What’s the true taste of Arizona? In Tempe, it’s all about craft beer. Tempe has a vast culinary scene that extends from college town staples of pizza and burgers to upscale dining at House of Tricks and Top of the Rock. One trend that ties all of Tempe’s eateries together is the growing variety of excellent microbrews. With multiple craft breweries in Tempe, our city is producing some of the best of suds in the Southwest.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19, craft breweries in Tempe may have adjusted their hours of operation. Please call ahead or check the breweries social accounts for the latest updates. Or, check out our “Tempe restaurants with delivery and curbside pick-up” blog to find up-to-date info.
Four Peaks Brewing Company is the original destination for great Tempe craft beer. Their signature brews, including the Scottish style Kilt Lifter, 8th Street Pale Ale and Hop Knot IPA, can be found all of over town, but they are best experienced at their location on 8th Street in Tempe. Originally a creamery building that dates back to the 19th century, this charming red brick structure seems custom made for their brewing operations, large bar and sunny outdoor patio. You can take a tour of this historic building and their brewing operations every Saturday. While beer is the main draw to this neighborhood hangout, food comes in a close second. The Four Peaks beer bread sandwiches, perfectly seasoned fries, enchiladas and pizzas are some of the best around. And, if you don’t get a chance to visit their original location, don’t worry. You can get a taste of Four Peaks on your way home. Traveling out of town? No problem. Visit their location in Terminal 4 of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. *PLEASE NOTE, TOURS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.
A rising star in Tempe’s craft beer scene is Pedal Haus Brewery. Pedal Haus Brewery is a Mill Ave. restaurant, brewery and entertainment destination. This 14,000 sq. ft. bike-friendly brewery features hand-crafted European-style beers, a Belgian-American gastropub food menu, Downtown Tempe’s largest patio and three indoor and outdoor bar options with 24 taps each. Lots of yard games on their expansive, dog-friendly beer garden outdoor space enhance entertainment opportunities even further.
Fate Brewing Co. is a local favorite in the metro area for years, Fate’s newest location in Tempe is a beautiful, yet uber cool industrial space, with lots of seating indoors and out. They serve many craveable menu items from juicy burgers to flavorful Hawaiian Salmon. And, you’ll be hard pressed to choose your favorite beer with choices like Fateful IPA, Halfway to Heffen and Barrel Aged Smoked Baltic Porter.
Huss Brewing Co. is owned by Jeff and Leah Huss, a husband and wife team with a passion for American craft beer. From a pale ale called “Magic in the Ivy” to their German Style Kölsch called “Scottsdale Blonde,” this is a casual spot to enjoy brews with friends. The Huss Tempe Taproom does not offer a food menu. But, patrons are welcome to bring in their own food or order in from GrubHub, Postmates or another delivery option.
The Shop Beer Co. on First Street, just south of Rio Salado Parkway and east of Hardy Drive. The Shop has turned what was once a residence into a great place to hang out with old friends and new. And, they are known for brews like Church Music, a juicy IPA, and Coffee Brown, an American nut brown ale. Food is not available for purchase at The Shop, but guests are welcome to bring in their own food or use a delivery service. *THE PATIO IS NOW OPEN FOR SERVICE AND TAKE OUT IS AVAILABLE.
There are a few more spots in Tempe that celebrate craft beers.
You can find a full list of Tempe bars and restaurants on our website.
Cotton & Copper is a cocktail forward restaurant and bar with an inventive food menu in South Tempe. Their food menu uses seasonal ingredients that can be found locally for dishes like White Sonora Wheat Berry Rolls and Two Wash Ranch Chicken. Their cocktails are named after Tempe neighborhoods and their craft beer selection is from Arizona breweries.
New to Tempe’s dining scene is The Golden Pineapple. Located at Mill Avenue and Alameda, a few miles south of downtown, The Golden Pineapple serves Baja Mexican style food with a focus on creative cocktails and craft beer. The majority of their draft beers come from Arizona breweries, with a few options from the California and New Mexico.
Just a few minutes walk from Downtown Tempe’s Mill Avenue is The Yard Tempe. The Yard is a revamped warehouse space on First Street and Farmer Avenue. It is home to Culinary Dropout, an expansive gastropub with a cool come-as-you-are vibe with an oversized patio with cornhole games, firepits and ping pong tables. They serve a rotating selection of beers, from classics to Arizona brews. Their inventive lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menu ranges from meatloaf to pretzels and fondue. And, it’s hard to resist hand-crafted cocktails with names such as “Pistols at Dawn” and the “Smashed Irishman.”
Beer lovers will also love Bottleshop 48, a casual spot where you can buy craft beers by the can or choose from their 12 drafts on tap. Or, check out Taste of Tops on University Drive west of Mill Avenue. You can take your pick from 30 rotating taps and hundreds of craft beer in bottles and cans.
Bring your bicycle for fun, scratch made food and craft beer at Spokes on Southern. Try one of their 24 drafts they have on tap comprised of local Arizona favorites and some of the most sought after new beers. Check out their selection here. Located down the road is another bike and beer haven called Boulders and Broadway. Their bar has 30 draft handles and 70 plus bottles of craft beer. Park your ride inside (your bicycle, that is) grab a seat at the bar top or take a seat on the patio.
