Best Breweries Near Phoenix, AZ

If you're up by Wren House and looking for a growler fill, head over to Helton. IMO, the beer is better, the taproom is bigger and more fun, and they only charge $9 for a 64 oz fill. Look for their NE IPA.

Seems like Wren House is more on the hype train, whereas Helton's beers are more on the traditional side. Your call, but WH will be pricier and has crowlers.

 

I'd highly recommend stopping in. I probably won't make it because I have multiple fridges full of beer and already have some cans from Tombstone's last release. Don't leave town without trying their beer.

 

Wren house is killing it -- loving almost everything they are putting out. AZ Wilderness has a bigger selection, but most are just alright (do a flight to start). Most of Wilderness's IPAs are pretty good; same with their barrel-aged stuff. No food at wren house. Food at wilderness.

 

Looks like I will have two nights in Phoenix area. I can pretty much get an AirBNB anywhere in town. Is there a certain area of town that would be best to stay in? Basically, some place closer to craft beer type places, breweries, local restaurants/coffee shops?

 

As much as I like to avoid the area myself, North Tempe near Mill & University is probably a good spot to look. Lots of good stuff within walking/short Uber distance, plus you'd be close to the light rail, which opens up other areas without having to have a car or drive. It's also centrally located to other points of interest, except for the West valley, which doesn't have much, IMO, unless you go to one of the sports stadiums.

In the area, I'd look at Cartel for coffee, Tops is a pretty good bottle shop, and there are TONS of bars right there, most of which have some local craft. As far as breweries, The Shop is close by and awesome, and I've heard good things about Pedal Haus, but they brew more traditional styles from what I can tell. Food: Cornish Pasty and Rula Bula are go-to spots for me. Culinary Dropout has pretty good food and a good taplist. Oregano's is good Italian food.

Have a nice trip!

 

Everything is pretty spread out but I'd also say North Tempe near the campus. Find a place somewhat close to the freeways and light rail. Easy Uber rides to McFate, Wren House, Goldwater Beer Company and the places on Mill Ave.

 

Just came back from PHX and my god I am in love with Wren House. Legitimately as impressed with any brewery I've ever been to. What was the last time you walked into an American brewery and they had a kolsch AND a kristallweizen on? Then Dankworth, the farmhouse w/ galaxy, Swirl and the pecan pie wheatwine were all legitimate grand slams. You guys have a fucking STAR with this place down here.

Also really dug McFate and Helton. The former of which has a very, very cool spot to just sit and relax for a few hours.

Wasn't big on Pedal Haus at all. My girl and I both had IPAs, weren't into either of them. That said, we went to a place with a German name and didn't try any German styles, so that's on us. I'd go back to try those out.

 

Just got home from a trip to Phoenix for work for a couple days. While there I visited Wren House, Helton, Sun Up and Four Peaks. Best beer was Wren House and best Brewery scene was Helton. Sun Up was ok. Four Peaks was too large and commercialized, beer was mediocre.

 

In Phoenix, I ended up at Wren House, Helton, Helio, OSHO, McFate, Goldwater, Brewers Institute, and Arizona WIlderness.

As far as the ones other than Arizona Wilderness, Wren and Goldwater stood out. Both seemed to have a good selection of beer. We did eat at McFate, which we liked as well.