Mesa’s craft beer scene is booming, filled with inventive brewers, quirky taprooms, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for a smooth lager, a creative cider, or something a bit bolder, the city has a spot pouring something special for every taste.
Let’s get to it.
Lochiel Brewing
Since 2016, Lochiel Brewing in Mesa has produced malt-forward beers in its on-site brewhouse. Housed behind exposed brick walls, the taproom features cozy nooks filled with mismatched chairs and antique touches. Staff members share stories of the family brewing tradition and craft each beer from historic recipes passed down through generations.
Highlights include the flagship Scotch Ale, a nod to Clan Cameron with 300 years of history and 8.5% ABV. It offers rich caramel malt notes that linger in every sip. The Fusilier Lager blends a crisp lager profile with a sturdy malt backbone drawn from a Scotch Ale malt bill. For a velvety finish, the Oatmeal Stout uses over 100 pounds of oats in the mash and clocks in at 5.5% ABV, delivering a smooth texture.
Seasonal releases push the limits of strength and flavor. The Jacobite wee-heavy sits at 15.4% ABV, while the Thorfinn Berserker barleywine, brewed with honey and yarrow root, reaches a potent 21.8% ABV. Every beer remains true to British Isles styles, showcasing a steadfast commitment to malt character.
Phantom Fox Beer Company
At Phantom Fox Beer Company, a historic brick building houses a family-owned brewery with a warm, communal atmosphere. Exposed brick walls meet large sunlit windows, creating an industrial living room where tables slide together for trivia nights. A communal couch often fills up with friends while over twenty taps showcase all-Phantom Fox originals.
Core offerings include Snare Trap, a West Coast IPA with piney hops and crisp bitterness, alongside seasonal fruit sours introduced during Freshest Friday releases. Jungle Juice IPA, a crowd favorite, delivers a balanced hop character without overwhelming the palate. Head brewer Valerie Adee, previously at Hundred Mile Brewing, guides each recipe with precision.
Goat & Ram Pizza Kitchen partners on site to serve wood-fired pizzas with a chewy crust and smoky tomato sauce. The dog-friendly patio welcomes four-legged guests, and picnic tables provide casual seating. Regular live music, board games and community gatherings add to the welcoming vibe. Recognized among the Top 100 Bars in the Phoenix metro area, Phantom Fox Beer Company stands out for its house-made beers and relaxed setting.
Oro Brewing Company
Tucked into downtown Mesa, Oro Brewing Company pairs a relaxed adobe setting with award-winning brews. The brewery has earned multiple medals at national competitions while maintaining an unpretentious taproom. Visitors encounter sixteen rotating taps ranging from crisp lagers to fruit-infused sours, all brewed on site.
Gold medals line the walls for beers like King Gus, which won at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival. Trigo Suave and Café Oro each hold honors from the World Beer Cup, honoring a soft wheat ale and coffee-infused blonde ale respectively. Inside the Park blends coffee and a blonde ale base into a balanced brew beloved by regulars.
A shaded patio and open seating area welcome families, dogs and rotating food vendors such as Nicky’s BBQ. Monthly BikeMesa rides and pop-up events keep the schedule fresh. Growler fills and cans are available for anyone looking to take Oro’s small-batch beers home. Friendly staff and a steady stream of new releases make this compact brewery a standout in Mesa’s craft beer scene.
Cider Corps Mesa
In downtown Mesa, Cider Corps Mesa operates from a former bunker with industrial charm and communal tables. Visitors can sample a rotating lineup of a dozen or more ciders that extend well beyond traditional apple offerings. Storm the Peach features ripe stone fruit while Brambleberry Pie balances tart berries and spice. Seasonal favorites might include Private Palmer, a cocktail-inspired blend with tropical notes. Weekly Bomb Drop releases fill 32-ounce cans with adventurous twists such as mango margarita or pie-spice cider.
The taproom partners with Myke’s Pizza to serve wood-fired Neapolitan pies adorned with fresh fruit toppings. Pair Cupworks provides micro-batch coffee and tea on site, adding to the rotating selection of local flavors. Community events include trivia nights, live music, bingo and dog-friendly gatherings under a covered patio. Gluten-free cider options are always on tap for sensitive palates. During warmer months, frozen cider slushies appear on the menu, offering a chilled treat ideal for desert evenings. Between bold cider experiments and a lively atmosphere, Cider Corps Mesa delivers a distinct combination of craft beverages and casual fare.
B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade
Since 2014, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade in downtown Mesa has combined craft beer with classic arcade gaming. Inside its 4,000 square feet, visitors encounter more than forty arcade machines alongside a rotating selection of in-house brews. Fans of bold hops gravitate toward the 480G West Coast IPA while those seeking richer notes choose the Morning Sex Milk Stout or the Lolli Imperial Belgian Blonde.
The taproom also experiments with one-off releases like Hood Rich, a Belgian Blonde dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo for vibrant citrus and floral aromas. The kitchen offers elevated bar fare from sriracha bacon “meat candy” to green chili mac and a variety of burgers and wings. Guests can tackle their last quarter on vintage shooters, pinball tables or modern console cabinets.
Family-friendly hours allow young gamers to explore classic titles, while evening events feature IFPA-sanctioned pinball tournaments and rotating brewery showcases. A sunny patio encourages social gatherings under Arizona skies. Whether sampling a new beer or chasing a high score, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade delivers a lively mix of flavors and nostalgia.
Barrio Brewing Co.
Since 1991, Barrio Brewing Co. in Mesa has been Arizona’s oldest continuously operating brewery, and today it thrives as an employee-owned hangout. The spacious outdoor patio welcomes dogs with water bowls and treats, making it one of the most pet-friendly spots in town.
Craft beer is the main attraction here. The Tucson Blonde Ale delivers a crisp, desert-ready finish, and the award-winning Barrio Rojo impresses with its rich, malty character. Fans of juicy, tropical flavors gravitate toward the Hipsterville Hazy, while seasonal releases like the grapefruit-lemon Beach Ale and the banana-and-clove Santa Rita Jefeweizen shine in warmer months. Their anniversary Hop Graffiti IPA brings stone fruit notes and a well-balanced bitterness, and winter’s barrel-aged offerings earn serious bragging rights.
Live bands, theme nights such as Taco Tuesday, and a menu featuring tacos, wings, burgers, and paninis ensure nobody leaves hungry or bored. Bring your friends, bring your dog, and settle in for a true neighborhood experience—just watch out for a little dog fur on your jeans.
12 West Brewing – Downtown Mesa
At 12 West Brewing – Downtown Mesa, every visit feels like a community gathering. The taps lean into hop-forward styles, from the crisp K-LAX West Coast IPA to the soft, juicy Cirrus Haze New England IPA. Their Zona Pilsner proves they can master classic lagers, too. Barrel-aged stouts and a rotating blood orange wheat ale pop up with the changing seasons, and occasional collaborations—like a cacao nib hazy IPA—keep the lineup exciting.
The all-seasons patio features misters and heaters, offering space for dogs, strollers, or large friend groups. Upstairs you’ll find games and street views, while downstairs transforms into a speakeasy-style hangout complete with pool tables and a jukebox.
Scratch-made bites round out the experience. Pretzels arrive with warm beer cheese, and hearty sandwiches require two hands and a stack of napkins. Certified autism-friendly and home to lively brunch and happy hour events, 12 West Brewing – Downtown Mesa delivers a welcoming vibe for every member of the family.
