Located at 4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Central Machine Works (CMW) is a unique establishment that combines the best of two worlds: a brewery and a restaurant. This place is not just any ordinary brewery and eatery – it is a tribute to Austin’s industrial heritage, paying homage to the hardworking men and women who helped build this city into what it is today. Here’s what you need to know about Central Machine Works. Refer to This Page for More Tips
The History of Central Machine Works
Before we delve into what makes Central Machine Works unique, let’s take a quick trip back in time to understand its origins. The brewery and restaurant are located in a building that was once home to a machine shop in the 1940s. The shop was owned by the Kowert Brothers, who used to manufacture industrial equipment such as conveyors, elevators, and packaging machinery.
The Kowert Brothers machine shop was a vital part of Austin’s industrial landscape, providing employment opportunities to many people in the area. The building itself is a testament to the craftsmanship and skill of its builders, with its steel beams and brick walls standing tall even after all these years.
In 2018, Central Machine Works was born. The founders, brothers Brian and Andrew Peters, had the vision to transform the old machine shop into a modern brewery and restaurant that would honor its history while catering to the needs of today’s residents and visitors.
The Brewery
Central Machine Works is, first and foremost, a brewery, and it takes its craft seriously. The brewery has a 30-barrel brewhouse, which means that it can brew up to 900 gallons of beer in a single batch. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, ranging from classic styles like Pilsners and IPAs to more experimental brews like sours and barrel-aged beers.
One of the unique things about Central Machine Works is that they use a cool ship to cool their wort before fermentation. A cool ship is a shallow metal vessel that allows the wort to cool naturally using ambient air. This process is a traditional method that dates back centuries and is still used by some Belgian breweries today. Using a cool ship gives Central Machine Works beer a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other breweries in the area.
The Restaurant
In addition to being a brewery, Central Machine Works also has a restaurant that serves up delicious food to pair with their beer. The menu is a fusion of classic Texas dishes and modern gastropub fare, with options ranging from smoked brisket to avocado toast.
One standout dish on the menu is the “Machinist Board,” which features a selection of meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables that are perfect for sharing with friends over a cold beer. Another popular dish is the “CMW Burger,” which features a beef patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg.
The Ambience
Central Machine Works is not just a place to eat and drink – it is an experience. The founders have done an excellent job of preserving the building’s industrial heritage, with the original brick walls and steel beams still intact. They have also incorporated vintage machinery and tools into the decor, giving the space a unique and authentic feel.
The outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a beer on a sunny day, with ample seating and shade provided by large trees. The patio also features a stage where local bands and musicians perform on weekends, adding to the lively and vibrant atmosphere. Click for more info
Brewery Tours: Central Machine Works offers tours of their brewery on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. The tours cost $15 per person and include a souvenir glass and four 5 oz. Beer samples.
Menu: Central Machine Works’ menu features a range of dishes, including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Beer Selection: Central Machine Works has a wide selection of beers on tap, including classic styles like Pilsners and IPAs, as well as more experimental brews like sours and barrel-aged beers. They also have a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-release beers.
Events: Central Machine Works hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, trivia nights, and special beer releases. Check their website or social media pages for upcoming events.
Reservations: Central Machine Works accepts reservations for groups of 6 or more. Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant.
Parking: Central Machine Works has a large parking lot on-site, as well as street parking available nearby.
Takeout: Central Machine Works offers takeout orders, which can be placed online or by calling the restaurant. They also offer delivery through third-party services like Uber Eats and Grubhub.
Private Events: Central Machine Works has a private event space that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The space is ideal for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Contact the restaurant for more information on booking private events.
Important Information about Central Machine Works
Here is some important information you should know about Central Machine Works:
Location: 4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
