10 Spots For Craft Brew On A Budget

What’s a beer geek to do when you’ve got Utopia tastes and a PBR budget? Get crafty!

One great way to enjoy craft brew while out on the town is to peruse the package. More and more bars are opening up as bottle shop combinations, such as Tap & Bottle, Ermanos, and the new Arizona Beer House. There are untold treasures in these bottle shops at substantial values. Compare the bottle or can pricing along with any cappage fees against the draft menu. Sharing a bomber or 750ml bottle with a friend can be just as romantic as it is frugal.

In no particular order, these ten local spots offer up craft brews on draft and in bottles on the cheap.

1702

1702 E Speedway Blvd.

Long hailed as Tucson’s first and best craft beer bar, 1702, has 46 craft beers on tap and a bottle shop out back with numerous gems in addition to their extensive tap list. Happy hour, brewery tap takeovers and promotions provide even better specials from their already reasonably priced beer list. Added bonus, delicious pizza slices bigger than your head!

For more information, visit 1702az.com.

Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge

2910 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

Ask just about anyone and they will tell you that Danny’s is either their favorite or one of their favorite neighborhood bars. Danny’s draws an eclectic group of great regulars, always has some solid craft beer offerings from Arizona and beyond for cheap, has a substantial patio out back, pool tables, darts, foosball, air hockey, and shuffleboard. They don’t serve food unless you count the occasional potluck, but consistently have a food truck in the parking lot.

For more information, visit dannyslounge.net.

Arizona Beer House

150 S. Kolb Rd.

Arizona Beer House is Tucson’s newest addition to our hopping craft beer scene with 33 craft beers on tap and more in their bottle shop to enjoy there or take home. Their draft beer prices are already low, but grabbing a bottle or can to enjoy on site with a cappage fee is the serious bargain. A classy family run craft beer bar with dive bar pricing and knowledgeable staff, Arizona Beer House is a gem in east Tucson.

For more information, visit arizonabeerhouse.com.

Che’s Lounge

350 N. 4th Ave.

Che’s cheap local craft beers and drinks, artsy hip patio, live local bands and DJs, fun bartenders, and never a cover make this place a beloved institution of the 4th Ave scene. Che’s is open daily from noon to 2am.

For more information, visit cheslounge.com.

Monsoons Tap & Grill

6781 N. Thornydale Rd.

Monsoons is the favorite northwest Tucson sports bar for craft beer lovers. They offer eighteen local beers on tap and others in bottle, a large and affordable menu, fourteen televisions, patio dining, and a super friendly staff. Prices are always reasonable, but drink craft for cheap during happy hour.

For more information, visit monsoonstapandgrill.com.

BZ’s Pizza Company

8838 E. Broadway Blvd.

BZ’s Pizza Company is a family restaurant and sports bar on Tucson’s east side with good food, warm staff, 21 mostly-craft beers on tap and many more in bottles and cans. BZ’s is passionate about supporting craft beer in Tucson and this is a local favorite for happy hour in east Tucson.

For more information, visit bzpizzaco.com.

Arizona Pizza Company (or AZP Tavern)

4955 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.

AZP Tavern manager, Justin Kent, knows craft beer and curates a most beautiful tap list of highly sought after brews, then serves them at ridiculously low prices. AZP Tavern is converting the masses to world class craft beers one insanely cheap pint at a time, with pizza! AZP has 19 beers on tap with special discounts on beers, pizza, and cocktails every day.

For more information, visit azpizzacompany.com.

Saguaro Corners

3750 S. Old Spanish Tr.

Saguaro Corners has been serving up comfort food and breathtaking views just outside Saguaro National Park East since 1956. They recently expanded their craft beer selection to twenty-two beers on tap. Happy hour specials make it affordable to enjoy quality craft brews on the cheap, plus they are offering happy hour prices all day on Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of the month.

For more information, visit saguarocorners.net.

Zona 78

78 W. River Rd. • 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Zona 78’s happy hour specials are where it’s at. Zona 78 offers happy hour specials of $3 craft brews from 3 to 6pm, Mondays though Saturdays, half priced gourmet appetizers, and the feel good factor from their emphasis on supporting local with their food, beer, wine, and spirits.

For more information, visit zona78.com.

Fox & Hound

7625 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Fox and Hound in northwest Tucson offers up Craft Beer Night every Tuesday with $3 draft beers. Combine this with their happy hour food specials of half priced appetizers available Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 6pm and 10pm to close daily. Fox and Hound is HUGE. This giant sports bar boasts four separate rooms, 44 high def televisions, 10 projectors, and 9 tournament style billiard tables.

For more information, visit foxandhound.com.