Standing tall amid the plains of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo and its surrounding towns are more than cattle country and wind farms. This rugged landscape breeds resilience, artistry, and a rich culture of handcraft. From breweries and distilleries to custom saddles, boots, and knives, Amarillo is a haven for makers. Whether you’re sipping mead at a honey farm or getting fitted for a handmade pair of cowboy boots, the Amarillo area offers the chance to experience something truly local—and truly Texan.

 

Breweries of Amarillo

Amarillo has a thriving craft beer scene, with three standout breweries helping to define the city’s flavor:

  • Pondaseta Brewing Co: With a focus on balanced, approachable beers, Pondaseta has quickly become a West Texas staple. Their taproom features standouts like the I-40 West Coat IPA, the Lo Light Lager, and the Sunrise Amber, along with rotating seasonal releases. The industrial-chic space is dog-friendly and often hosts trivia nights and live music. For something with a more historical flair, drive down to Canyon and check out their new taproom in the town’s historic Santa Fe train depot.
  • Old Tascosa Brewing: Named after a legendary frontier town that once stood west of Amarillo (the twon paid visit to Old West legends like Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett), Old Tascosa Brewing pays tribute to the Panhandle’s cowboy roots. Their taproom offers bold, rustic flavors—think mesquite-smoked porters and Texas wheat ales—and makes for a great place to grab a pint and hear a story or two.
  • Six Car Pub & Brewery: Located on historic Polk Street in the heart of Downtown Amarillo, Six Car blends elevated pub food with inventive beers. Their rooftop patio offers sweeping views of the city, making it a favorite hangout for locals. Try their Permian Red Ale or the “Wheat Me in Amarillo” Belgian White, paired with a Korean chicken sandwich or a kielbasa pepperoni pizza.

 

Bomb City Distillery

The small-batch Bomb City Distillery produces vodka, gin, and a distinctive Panhandle whiskey using locally sourced grains. The tasting room features craft cocktails and an industrial vibe—and the team is happy to talk you through the distillation process. Whether you’re sipping a Churro-infused vodka or a smoked old-fashioned, Bomb City delivers bold Texas flavor.

 

Bar Z Winery

Overlooking the edge of Palo Duro Canyon, Bar Z Winery combines stunning views with award-winning Texas wines. Specializing in dry reds and robust blends, Bar Z sources all of its grapes from High Plains vineyards. Their Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs are standouts, and the winery frequently hosts live music events. It's a perfect place to end a day of exploring the nation’s second-largest canyon—with a glass of wine and a West Texas sunset.

 

Creek House Honey Farm (Canyon, TX)

Located in nearby Canyon, Creek House Honey Farm is a family-run apiary that produces raw local honey, beeswax skincare, and a wide array of hive-based products. Their Honey Buzz Meadery serves mead made from their own honey, alongside cheese trays, the “Bee’s Knees Grilled Cheese,” and house-baked breads and cookies. Visitors can tour the hives, attend beekeeping classes, or simply relax in a rocking chair, with a glass of cider or honey mead, on the huge porch overlooking the plains. Creak House offers a taste of honeyed heaven on windswept Panhandle prairie.

 

 

Oliver Saddle Shop

A cornerstone of Amarillo’s Western heritage, Oliver Saddle Shop has been handcrafting saddles since 1917. Still family-owned and operated, the shop is now run by the third and fourth generations of the Oliver family. Each saddle is built start-to-finish by a single craftsman, using top-grade leather and time-tested techniques. Cowboys across the country swear by Oliver saddles, prized for their durability and fit. Beyond saddles, the shop also produces custom chaps, saddle pads, tack, bedrolls, and hardware.

 

Beck Cowboy Boots

For over 100 years, Beck Boots has been outfitting ranchers, rodeo stars, and boot lovers with custom-made footwear. Each pair is handcrafted to fit the customer's exact foot dimensions, ensuring all-day comfort in the saddle or on the street. Beck specializes in heavyweight, durable leather that’s built to last—paired with unparalleled craftsmanship. They also offer full customization—from stitching patterns to toe shapes, to anything else you can dream up, including exotic leathers like ostrich and alligator.

 

Exotic Texas Knives

If you need a blade as beautiful as it is functional, Exotic Texas Knives delivers. These handcrafted knives range from everyday “cowboy carry” pieces to elaborate tactical and hunting knives. Based in Amarillo, Exotic Texas Knives emphasizes detail, performance, and heirloom quality. Their knives have become a favorite among hunters, outdoorsmen, and collectors across the Southwest.

 

Blue Sage Pottery

Husband-and-wife master-ceramicist team Kent and Megan Harris run Blue Sage Pottery, where they create functional stoneware inspired by their home on the High Plains of West Texas. Kent’s work has grown increasingly focused on local materials in recent years—including local clays and wood ash glazes—while Megan’s work is influenced by architecture, human figures, and historical objects. Megan is also a highly regarded painter of landscapes and still lifes.  

 

Why It Matters

What ties all these makers together? A fierce pride of place, a reverence for tradition, and an independent spirit that defines the Texas Panhandle. Whether it's honey spun from local bees or a saddle that will ride a thousand miles, the products made in and around Amarillo reflect the values of hard work, creativity, and community. So the next time you're passing through West Texas, stop and explore. Meet the people still doing things the hard w