Best 14 Breweries in Tucson AZ: Top Places to Grab a Beer
Tucson, Arizona is a city that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its vibrant brewery scene. With a variety of breweries to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. Fortunately, this article will provide a comprehensive list of the best breweries in Tucson, AZ.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Tucson’s breweries offer a unique experience that combines delicious craft beer with beautiful scenery and a friendly atmosphere. From small, intimate taprooms to large, bustling brewpubs, there’s something for everyone in Tucson’s brewery scene. This article will highlight some of the best breweries in the city, their signature beers, and what makes them stand out from the rest. So grab a pint and get ready to explore the best breweries that Tucson, Arizona has to offer.
The Craft Beer Scene in Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is home to a thriving craft beer scene that has been steadily growing over the years. With numerous breweries and taprooms, there are plenty of options for those looking to sample some of the best craft beer in the region.
One of the unique aspects of Tucson’s craft beer scene is its focus on local ingredients. Many of the breweries source their hops and grains from nearby farms, giving their beers a distinct flavor that can only be found in Tucson.
Downtown Tucson is a hub for the city’s craft beer scene, with several breweries located in the area. Crooked Tooth Brewing and Borderlands Brewing are two popular options for those looking to grab a pint in the heart of the city.
The University of Arizona also plays a role in Tucson’s craft beer scene, with several breweries located near campus. Dragoon Brewing Company and Pueblo Vida Brewing Company are two examples of local breweries that are popular among students and locals alike.
Top Breweries in Tucson
Tucson is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries serving up unique and flavorful brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Tucson, each with its own unique style and atmosphere.
Borderlands Brewing Company
Borderlands Brewing Company is a popular Tucson brewery that offers a wide variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery is known for its commitment to using local ingredients, and many of its beers feature flavors that are unique to the Southwest. Borderlands also hosts frequent events, including live music and food truck nights.
Website: http://www.borderlandsbrewing.com/
Address: 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Barrio Brewing Company
Barrio Brewing Company is one of the oldest and most well-established breweries in Tucson. The brewery offers a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. Barrio also has a full restaurant menu, making it a great spot for a meal as well as a drink.
Website: https://barriobrewing.com/
Address: 800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating high-quality, small-batch beers. The brewery offers a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and other styles, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Pueblo Vida also has a cozy taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or two.
Website: http://www.pueblovidabrewing.com/
Address: 115 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
1912 Brewing Company
1912 Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery that prides itself on creating unique and flavorful beers. The brewery’s offerings include a range of IPAs, stouts, and sours, as well as some more unusual styles like prickly pear wheat beer. 1912 also has a spacious outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day.
Website: https://1912brewing.com/
Address: 2045 N, Forbes Blvd Ste 105, Tucson, AZ 85745, United States
Dragoon Brewing Company
Dragoon Brewing Company is a popular Tucson brewery that offers a wide range of beers, from classic IPAs to experimental brews. The brewery’s taproom has a laid-back, industrial vibe, and visitors can enjoy a game of cornhole or relax on the outdoor patio.
Website: http://www.dragoonbrewing.com/
Address: 1859 W Grant Rd #111, Tucson, AZ 85745, United States
Firetruck Brewing Company
Firetruck Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery that specializes in classic beer styles. The brewery’s taproom is located in a former fire station, giving it a unique and quirky atmosphere. Firetruck also has a food menu featuring pub favorites like burgers and fries.
Website: http://www.firetruckbrewing.com/
Address: 4746 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712, United States
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company is a hip, modern brewery located in downtown Tucson. The brewery offers a range of creative and flavorful beers, from fruity sours to rich stouts. Crooked Tooth also has a spacious outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer on a warm evening.
Website: https://m.facebook.com/100063876907979/
Address: 228 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85705, United States
Thunder Canyon Brewery
Thunder Canyon Brewery is a popular Tucson brewery that offers a wide variety of beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. The brewery also has a full restaurant menu, featuring classic pub fare like burgers and wings. Thunder Canyon has two locations in Tucson, making it a convenient spot for a beer and a meal.
Website: http://www.thundercanyonbrewery.com/
Address: 220 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Dillinger Brewing Company
Dillinger Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery located in downtown Tucson. The brewery’s offerings include a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. Dillinger also has a cozy taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or two.
Website: http://www.dillingerbrewing.com/
Address: 3895 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, United States
Harbottle Brewing Company
Harbottle Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery that specializes in classic beer styles. The brewery’s taproom has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a game of darts or relax on the outdoor patio.
Website: http://www.harbottlebrewingco.com/
Address: 3820 S Palo Verde Rd #102, Tucson, AZ 85714, United States
BlackRock Brewers
BlackRock Brewers is a small, independent brewery located in Tucson’s industrial district. The brewery’s offerings include a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. BlackRock also has a spacious outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer on a warm day.
Website: http://www.brb.beer/
Address: 1664 S Research Loop # 200, Tucson, AZ 85710, United States
MotoSonora Brewing Company
MotoSonora Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery located in Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood. The brewery’s offerings include a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. MotoSonora also has a cozy taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or two.
Website: http://motosonora.com/
Address: 1015 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
Copper Mine Brewing
Copper Mine Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Tucson’s east side. The brewery’s offerings include a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. Copper Mine also has a spacious outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer on a warm day.
Website: http://www.copperminebrewing.com/
Address: 3455 S Palo Verde Rd #135, Tucson, AZ 85713, United States
Voltron Brewing
Voltron Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Tucson’s south side. The brewery’s offerings include a range of classic and creative beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. Voltron also has a cozy taproom where visitors can enjoy a pint or two.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/voltronbrewing/
Address: 330 S Toole Ave #200, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Unique Beer Selections
Tucson breweries are known for their unique and diverse beer selections. From hoppy IPAs to refreshing sours, there is a beer for every taste bud. Here are some of the unique beer selections that can be found in Tucson breweries:
- IPAs: Tucson breweries offer a variety of IPAs, from traditional West Coast IPAs to hazy IPAs. Some of the popular IPAs in Tucson include Pueblo Vida’s Citra Simcoe IPA and Borderlands’ Toole Avenue IPA.
- Sours: Sours are becoming increasingly popular in Tucson breweries. These tart and refreshing beers are perfect for hot summer days. Some of the popular sours in Tucson include Crooked Tooth’s Citrana Sour and 1912 Brewing’s Prickly Pear Wheat.
- Scottish Ale: Scottish ales are a rare find in many breweries, but Tucson has a few breweries that offer this style. Thunder Canyon’s Scottish Ale is a must-try for anyone who loves malty and caramel flavors.
- Horchata Cream Ale: This unique beer is a blend of traditional cream ale and horchata, a popular Mexican drink made with rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Borderlands’ Horchata Cream Ale is a popular choice among locals.
In conclusion, Tucson breweries offer a variety of unique and diverse beer selections. Whether you are a fan of IPAs, sours, or something in between, you are sure to find a beer that suits your taste buds in Tucson.
Brewery Atmosphere and Service
When it comes to visiting breweries, the atmosphere, and service can make or break the experience. Fortunately, Tucson has a variety of breweries that excel in both areas.
Many of Tucson’s breweries offer a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options. Some breweries even offer live music on certain nights, adding to the overall ambiance. For those who prefer to be outdoors, there are plenty of breweries with spacious outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a warm Tucson evening.
In terms of service, Tucson’s breweries are known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or a casual drinker, the staff is always happy to make recommendations and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, many breweries offer tours of their facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
One thing to note is that some breweries may have limited hours or be closed on certain days, so it’s always a good idea to check the taproom’s hours before visiting. Additionally, some breweries may not have food options available, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
Food and Drink Pairings
When it comes to enjoying a good beer, nothing beats pairing it with the perfect food. Tucson’s breweries offer a wide range of food options that are perfect for pairing with their beers. From classic pub fare to gourmet dishes, there is something for everyone.
At Borderlands Brewing, visitors can enjoy a variety of food options that are perfect for pairing with their beers. Their menu includes classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fries, as well as more gourmet options like charcuterie boards and artisanal cheeses. The brewery also offers a rotating selection of food trucks, which offer a variety of different cuisines that are perfect for pairing with their beers.
Crooked Tooth Brewing is another great option for food and drink pairings. Their menu includes a variety of gourmet dishes, including flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches, that are perfect for pairing with their beers. They also offer a rotating selection of food trucks, which offer a variety of different cuisines that are perfect for pairing with their beers.
At Pueblo Vida Brewing, visitors can enjoy a variety of food options that are perfect for pairing with their beers. Their menu includes classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fries, as well as more gourmet options like charcuterie boards and artisanal cheeses. They also offer a rotating selection of food trucks, which offer a variety of different cuisines that are perfect for pairing with their beers.
For those looking for a wine and beer bar, Maynards Market & Kitchen is a great option. They offer a wide selection of wines and beers, as well as a variety of gourmet dishes that are perfect for pairing with their drinks. They also offer a daily happy hour, which features discounted drinks and appetizers.
Brewery Tours and Events
Tucson is home to some of the best breweries in Arizona, and what better way to experience them than through a brewery tour? There are several brewery tour companies in Tucson that offer guided tours to some of the top breweries in the city. These tours are perfect for both locals and tourists who want to learn more about the brewing process and taste some of the best craft beers in Tucson.
One highly recommended brewery tour company is Old Pueblo Brew Tours, which offers tours to three microbreweries with a flight of four 6 oz pours at each. Another popular tour company is Utubru, which takes visitors to some of the best breweries in the city, including Bisbee’s Brewery Gulch.
In addition to brewery tours, Tucson also hosts several beer festivals throughout the year. These festivals are a great way to experience the local beer culture and taste some of the best beers in the city. The Tucson Craft Beer Crawl, held in February, is one of the most popular beer festivals in the city, featuring over 30 local breweries.
Tucson’s breweries are also known for their innovation and use of local ingredients. Many of the breweries use locally sourced ingredients in their beers, such as prickly pear cactus, mesquite pods, and agave. This gives their beers a unique and distinct flavor that can only be found in Tucson.
If you’re looking for a constantly changing selection of beers, then be sure to check out the breweries with rotating taps. These breweries offer a wide variety of beers, with new and unique flavors being added regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to finding the best breweries in Tucson, AZ, there are a few questions that come up frequently. Here are some answers to those questions:
What are the best breweries in Tucson?
Tucson has a thriving craft beer scene, so there are plenty of great breweries to choose from. Some of the best breweries in Tucson include:
- Barrio Brewing Company
- Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
- Dragoon Brewing Co.
- Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
- Borderlands Brewing Company
- 1912 Brewing Co.
What types of beer can I expect to find at Tucson breweries?
Tucson breweries offer a wide variety of different types of beer, from traditional lagers and ales to more experimental brews. Some of the most popular types of beer you can expect to find at Tucson breweries include:
- IPAs
- Stouts
- Blondes
- Sours
- Pilsners
Do Tucson breweries serve food?
Many Tucson breweries serve food, ranging from small snacks like pretzels and popcorn to full meals like burgers and sandwiches. Some breweries even have full kitchens and offer a wide variety of different dishes.
Are Tucson breweries family-friendly?
Many Tucson breweries are family-friendly and welcome children of all ages. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery ahead of time to make sure they allow children and to see if they offer any special accommodations for families.
Can I take a tour of Tucson breweries?
Many Tucson breweries offer tours of their facilities, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and a chance to learn more about the history and culture of craft beer in Tucson. Some breweries also offer tastings and other special events. Be sure to check with each brewery ahead of time to see what tours and events they offer.