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.
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. And, they were recently named America’s favorite craft brewery as part of the Travel Channel’s inaugural Microbrew Madness. 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.
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. just opened a new Tempe location in May 2019. A local favorite in the metro area for years, Fate’s newest location 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 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. Like Sleepy Dog Brewing, the Huss Tempe Taproom, open seven days a week, 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 at both tap rooms.
The Shop Beer Co. is a local favorite. Located 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. They have a food truck on site Wednesday through Sunday evenings. And, they are known for brews like Church Music, a juicy IPA, and Coffee Brown, an American nut brown ale.
There are a few more spots in Downtown Tempe that celebrate craft beers.
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. Their oversized patio is a destination unto itself with a well-stocked bar, cornhole games, ping pong tables and live music on the weekends – all illuminated by twinkling lights. They serve a rotating selection of beers, from classics to Arizona brews. Their inventive lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menu ranges from meatloaf to a kale and sweet corn salad. And, it’s hard to resist hand-crafted cocktails with names such as “Pistols at Dawn” and the “Smashed Irishman.”
