America’s brewing renaissance has developed alongside a renewed interest in cycling, with new breweries popping up along the nation’s bike trails to cater to two-wheeled clientele.
Tucson has culinary chops, so it’s not surprising to find a thriving dining scene where local breweries play their part, thanks in part to a wave of new brewery openings.
Jonathan Buford launched Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company as a strictly local venture. He wanted to help advance Arizona’s beer-drinking culture, and give Phoenix-area craft enthusiasts something to call their own.
In a dark, “old bar” setting, Papago’s taps include locals like Dragoon’s Infringement Pils, buzzy newbies like Destihl’s Sour Apple Lambic, and classics like Green Flash’s West Coast IPA.
Visitors find a walkable college town with crisp, fresh air and a vibe that’s simultaneously urbane and outdoorsy—more hippie than yuppie. So it’s no surprise that Flagstaff is a big beer town, with a scene that’s still on the rise.
Phoenix has grown into a sprawling boom town, a sizzling desert metropolis spilling well over its nominal borders. And as a place to have a pint, it’s no hot mess. These are the top beer destinations in the Phoenix area.