Las Vegas / Joshua Tree Trip

The Joshua Tree area is a beer desert. Believe me, I'm always on the lookout whenever I'm visiting a new place or a place that I haven't been in a while. I was in the Joshua Tree/Palm Springs area a week and a half ago and there really wasn't anything of note that I found. I tried a couple of the local (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage etc) places but they were nothing that I'd recommend going out of your way for.

As for Las Vegas, I lived there for 16 years but moved away about 5 years ago. From what I understand things have improved since then. I'm sure some of the current locals can fill you in on the beer scene now. Back then I used to enjoy going to Khoury's Fine Wine and Spirits, a few miles off of the Strip. Good selection of beers to go as well as some nice ones on tap, a pleasant atmosphere, good people.

Enjoy your visit!

 

Looks like there are actually two breweries right near the park. Joshua Tree Brewery (https://www.joshuatreebrewery.com/) appears to be a little more established than Joshua Tree Brewing Co. (https://joshuatreebrewingco.com/). If you’re heading to Vegas on the road going straight north from the park there isn’t much of anything along the way.

 

Check here

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/las-vegas-nevada-thread-2022.664216/

I’m sure @ChicagoJ can chime in here.

 

Tenaya Creek and Trustworthy in Vegas i suggest

Thats all i know. I usually take my own beer whenever i go to that haven full of fake witches called Joshua Tree

 

I lived in Vegas for a few years, and have been traveling out there since the mid 90's. It is not the same beer scene as the late 90s, but there are some finds.

I loved catching the sunrise at the Crown & Anchor with a pint and some fish & chips after an overnight work shift.

Of course the Hofbrauhaus.

If you are open to supporting ABInBev, the Goose Island Pub is located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and is worth a visit.

Pub 365 had a crazy bottle list and a good selection on tap.

Tenaya Creek Brewery is one of the better breweries.

There is two different Total Wine out there, if you dont have one nearby it is worth a visit for the selection.

https://www.bigdogsbrews.com/ is one of the original breweries in Vegas, and still around. The beers are ok, I typically went for brunch.

You should hit Atomic Liquors at least once.

Get the steak or prime rib special (not on the menu) at Ellis Island Casino & Brewery.

 

I haven't been to Joshua Tree since pre-COVID, but have brought my own beer from either Vegas or Southern California. Good suggestions from @IrishMASMS (except Goose Island, both the Hard Rock Casino and GI Brew Pub are closed (the former has reopened as Virgin Hotels). Also, I'm not familiar with Trustworthy (in the Palazzo, they are from California), but do concur with @Resistance88 's Tenaya Creek recommendation.

@dcgunman provided a link to the Vistiting Vegas Thread.

I spend most "beer time" either in the Arts District (The Silver Stamp Bar, Able Baker, HopNuts and Neon Desert Brewing (formerly Beer District Brewing) or Downtown (Tenaya Creek, CraftHaus, Banger and Pizza Rock (PR more so for the 3-6 weekday HH pizza special).

Near/on Strip (Ellis Island - Go inside the Front Yard for craft beer, Beer Zombies near the Raiders stadium), Henderson (Khourey's, Mohave, CraftHaus, Lovelady), and Summerlin (Beer Zombies, HopNuts) are additional alternatives. There are several Speedy Marts offering local and regional craft beer, Lee's and Total Wine but check the dates as many beers there are stale.

If you have any other questions or are looking for specific styles, I can help narrow things down.

I love Joshua Tree, really can't wait to go back. Good Luck and Viva Las Vegas!

 

Right up the street from Able Baker is Hudl. Tried them in December and they were good....as was the bbq next door. And there's always Big Dog Drafthouse for all you can eat shrimp on Wednesdays with decent to very good brews.

 

I presume you are flying from Virginia to PSP? ONT? Or SNA? Renting a car?

 

Hit up Khoury’s Fine Wine & More before heading out of the Vegas area. They have a good selection of CA cans. Including Beachwood Brewing. Stock up. It can get pretty dry in the desert in July.

 

Last time I was at Pappy's for a concert we walked over to the new hotel and they had a pretty cool bar. https://reddogpioneertown.com

 

In Joshua Tree, you have The Bottle Shop which is newer and has a small, but good beer selection (the wine selection is really great), or you have Sam's Market which has a bigger selection, but less quality stuff. You can still find some decent items from around So Cal there for beer. Also, Rancho De La Luna Mezcal is carried here, and its great if you are a tequila / mezcal fan.

If you do take the drive into Palm Springs, Las Palmas has decent beer that they brew there, and a great to go cooler for more out of town beers. Dont bother with La Quinta Brewing. Its garbage. Coachella Valley Brewing has some decent beers, but they are hit and miss too.

Go to Red Dog in Pioneertown and have some breakfast tacos and drinks.

 

Hidden gems in the Joshua Tree area...

GRND SQRL in 29 Palms has an excellent beer selection and fantastic food to match. Staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

Sam's Market and the Wine & Rock Shop along HWY 62 have a decent selection, don't miss the beer cave at Sam's if you visit.

Giant Rock Meeting Room in Landers has a decent beer selection, fantastic pizza, and a magical ambiance.

Tiny Pony in Yucca Valley has an ok bottle and draft selection.

My favorite place in the lower desert is Taproom 29 located in the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, but that's about all I can say...

 

I'm wondering what the appeal is of Red Dog if you're interested in having a good beer. Going by what they have listed on their website their beer list is absolutely horrible. Perhaps their other drinks/food/ambiance are the draw. Their beer offerings sure aren't worth crossing the street for. https://reddogpioneertown.com/menu/

 

Its cuz pioneertown is touristy