


You wouldn’t find a shortage of places to grab a drink in Old Town Scottsdale and most offer some pretty cool ambiance. But if you are searching for the best brew with a view, I recommend a visit to Goldwater Brewing Co.
With so many quality original brews on tap, you really couldn’t go wrong with any choices. A flight of 4-6 samples may be your best option.
If you are seeking one of the most unique beers being brewed in the Valley, I suggest ordering up their Crimson Clouds. This limited release ruby red hazy IPA weighs in at 6.3% ABV. This beer features captivating citrus and ripe tropical fruit aromas. I’ve been told that their are strong prickly pear flavor notes in this IPA but to the best of my knowledge I don’t recall every eating a prickly pear. I would describe this complex beer with flavor elements of honeydew melon, papaya and hints of grapefruit. It might be hard to describe but it’s easy to drink.
All of their distinctive craft beers are best enjoyed on their upstairs patio (preferably at sunset). Next time you find yourself in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and you are in search for some tasty brews and complimentary jalapeño popcorn, stop by Goldwater Brewing Co.
HOURS
Monday – Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Friday: 4 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 1 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 1 PM – 8 PM
-AZ Survival Guide
The core of downtown Mesa is being revitalized! Locally owned Cider Corps cidery and tasting room is serving up a dozen original, unique and delicious hard ciders. Current offerings range from “Tried & True” (a dry hopped cider with a clean, crisp and bright traditional apple cider flavor) to the “MH84 AKA Mango Grenade” (a sweet cider that starts with topical mango notes and finishes with a surprising hint of habanero heat.)
The large simple modern-industrial tasting room is the perfect venue to sample a flight of apple cider served up in a baking tray. With so many varieties of cider on tap you are bound to find at least a couple concoctions that please your palate. Friendly and knowledgeable owners are more than willing to offer up recommendations and break down the science behind the Cider.
Cider Corps is a refreshing addition to downtown Mesa and the Arizona microbrew community. We recommend that you swing by and see how you like them apples.
Currently open Saturdays 12 PM – 12 AM – look for new hours in 2018
-AZ Survival Guide
In 2013 I took my first tip to Arizona. I knew very little about the extreme desert heat or the rapidly expanding microbrew scene. SanTan Brewery was the first of many beer establishments I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Located in the heart of downtown Chandler, SanTan is one of the city’s oldest and most popular brewery. They opened their doors in 2007 and have been serving great food and beer ever since.
The brewery resides in a space that was once a bank. The teller lines and safe deposit boxes have long ago been moved aside to make room for the floor to ceiling stainless steel fermenters and all the other needed equipment necessary for a fully functioning brewery. A single industrial vault door is the one hint that this brewery was once a financial institution.
SanTan’s beers can be found all throughout the valley. You will be hard pressed to find a bar or supermarket in the valley that does not care one of their offerings.
Food is one of the elements that sets this brewery apart from its many competitors. The menu is comprised of a balanced mix of your standard pub fare along with some of the best Southwest dishes in the area. SanTan prides themselves on utilizing the best local ingredients.
On my most recent visit, I went with a pint of their flagship beer – Devil’s Ale. This delicious American Pale Ale is served ice cold in the heaviest pint glass ever manufactured (maybe.) In the twilight of the spacious patio this beer appeared to have a hazy dark amber maroon hue. It is characterized by sweet citrus piney aromas and a caramel malt flavor. This well-balanced beer weighs in at 5.5% ABV and is a crowd favorite for sure.
*other notable offerings
Mr. Pineapple – super popular seasonal wheat beer. Try it mixed in their Vacation in a Glass cocktail
Moon Juice IPA / with Grapefruit makes it even better
Hop Shock IPA
Unfortunately, the secret is out on this establishment. Anticipate a bit of a wait for table on a weekend night. But if some quality craft Beer, great service and delicious food is what you seek, you can definitely bank on SanTan Brewery.
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm
Reverse Happy Hour: Sunday-Thursday 9PM-Close
-AZ Survival Guide