Earlier this year, Tucson was listed as one of the "Most Underrated Beer Cities for 2023" and it makes sense why the Old Pueblo made the list. The article expresses the importance of grabbing a cold, crisp, and rather tasty craft beer while traveling — Tucson being one of those spots that's "funky, artsy, and weird" to keep you busy during your trip.
So, what started as only a handful of breweries around town has blossomed into nearly 20. We've lost a few over the past couple of years, including Ten55 Brewing Company, The Address Brewing, Public Brewhouse, and Green Feet Brewing, but here’s a guide to all the local Tucson breweries still brewin' and where to find them.
A specialist in gose, 1912 is also one of the few breweries to offer wine and mead (from guest vineyards). Above all else, however, 1912 is quickly becoming a hub for families and kids.
For more information, visit 1912brewing.com.
Barrio has at least 10 of their own in-house brews on tap at any given time, and they run the gamut in styles. You can also enjoy a limited selection of Barrio's brews at their other taproom and over at Gentle Ben's Brewing on University Boulevard.
Ideally, though, you'll want to visit their main location and sit outside, which provides an optimum view of a Tucson sunset or a train rolling by on the nearby tracks.
For more information, visit barriobrewing.com.
BlackRock Brewers has a list of balanced beers that match their styles with no over-aggressive characteristics while maintaining no shortage of flavor. Plus, there's plenty of room in the taproom for board games and great conversations.
For more information, blackrockbrewers.com.
Their brew recipes are directly inspired by the community and are therefore ideal to be enjoyed in Tucson's desert climate. Most native Tucsonans have likely already sipped on one of Borderlands' beers while trying to escape the 100º heat our summers bring. Also, they recently opened a brand-new location in the Sam Hughes neighborhood in collaboration with chef Maria Mazon. Get a load of their Tacos Dorados!
To learn all about Borderlands' head brewer, read our February 2o23 article "Borderlands Brewing Company's Ayla Kapahi pours herself into every pint."
For more information, visit borderlandsbrewing.com.
Part of Marana's growing craft beer scene, Button Brew House opened back in 2017. Their flagship Chiltepin Red Ale packs a spicy kick with Tucson's signature pepper. Recently, they expanded their outdoor seating and are always hosting entertaining events throughout each month.
For more information, visit buttonbrewhouse.com.
Just as Dragoon Brewing is not located in the Dragoons, Catalina Brewing is not located in Catalina. It's close, though, kind of. Situated near Ina and I-10, Catalina Brewing features a unique lineup of beer that's worth the trip.
For more information, visit catalinabrewingco.com.
Copper Mine features nine taps and rotating food trucks offering eats to pair with their brews. In the past, their Irish Red was voted Best Flagship Beer at Born & Brewed Beer Battle. Plus, their front patio is a nice spot to sit when the sun is setting behind the mountains. Doesn't get any better than that, right?
For more information, visit copperminebrewing.com.
Corbett Brewing, which shares ownership with Fourth Avenue mainstays The Hut and O’Malleys Bar & Grill and the Sixth Street bar Bob Dobbs, has been in its existing location since originally opening its doors in 2018. In October 2022, the brewery welcomed Kingman, Arizona-born and Minnesota transplant, Josh Estensen, as their new head brewer.
For more information, visit corbettbrewingcompanyaz.com.
Crooked Tooth set up shop in an old auto repair shop and features a super-sweet build-out. The handcrafted furniture and lights create a unique environment along with the spacious patio is perfect for cool nights.
Make sure to buy some of their fun merch and spend time gazing at the beautiful art they often post up in the hallway near the restrooms.
Keep up with Crooked Tooth on Facebook.
The brewery features bolder beers such as the Serrano Deduction, occasionally featured in a michelada. The taproom on Oracle features a Nintendo 64 for Mario Kart battles, and the spot down on Fourth Avenue has views that are easy to get lost in. Are you hungry, too? The Blacktop Grill is permanently parked on the Fourth Avenue location's patio serving up delicious hot dogs, quesadillas, and more.
Read our January 2023 article, "Dillinger Brewing Company & The Blacktop Grill join forces on Fourth Avenue.
For more information, visit dillingerbrewing.com.
If your beer-drinking motto tends to be, "the hoppier, the better," then Dragoon is where you want to be. Their flagship beer — and one of two that is on-tap year-round — is their Dragoon IPA and while that's certainly enough to keep a pale ale enthusiast content, it's only one of many.
Their taproom is also consistently visited by a number of rotating local food trucks, so there's no better way to enjoy your new favorite beer while also discovering your new favorite food truck as well.
For more information, visit dragoonbrewing.com.
FireTruck Brewing prides itself on being Tucson's midtown beer pub. Their taproom includes both indoor and outdoor seating — perfect to catch a Tucson sunset while sipping on a refreshing brew.
Most recently, they got into the pizza business and opened up FireTruck Pizza Company on the east side of town. You'll find a bunch of their beers on tap there, too.
For more information, visit firetruckbrewing.com and read our September 2022 article "FireTruck Brewing Co. is comin' in hot with craft beer & a smokin' menu."
Having opened in February 2018, Harbottle is the new kid on the block. While the IPA is solid, they sometimes have a giant tub of Utz cheese balls on the counter — it also makes it easy to come back. Plus, order up some food from Chopstix next door and they'll bring it over.
For more information, visit harbottlebrewing.com.
It takes an air of confidence to make such a proclamation as "Damn Good Beer," but the brews from Iron John's certainly live up to their moniker.
Operating as a small-batch nanobrewery, Iron John's rotates their beers out on a weekly basis, so it's best to stock up and buy a bottle or two (or three) when visiting their cozy tasting room. Next up for the brewery is a collaboration with Monkey Burger, which is transforming into a taproom/pizza joint/burger spot.
For more information, visit ironjohnsbrewing.com.
MotoSonora Brewing Company was opened by Tucson brothers Jeff and Jeremy DeConcini, cousin Eric Thu, and craft brewing veteran and former college roommate Tomme Arthur, who all share a passion for beer and motorsports.
If you're hungry, Substance Diner is currently setting up shop in the front parking lot.
For more information, visit motosonora.com.
Though Pueblo Vida is beloved for its award-winning Northwest IPA or its delectable Bavarian Hefeweizen in the past, one main draw of becoming a regular is its weekly infusions. These beers are where Pueblo Vida runs wild, imparting all sorts of flavor combinations into their already tasty offerings.
For more information, visit pueblovidabrewing.com.
About 10 minutes west from the Biosphere 2 in Oracle, find the nearest craft brewery in a retirement community. Once you reach the gate at SaddleBrooke Ranch, just let them know you're headed to the brewery. IPA fans will appreciate their dry-hopped flagship IPA and they've got plenty of other beers on tap from other local and regional breweries.
For more information, visit saddlebrookeranchhoa.org.
Thunder Canyon has been serving Tucson its craft beer since 1997. Now focusing on only a downtown location, they're regularly hosting live music and good times.
Keep up with Thunder Canyon Brewery on Facebook.
After being closed for months, and just in time for a beer-themed holiday, Voltron Brewing reopened its downtown taproom at 330 S. Toole Ave. #200, which is a combination of Borderlands Brewing Company and FireTruck Brewing Company.
So, much like the animated television series name "Voltron," you can think of Borderlands Brewing and FireTruck Brewing as a team of space explorers piloting a giant "Super Robot." In other words, the two brew houses have been sharing the space since early 2020 — brewing their beer and dishing out kegs and cans for the masses. It's the perfect spot to grab a beer from either of the two breweries.
For more information, follow Voltron Brewing on Instagram.
