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10 Spots For Craft Brew On A Budget

10 Spots For Craft Brew On A Budget

Jul 16, 20155 min read

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.
New beer options at 1702 (Photo: 1702)
New beer offerings at 1702 (Photo: 1702)

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 (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)
Arizona Beer House (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)

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.
Monsoon's Tap & Grill (Photo: Monsoon's)
Monsoon’s Tap & Grill (Photo: Monsoon’s)

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 (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)
BZ’s Pizza (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)

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.
Arizona Pizza Company taps (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)
Arizona Pizza Company taps (Photo: Sarah Ritchie)

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 (Photo: Saguaro Corners)
Saguaro Corners (Photo: Saguaro Corners)

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 Salumi
Zona 78 Salumi (Photo: Alicynn Fink)

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 & Hound crowd (Photo: Fox & Hound)
Fox & Hound crowd (Photo: Fox & Hound)

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.

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Article written by:

Sarah Ritchie

Sarah Ritchie

More about Sarah
Craft Beer Betty, aka Sarah Ritchie, is a craft beer evangelist as co-founder of Tucson Girls Pint Out and board member of Craft Tucson. Find her on Twitter and Instagram as @craftbeerbetty.

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Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy.

• Caravan Mideastern Foods
• @wildwestmeatmarket 
• @foodconspiracy 
• G & L Imports
• @gallery.of.food 
• @nicksarisaristore 
• @rancheroscarniceriagrant 
• Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant
• Sandyi Oriental Market 
• @timemarket 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazLocally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy. • Caravan Mideastern Foods • @wildwestmeatmarket • @foodconspiracy • G & L Imports • @gallery.of.food • @nicksarisaristore • @rancheroscarniceriagrant • Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant • Sandyi Oriental Market • @timemarket More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!