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Is there anything better on a hot, sunny day than a cold beer? No, we can’t think of anything either! Arizona has got brewing the amber nectar down to a fine art, and there are dozens of fantastic breweries in the state.
The beer scene in Arizona is absolutely thriving, so if you are planning here visiting a brewery (or two!) is an absolute must. Here are a few of the must-drink-at Breweries in Phoenix.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co
- Price Point: $$
- Website: azwbeer.com
- Address: 721 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert, AZ
Located in the Gilbert area, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. places great emphasis on conserving water, keeping waste out of landfill sites, and using ingredients sourced from local farmers.
Ongoing drought and the effects of climate change have significantly reduced the amount of water in Arizona, so Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co set out to create a beer that brought attention to this crisis, and This Beer Saves Water was born.
Made using barley from Sinagua Malt, which is grown in late winter/spring when demand for water is lower, This Beer Saves Water has led to the saving of 425 million gallons of water from the Verde River.
Not only is Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s beer environmentally friendly, but it’s also absolutely delicious.
Special ales such as American Presidential, a Russian imperial stout rich in chocolate and coffee, and July 11th, a slushie-inspired IPA brewed with dragonfruit and citrus hops, are only tapped once a year and sell out within days. But plenty of other options are available year-round, including Cactus Juice that’s made with locally-grown prickly pear juice.
Huss Brewing Co.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: hussbrewing.com
- Address: 100 E Camelback Rd #160, Phoenix, AZ
Huss Brewing Co. is a proudly independent brewery that’s well worth a visit. Husband and wife duo Jeff and Leah Huss have been crafting beer in Arizona since 2013, opening their first taproom in Tempe a short while later.
They now have four locations in Phoenix, but a favorite among locals is the flagship Uptown Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen. Here they offer a variety of top-notch crafted local beers alongside an eclectic selection of small bites and sharing dishes.
Huss Brewing Co. has three distinct brand families, and you will be spoiled for choice with their selection. Be sure to try the Koffee Kolsch, a Kolsch brew with caramel, hazelnut, and coffee flavors.
Helton Brewing Company
- Price Point: $
- Website: heltonbrewingcompany.com
- Address: 2144 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ
Helton Brewing Company is owned by Brian Helton, who has been in the industry for over 23 years and has won numerous World Cup Beer Awards.
His vision is to create high-quality beer and a cozy space in which to drink it, and he also does his bit for humanity and the local area by teaching skills such as welding, wiring, and plumbing to residents.
Helton Brewing Company’s high-quality brews have stood the test of time and become classics in Phoenix.
Their American Pale Ale is modeled on the original British Pale Ale but is lighter and cleaner, and another favorite is the Northeast IPA. Brewed with wheat and barley, it has a slightly cloudy appearance, with hints of citrus, orange, and strawberry. It’s delicious on a sunny day (or any day, to be honest!).
Tombstone Brewing Company – Arcadia
- Price Point: $$
- Website: tombstone.beer
- Address: 3935 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Tombstone Brewing Company took its name from the legendary town of Tombstone but now brews right in the heart of Phoenix. Founded by owners with a love and passion for high-quality brewing ales, their years of experimentation, research, and sampling have led to Tombstone Brewing Company producing a fine selection of crafting ales and lagers.
Head here for a laid-back brewpub vibe with a diverse menu of fresh food and world-class beer. Try the Dank Fruit Double, an imperial IPA rich in orange and hops. This is one of Tombstone Brewing Company’s best sellers, and it’s easy to see why!
Four Peaks Brewing Company – Tempe
- Price Point: $$
- Website: fourpeaks.com
- Address: 1340 E 8th St #104, Tempe, AZ
Located near Arizona State University’s main campus, Four Peaks Brewing Company has a loyal following and an impressive selection of craft-brewed beers.
The 8th Street Pale Ale, inspired by classic British pub ales, is a definite crowd-pleaser with its amber hue, floral notes, and slightly sweet hop-forward flavor. Also well worth a try is the Kilt Lifter Scottish-style ale, the beer that started it all for Four Peaks Brewing Company. This award-winning flagship brew has caramel and barley flavors, a dry clean finish, and hints of smokiness and sweetness.
Four Peaks Brewing Company is housed inside a 100-year-old former creamery and ice factory, so it’s fitting that the food here is some of the tastiest brewpub food going. The chicken enchiladas and scratch-made pizzas are a big draw, but the menu also includes mouth-watering burgers and sandwiches.
Live music events and trivia nights are held here, making it the perfect place to meet for an evening of fun.
O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery – Scottsdale
- Price Point: $$
- Website: ohsobrewery.com
- Address: 15681 N Hayden Rd, # 112, Scottsdale, AZ
O.H.S.O. stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost, a reference to the owner’s philosophy that the best beers are shared with friends in a place the whole community can enjoy.
For that winning combination of good beer and good food, look no further than Scottsdale’s O.H.S.O. Brewery. The vibe here is fun and relaxing, with spacious, dog-friendly areas for your canine companions.
The food at O.H.S.O. is a cut above the usual pub fare, with pretzel-crusted chicken and green chili pork tacos on the menu. They also serve a great brunch at the weekends. But really, it’s all about the beer, and it’s hard to beat O.H.S.O.’s BOOM Dynamite, their flagship American IPA that’s enriched with citrus and grape flavors.
Pedal Haus Brewery – Chandler
- Price Point: $$
- Website: pedalhausbrewery.com
- Address: 214 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ
- Address: 730 S. Mill Ave., #102, Tempe, AZ
- Address: 95 W. Boston St., Chandler, AZ
Bike-themed Pedal Haus Brewery has quickly become a beloved institution since its opening in the Tempe area.
In spring 2020, a second brewery by the same team opened its door in downtown Chandler, with a third venue following in downtown Phoenix. The brewery hosts regular events and has partnered with local organizations to support various charitable causes, so you can drink beers in good conscience.
Pedal Haus Brewery is arguably best known for its Biere Blache Belgian Wheat and Day Drinker Light Lager, which won gold and silver awards at the Great American Beer Festival. They also sell a great selection of cocktails and wine alongside a classic menu with plenty of gluten-friendly and vegan options.
Chupacabra Taproom – Mesa
- Price Point: $$
- Website: chupacabrataproom.com
- Address: 14 North Robson, Mesa, AZ
The Chupacabra Taproom in Mesa sells craft beer and wine from all over the world. There is a relaxed atmosphere here, making it a great neighborhood hangout.
The craft beer menu is excellent and extensive, and there is plenty of knowledgeable staff on hand to help guide you to a brew that you’ll love. We highly recommend the Peach Party, filled with flavors of sweet peach, bold blackberry, and mellow apple.
Chupacabra Taproom is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms, which we love. There is no restaurant here, but plenty of snacks are available, and regular food trucks stop by, so you won’t need to go looking for something to eat.
SanTan Gardens Brewery and Distillery Tours – Chandler
- Price Point: $$-$$$
- Website: santantours.com
- Address: 495 E Warner Road, Chandler, AZ
SanTan is one of the largest craft brewers in the state, and since it opened its doors in 2007 in Downtown Chandler, it’s gone from strength to strength. The brewery and distillery tours are a fun weekend activity and definitely worth doing if you are visiting the Chandler area.
On the tour, an expert will guide you through the grain handling station, brewhouse, barrel aging, and packaging areas, and, of course, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the products.
Then head to the tasting bar, where you can purchase additional tastings, canned beers, and bottled spirits. Tours are fully wheelchair accessible.
SanTan offers a number of mainline brews that are available all year round. Folks love the Pepplehead Stoney Hazy IPA, with its tropical tang and tart flavors of stone fruit, tangerine, and passion fruit.
Seasonal options vary from refreshing summer ales to spiced fall lagers. SanTan spirits include vodka sodas and a delicious whiskey soda with ginger and vanilla.
State 48 Brewery
- Price Point: $$
- Website: state48brewery.com
- Address: 13823 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ
- Address: 6770 N Sunrise Blvd, Glendale, AZ
- Address: 345 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ
- Address: 15600 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
State 48 Brewery started in Surprise and has rapidly expanded to other locations including Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.
The Surprise Brewery has a 10-barrel pumping system, offering fan favorites such as Sound of Freedom IPA, Javelina Hefeweizen, Lost Dutchman Golden Ale, Copper Star Kolsch, and Vortex Amber. Pair one of these with a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, grab one of the yard games, and you’re in for a good night.
The Funk House in Glendale doubled down on the Surprise venue and has a 20-barrel system. Also on offer here is a 12-lane bowling alley, two pool tables, and a shuffleboard table. In addition, the Funk House has an awesome beer garden, which can accommodate up to 60 people, and is the perfect spot for a private party.
If you are looking for entertainment in Downtown Phoenix, look no further than State 48 Brewery DTPHX. Like the Funk House, DTPHX has a 20-barrel brewing system, and it is a great place to grab a beer with friends. Head straight to the cozy cocktail area, which overlooks the brewing system.
The State 48 Lager House in North Scottsdale is home to its biggest brewing system with a 20-barrel brewing system and 11 40-barrel fermenters, but only lagers are brewed here. So grab a Chingona Mexican Lager or Desert Vibes Light Mexican Lager and head to the huge dining patio to order some delicious State 48 food.
Front Pourch Brewing
- Price Point: $$
- Website: frontpourchbrewing.com
- Address: 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr, Phoenix, AZ
Family-run Front Pourch Brewing was founded in the Northern Phoenix area and caters to Deer Valley, Cave Creek, and 101 Freeway. They offer tons of beer options, from stouts to IPAs, and aim to bring good company, good beer, and good times to their brewery.
One of our favorite options here had to be the It Ain’t Space Science IPA, a double hazy IPA with citrus and tropical flavors with a hint of balanced malt. Pair it with one of the delicacies from local food trucks for a little taste of heaven.
Goldwater Brewing Co.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: goldwaterbrewing.com
- Address: 3608 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Goldwater Brewing Co. is still a family-owned operation, with brothers Chad and Dillon turning a home-brewing hobby into a thriving business, all under the careful supervision of Dad Greg.
The brewery and tap room opened in 2015, and Goldwater Brewing Co. now distributes to more than 100 bars and restaurants. Head here for the extensive draft list, and stay for the awesome relaxed vibe.
Greenwood Brewing
- Price Point: $$
- Website: greenwoodbrews.com
- Address: 922 N 5th St. Phoenix, AZ
Greenwood Brewing is a little unusual, as it’s owned by women in an industry largely dominated by men. The ladies here aim to make women feel welcomed into the beer industry and, of course, serve a delicious pint.
Check out their flagship Warrior Hazy IPA; a juicy double-dry hopped IPA with mosaic and citra. And for Belgian lovers, try the First Love Belgian Tripel, fermented with Abbey Ale Yeast which gives notes of clove and banana.
Simple Machine Brewing
- Price Point: $
- Website: simplemachinebrewing.com
- Address: 701 W. Deer Valley Rd., Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ
Simple Machine Brewing opened in November 2019 and strives to live up to its name by brewing simply delicious beer. Offering blonde ales, red ales, IPAs, sours, and stouts, there is a beer for everyone. There also host regular trivia nights and live music at their Deer Valley home.
Brews Aplenty in Phoenix
As you can see, Arizona has no shortage of craft brewery locations. If you are planning a trip to the area, be sure to check out a few of the must-drink-at Breweries in Phoenix and have a pint for us while you’re there!
