Can’t beat this Fort Worth craft beer deal on a budget: $20 for four 8-ounce pours

Martin House Brewing Company is a Fort Worth fan favorite. We know because you voted it as one of your favorites in the Star-Telegram Readers Choice poll for local craft beer.

And after a recent visit to the brewery’s 220 S. Sylvania Ave. location, it’s on my favorites list as well.

The main highlights of my date night at Martin House were the excellent hospitality, top-notch beer and wonderful people — all at an affordable price.

The brewery has a taproom where they brew all their signature craft beers. Their most popular is the collaboration with another local Fort Worth company, Best Maid Pickles, named the Sour Pickle Beer.

For a Thursday night at 5 p.m., it was busy. We parked out front, walked in and planned to get beer by the glass, but Shugg Cole, Martin House’s brand manager, convinced my guest and I to do the $20 wristband. We were pleasantly surprised with this deal that got us four, eight-ounce beers.

There were a plethora of banana-themed beers, decor and candy scattered around the room in honor of “Banana Fest,” a first time event for Martin House. This doesn’t happen every Thursday and Saturday, but themed nights are common at the brewery.

We sipped our first beers as we sat in the back patio of Martin House — which has the most perfect view of the Fort Worth skyline. It was a hazy day and we felt a few drops of rain.

Any weather suits Martin House. The covered back patio has a stage for live music as well as Barley Gastrovan, their permanent food truck. I did not have it in the budget to eat, however I heard that their food is all locally sourced, fresh food that’s made to pair with beer.

I asked the good people at Barley Gastrovan to describe their menu, and here’s what they said: “Elevated new American staples with a neighborhood pub spirit.”

That means they sell burgers and tacos. A perfect food truck for foodies — or hungry beer drinkers..

As I indulged in a few cold ones, I got to talking with local Fort Worthians about ideas for this column. They almost seemed upset I was going to expose their $20 wristband secret— but I vowed to be honest with you guys. And this really is the best beer deal in town.

They also recommend my date and I try these few beers to try. So, here is what I drank at Martin House for $20:

• I started with the SuperFast Jellyfish, a sour, fruity beer. I loved it so much, I’d buy a case to bring home.

• I also had a sip of the Fat Elvis beer, it had notes of banana, bacon, and peanut butter. It was not my cup of brew, but for dark beer lovers, this would be dessert.

• The Silk Road, a citrusy, hazy IPA, was smooth and fresh. Obviously, as a hazy IPA, it tasted very fruity and hoppy.

• Maraschino is a fruity beer brewed with cherries (obviously) with a hint of amaretto. When sipping, it tastes exactly like Maraschino cherries but elevated with the bitterness of beer.

Though Martin House has parking surrounding its building on 220 S Sylvania Ave #209, extra parking can be found at 120 S Sylvania Ave. Their taproom has 40 beers on tap and is open from noon to 10 p.m. everyday.

The wristband deal is $20 for four, eight-ounce pours on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. Come hungry and eat at the Barley food truck on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

I will definitely be going back to Martin House for another wristband night. Heck, I’d even be willing to spend more than $20 next time.

Cheers to beers!