Opened in March 2012, Westside Alehouse is one of Round Rock's newer dining and social gathering spots.

Featuring 51 beers on tap; a menu of American dining staples such as hamburgers and wings; and bar, dining and patio areas with dozens of large-screen televisions, Westside Alehouse was created to fill a void in Round Rock's family-friendly, sports-themed restaurant options, Area Manager Eli Aviles said.

"The idea was to do something different in Round Rock so that people wouldn't have to go to Austin," Aviles said.

Westside Alehouse is the second local restaurant venture for owners Owen Reischman and Kathy Boyd, who founded the La Margarita Mexican restaurant in 1987. Aviles, who began working at La Margarita as a busboy nearly 20 years ago, said the local ownership and close-knit group of employees at Westside Alehouse sets it apart from their larger, chain-restaurant competition.

"We are a family restaurant, so we take pride in what we do—we are not corporate," he said. "As far as the employees, we are like family."

Aviles said the greatest challenge since opening last year has been tapping into the local customer base that is not yet familiar with what Westside Alehouse offers. While the business caters to the after-work gatherings and sports event clientele, it is also a friendly environment for families with children, Aviles said. Westside Alehouse also features a large outdoor patio area with seating for more than 60 people that regularly hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Aviles said he and the restaurant's ownership are hoping to expand the restaurant to multiple locations in the near future.

"The idea is as Round Rock is growing, we want to grow with [it]," Aviles said.

1500 N. I-35, Round Rock, 512-238-8438, www.westsidealehouse.com, Sun.–Fri. 11 a.m.–midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.