Dining Guide | 6 of the Best Scottsdale Breweries

Once upon a time, there were no major beer manufacturers or corner markets. If you were looking for some ale, you would go straight to the brewer to get your libations. The inventory was fresh and replenished based on the ingredients on hand, which created a unique flavor based on where the lager was purchased.

There has been a resurgence of craft beers in the last few years. While some local breweries have caught nationwide recognition, there are many smaller breweries that are creating stellar brews that deserve equal attention. These top spots are serving their own house-brewed beers as well as other stand-out craft beers.

These local spots have created an environment and experience that serves to celebrate the complex process of their beers, with menus that have been crafted to compliment and highlight those featured flavors.

6 of the Best Scottsdale Breweries

Fate Brewing Company
7337 E. Shea Blvd.| Scottsdale| 480.994.1275
Fate Brewing Company brews their beers in small batches to ensure control and quality. This means that you will be able to find a constantly changing menu of brews on tap, which can include traditional favorites, seasonal brews, experimental batches as well and casks. You can expect to see at least 6 Fate Brews on tap at any given time. Fate’s accompanying menu features many items that pair perfectly with the beers on hand. From Irish Nachos, Pablo Honey Wood-Fired Pizza to their Sweet Cranberry Salad, you’ll find that there is a beer for every dish, or is that there is a dish for every beer?
In a rush? You can easily pop in and pick up a 64-ounce growler of any of their on tap beers.

Four Peaks Grill & Tap
15745 N. Hayden Road| Scottsdale| 480.991.1795
The original Four Peaks location has long been a favorite of ASU students and for good reason. The beers here are approachable, reasonably priced and the food served falls along those same rules. While Four Peaks Brewery has found a place in markets and restaurants around the state, they have not let their notoriety go to their head. They have 8 beers that you can find in stores and always on tap in any of their locations. They are still experimenting and creating seasonal brews to keep your palate guessing (the Pumpkin Porter is coming!) All the menu items are perfectly planned pub fare, with the menu suggesting the perfect pairing with your selected dish. Their Bleu Light Special Burger is perfect with a Kilt Lifter and relaxing on their patio.

O.H.S.O. Eatery + nanoBrewery
15681 N. Hayden Road| Scottsdale| 480.948.3159
O.H.S.O. has quickly become the go-to spot for a great beer with friends (even the four legged kind.) Whether you stop in after work, a bike ride or on the weekend for their Beer Brunch, you will always find a variety of unique beers and menu options. Their On Tap menu features 7 of their own beers as well as others microbreweries, including several from within Arizona. The Pretzel board featured on their Starter Menu is a great introduction to your visit, especially when paired with their own Praying Monk Blond. They even have a little something for Fido, so everyone in the family will leave full and happy.

Papago Brewing
7107 E. McDowell Road| Scottsdale| 480.425.7439
Papago Brewing Co. was initially opened as a homebrew supply store and tasting room that quickly garnered praise and attention which allowed the space to manifest into a complete bar and restaurant. At any given time you will find 30 beers on tap and you’ll never see the same lineup more than once. Once a keg runs out a different one will take its place. Aside from the constant rotation of craft beers from around the world, including Orange Blossom Ale, their most popular offering, you’ll find over 500 different bottled beers to choose from. Their menu features an eclectic array of house made pizzas and sandwich options. Their pizzas are hand pressed and each crust features draft beer baked in.

Scottsdale Beer Company
8608 E. Shea Blvd.| Scottsdale| 480.219.1844
While the Scottsdale Beer Company is not yet open, construction began in late July, this upcoming location is going to be the largest brewpub in the Valley. The spot is going to take up about 8,000 square feet complete with a state-of-the-art 10bbl brewing system as well as room for up to 200 guests at once. The design intends to highlight the brewing process as well as the equipment, enabling patrons to see the staff working on the brews as it happens. The menu will prove to honor the craftsmanship and creativity involved in brewing, as well as paying homage to the tradition of early American brewing.

Union Barrelhouse
3636 N. Scottsdale Road| Scottsdale| 480.946.7258
Union Barrelhouse is noted as Scottsdale’s first nano-brewery and boasts five specialty craft beers made in house. They also feature nine hand-crafted flavors, seasonal brews as well as several house blends. Their taps rotate daily in order to provide high quality as well as a diverse lineup. The staff is well versed on all the characteristics and nuances of all the beers and are happy to assist you in picking the right pint for you. The kitchen offerings mimic the high energy and contemporary feel of the brewery. The mainstay of the menu is their Modern Melts, fanciful takes on the traditional grilled cheese. If you’re not clear on the best combination to order, give their Melts and Malts Sampler which pairs five mini melts with malts from the bar.

This article was originally featured in the October 2014 issue of So Scottsdale Magazine, where Taryn Jeffries is a monthly contributor.