The Best Breweries in Arizona

Arizona has quietly become one of the more interesting craft-beer states in the West. What was a small scene a couple of decades ago has grown into a sprawling network of independent breweries, from tiny neighborhood taprooms to award-winning regional names, spread across the desert metros and the cooler mountain towns. The desert heat even shapes the beer culture: shaded patios, crisp lighter styles for hot afternoons, and a strong happy-hour tradition. Here is a local guide to the best brewery scenes in Arizona and what to expect from each.

Phoenix: the heart of the scene

Metro Phoenix is the center of Arizona craft beer, with the deepest and most varied lineup of breweries in the state. You will find everything here: long-running pioneers that helped put Arizona beer on the map, hop-forward IPA specialists, barrel-aging programs, and easy-drinking neighborhood spots. Several of the state's best-known and most decorated breweries are based in or around the city, and many operate large taprooms with full kitchens.

• What to expect: The widest range of styles in the state, from flagship IPAs to experimental small-batch releases.
• The vibe: A mix of industrial taprooms, brewpubs with food, and patios built for the climate.
• Plan around it: See what is on in the Phoenix hub, and check the happy hours page for weekday brewery deals.

Tempe: college-town beer energy

Tempe, home to Arizona State University, brings a youthful energy to its beer scene. The area around Mill Avenue and the broader city is dotted with taprooms and brewpubs, and the proximity to Tempe Town Lake makes for a natural pairing of a sunset walk and a cold pint afterward. Tempe is also home to some of Arizona's most established and influential breweries, making it a key stop on any Valley beer tour. Check what is happening in Tempe.

Scottsdale: upscale taprooms and beer gardens

Scottsdale puts its own polished spin on craft beer. Alongside Old Town's famous nightlife, you will find sleek taprooms, beer gardens, and brewpubs that fit the city's more upscale character. It is a great place to pair a brewery visit with dinner and a night out, and several spots run strong happy hours. The walkable Old Town district makes it easy to sample a few places on foot, a rarity in the car-dependent Valley.

Flagstaff: mountain-town beer

Up at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff has a craft-beer culture that punches well above its size. The cool mountain climate, the outdoorsy college-town population, and the Route 66 history all feed a scene built around hearty, sessionable beers and laid-back taprooms. After a day hiking or skiing in the San Francisco Peaks, the walkable historic downtown is full of breweries and pubs perfect for warming up. Flagstaff beer has a distinct identity from the desert metros, more flannel than poolside. See Flagstaff happenings.

Tucson: independent desert ales

Tucson matches its independent, bohemian streak with a strong and growing brewery scene. The city's craft breweries lean creative and local, often tied into Tucson's celebrated food culture as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. From downtown taprooms to neighborhood brewpubs, Tucson beer has its own desert-Southwest character, and it pairs beautifully with the city's legendary Sonoran Mexican food.

What makes Arizona beer distinct

A few themes run through the state's brewing culture:

• Climate-driven styles: In the low desert, crisp lagers, light ales, and refreshing fruited and sour beers are popular for good reason, they go down easy when it is hot.
• Patio culture: From fall through spring, brewery patios are some of the best places to be in the state; in summer, look for misted or indoor taprooms.
• Local ingredients: Some Arizona brewers incorporate desert ingredients like prickly pear and citrus, giving certain beers a distinctly Southwestern twist.
• Happy hour: The Valley's deep happy-hour tradition extends to breweries, with weekday specials and frequent food-truck pairings.

Tips for a brewery tour

• Go on a weekday for deals. Many taprooms run happy hours Monday through Friday.
• Pick a district. Old Town Scottsdale, downtown Flagstaff, and parts of Tempe let you visit several spots on foot.
• Always have a driver. The Valley is spread out and rideshare or a designated driver is the safe way to brewery-hop.
• Chase the weather. In summer, the high-country breweries in Flagstaff offer a cool escape from the desert heat.

Find a brewery and a deal near you

Arizona's brewery scene is broad and constantly evolving, from desert-metro taprooms to mountain-town pubs. Rather than memorize a list, use ZonaHaps to find what is current. Start with the happy hours page for weekday brewery deals, and browse the Phoenix hub for beer festivals and events on your dates.