The craft beer scene in Tempe is thriving, with local breweries offering everything from crisp lagers to barrel-aged stouts…each one putting their own unique spin on the brewing tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned hop head or just looking for a laid-back spot to unwind, there’s a perfect taproom waiting for you.
Let’s get to it.
Huss Brewing
Just outside Tempe, Huss Brewing doubles as a family-friendly clubhouse and a craft beer destination. The taproom’s industrial-rustic décor pairs natural wood and metal, especially when roll-up garage doors open onto the patio. Guests gather around shaded tables with cornhole boards nearby. A dedicated kids’ corner keeps little ones entertained while outdoor seating features misters and water bowls for pet visitors.
On tap you’ll find over twenty rotating options alongside house staples. Scottsdale Blonde Kölsch and the GABF-bronze-winning Husstler Milk Stout draw repeat fans, while That’ll Do IPA and other hop-forward brews often catch drinkers by surprise. Seasonal offerings include fruited sours in summer, pumpkin ales in fall, and barrel-aged releases when temperatures drop. Without a kitchen onsite, visitors are welcome to bring food from nearby trucks or restaurants. Brewery tours and live music events add extra appeal for those planning a longer visit.
The Shop Beer Co.
At The Shop Beer Co. in Tempe, the spacious patio feels like a welcoming backyard hangout. Picnic tables sit beneath soft strings of lights and colorful wall art. Food trucks arrive regularly, and the entire space is designed for dogs, families, and anyone who prefers a laid-back atmosphere over pretension.
Inside, the tasting room honors local history at its core. You’ll find trivia nights, live music, and Wednesday’s Randall-infused beer releases. Using a Randall device, brewers inject fresh ingredients such as citrus zest into the beer, creating surprising flavor twists. Signature pours include Church Music Juicy IPA and the Neonic Fruited Sour, but rotating specials often steal the show. In 2021, community spirit and relentless experimentation earned The Shop Beer Co. a “Best Brewery for Day-Drinking” award. The combination of inventive brewing and a friendly vibe makes this spot a true neighborhood draw.
Catalyst Crafted Ales
Catalyst Crafted Ales builds its reputation on barrel-aged stouts and sours without a hint of snobbery. Their flagship Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout, Vanilla Reality, often sells out thanks to rich vanilla and oak notes. Meanwhile the Mr. Brightside series updates taps monthly. During summer, fruit-packed sours dominate. Spiced ales arrive in autumn, and winter brings decadent imperial stouts aged in bourbon barrels.
The tasting room offers living-room comfort with plush leather seating and TVs above the bar. Outside, picnic benches invite guests to enjoy sunshine with their beer. Partnered with S.A.L.T Tacos, the menu focuses on late-night crowd-pleasers rather than elaborate cheese boards. Weekly events include Wednesday bingo, Thursday trivia, and $5 Sunday Funday specials. Live music fills the courtyard, and occasional exotic car shows add extra excitement. Here, unconventional brews and a relaxed staff make every visit feel welcoming, hop expertise aside.
Starfire Restaurant and Rooftop Brewery
Perched atop Friendship Village Tempe, Starfire Restaurant and Rooftop Brewery offers sweeping views of the city skyline. Director of Brewing Operations Tyler Lynch supervises a rotating selection of at least four house brews alongside a chef-driven menu designed for beer pairing. Seasonal releases vary from crisp hefeweizens and märzens in spring to tangy fruity sours in summer and dessert-like pastry stouts in winter.
The rooftop patio blends casual comfort with long, leisurely seating areas ideal for families by day and a livelier crowd after sunset. Themed happy hours highlight creative beer cocktails and shareable dishes. Beyond regular service, Starfire hosts charity fundraisers, “Brew Crew” educational classes, and other community events. With over 28 rotating taps, it balances adventurous flavors and local camaraderie without ever feeling over the top.
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Four Peaks Brewing Company occupies a historic space that once housed a creamery and ice factory. High ceilings and exposed brewing tanks create an industrial atmosphere enhanced by large communal tables. Families arrive for weekend brunch and pups receive water bowls on the patio, reinforcing a friendly vibe without pretension.
Its beer lineup reads like a local legend. Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale remains a desert staple while Hop Knot IPA satisfies hop enthusiasts. WOW Wheat Ale pairs perfectly with citrus-forward brunch dishes. Seasonal releases such as Pumpkin Porter appear each fall and barrel-aged stouts return in winter. The kitchen incorporates beer into nearly every dish, from pizza crusts and sauces to fish battered in lager. Brunch menus even feature beer-infused syrup. Beyond dining, Four Peaks hosts brewery tours, haunted flashlight tours at Halloween, stein-holding contests during Oktoberfest, and a Kilt Lifter BBQ throwdown, ensuring there’s always something fun on tap.
Fate Brewing Company – Tempe
In Tempe’s vibrant neighborhood, Fate Brewing Company strikes a balance between relaxed pub style and refined craft brewing. Head brewer Adam Schmeichel rotates small-batch recipes alongside staples like Fateful IPA and Buena Vista Blonde Ale. In winter, the award-winning Candy Bar Milk Stout appears on tap. During hot months, fruit-forward IPAs such as the Blood Orange IPA offer a refreshing twist.
The food menu features scratch-made pizzas, tacos, soft pretzels, and chef-designed specials. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and pairs well with the rotating beer lineup. Families and dogs are welcome on the spacious patio.
Trivia night takes place every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday. Weekend brunch fills the outdoor seating area and draws a lively crowd. TVs scattered around the space ensure major games are always on display.
With its friendly staff, community-focused events, and diverse tap list, Fate Brewing Company remains a popular spot for students, locals, and anyone seeking quality beer and approachable dining in Tempe.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Nestled in Tempe’s downtown, Pedal Haus Brewery offers a microbrewery and a family-friendly gathering spot. You can bring your dog, kids, or a group of friends who disagree on everything. The beer lineup includes European-style lagers, hop-heavy IPAs, and barrel-aged stouts, each brewed on site. Their German-style Pilsner has earned gold medals at the Arizona Craft Beer Awards multiple years in a row.
Seasonal varieties keep the tap list fresh. A bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout arrives in winter, while fruited sours and a Belgian-style ale appear in warmer months. The menu focuses on shareables: wood-fired pretzels, gourmet burgers, charcuterie boards, and rotating chef’s creations.
Split between indoor seating and a spacious beer garden, the venue accommodates large parties. Cabanas and fire pits create cozy corners. Lawn games like cornhole and oversized Jenga sit alongside TVs on every wall.
Regular live music nights, trivia events, and local art showcases populate the calendar without ever feeling overwhelming. Pedal Haus Brewery combines award-winning brews, a welcoming atmosphere, and consistent programming to deliver a relaxed spot for both locals and visitors.
Hundred Mile Brewing Company
Within Tempe’s repurposed industrial space, Hundred Mile Brewing Company operates a woman-led 10-barrel brewery right behind the bar. The tap list includes Infinite Coyote IPA and the crisp Crowd Surfer Mexican Lager. Seasonal releases range from rich stouts to the Pink Boots West Coast Pale Ale, which supports women in brewing.
The venue occupies an old print shop with high ceilings, natural light, and roll-up garage doors. A spacious patio features artificial turf, oversized Connect Four, and cornhole courts. Dogs sip Puppuccinos at outdoor tables as children race across the open area.
Inside, the kitchen serves chimichurri nachos and a sesame-crusted ahi bowl alongside vegan options and a full kids’ menu. A cocktail lineup and a curated wine list offer alternatives to beer. Live music and tap takeover events occur regularly.
Local art lines the walls and staff greet regulars by name. Between fresh brews, thoughtful food, and a relaxed warehouse vibe, Hundred Mile Brewing Company feels like a well-designed community hub with something for every visitor.
SaltFire Brewery Co Taphouse
In a lively corner of Tempe, SaltFire Brewery Co Taphouse showcases ten of its own taps alongside rotating guest pours. Hazy Summer Camp Crush IPA and hop-forward 12 Monkeys IPA highlight the year-round menu. The Dirty Chai Stout combines coffee notes and chai spices into one bold pour. As seasons shift, the Grievance Scotch Ale appears on tap.
Chef Joey Dohrmann oversees an evolving menu of calzones, crisp salads, and burgers served on pretzel buns. Pizza offerings include a Chuck Norris meat-lover’s pie piled high with sausage, bacon, and pepperoni. Taco deals and weekly Sunday Suppers add more variety to the lineup.
Inside, pinball machines and wall art dedicated to hiking and Sasquatch create a playful setting. Trivia nights fill tables, and live music keeps the energy high. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and families. Whether you’re here for the experimental brews or chef-driven snacks, SaltFire Brewery Co Taphouse delivers a vibrant neighborhood gathering spot with plenty of character.
