Downtown Phoenix has exploded onto the craft beer scene, offering a diverse range of bars catering to every taste. From intimate pubs to sprawling breweries, this guide highlights the top 20 beer bars, ensuring your next downtown Phoenix adventure is perfectly paired with a fantastic brew. We've considered atmosphere, selection, food pairings, and overall experience to compile this definitive list. This is your go-to resource for finding the best beer bars in Downtown Phoenix.
Finding Your Perfect Pint: Different Styles of Downtown Phoenix Beer Bars
Downtown Phoenix's beer bar scene is incredibly varied. To help you navigate, we've categorized some of the common styles you'll find:
- Gastropubs: These establishments combine high-quality food with an impressive beer list, often featuring local and international craft brews. Expect elevated pub fare and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Dive Bars: These are the quintessential "no-frills" beer experiences. Expect a laid-back vibe, cold beers, and maybe some bar snacks. They're perfect for a casual night out.
- Breweries: Many downtown breweries offer on-site tasting rooms, allowing you to sample their creations fresh from the source. These locations often have tours and a more energetic, brewery-centric atmosphere.
- Sports Bars: Combining the love of beer with the thrill of sports, these are great for catching a game while enjoying a cold one. Expect a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of beers to accompany the action.
Top 20 Beer Bars in Downtown Phoenix: A Detailed Look
This list is organized alphabetically to avoid any implied ranking, as each bar offers a unique and valuable experience.
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Bar Smith: Known for its extensive whiskey selection, Bar Smith also boasts a curated beer list featuring local and international craft brews. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through their offerings.
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Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour: While primarily a cocktail bar, Bitter & Twisted also offers a respectable selection of craft beers, perfectly complementing their creative cocktails.
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Cobra Arcade Bar: A unique combination of arcade games and a great beer selection, Cobra Arcade Bar provides a fun and nostalgic atmosphere for a night out. Their beer selection focuses on crowd-pleasers and local favorites.
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Culinary Dropout: Part restaurant, part bar, Culinary Dropout provides a lively social atmosphere with a solid selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles.
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Four Peaks Brewing Company: A Phoenix institution, Four Peaks offers their own range of popular Arizona craft beers in a spacious and lively setting.
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Greenway House: Nestled in a historic building, Greenway House provides a charming atmosphere with a carefully curated selection of craft beers. Their intimate setting is perfect for a quieter evening.
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Huss Brewing Co.: Another Phoenix staple, Huss Brewing offers a large space, a range of its own beers, and a rotating selection of guest taps.
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The Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar: While its name emphasizes wine and whiskey, The Kazimierz also features a thoughtfully selected range of craft beers to complement its ambiance.
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Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: A casual, dog-friendly spot with a relaxed atmosphere and a decent selection of beers on tap and in bottles.
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Little Miss BBQ: Pair your BBQ favorites with a selection of craft beers at this popular downtown eatery.
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Matt's Big Breakfast: While not strictly a beer bar, Matt's offers a surprisingly diverse beer list to perfectly complement their famous breakfast dishes.
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O.H.S.O. Brewery: Offering a wide range of beers and a large patio, O.H.S.O. is a great option for enjoying a sunny afternoon in downtown Phoenix.
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Pizzeria Bianco: Known for its amazing pizza, Pizzeria Bianco also has a limited but well-chosen beer selection that pairs perfectly with their culinary masterpiece.
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Postino Annex: With a wide selection of wines, Postino Annex also offers a good selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles.
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Preston's: This classic pub provides a comfortable, traditional pub atmosphere with a range of beers on tap and in bottles.
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Rula Bula Irish Pub: A lively Irish pub offering an extensive selection of beers, from classic Irish stouts to a variety of craft options.
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Sassi: Known for its upscale Italian cuisine, Sassi also has an impressive selection of beers, both domestic and imported.
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Sky Harbor Airport Beer Gardens: Though technically not in downtown Phoenix, this is a great stop before or after a flight, offering a wide range of local and international beers.
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The Dressing Room: This unique bar, located inside a former dressing room, offers a great selection of beers along with a quirky, intimate setting.
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Wren House: A sophisticated spot offering a mix of craft beers, wine, and cocktails in an elegant setting.
Planning Your Downtown Phoenix Beer Crawl: Tips and Considerations
- Transportation: Consider using ride-sharing services, taxis, or public transportation to safely navigate between bars. Drinking and driving is never acceptable.
- Pace Yourself: Enjoy the experience responsibly. Don't rush through the tasting. Appreciate each beer and savor the atmosphere.
- Make Reservations: For popular spots, especially on weekends, making reservations might be necessary, particularly if you plan on having dinner.
- Check Hours: Operating hours may vary, so it's always wise to check online before heading out.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your downtown Phoenix beer adventure. Remember to explore, discover your favorites, and most importantly, enjoy responsibly! Cheers!
