I had been planning a trip to all the Flying Saucers in Texas for a while. When I first started planning the trip, there were only 6 Flying Saucers in Texas. Sadly, another group did my trip in the meantime. Then, they opened a new Flying Saucer in Sugar Land, just outside of Houston. I updated the trip to include Sugar Land and we are the first group EVER to visit all 7 Flying Saucers in Texas. WOO HOO!!There were 3 of us on this trip: Tracy, Judy and myself, Jonathan.
The basic rules were, only 30 minutes in each Saucer and drink one beer. We met with the manager on duty in each one. I was pleasantly surprised how excited each of the managers were to meet us. I had printed a list of beers unique to each location so we (or at least I), could enjoy something not available at home. Something none of us had even considered, but Brandon offered us an inactive UFO card for his Saucer - as most have fun unique cards. So, we added to our list of things to do: ask for an inactive card for a souvenir. Judy and I also picked up a "Fly Paper" (beer menu) at each location as well and one for her friend, Claud.
Our first Saucer was the newest in Sugar Land. We were excited to see this location since it was new, AND we know the manager Brandon Doss (that's him on the right in the picture). We met Brandon while he trained in our home Saucer in Addison. The Sugar Land location didn't disappoint. Brandon was very proud of his store ... as he should have been. He took us on a tour and introduced us around. Luckily, we were early to the store, so we had an extra 10 minutes to dedicate to this location. Beers: Jonathan - Clown Shoes Brown Angel, Tracy - Independence Bootlegger Brown, Judy - Karbach Rodeo Clown.
The 2nd location was Houston, which is located downtown. We met with manager, Brad, who also was excited to see us and wanted to share his many beers. Since we didn't have time and only wanted to drink one beer, he brought out mini-tasters for us. Good thing too, because they do have a great selection of beer from breweries we don't have in our home Saucer. We met our friend, Mary Ann Wacker there too. Beers: Jonathan - Karbach Hell Fighter Imperial Porter, Tracy - Karbach Sympathy For The Lager, Judy - Karbach Hopadillo IPA.
The 3rd location was San Antonio. It was a long drive from Houston to San Antonio and sadly, it rained on the way in and at the store. The store is known for the great outdoor seating, which we didn't have the opportunity to enjoy. We met Katie and Trent, the managers on duty. They were fun as they called our next stop to let them know we were on the way. Beers: Jonathan - Ranger Creek UNO, Tracy - Harpoon Winter Warmer, Judy - Shiner Holiday Cheer.
The 4th location was Austin. Traffic was bad as you might expect and by now it was prime time on a Saturday night. Needless to say, the place was packed. Luckily, we snagged a seat outside. They had some outdoor heaters, so it was pleasant. The manager was Sam Wynne, a certified Cicerone. We met my friend Patricia Thomas and her boyfriend, "The Engineer." Beers: We all had the same beer - Ranger Creek Saison Oscura.
The 5th location was Fort Worth, also a downtown location. Traffic downtown was a mad house, but we found parking and got to the store. The place was WALL TO WALL...pretty much standing room only! So we stood up the entire time, but found the manager, Landon. Fun guy, and he could have talked with us longer than we had time alloted. Beers: Jonathan - Maui Smoked Hemp (how fun is that name? Beer? OK), Tracy - Dechuttes Black Butte Porter, Judy - Maui Smoked Hemp.
The 6th location was our home Saucer, Addison. We called ahead to Bo Peyton, the manager and asked to save us some place to sit. As much fun as it was to visit some new Saucers and revisit other Saucers, there is something about coming home to where you know everybody. Beers: Jonathan - New Belgium Snow Day, Tracy - Xingu, Judy - Anchor Steam.
The 7th and final location was "The Lake" which is on Lake Ray Hubbard in Garland. I walked in and held up my hands indicating the number seven and walked up to Ryan, the manager. He looked at me quizzically and I said this was 7 of the 7 Saucers in one day. He reached out, shook my hand, asked my name and came back with Jonathan Marsh? Then it clicked who we were! Claud met us there late and shared a celebratory beer with us. Beers: Jonathan - Troubador Imperial Stout, Tracy - 512 Pecan Porter, Judy - Rogue Double Chocolate Stout.
What a long day, about 585 miles and the total round trip was about 833 miles. But, an amazing day with really good beers and good friends!
