Beer is all the rage in Houston right now. There are an ever-growing number of local breweries specializing in craft beer, and new ideas continue to bubble up. The latest-a foodie focus.

Houston's oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold, is set to open a kitchen early next year. Judging by the popularity of food trucks at the brewery just north of Downtown, we'd say that's an excellent decision. Saint Arnold Owner Brock Wagner told the Dallas Observer that the limited menu (maybe seven or so items at a time) will be designed to pair with beers. No specifics yet, but Wagner said to expect Belgian, French, Alsatian bistro sort of fare.

Saint Arnold is also launching a new line of seasonal brews later this month. The Icon line is the brewery's attempt to stay fresh and innovative while continuing to serve the popular brands it's known for. Beer lovers will find the first release of Icon, a Belgian pale ale dubbed Icon Red, in local restaurants and bars next week.

Meanwhile things are ramping up at City Acre Brewing Co., which has hosted a number of tasting events this fall. Set inside a Victorian home off of Highway 59 North (about 12 minutes outside of Downtown), City Acre looks more like a charming bed and breakfast than a brewery. But it's that pleasant, unassuming atmosphere that proprietors Matt Schlabach and Meredith Borders think will draw beer lovers for both pints and bites.

City Acre's on-site garden will provide many of the ingredients for the brewery's homemade dishes. The recent tastings suggest the brewery is taking its kitchen side seriously with a focus on elevated, German-style pub grub.

City Acre is set to open its doors and start pouring to the public next year. It will add to the area's existing breweries: Saint Arnold, Karbach Brewing Co., Buffalo Bayou Brewery, No Label Brewing and Southern Star Brewing Co.