Tempe may be best known as home to two of Arizona's largest breweries.Arizona's famous Four Peaks Brewing Company (which, heads up, is probably haunted)and Huss Brewing Company, maker of Papago Orange Blossom and Koffee Kolsch, are both within the city's limits.
But the East Valley cities of Tempe and Scottsdale have much more to offer than just the state's two biggest breweries. Tempe and Scottsdale are also home to smaller breweries and taprooms that are equally worth a visit.
Sit on these patios and enjoy the sunshine, find a great spot for both dinner and a pint, or stock up at a bottle shop with one of the biggest selections around.
Here's a beer lovers' guide to your best options for a cold pint in Tempe and Scottsdale.
MORE:The ultimate beer-lover's guide to bars, breweries and taprooms in Phoenix
Don't skip Tempe's flagship breweries
Four Peaks Brewing Company got its start in Tempe's historic creamery buildingwhen a group of friends decided tostart making beer.In 1996, thebrewers created Kilt Lifter, a Scottish-style amber ale that's become the company's flagship beer.Ayear later the doors to the brewery opened to the public. Now, after many years and a sale to Anheuser-Busch in 2015, Four Peaks produces the most beer of any brewery inArizona.
While some of Four Peaks' most popular beers can be found in grocery stores around the country, you can try smaller batch and seasonal brews at the original location on 8th Street in Tempe.
Huss Brewing Company is one of the state's largest independent breweries, owned by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Leah Huss. The duo started the company in 2013 to combine their years of beer-industry experience.
Like Four Peaks, Huss brews are easy to find at Arizona grocery and liquor stores. But there's something special about swinging by the place where the magic happens. The large production brewery includes a cozy taproom outfitted with a small bar and plenty of seating.
Details: Four Peaks 8th Street Brewery, 1340 E. Eighth St.#104, Tempe. 480-303-9967,fourpeaks.com. Huss Brewing Company,1520 W. Mineral Road #102, Tempe.480-264-7611,hussbrewing.com.
These brewpubs have good food, too
Known among brewers as one of the best in the state, head brewer Derek "Doc" Osborne launchedPedal Haus Brewery into award winning territory with his beers.Make sure to try the Bière BlancheWitbier, a traditional Belgian wheat beer made with Moroccan orange peel and coriander, which was agold medal winner at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.Don't worry if you get hungry, the food at Pedal Haus holds up as well. Classic pub fare including burgers, sandwiches and pizzafills the menu along with elevated dishes and newly added vegan and reducedgluten options. Pedal Haus also opened a second outpost in Chandler in 2020. Another is planned for downtown Phoenix.
For subscribers:Phoenix is a beer city. Here are 10 Valley brewers who prove it
Fate Brewing Company, formerly known as McFate, has two locations in Scottsdale and one in Tempe. The original brewery, located on Shea Boulevard just east of Scottsdale Road opened in 2012; asecond location on Scottsdale Road south of McDowell Road opened in 2015; and the Tempe location on Southern Avenue just east of Mill Avenueopened its doors in 2019. The Tempe location embodies the term brewpub,set up mainly as arestaurant that serves house made beer. Grab a plate of nachos or make any burger a double for just a few extra bucks. As for beer, the Hatch Chile Gatos packs a little heat and the Strawberry Milkshake Wheat made with vanilla and lactose doubles as dessert.
Details: Pedal Haus Brewery,730 S. Mill Ave.#102, Tempe.480-314-2337.pedalhausbrewery.com. Fate Brewing Company,7337 E Shea Blvd. #105, Scottsdale.480-994-1275. More locations atfatebrewing.com.
These patios are perfect for beer drinking
It's a good thing The Shop Beer Co.has an excellent patio because there's not much space to sit inside. This tiny Tempe brewery started in 2012 behind Cartel Coffee Lab. When the team at Carteldecided they needed more space to dedicate to beer, The Shop was born just a few miles across town. Food trucks rotate outside.Soak in the sunshine on the urban garden patio, complete with graffiti murals, picnic tables and shade trees.
Scottsdale's Goldwater Brewing Co.is a family affair. The original Old Town location opened in 2015and offers a cozy taproom with a buzzy atmosphere, a rotating list of beer on tap and a small patio perfect for people watching and pint drinking. The team behind the brewery also recently opened a new taproom in east Mesa.Both locations feature patios, and thepink beerCactus Rose Ale. Other options include a lineup of IPAs, sours and a few stouts with a selection of cans to-go as well.
Details: The Shop Beer Co.922 W. First St., Tempe.480-477-9212.theshop.beer. Goldwater Brewing Co.3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale and5942 E. Longbow Parkway#105, Mesa.480-350-7305.goldwaterbrewing.com.
Looking for a bottle shop? Here's a great one
If you are looking for an unusual beer, a specialty sake or a locally made spirit, Tops Liquors in Tempe has got you covered. Find Mission Vodka and Copper City Bourbon from Arizona Distilling Company or build your own six pack of Perla Honey beer from Poland or Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale from England. The enormous selection ofbottles and cansis worth combing through, so make sure to budgettime to look around. Tops also fills growlers, sells kegs and offers delivery.
Details: Tops Liquors, 403 W. University Drive#104, Tempe.480-967-5643.topsliquors.com.
Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose.
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