Arizona’s craft scene has grown fast over the past decade. What started as a handful of microbreweries has turned into a full-blown culture of beer gardens, small-batch distilleries, and tasting rooms that mix local pride with creativity. Whether you’re in Scottsdale for Spring Training or road-tripping across the state, here are a few spots worth raising a glass to.
Goldwater Brewing Co.
Family-owned and full of character, Goldwater is a Scottsdale staple. It’s right in Old Town, so you can walk over after a ballgame or dinner. Try their “Desert Rose” cactus ale or the “Hop Chowda” IPA. The rooftop patio is perfect for a sunset pint.
OHSO Brewery + Distillery
OHSO is the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular. Their Scottsdale location along the canal has a friendly, laid-back energy. You can sip house-made beers or local spirits while your dog lounges under the table. It’s casual, fun, and very Arizona.
LDV Winery & Distillery Room
If spirits are more your thing, LDV offers a local twist on craft cocktails with ingredients sourced from Arizona farms. The tasting room has a warm, rustic style that makes you want to stay awhile.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. – Gilbert & Downtown Phoenix
These guys put Arizona on the craft beer map. Their beers are inspired by the state’s wild places, and they’re big on sustainability. Order the “Refuge IPA” and a plate of their local farm burgers. Both locations are packed with good vibes.
SanTan Brewing – Chandler
SanTan’s “MoonJuice IPA” is an Arizona favorite, and their Chandler brewery has a full kitchen and lively crowd most nights. They’ve been around since 2007 and helped kickstart the whole scene.
Elgin Distillery – Southern Arizona
Down near Sonoita’s wine country, Elgin Distillery crafts award-winning gin, rum, and whiskey. It’s a great stop if you’re exploring southern Arizona’s high desert trails or wineries. The drive is scenic, and the tasting room feels like a secret you’re glad you found.
Arizona’s desert climate plays a part in the flavors. The dry heat, mountain water, and local grains add something special to the mix. Brewers and distillers here know how to work with the land, not against it. The result is bold, inventive, and distinctly Southwestern.
Many of these spots are close enough to link into one afternoon tour. If you’re planning to sample a few, use rideshare or join one of the guided brewery tours that run through Scottsdale and Phoenix. You’ll meet locals, hear stories, and find a few new favorites along the way.For maps, tasting trails, and insider food pairings across Arizona, visit our digital magazine at ExploreDinePlay.com and start planning your flavor-filled road trip.
