There’s never been a better time to drink beer in Phoenix. An impressive roster of local brewmasters is producing everything from crisp pilsners and easy-drinking lagers perfectly suited to the desert climate to hop-forward IPAs and inventive seasonal releases. Fruity, floral, smoky, or citrusy, today’s craft beer scene is experimental and creative.
Across the Valley, these eight breweries are earning devoted followings for their commitment to quality and creativity. So raise a pint to these masters of their craft.
Greenwood
Megan Greenwood is an engineer-turned-brewer who has mastered the science of beer. Her boutique brewery in downtown Phoenix serves a variety of craft beers, from IPAs and lagers to seasonal and limited-edition releases. Located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, Greenwood Brewing takes a community-focused approach, with a full calendar of events and collaborations.
It is also one of the few woman-owned breweries in the country. Try a flagship brew like the Bohemian-style pilsner made with 100% Saaz hops or the Rosemary IPA brewed with fresh rosemary sprigs, or opt for an experimental seasonal release, such as a mango nitro cream ale. 922 N. 5th St., Phoenix, greenwoodbrews.com
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
What started in a garage has evolved into three restaurants and a cellar, but despite the growth, Arizona Wilderness remains committed to its founding mission: crafting responsible beer and food. The brewery prioritizes Arizona ingredients whenever possible, pays close attention to seasonality, and uses 100% Sinagua Malt as the base for its beers, often incorporating local ingredients like honey, fruit, and chocolate as well.
Pair the Proper Smash Burger on a Noble sesame seed bun with La Ciudad, a hazy IPA showcasing Citra and Mosaic hops, or try the Cactus Juice, inspired by prickly pear juice from Cactus Ranch and hibiscus tea from Tea Royalty. Guests will also find nonalcoholic options, as well as an extensive menu of cocktails, wine, and cider. Multiple locations, azwbeer.com
The Wandering Tortoise
Yes, this one is technically a beer shop and taproom, but if great beer is what you seek, you’re bound to find it here—and served in a proper tulip glass, no less. Located in central Phoenix, The Wandering Tortoise sources craft beer and wine from coast to coast, including a few Arizona offerings.
Intended to elevate the local craft beer scene, this small business keeps things fresh with a constantly rotating selection of 22 beers on draft, 10 wines by the glass, and a curated to-go bottle shop. Come hungry, too. The on-site Transfer Station Food Wagon serves an ever-changing menu of eclectic, affordable, and thoughtfully prepared dishes. This is local at its finest. 2417 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, thewanderingtortoise.com
Sana Sana Cervecería
This Chicano-owned craft brewery in downtown Phoenix is a community hub where craft beer, culture, and art collide. All beers are brewed in-house, from crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to sours and seasonal releases. Mexican-inspired flavors also enter the mash through ingredients like jalapeño, cucumber, lime, chiltepín, and pineapple. But the brewery’s philosophy isn’t limited to what’s in the glass. It’s big on sourcing local and treating customers like family.
“Everything we do, from the beer to the music, food, and events, is rooted in hospitality and pride in our Mexican-American culture,” said Iris Franco-Phan, Sana Sana Cervecería’s brand partnerships coordinator. Franco-Phan recommends the Mole Stout, inspired by a local chef’s family mole recipe and brewed with Oaxacan chocolate. 915 N. 4th St., Phoenix, sanasanacerveza.com
Wren House Brewing Company
Another award-winning brewery, Wren House, boasts an impressive collection of medals from competitions around the world. For example, it has a gold medal from the 2023 European Beer Star for its flagship Hazy IPA, Spellbinder. It has also earned plenty of hometown love, winning Phoenix New Times’ “Best Brewery” award five times.
The brewery’s tap list is constantly changing, but current standouts include the Big Spill Pils, a German-inspired lager brewed with 100% Pilsen malt, and Black River, a deep, dark ale with a midnight-black pour.
For serious beer enthusiasts, the Saguaro Society offers access to limited barrel-aged releases, including imperial stouts and old ales. Check the online calendar for food truck nights and other local events. Multiple locations,wrenhousebrewing.com
Pedal Haus Brewery
Pedal Haus proudly displays the many awards its beers have earned, including gold for Best Brewery at the 2024 Arizona Craft Beer Awards and a silver medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup for its Day Drinker Light Lager. The brewery is committed to brewing beers true to style, sourcing appropriate ingredients, and employing traditional brewing techniques.
Guests can choose from a strong lineup of pilsners, IPAs, and lagers, all served in a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a sports bar. The food menu, however, is more inventive, featuring everything from a watermelon-and-goat-cheese salad to heartier fare like the Green Chile Burger. Whatever you order, don’t skip the Garlic Truffle Fries and get an on-tap beer like the Indian pale ale or a light lager. The seasonal island beer is a winner too. Multiple locations, pedalhausbrewery.com
O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery
O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery began with the novel idea of making guests part of the brewing process by allowing them to brew beer alongside the team. Weeks later, those same guests can return to see their creations served on tap—a tradition that continues today at the Arcadia location.
Since then, O.H.S.O. has grown into one of Arizona’s largest and most award-winning breweries, with six Valley locations, a production brewery, and a distillery. Yet it hasn’t lost its neighborhood feel or its commitment to quality. Try one of its barrel-aged releases, such as the Ales from the Crypt series. Dog-friendly and community-focused, it’s the kind of local gathering place that continues to grow for a reason. Multiple locations, ohsobrewery.com
Huss
Brewmaster Jeff Huss once sold his beer out of the back of a beat-up F-150 pickup truck. In 2013, he and his wife, Leah, started by renting a small suite in South Tempe. Today, Huss Brewing has grown into Arizona’s third-largest brewery, but it remains family-owned, with beer, life, and family at its center. Although the beers are now served in restaurants, resorts, and grocery stores across the state, you can also enjoy them at either of the two Huss locations. Pair a rustic giant pretzel or cheeseburger with an Arizona Light Lager or the Papago Orange Blossom for a classic brewery experience. 225 E. Monroe St., Phoenix; and 1520 W. Mineral Rd., Ste. 102, Tempe, hussbrewing.com
