Despite its remote location and small size, Tucson has a recognized food and drink scene. Since 2015, this desert town has been a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, meaning a part of the city’s mission is to promote and support local artisanal producers. It should come as no surprise that there are more than 20 local breweries in Tucson that offer a full range of delicious brews and fun atmospheres to boot.
The city’s vibrant brewery scene means you can grab a local brew or two, no matter where you find yourself in Tucson. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite brewery spots for you to enjoy next time you find yourself in Tucson!
Borderlands Brewing Co – 119 E Toole Ave
First up, Borderlands Brewing Co which can be described as something of an “institution” in the area. The brewery is set up inside of a former train depot, just adjacent to the tracks. Exposed brick and wooden rafters make the taproom warm and comfortable. Borderlands is best known for Toole Ave, an award-winning hazy IPA. If IPAs aren’t your thing, no problem. Borderlands also pours up Wheat Ales, Sours, Porters, Lagers, Pale Ales, and Cream Ales! You can grab a beer Monday – Sunday, though hours vary daily. Check the website for hours, beer menu and food truck offerings.
Pueblo Vida – 115 E. Broadway
Be sure to check out Pueblo Vida if you like hip beer can art and brews with fruity notes. Current selections include the Wunder – an IPA with notes of kiwi and melon and the Hef – a Bavarian-Style Hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove. When you’re hungry, ask your beertender for the Take Out & Delivery Menu book. There are a number of restaurants located in the downtown area. The taproom is also dog-friendly for (well-behaved) dog friends too. To keep things fresh, the tap list is updated each Monday and Thursday, and the taproom hours vary by day. Check the website for details.
Dragoon Brewing- 1859 W Grant Rd #111
Polished concrete floors, exposed ventilation and industrial style lighting make the taproom at Dragoon Brewing a pretty stylish space–ideal for large parties because of the ample seating. Smaller parties can belly up to the bar, or grab a seat at the bar along the wall which has a view into the brewery. Dragoon Brewery has 4 beers on tap all-year-round (a West-Coast IPA, an American Mild, a Golden Ale, and an American Pale Ale); and releases specialty brews throughout the year. Head over to the taproom page on their website to see what’s currently on tap and check out the rotating food truck schedule.
Sentinel Peak Brewing Co – 4746 E Grant Rd
The Sentinel Peak Brewery Co is part brewery, part dinner. Located in a strip mall, the brewery looks unassuming from the outside. But step inside and you’ll find it offers up craft brews and a full food menu. Stop by Sentinel for Happy Hour, Tuesday-Sunday, 3pm-6pm and enjoy specials on food and drinks. The Sentinel always offers 4 flagship beers and releases different brews, seasonally. The “Salida del Sol Amber” is a flagship brew that combines local ingredients with German brewing techniques to produce a smooth, spicy beer. In addition to craft beers, Sentinel serves up cocktails and wine. We recommend this spot for the whole family.
1912 Brewing Company – 2045 N Forbes Blvd, #105
This distinctly family-friendly brewed opened its doors in 2015 and is located on Tucson’s Westside. 1912 Brewing Company is known for its sours but has a variety of creations on tap including a homemade hard seltzer! The tap menu changes, so check the website for the most up to date selection but currently 1912 features 7 different Stouts and porters plus a number of red/amber ales and India pale ales/pale ales. The taproom is comfortable, with plenty of seating including a leather couch, TVs and games. Tamales, popcorn and chips and salsa are available for purchase on-site.
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