So a little back story... I grew up in Phoenix (Awatukee) moved to Minneapolis when I was 15 in 1995. Much to early to know anything about the AZ beer scene and I really haven't followed the brews that come out of the region as I never thought I'd be back. Heading to Tucson next week for a short midweek trip and I want to experience the beer. I will be with people and cant really go off on my own much. looking for a brewpub or 3 that serves a well rounded menu and multiple beers of the local production. Cant really speak much for the group but myself, I miss the hell out of good Mexican food. Any tips or places you find to be good spots is appreciated. Also will need to take a few bottles home for the fam. One last thing, are there any decent watering holes to hit up on the way home at Sky Harbor? Thanks for looking!
Thunder Canyon has two locations that are good for groups, have decent food, and the beers are pretty solid, particularly the seasonal stuff. Also, close to the foothills, there's a great bar and food spot called Union Public House that always has a great selection of bottles and taps: http://www.yelp.com/biz/union-public-house-tucson . Barrio Brewing also is good for groups and has decent food. The beer ain't nothing special, but if the NCAAle is there, that one is good. Dragoon Brewing is worth sneaking away for.
El Charro downtown for stellar Mexican food. Then Tap and Bottle for beer afterwards. Nightcap at 1702 and you'll be happy as a clam in the sand. Best bottle shop in town is Plaza Liquors. Arizona Wilderness was rated the best new brewery in the US by another site recently and is in Gilbert. Hit that up on the way to Sky Harbor.
Also, Dragoon is good but their tap room is small and has no food (other than this kimchee burrito truck outside). They aren't always open so check the hours before you go.
Time was a bit more limited then anticipated. I forgot how hard it it to do things with a group that also wants to do things. Was limited to 2 of the above mentioned venues. Made it to Plaza Liquors and came home with a couple gems. Also visited El Charro downtown yesterday for a late lunch and all were pleased. Word to the wise, don't eat there 4 hours before getting on a plane. I made some enemies. Got to drive by Union Public House and cried a few tears as we passed it and kept going. All in all a good trip but much too short. Back in Minneapolis now in 20 degree weather with many feet of snow still on the ground.
