle with plenty of coverage offered by the many trees. The long wooden tables are perfect for a large group or an intimate beer tasting experience:) The jukebox and the yummy looking snacks are an added bonus.
I will happily be a regular here upon my move to Austin in June. I am just hoping the new location will be as great as this one!

I like The Ginger Man, even though my friend Paula says the place smells a little bit like cat pee. She’s a little bit right. The place does have a distinctive stink, so if you’re olfactory sense is picky, steer clear. Someone told me it’s because wood floors (which The Ginger Man has) and spilled beer (inevitable) don’t mix.
But don’t let one tiny design flaw deter you from going. This place is worth visiting every once in a while at least for the awesome selection of Texas-​brewed beer. I usually get the seasonal St. Arnold’s and a soft pretzel.
I’m giving this place 4 stars instead of 5 on account of the cat pee smell and the fact that for some reason patrons don’t tend to be real friendly to one another.

Over 100 beers on tap, including Smithwick’s. ‘Nuff said.
Great, cozy British pub style, with booths and tables outside. Knowledgeable staff. GREAT place for Happy Hour — specials are great, and pint night rocks!
The jukebox is generally full of great music as well.

I cannot believe I have never been here before.
You know how you have one of those nights where you are wearing a cute dress, the moon is in the right sun sign, you have a bit of cash in your pocket (although you don’t exactly plan on using it) and you are down to get some serious flirting and drinking on?
Well. i had one of those nights. I loved gingerman.
Was there with a huge group and it was the perfect mix of moving around seeing other people, asking serious beer questions at the bar, and wandering out on the porch to catch some air
I’m sure some of it had to do with the people, but I will come back again. Probably for happy hour. And you should too.

Tara wrote a great review, but gave me far, far, far too much credit. Kristin and her staff are responsible for 99.999% of the Ginger Man goodness (I sometimes have good suggestions or ideas, or actually do something useful, so I don’t feel bad taking 0.001% of the total). I, however, may talk more about it than Kristin (since she’s busy actually working).
At the Dogtoberfest today there were lots and lots of babies and dogs as well as great live music, food, raffle items, silent-​auction stuff, and of course beer. I was amazed that I actually knew many of the babies (or their parents). Is there maybe a fertility-​enhancing effect of good beer? Time to hit PubMed and check on that.

Ok, I’ll join the chorus of praise for this Austin institution. We’ve lost some amazing places as Austin grows, including the Gingerman’s neighbor Waterloo Brewery, but thank god the G-​man has survived.
Start with the beer selection. Its actually intimidating because you had better get ready before bellying up to the bar, there are so many choices. I usually go for something seasonal or featured, I’m a marketing person’s wet dream I guess. I mean its got to be a quality product, I’m not drinking Coors Light because its ‘featured’, but I like lots of beer varieties and experiencing new ones is a treat usually.
I used to give the Gingerman a rap because they had such a limited (and boring frankly) food selection. They’ve expanded that a bit, and the additions are pretty good. I went to a beer tasting event there a week ago and had a turkey sandwich which was quite good.
I like the patio best, but the whole place is comfortable, and like an earlier reviewer said, it is so nice to be able to be with a group of friends and actually talk without shouting. I love places with big comfy chairs, and the Gingerman obliges nicely.
All in all, its a great bar, one I hope never succumbs to yet another luxury condominium building. I think its one of the places which defines Austin for me as a great place to live.

Walking into a bar and seeing a plethora of beer taps on the wall makes me so happy! Being the self-​professed beer snob that I am, I can’t believe I had not visited this place until last night!
I am definitely going to have to come back for another visit when not so pressed for time and perhaps on an evening when it’s not so jam packed. We found our companions outside on the incredibly spacious patio, sharing a picnic table with complete strangers… this is how packed the place was. Someone nearby was smoking a cigar, which kind of gave me a headache after a few minutes. The birds sleeping in the trees overhead are indiscriminate about their bodily functions, so watch out if you’re sitting at the picnic tables. I got a bit of a residual splash from a splatter onto our table. Thank God it missed my beer!
I briefly perused the beer menu and went inside to order. If you see a beer that you’re curious about, or you’re not sure you want to pay the money for it, they will give you a sample… sometimes several different samples. I asked to sample a seasonal New Belgium beer, of which they were out, so I opted for Kwak. I received it in a regular pint glass, but one of my beer companions had one as well, in a specialty round-​bottom glass with a special holder.
The Gingerman is cozy and pub-​like, something which I have an immense appreciation for in my beer joints. The area immediately around the bar is kind of narrow, especially with the tons of people milling about. I noticed a pool table in a corner and a juke box with a decent music selection near the bar. No music seemed to be playing, though.
So far, so good… need to visit again!
*EDIT*
I returned to this fab place last night. It wasn’t nearly as packed as the last time (it was a lot earlier) which made the entire experience much more enjoyable! It raised my star rating to four instead of three! I’m saddened by the pending closure/​relocation, but I will definitely be back again!