I did a search and couldn’t find much on Utah. I’ll be there in a few weeks (flying in to Vegas then driving to southern Utah). Are there any good local brews in southern Utah or should I stop and pick some stuff up in Nevada before crossing the border? I grew up in Utah and the alcohol laws were pretty strange when I lived there, but that was a long time ago. Have things lightened up at all (like buying beer to-go from a micro brewery, or even decent selection at the grocery store)?
Utah loosened up a bit, but it's nowhere near a typical state. Retailers can now sell up beer to 5% ABV at Grocery Stores (no more 3.2% beer) and on draft, higher onsite in cans or bottles. Beer over 5% can be bought at the limited state stores, and at bars or restaurants with a liquor license. On the flip side, they lowed the BAC threshold to 0.05. I've always BYOB from Nevada (or Colorado) into Utah on my NP visits, though it is technically illegal to transport alcohol into the state beyond to your primary residence. Your best bets in Vegas for packaged are: Khourey's in Henderson (broad selection) Beer Zombies near the Raiders stadium (also a few locations in Summerlin - selection mostly NEIPAs, slushes, pastry stouts, a few saisons). Several select craft dedicated Speedee Marts (Various IPAs (WC and NE), other styles, local, regional and national). The Paradise location is closest to the Strip. Lee's and Total Wine are the two big box stores, TW sells singles but check the dates as much of the beer is old/past code.
If you're planning to visit some of the National Parks, I wouldn't completely rule out places like Zion Canyon brewpub or Moab brewing. The beers there won't blow your socks away, but they aren't terrible and the food is tolerable. If you want to try something local that is. Otherwise, I think @ChicagoJ about covered it.
Heading to the Springdale area tomorrow to spend a few days at Zion and Bryce Canyon. Since I need to check my bag anyway (don't want to risk TSA confiscating my crampons), I'll pack in a few cans but will still want to grab a six pack or a mix-six somewhere in Vegas on the way over. Zion Canyon Brewpub looks like a reasonable place to visit one of the evenings. Any other good bars that serve craft beer in the Springdale area? Lastly, any other good restaurants in the area worth going to regardless of beer?
Oh, and maybe someone can help- what's a good go-to lager, lets say czech or german pilsner- that's readily available in NV? So I know what to look for when I drop by one of the locations @ChicagoJ listed above (thanks btw!)
Brief summary of my experiences to follow up. 1. Las Vegas: Khoury's has a solid selection, west-coast centric with a bunch of locals. Grabbed a six-pack of Pizza Port Dieguito which satisfied the crispy need. Before flying back home out of Vegas, I had some time to kill so I dropped by Beer Zombies - Dean Martin, which is close to the airport. Recommend this for a pre- or post-flight beverage, it is very close to the car rental return area. 2. Springdale: a. Zion Canyon Brewpub was pretty meh. Their pilsner was solid, nothing crazy. IPAs were not very good, and the stout tasted like a watered down porter. Their standard burger was ok- not great but not bad. The chimchurri fries were ok. b. Spotted Dog restaurant: excellent dining experience, really enjoyed the duck breast. They had a few Wasatch beers on tap. Polygamy porter is not very good. c. Bit & Spur Saloon: solid place to get a beer and some southwestern-centric fare, they have a bar area in addition to a seated restaurant area. Seems to carry Wasatch beer mainly. The Bit & Spur lager was solid. Generally, I think my best recommendation for traveling in SW Utah would be to go in with an open mind and try some of the local Utah beer, but overall you'll be happy packing in your own beer which I did in addition to picking up a pilsner 6-pack in Las Vegas.
I think that's the right attitude to take. The parks are beautiful and the wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Springdale and Moab. We went during the height of COVID. Food and beer were both pretty "mehhh," though we did find some decent places to eat. We brought our own beer and wine, and just went to places like Moab brewing and Zion Canyon for laughs and giggles (and the view). I'd go back for the hiking and views in a heartbeat.
Glad you enjoyed your trip and visit to Khoury's and Beer Zombies. I didn't see this due to it being buried in the Pacific folder, hope Nevada gets placed in a more visible region after the changes. Las Vegas breweries have come a long way over the past several years, but not necessarily in the traditional lager route. A visitor's best bet at a top lager, pilsner or other traditional style beyond picking up package or perhaps something on draft at Khoury's would be to visit The Silver Stamp beer bar in the arts district and also check out Ace's and Ale's tap list. Tenaya Creek's Pilsner is the traditional beer I drink most in terms of local brewery offerings. Also, it's technically illegal to transport beer into Utah unless you are bringing it to your personally owned residence (hotels and other temporary lodging are not eligible). However, I don't recall a trip once I began drinking craft beer where I didn't bring in beer into the state. Cues Judas Priest. Viva!
It's actually "technically" illegal to bring alcohol to your personal residence from out of state too...Only time it's legal is if you move into the state and bring your booze/cellar and even then you "technically" need to get permission and pay a fee.
That is crazy, though perhaps this has been loosened to allow residents to bring in up to 9 liters of alcohol for personal consumption. https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/food/2021/09/19/liquor-facts-every-utahn/ Still gives added incentive to drinking down your cellar before moving to Utah. Have to decide for future trips to just enjoy Utah purchased laws within the state, will give me a chance to try new beers and breweries.
Tell that to all the Utahans that buy up all our liquor in Evanston! Lol. But seriously, that’s a law? That is nuts!
For those who travel to SW Utah Silver Reef brewing is a must. I've only experienced some TX beer, but what we do have here I truly love
I'm one of those people! At least I was. Discount Liquor has got rid of all their craft beer and replaced it with hard seltzer and pre mixed cocktails..I was shocked the last time I went up there...I did find a couple nice things at Cowboy Joe's Liquor barn
Are any of the brewpubs in Salt Lake City worth hitting? I'm going to be there for a weekend and staying downtown.
For a minor adventure you can take the Trax light rail south and the streetcar east to Sugar House area. NorsemanOne would know if there is enough of beer interest there these days. I did enjoy the SaltFire brewpub near the Central Pointe stop on Trax. Actually for downtown I like lunch at Siegfried's Delicatessen. They have a German beer on tap, or else it will fuel you for adventures later.
@riko for true downtown you're pretty limited without an Uber/trax, etc But there is Red Rock and Bewilder both what I'd consider immediate downtown and both excellent breweries.
They also just opened Slackwater on 5th west which is downtown...I haven't been there but I hear they have great food and a big selection of local, national and international brews...you been there @NorsemanOne ?
Yeah slackwater is a killer pizza joint with a TON of beer options. The only reason I don't go more often is cost.
