Beer news

What's brewing in San Antonio: 2 local beers earn gold at national fest

Altstadt Brewery's "Okt" received a gold medal at the Great American Beer Fest

Altstadt Brewery/Facebook

As the end of the year approaches, area breweries are keeping busy by pouring more fun seasonals and racking up more victories at premier beer competitions. And, the owners of a San Antonio-area beer garden are opening up their venture to new ownership or a partner.

Kick back with your favorite local brew and check out the latest in San Antonio craft beer news.

Altstadt wins at Great American Beer Festival
Upon launching operations in the Hill Country in 2017, Altstadt Brewery wasted no time in producing some of the most critically acclaimed craft beers in Texas or the nation, for that matter.

The Fredericksburg-based brewery has won awards and honors at multiple beer competitions and festivals, and its latest victory was at one of the industry’s biggest annual events: the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

Out of the 1,300 breweries and cideries participating, Altstadt was among 12 Texas breweries — and the lone San Antonio-area producer — to receive a medal after judging. The Altstadt Oktoberfest garnered the gold in the German-Style Marzen category, and the Altstadt Pils earned the gold in the German-Style Pilsner category.

A traditional German-style Marzen brewed with pilsner, Vienna and Munich malts, the Oktoberfest has become Altstadt’s most popular seasonal release and is still available statewide during the fall season. The Altstadt Pils has been on a successful run at competitions, earning silver medals at the 2026 Texas Craft Brewers Cup and 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Changes coming to The Point Park
It has been 15 years since Denise Aguirre and Noel Cisneros opened The Point Park on Boerne Stage Road in Leon Springs. The Point Park has become a popular a family- and pet-friendly destination, hosting a variety of food trucks, a live music stage, a playground, and a patio bar featuring a range of craft beers.

Now, Aguirre says she and Cisneros are looking to its future. According to a November 1 Facebook post, the team has "decided it's time to explore strategic partnerships and/or new ownership opportunities to help move The Point forward,” Aguirre wrote.

Aguirre said running a small business now is very different from when she and Cisneros first unveiled The Point Park, and they feel there is a need for The Point Park to evolve with a new partnership.

“Ideally, we'd love to find someone who sees the potential in The Point and wants to be part of shaping its future. Someone who brings not only financial resources but also experience, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to help the business grow,” Aguirre wrote. “If you or someone you know has a serious interest in exploring an investment, partnership, or ownership opportunity, we'd welcome a conversation. Please reach out to us directly.”

Aguirre said she and Cisneros are heartened by how The Point Park has become a beloved gathering spot for all sorts of people.

“You've helped make The Point what it is today. We're incredibly proud of what we've built over the past 14 years, and we believe there's still a whole lot worth building,” she added.

The Point Park, San Antonio, food truck park, bar, beer garden Owners of The Point Park are seeking a partnership or new ownership to grow the business.Photo courtesy of The Point Park

Seasonal brews abound
November is the time when breweries are still offering an assortment of autumn-themed beers, as well as introducing the plethora of holiday seasonals and winter beers. Here’s a quick look at some locally produced brews that will get consumers into that holiday spirit:

Free Roam Brewing Co.’s Bison Spice is a winter spiced ale filled with notes of caramel, toffee, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla.

Thirsty Pups Brewery’s Ryemember The Alamo is a boozy imperial rye stout marked with chocolate and coffee notes, and a subtle rye spice finish.

Kunstler Brewing Co.’s Gourd Almighty has returned, featuring a blend of roasted pumpkin and dark malt.

Guadalupe Brewing Co. and Pizza Kitchen’s Festbier, a pale German lager, is a lighter, crisper alternative to the heavier, darker Marzen.

Five Stones Artisan Brewery will have a November 29 party to mark the release of its newest batch of Merry Christmas, a holiday spiced ale made with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, and honey.

Guadalupe Brewing Co., Festbier, fall seasonal, beer Guadalupe Brewing Co. in New Braunfels is serving Festbier.Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Brewing Co.

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Milkshake News

Decadent dessert shop MilkShake Factory opens in northwest San Antonio

Milkshake Factory

Sweet things are coming to San Antonio's growing Northwest Side via MilkShake Factory, a dessert destination specializing in milkshakes and premium chocolates. The Pittsburgh-based dessert chain will open at 5518 N. Loop 1604 W. in The Landmark, an emerging dining and entertainment center at the intersection of I-10 and Loop 1604.

According to a release, the shop will open on Saturday, November 7.

MilkShake Factory started out in 1914 as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh, specializing in salted caramels, terrapins (aka turtles), and chocolate barks. In 2003, fourth-generation owner Dana Edwards Manatos debuted the MilkShake Factory shop concept, combining chocolates and milkshakes. There are now more than 50 locations in 19 states across the U.S., including the first shop in San Antonio which opened at Stone Oak in May 2026.

The menu features milkshakes in indulgent flavors such as Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Campfire S’mores, Birthday Cake, Mint Cookies & Cream, and Salted Caramel Pretzel, along with nondairy milkshakes in flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and peanut butter, as well as the classic van-choc-straw. Prices range from $7 to $12.

Other soda-fountain-style treats include sundaes, root beer floats, and molten chocolate cups featuring melted milk chocolate spooned over fresh strawberries or bananas.

The chocolates side of the menu includes 10 varieties of chocolate bark; chocolate cake pops; and chocolate bars including Dubai chocolate bar and a pecan terrapin, their fancy word for the chocolate-caramel confection more commonly known as a turtle.

This new San Antonio North location is from franchisee Patrick Lugo, whose journey with MilkShake Factory began with a five-hour road trip to try the brand's milkshakes. As a parent himself, Lugo was especially drawn to the company's roots as a family-owned business.

"I fell in love with the milkshakes first, but it was the people and the story behind MilkShake Factory that really won me over," Lugo says in a statement. "There's something really special about a business that has brought a family together for generations. I hope to create those same kinds of memories with my own family, while bringing a little extra joy to the families in our community."

Lugo chose The Landmark — near The Shops at La Cantera, The Rim, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas — for its mix of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

"There's so much happening in this part of San Antonio, and I couldn't imagine a better place to open my first MilkShake Factory," Lugo says. “I love the idea of becoming a place where families can stop in for a treat after a day of shopping, celebrate a special occasion, or simply spend time together."

MilkShake Factory San Antonio North will host a grand opening event on November 7 from 12-4 pm with T-shirts and other giveaways along with a classic car show in the parking lot.

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