Downtown Paris, Texas has a new gathering place, and it’s pouring something special. Paris Brewing Company, opened in September 2024 by three local friends, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in Northeast Texas. Equal parts craft brewery and artisan pizza restaurant, it delivers handcrafted everything: from small-batch beers to slow-fermented dough, in a beautifully restored historic building. Whether you’re a craft beer tourist hunting the TX Brew Passport trail or simply looking for the best places to eat in Paris, Texas, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.
At a Glance
- Paris Brewing Company opened in September 2024, founded by Aaron Raper, Ben Wheeler, and Ryan Matthews.
- The taproom occupies a historic downtown building, renovated to reflect the architectural era following Paris’s early 1900s fire.
- The menu features handcrafted pizza made with slow-fermented dough, alongside locally sourced ingredients from partners like Paris Bakery and Grey Fox Farms.
- Paris Brewing Co. is part of the TX Brew Passport program by the Texas Craft Brewers Association, making it a destination for craft beer tourists.
- The brewery also supplies kegs to several other beloved Paris spots, including 107, Jaxx, Bonfire, Bird Dog Books, and Rigby’s.
How Three Friends Turned a Shared Dream into a Craft Brewery
Every great local institution starts with a conversation. For Aaron Raper, Ben Wheeler, and Ryan Matthews, that conversation had been years in the making. Three friends with a shared love of craft beer and good food, they saw something missing in their hometown: a place where quality brewing met genuine community.
They took the leap, and in September 2024, Paris Brewing Company opened its doors.
The founders weren’t chasing trends. They were building something they wanted to exist, a place with roots in the community, pride in the craft, and a seat at the table for everyone who calls Paris, Texas home.
Why Craft Beer and Pizza?
The decision to pair a brewery with a pizza program wasn’t arbitrary. Beer and pizza share a beautiful culinary logic: the carbonation and bitterness of a well-crafted beer cut through rich cheese and savory toppings, while the dough’s subtle tang echoes the complexity of a well-fermented brew.
At Paris Brewing Company, both sides of that equation are taken seriously.
The result is a menu where neither the beer nor the food plays second fiddle. You’re not eating pizza as an afterthought while you drink. You’re experiencing two crafts that elevate each other.
The People Behind the Food: A Team That Cares About Every Bite
The kitchen at Paris Brewing Company has serious pedigree. Head Chef Andrew brings a deep understanding of fermentation, flour, and flavor to every pie that comes out of the kitchen. That foundation matters, because great pizza starts long before the oven.
Dough specialist Kevin Whickersham oversees the slow-fermented dough that forms the backbone of every pie. Slow fermentation develops flavor and texture that simply can’t be rushed, and that commitment shows in every slice.
Then there’s McGlasson, Ben Wheeler’s brother-in-law, whose contribution to the menu runs so deep that one of the brewery’s signature pizzas bears his name. That kind of recognition says everything about the role he played in the kitchen.
These aren’t just titles. They’re people who care deeply about what lands on your table.
What Makes Paris Brewing Co. Special: Handcrafted, Start to Finish
“Handcrafted” gets used a lot. At Paris Brewing Company, it’s not a marketing line. It’s the operating philosophy.
The beers are brewed in small batches, allowing the team to experiment, refine, and stay intentional about every pour. The pizza dough ferments slowly. The ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible.
Speaking of local sourcing: Paris Bakery supplies the pretzels, and Grey Fox Farms provides the sausage. These aren’t just vendor relationships. They’re community partnerships that keep dollars circulating in Paris and ensure the quality of every bite is traceable to people you might actually know.
That interconnectedness is part of what makes eating here feel different from a chain restaurant. Everything on the menu has a story, and most of those stories start right here in Lamar County.
A Taproom with History: The Building Behind the Brewery
The building that houses Paris Brewing Company is as much a part of the experience as the beer. Downtown Paris carries the architectural legacy of the early 1900s, when the city rebuilt following a devastating fire. The taproom was renovated with that history in mind, following historic preservation guidelines that honor the era.
Walking in, you feel it: the weight of a building that has stood through generations of Paris life, now repurposed into something vibrant and forward-looking. It’s a space that respects the past while making room for what’s new.
For visitors exploring downtown Paris, the brewery fits naturally alongside the district’s other historic landmarks. It’s not just a place to drink. It’s a place to absorb the character of this city.
Community Roots: Paris Brewing Co.’s Local Business Network
One of the quieter but more meaningful aspects of Paris Brewing Company is how deeply it’s woven into the local business ecosystem. Beyond the on-site menu, the brewery supplies kegs to several other beloved Paris establishments: 107, Jaxx, Bonfire, Bird Dog Books, and sometimes Rigby’s.
That means when you’re sipping a craft beer elsewhere in town, there’s a good chance it came from this brewery. Paris Brewing Co. isn’t competing with the local bar scene. It’s supplying it.
This collaborative spirit reflects something true about what makes small-town businesses thrive. When local businesses support each other, the whole community wins.
Events and Atmosphere: Trivia Nights and a Place to Belong
Paris Brewing Company isn’t just somewhere to eat and drink. It’s somewhere to spend an evening.
Trivia nights are a regular fixture, bringing together locals, regulars, and visitors for the kind of low-stakes fun that’s increasingly hard to find. The atmosphere leans warm and unhurried, the kind of place where conversations stretch longer than expected.
Whether you’re a local who stops by weekly or a first-time visitor exploring Paris, Texas, the brewery has a way of making you feel like you’ve been there before.
Craft Beer Tourism: Paris Brewing Co. and the TX Brew Passport
For craft beer tourists, and there are more of them every year, Paris Brewing Company is now a legitimate destination stop.
The brewery participates in the TX Brew Passport program, run by the Texas Craft Brewers Association. The free app lets users check in at participating Texas breweries, earning digital stamps and rewards along the way. It’s turned craft beer exploration into a structured road trip across the state, and Paris Brewing Co. is now on that map.
If you’re planning a Northeast Texas beer tour, or just passing through Paris on a longer Texas itinerary, the TX Brew Passport gives you one more reason to make this stop official.
Download the TX Brew Passport app before you visit, and come thirsty.
The Perfect Day in Paris, Texas
Paris, Texas rewards those who wander with intention. Here’s how to build a full day around everything this city has to offer, with Paris Brewing Company as your anchor.
Morning: Grab a coffee at Paris Coffee Downtown and start your stroll through our locally owned shops! Stop by Paris Grocery to stock up on local finds, then explore the quirky treasures at Happy Hoarders. Swing by Bird Dog Books for something to read (and note: they sometimes pour Paris Brewing Co. beers on tap).
Midday: Wander through Downtown Paris and catch the iconic Culbertson Fountain, and step inside The Downtown Gallery (housed in the Chamber of Commerce). Check the schedule at the historic theater, and if you have a sweet tooth, the ice cream parlor (Sundae in Paris) is a must.
Afternoon: Take a little break and stop by our world-famous Eiffel Tower located next door to the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial. Then swing back to downtown because there’s more to enjoy!
Browse the boutiques, check out Olive Paris and pick up something local at Bee Sweet. Wind down with a stop at Liquid Pharmacy for a creative drink, then settle in at Paris Brewing Company for a slow-fermented pizza and a fresh-poured craft beer.
Evening: Round out the night at Rigby’s, Vin de Paris, or The Cellar, the latter two perfect for wine lovers who want to extend the evening with a different kind of pour.
It’s a full, unhurried Paris day, and it proves that this city has more going on than most people expect.
Why Paris Brewing Company Belongs on Your Paris, TX Itinerary
Paris, Texas has always had character. What Paris Brewing Company adds is a gathering place, a downtown anchor that celebrates local craft, local people, and local history all at once.
For visitors, it’s one of the best places to eat in Paris, Texas, full stop. For craft beer tourists, it’s a genuine destination. For locals, it’s the kind of place you bring out-of-towners to show them what Paris is becoming. As an added bonus, if the weather is nice then you’ll enjoy their outdoor seating!
Planning a visit? Add Paris Brewing Company to your Paris, Texas itinerary and explore everything else this city has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris Brewing Company
Where is Paris Brewing Company located?
Paris Brewing Company is located in downtown Paris, Texas, in a historic building that was renovated following historic preservation guidelines reflecting the city’s post-fire architectural era from the early 1900s.
When did Paris Brewing Company open?
Paris Brewing Company opened in September 2024, founded by Aaron Raper, Ben Wheeler, and Ryan Matthews.
What food does Paris Brewing Company serve?
The brewery serves artisan pizza made with slow-fermented dough. The culinary team includes Head Chef Andrew and dough specialist Kevin Whickersham. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible, including pretzels from Paris Bakery and sausage from Grey Fox Farms.
Is Paris Brewing Company part of the TX Brew Passport?
Yes. Paris Brewing Company participates in the TX Brew Passport program by the Texas Craft Brewers Association. Visitors can check in via the free TX Brew Passport app to earn stamps and rewards.
Does Paris Brewing Company supply beer to other Paris venues?
Yes. The brewery supplies kegs to several local establishments, including 107, Jaxx, Bonfire, Bird Dog Books, and sometimes Rigby’s.
What events does Paris Brewing Company host?
Paris Brewing Company regularly hosts trivia nights, along with other community events. It’s known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere that suits both locals and out-of-town visitors.
Is Paris Brewing Company a good stop for craft beer tourists visiting Texas?
Absolutely. As a TX Brew Passport participant, Paris Brewing Company is an officially recognized destination for craft beer tourists exploring Texas. Its combination of small-batch brewing, artisan food, and historic setting makes it a standout stop in Northeast Texas.
