The Best Little Gas Station in Texas

My beloved Giovanni's moved into the Valero kitchen (2900 S. Lamar at the intersection of Barton Skyway) recently.  That's what brought me into the store.  Giovanni's Pizza stand used to sit just outside of this Valero, and they served up some of the most delicious pizza in Austin.  I highly recommend the white pizza, margarita pizza, and penne arrabbiatta.  The white pizza has a creamy and sauce that is pretty unbeatable with such a crispy and perfectly browned pizza.  The penne is wonderfully smoky, nicely spiced, and full of tomato flavor.  After placing our order for a pizza and a pasta dish last week, @windaddict and I decided to check out the beer selection.  Note: Giovanni's is cash only.

We were in for a surprise.  We had found the Best Little Gas Station in Texas.  The first fridge had the typical generic beers, but beyond that was a craft beer lover's paradise.  Dogfishhead, Ommegang, Chimay, Harpoon, New Belgium, Delirium, Brooklyn Local 1 and Local 2, The Great Divide, Brooklyn Brewery 6 packs, Stone Brewing, Breckenridge, and Lagunitas lined the rest of the fridges.  Additionally, the prices were fairly reasonable.  Some prices were middle of the road (9.19 for Brooklyn Local 1 & 2, typical range is 8.62-9.99), and some were definitely cheaper than even discount liquor stores (10.99 for Delirium, 11.80 at other places).  Additionally, this Valero had Dublin Dr. Pepper - made with imperial sugar instead of corn syrup.  


Most tiny gas stations like this one usually only carry big brand beers.  A gas station with a wide selection of quality craft beers is pretty unusual, as is a gas station that is price competitive.  The next time you have a craving for beer and pizza, hop on down to the Valero in South Austin.  Order your pizza and then lose yourself in a beer wonderland.