RAVE takes a look at the best breweries in America, region by region, and this time it’s the great American Southwest.
Deserts, cowboys, cacti, and ghost towns probably come to mind when you think of the Southwest. The unique climate and culture of the land here have been fascinating travelers for centuries, and it wasn’t too long ago that only Native American tribes inhabited this region.
The area is home to some of our most breathtaking and iconic National Monuments, too. Attractions like the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Big Bend National Park, Santa Fe National Historic Trail, and dozens of other wondrous places make the area a natural playground for those who love adventure.
Along the dusty trail, you’re liable to get pretty thirsty, and there’s no better way to quench that thirst than with a craft brew from one (or several) of these popular Southwestern destinations for beer lovers. So travel along with us as we visit some of the most beloved watering holes of the American West.
The debate over which states comprise the Southwestern region of the United States has been ongoing for decades. Depending on who’s definition you use, the Southwest can be made up of just two states—Arizona and New Mexico—or encompass as many as six other states, including California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
For this review of the best Southwestern breweries, we’ve stuck with the boundaries used by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and reviewed the top breweries in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Of course, that’s a lot of ground to cover, so if you’re planning a road trip to visit these brewpubs, you’re going to want to be prepared for a lengthy excursion!
The craft breweries and microbreweries we feature on this list have made it to several other “best of” lists, including Thrillist, USA Today, Frommers, Travel + Leisure, and other well-known publications.
Then, we decided to take it a step further and peek at the sales rankings for the not-for-profit BrewersAssociation.org and Beer Advocate. That’s what helps us uncover the business side of things.
Finally, out of hundreds of possible candidates, we examine user-based rating sites to see how each of the breweries measures up. It’s a labor of love and tough to choose, but at last, we narrowed it down to thirty separate establishments.
Important note! There is no ranking order for these breweries. In truth, every one of them is top-notch! Since there are numerous factors to the rating scale, you may find that a brewery halfway through the list offers something you can’t find at the top. Read through the whole list before you decide.
For each of the following five factors, the breweries can get up to 20 points. A 20 in any of the factors would make that factor a perfect score for that brewery.
The following criteria defined the factors:
1. Nostalgia factor – how well it reflects the local region’s attributes and culture
2. Popularity factor – how popular is it based on sales and word-of-mouth
3. Scarcity factor – how difficult it is to obtain and the demand for small batch runs
4. Cult factor – how often people talk about it and the strength of its following
5. Destination factor – how it treats visitors (tours, tasting rooms or restaurants, etc.)
This scale, once tallied, allows you to look through the list by the total score for an overall “best” or break down each score to sort through the breweries by the factor most important to you.
Each of these breweries varies in sales and size, yet they all have something that makes them stand out. In addition, each represents the best of what their state has to offer the Southeast brewing scene.
Gilbert, Arizona
Brew Master Patrick Ware and owner Jonathan Buford help put microbreweries on the map in Arizona. Out of the 2600 newly opened breweries in 2013, Ratebeer.com chose Arizona Wilderness as the number one best new brewery in the world. It’s easy to see why.
Arizona Wilderness has a “local first” philosophy that embraces Arizona agriculture. Using regionally sourced ingredients, they have created a beer and food menu that is not only uniquely Arizonan but also supports local farmers. With sustainability at its core, they even have a partnership with Recycled City that composts waste into usable soil.
There are two locations. The Gilbert Brewpub is on North Arizona Avenue and the DTPHX Beer Garden on East Roosevelt Street in Phoenix. At either of these fabulous locations, visitors can relax and enjoy brews like the Refuge IPA, El Bonito Dry-Hopped Lager, La Ciudad Hazy IPA, or a conservation-driven Blonde Ale called, Don’t F#%K It Up, among many other refreshing choices.
Dallas, Texas
Customers have called it “the best beer in Dallas,” and its founder Michael Peticolas “one of the most recognizable figures within the craft beer movement.” Peticolas Brewing Company is undoubtedly one of the most well-known breweries in Texas, and this famous spot has won over 35 awards for its beloved beers.
The tri-level taproom is unique, with light fixtures made from the first kegs ever purchased by Peticolas and an open garage door next to the bar for an airy feel on warm days. Guests can partake in ping pong, foosball, music, TV, board games, ring toss, and beer. If you’re hungry, you’re encouraged to order a pizza or bring in whatever you want to eat. You can even place an order from another establishment if you like.
Current beers on tap include Velvet Hammer, Sit Down Or I’ll Sit You Down, Doppelboxer, Royal Scandal, Thrilla in Brazilla, Turn Out the Lights, The DUKE, Don’t Be Scared, and several other exciting options. There’s also a whole list of limited releases that will return periodically.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Billing itself
as “Rio Rancho’s Neighborhood Brewpub,” Turtle Mountain Brewing Company is owned by Nico Ortiz, who named it in honor of his Pueblo father, Oku Pin, which means Turtle Mountain. This establishment aims to provide the surrounding community with high-quality yet affordable delicious food and drinks in a comfortable, “Cheers-style” atmosphere.
The owner stresses that coming to Turtle Mountain should be like visiting a friend for dinner, where you can make yourself at home. In 2018 Turtle Mountain brought home a Gold medal from The Great American Beer Festival, and they have been featured in numerous publications, including Brewpub Magazine and All About Beer Magazine.
On tap, patrons can enjoy Wooden Teeth American Lager, Red Rye Redux, Hopshell IPA, Widespread Haze, and Metal Snake year-round. Seasonal Brews include Hoperation Hanging Garden, Forward Standard, Herr Fest, Cosmic Campground, and others. Turtle Mountain also carries a handful of craft ciders and signature cocktails with spirits from NM Distilleries. The outside seating area is dog-friendly.
You may also like: Top Breweries in the Northeast 2021
Prescott, Arizona
Founded in 2012 by Jeff and Jen Herbert, Superstition Meadery serves up something radically different from your typical microbrew. Mead—also called honey wine—is an alcoholic beverage made with yeast-fermented water and honey and a cornucopia of optional ingredients thrown in. At Superstition, the Herberts have crafted some of the most unique concoctions in the world.
Not quite beer, not quite wine, this uncommon drink is brewed in barrels and is as fun as the fanciful names it goes by—Blueberry Spaceship Box, Peanut Butter Jelly Crime, Flamingo Croquet, and a half-dozen other quirky offerings. The flavors are as offbeat as the titles since the couple does not shy away from unexpected ingredients like berries, chocolate, almonds, mango, maple syrup, coffee, and even peanut butter.
Superstition’s tasting room is located in downtown Prescott in historic Courthouse Square, a destination all on its own. Visitors will find no shortage of festivals and events to complement a stop at this popular establishment.
If you’re looking for a dining experience as well, you won’t want to miss Superstition Downtown—”The World’s First Mead and Food Pairing Restaurant.” Hungry patrons can enjoy an eclectic menu full of comfort food along with Superstition’s one-of-a-kind brews.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Founded in 2010 by Jeff Erway, La Cumbre Brewing is a quirky, offbeat brewery with the state’s coolest and most creative beer packaging. The eye-catching, whimsical designs of the cans are almost as unique as the beers themselves—Project Dank, Slice of Hefen, Malpais, Stout, and La Cumbre’s flagship brew—Elevated IPA.
La Cumbre—which means peak, summit, or pinnacle—is a nod to Albuquerque’s picturesque mountains. There are two taprooms: Girard NE and Coors Boulevard. The Girard location features foosball and pool, and if you get the munchies, you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks that swing by each day. You can also enjoy live music on the weekends.
New Braunfels, Texas
Brewed in New Braunfels, Texas, the beers at Guadalupe Brewing Company are infused with honey from the only Amish farm in the state. Crafted naturally, they are full-bodied, approachable, and well-balanced.
Favorites include the Dreamsicle, a Texas honey ale with hints of vanilla and orange; the Hefe Lupe, a German-style Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes; and a Mandarin Ginger Beer, a light brew made with ginger and sweet mandarins, among many others.
Visitors to Guadalupe can enjoy live music events and small-batch artisanal pizza made on site. You can also order beer and pizza to go. However, it is recommended that you make reservations well in advance if you have a special table.
Phoenix, Arizona
Let’s get the name out of the way first. OHSO is short for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost, an Arcadia hot spot featuring terrific pub food and a selection of over 40 beers on tap. OHSO Brewery can also be found in North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and downtown Gilbert.
Among some of the famous brews you can sample at OHSO, you’ll find:
Plus, you can also try OHSO’s popular Handlebar Hefe (Hefeweizen)—a mellow Bavarian wheat beer with hints of clove and banana.
This hip spot is located on a picturesque canal and is a favorite of many cyclists who park their bikes on the patio to enjoy the refreshment and scenery. However, one of the unique things about OHSO is that it’s dog-friendly with shaded outdoor seating and a special water fountain just for the puppers.
Tucson, Arizona
Dragoon Brewing began as an idea when Bruce Greene first began brewing beer in his own kitchen. As time passed, Greene’s son, Eric, also got involved. The two met Tristan White at the American Brewer’s Guild In 2009, and the plans for a brewery began to take shape. Together, the three founded Dragoon Brewing Company in 2011 with a simple idea: “that in sharing a creative endeavor with another person, you can’t help but share a bit of yourself.”
Throughout the year, Dragoon Brews around thirty beers altogether, and there are always 11 beers on tap at any given time. They have year-round favorites, like Refraction, Dragoon IPA, Dragoon PILS, and Santa Cruz’r. Plus, they make special release batches throughout the year, some of which are extremely limited-edition. Their Beer Archive lists all of the beer they have brewed since they opened.
The Dragoon Brewing taproom is located at 1859 W Grant Road #111 in Tucson and is open every day until ten PM except Mondays (when it’s closed) and Sundays (when it closes at five PM). Visitors can enjoy visiting food trucks and even taproom yoga during the week. If you can’t make it to the taproom, you can find some of their favorite brews at nearby shops.
See also: 30 Best Breweries in the Midwest
Stillwater, Oklahoma
In 2014, Jerod Millirons and Dave Monks opened the first craft brewery in Stillwater—Iron Monk Brewing Company. With 14 beers always on tap, Iron Monk has something for everyone in your group. Try one of the year-round offerings like Velvet Antler Amber, Milk Stout, Exit 174 Rye Pale Ale, or Stilly Wheat. If you happen to be visiting during certain times of the year, you might find a small batch brew like Raspberry Wheat, Somethin’ Pumpkin, or MidDouth IPA.
You can take your favorites home in 64-ounce and 32-ounce growlers and 32-ounce crowlers. They also have pre-filled four-packs, six-packs, and cases. Or, if you prefer, kegs.
The taproom is open every day except Sunday, and they often have live events. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, they have rotating food trucks that serve up tasty pub fare. However, you are also welcome to bring in your own food or have something delivered right to you.
Tempe, Arizona
The number one locally-brewed beer in Arizona is the Kilt-Lifter, and it’s the flagship beer of Four Peaks Brewing Company. Founded in 1997, this brew has won multiple awards, including the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
There’s more to love about Four Peaks than the Kilt-Lifter, though. You can get an inside look at their 110-year old 8th Street haunted brewery every Saturday for just five bucks a person. You’ll get a guided tour of the whole operation, plus you’ll score a full pour of beer in a shiny new souvenir pint glass.
After your tour, you can grab a bite of mouth-watering pub food and sample a few more Four Peaks Brews. You’ll find offerings like Red Bird Lager, Imperial Hazy, Masskrug, Tropical Short Hop IPA, and others.
In addition to the 8th Street location, the Wilson Tasting Room & Party Palace on Wilson Street hosts events for up to 250 people. You can also grab a pint and a snack at terminal four, gate A20, at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Austin, Texas
Located 18 miles west of Downtown Austin is a sprawling 165-acre ranch that houses Jester King’s event hall, farm, kitchen, and brewery. If you’re looking for a destination that is off the beaten path, one where you can drink beer and pet goats simultaneously, Jester King Brewery needs to be on your craft brew bucket list.
Guests can enjoy a full outdoor drinking and dining experience, go hiking in Texas Hill Country, or book a brewery tour or goat experience (We said there would be goats).
Beer lovers come for the incredible selections that change often. You will currently find a dozen choices on the menu, including 2021 Atrial Rubicite, Bitter Death, BTL – Femme Sauvage, Live Oak Gold, Phylactery Phactory, and others.
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome.
Fort Worth, Texas
If you’re visiting the lone-star state and you’ve got a hankering for beer and meat, head to Cowtown Brewing in Fort Worth. Founded on the idea that “Great beer deserves equally great barbecue,” this Brewery is a carnivore’s delight.
Cowtown has a massive 5000-square foot taproom with a wall-size projection screen, HD TVs, and a robust sound system in true Texas style. If you don’t want to be indoors, you can eat and drink on the expansive outside deck.
The taproom has 12 taps with ever-changing selections, so check first if you’re craving something specific. Currently, you will find The Last Kaiser, Rhinestone Cowboy, O’Dell, Moondance, Miami Weisse, Horse With No Name, High Brau, Lost In Translation, G’Night Vienna, Cold Fort Worth Beer, and Agree To Disagree. You can find information on all of Cowtwon’s Brews on UNTAPPD.
Tempe, Arizona
Founded in 2013 by Husband-and-wife team Jeff and Leah Huss, Huss Brewing Company is an independent and local craft brewing operation in Tempe. Its namesake brews include the Husstler Milk Stout, Ivy Pale Ale, Copper State IPA, and Scottsdale Blonde, all of which have won awards at the the Great American Beer Fest.
Huss is an unassuming brewery off of Mineral Avenue with a cult-like following. It’s the underdog to some of the more elaborate brew operations in town, but with beer that is just as good. So if you’re looking for an alternative to large, trendy brewpubs, Huss Brewing Company is the place for you.
If you love coffee as much as you love beer, you’re in luck because Huss has you covered. Their Koffee Kolsch is a traditional light-bodied Kolsch that has been cold-steeped with hazelnut and roasted caramel coffee beans. It’s a delicious blend of coffee and lager that took the gold in the 2017 American Canned Craft Beer Championship.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The oldest craft brewery in New Mexico, Santa Fe Brewing, was founded in 1988—long before taprooms and microbrews became popular. It has five pubs: The Beer Hall at HQ, Abq at Green Jeans, Abq at Tin Can Alley, The Brakeroom, The Eldorado Taphouse, and The Bridge. You can find directions and more information about each location on the website.
At 35 Fire Place in Santa Fe, you’ll find the main tasting room and brewery. Patrons will find plenty of indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating and frequent live entertainment. While they do not serve food, you can bring in your own or have something delivered from one of the many local eateries.
Visitors to Santa Fe Brewing won’t want to miss year-round favorites like Happy Camper IPA, Social Hour, Santa FHazy IPA, and Java Stout. They also offer seasonal classics like an OcKoberfest Marzen, an Adobe Igloo Winter Warmer, and a Squeezer Happy Radler.
Farmington, New Mexico
Historic downtown Farmington, New Mexico, is home to Three Rivers Brewery, where you can sample up to a dozen craft beers at any given time. Offerings include Papa Bear’s Golden Honey Ale, Badlander Pale Ale, Tangerine Dream, Nitro Layer Cake, Red Apple Flyer Cider, Sky High IPA, and more.
Three Rivers also has a terrific wine list and several excellent specialty brewstillery cocktails for those who want to try something a little different. Bring the whole family and order a gourmet pizza or two off the menu while you enjoy the eclectic wall art in this iconic establishment. You can also get growlers and crowlers to go!
Related Post: 30 Best Breweries in the Pacific Northwest
Flagstaff, Arizona
Inspired on a road trip, the Marquess family devised a plan that combined their passion for travel, the state of Arizona, and craft beer into a labor of love called Mother Road Brewing Company.
The brewery sits along a lost portion of famed Route 66, a highway nicknamed by author John Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath as “the Mother Road.” The brewery’s flagship beer—Tower Station India Pale Ale—was named after an iconic rest stop. In 1936, thirsty motorists would hang out at Tower Station for rest and refreshment after hours on the road. It’s an unfiltered pale ale with an amber hue and pineapple, tangerine, grapefruit peel, and pine notes.
The founder’s mission is to create unforgettable beers and offer them at affordable prices. They use local ingredients wherever possible and strongly emphasize building community “one pint at a time.” Radical hospitality, dauntless courage, curiosity, and play are at the heart of this small business.
You’ll find Mother Road Brewing Company in downtown Flagstaff at Seven South Mike’s Peak, where you can enjoy a socially distanced pint on their relaxing patio. Smoking and vaping are allowed in designated areas, and you can even bring your (well-behaved) dog!
Mesilla, New Mexico
The tagline for this family-owned Mesilla brewery is Unfiltered, Unconventional, Unleashed. As you might expect, Spotted Dog Brewery is a dog-friendly place to grab a pint and some traditional pub food.
Located at 2920 Avenida de Mesilla, Spotted Dog was founded by Jerry and Susan Grandle, who named the brewery after Ryleigh, their bluetick hound. While there is currently limited seating due to the pandemic, curbside takeout is available, and you can grab a growler to go.
On tap, the brewery features house creations like India Pale Ale, Belgian Whit, Hefeweizen, and Milk Stout, along with Cream, Brown, and Amber Ales. There are always some rotating or seasonal brews available too. If you’re looking for something special, you can check the weekly menu before making the trek. Examples include: Corruption Imperial Wheat, Wee Heavy, Belgian TripelHops n Honey (Honey Wheat), Raspberry Wit, Angry Beaver, and more.
Flagstaff, Arizona
The Historic Barrel+Bottle House in Flagstaff is a destination beer lovers will not want to miss. On one side, you will find a cocktail space with eight specialty taps, arcade games (skeeball, anyone?), and more. On the other side, you can sample one of 20 beers on tap, cans to go, or 32-ounce crowlers. Plus, it features a large dining area and a (heated) outside patio. Like many of the brewpubs in Arizona, the outdoor patio space is dog-friendly.
Located in the heart of downtown Flagstone, you can also book a Stay and Play vacation with Historic Brewing Company. Above the taproom, you’ll find a spacious condo for rent, located within walking distance to other brewers, a rock climbing gym, cafes, fabulous restaurants, yoga studios, shops, and more.
On tap, patrons can choose from favorites like Salt River (a salt and lime Arizona lager), Piehole Porter (a cherry vanilla porter), Everyday Special (a hopped-up pilsner), and much more. If you want to check out the Williams location, the Historic Barrel + Bottle House – Williams offers casual dining in a family-friendly environment. An elevated menu pairs well with the restaurant’s selection of local Arizona wine, 15 craft beers on draft, and Historic Brewing’s signature cocktails.
Moriarty, New Mexico
Sierra Blanca Brewery opened in 1996 in Carrizozo by Rich and Suzanne Weber, but an expansion was necessary, and they later moved the operation to Moriarty. Incidentally, the couple also purchased Rio Grande Brewery, so you can get two great beers when you visit the Industrial Road taproom.
However, the taproom pales in comparison to the one-and-a-half-acre beer garden, a venue where you can hang out at a covered bar and seating area that features grills, a gazebo, horseshoe pits, tetherball, bocce ball, and a pond. On the weekends, you can enjoy live music at the bandstand and get a bite to eat from one of the food trucks. In cooler weather, they even put up some temporary walls and heat the garden!
On tap, you’ll find 17 brews, so there’s something for everyone. Green Chile Cerveza, Bone Chiller Brown Ale, Outlaw Lager, Alien IPA, Desert Pilsner, and Whiskey Barrel Aged Stout are just a few of your options.
Carlsbad, New Mexico
At Milton’s Brewing in Carlsbad, guests can enjoy a sample, flight, or pint of brew. Or, they can also fill up a growler or purchase cans to go. In addition, this taproom and brewery features indoor and outdoor seating, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Year-round brews are crafted in small batches and include:
Milton’s also features New Mexican guest beers and wines from Noisy Water Winery, St. Clair, and Pecos Flavors. They are open every day except Monday and are located at 213 West Mermod Street.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma native and founder Joel Irby spent several years perfecting his brewing craft in Colorado before opening his own spot in Oklahoma. Located in a classic 1929 brick warehouse, Stonecloud Brewing Company’s headquarter is listed on the National Historic Registry, but their beers have a more modern flair.
This brewery lists every beer they’ve ever created along with all the offerings currently on tap—14 pages worth. It’s an interesting and entertaining read. Right now, you can get:
Plus, there are 14 seasonal rotators for a surprise every time you visit. With names like Extra Extra Sandwich, Respect the Drip, Orbit IV, and King of the Slams, you can’t go wrong. Stonecloud is located at 1012 Northwest 1st Street in Oklahoma City.
Midwest City, Oklahoma
When founders Blaine Stansel and Tony Tielli met a brewing club and decided to open their own brewery, they wanted to create beers that pushed the boundaries of the typical brewpub. They wanted something aggressive, unique, and rough-around-the-edges.
Roughtail Brewing Company is all of those and more. Their huge taproom is open to the public seven days a week, and you can take a tour of the brewery or enjoy some tasty treats from one of the visiting food trucks. Every Wednesday night, they host SINGO (a music and bingo combo) with lots of chances to win and frequent new beer releases.
Try out some hoppy selections like Frickin’ Hazer Beams, Hoptometrist IPA, DoubleFacemask Penalty, Hail Jucifer, and Cheddar Goblin. Or, if sours are more your style, grab a Dill Or No Deal, Road Toad Sour Ale, or a Cottage Core. Of course, you’ll also find a full range of equally impressive stouts and malts.
McAlester, Oklahoma
A small third-wave brewery founded in 2012, Prairie Artisan Ales brings a unique perspective to brewing. Sometimes, they create crisp and funky farmhouse ales, while other times its bold barrel-aged stouts. But, whatever is on tap at this McAlester brewery, it will always be something to write home about.
Beers like Bomb! (an Imperial stout aged on vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and chilies), or Rainbow Sherbet (a sherbet-flavored sour ale) are sure to become new favorites. The packaging is worth holding onto as well; the art is one-of-a-kind and whimsical.
The taproom itself is located at 3 Northeast 8th Street in Oklahoma City and is open every day of the week from 11 am to 10 pm. However, if you are not planning to come to Oklahoma, you can also get Prairie Artisan Ales from several distributors across the country.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
At Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing, you can visit the Boneyard for an event or the Tarmac Taproom and get beer flights, growler fills, and packaged beer to go. Plus, you will find plenty of merch with dead armadillos on it, if that’s your thing.
Year-round beers include Tulsa Flag, India Pale Ale, Amber, and Breakaway APA. Seasonally, you might find Morning Bender Coffee Oatmeal Stout, Pickle Recovery, Johnny Ginger, Black Hop, and other limited releases.
Dead Armadillo has released their recipe for Tulsa Flag for ambitious patrons to anyone who wants to try brewing at home.
The Boneyard is located at 1004 E 4th St, Tulsa, and is an event venue. The Tarmac is located at the airport and was created in partnership with Delaware North Food Group and the Tulsa International Airport.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The team of 14 at Anthem Brewing Company is on a mission to “create world-class beers that are as unique as the individuals that drink them.” This Oklahoma City craft brewery has been in operation since 2011, and its taproom is a popular event destination in the region.
On tap, you’ll discover Mexican-style lagers, IPAs, Belgian-style blonde ales, stouts, Pilsners, Belgian-style wits, ciders, and seasonal releases like Festivus Holiday Ale, Road Tree IPA, Afternoon Rider Summer Radler, and Oktoberfest Märzen-Style Lager.
Every month, Anthem Brewery chooses a local charity or nonprofit that benefits the Oklahoma community through its efforts. All month long, a portion of taproom sales goes directly to the organization in need. It’s called Cheers to Charity, and it’s a big part of what they do at the Brewery.
Anthem also hosts regular events, which are posted on the brewery’s Facebook page.
Austin, Texas
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company (also known as the ABGB) won the Great American Beer Festival Brewpub of the Year three years in a row a while back, and their philosophy, “Beer Makes It Better,” definitely rings through with Austinites. Located at 1305 West Oltorf, this is a destination that’s always hot, whether you’re just hanging out with old friends or taking in some live music.
Always on tap, you’ll find Hell Yes (Helles), Industry (Pilsner), Day Trip (Pale Ale), Superliner (IPA), Big Mama Red (Red IPA), and a pre-prohibition style Pilsner aptly named Rocket 100. They also release seasonal small-batches throughout the year, so if you’re looking for something special, you can check the website to see what’s available.
The bar is open every day except Monday, as is the kitchen, which serves a wide selection of appetizer plates, salads, pizzas, and sandwiches, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Open seven days a week, the taproom at Bathtub Row Brewing Company is a relaxed and friendly place to sit and enjoy a brew alone or with a small group. So whether you’ve had a hard day at work or a full day of sightseeing in the Los Alamos region, Bathtub Row is the perfect spot to kick back with a cold one and chill.
The brewery is a democratically run, member-owned and operated cooperative. They serve the community by offering a gathering place to learn more about the art and science of brewing as they support the local craft beer industry.
On tap, you’ll find exquisite house brews like authentic German Pilsners, hoppy IPAs, Irish Stouts, double IPAs, blonde ales, kiwi lager, and more. All of the beers are made with locally sourced yeast, barley, and hops whenever possible.
Houston, Texas
Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery is Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Founded by Kevin Bartol and Brock Wagner in 1994, this Houston establishment is open seven days a week and is a favorite in Texas and Louisiana. The beers here are full-flavored, with a plethora of options available for thirsty travelers.
Among the year-round brews available, patrons can choose everything from the Lawnmower (a refreshing outdoor beer) to a fruited Berliner Weisse called Raspberry AF.
On top of the more than a dozen regular brews, Saint Arnold offers seasonal beers, limited-release beers, Divine Reserve series, Bishop’s Barrels series, and an Icon series. If you’re keeping count, that’s a lot of beer.
Public tours of the brewery are offered four times a day, every day of the week, and there is always something going on at the Beer Garden. In addition, a full pub menu featuring salads, pizzas, and sandwiches on fresh-baked breads is available every day.
San Antonio, Texas
Freetail Brewing Company was founded on the idea that a brewery should embody the place it calls home. The name comes from the estimated 30 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats that live in Bracken cave just north of San Antonio.
The brews are bold and have never-before-tasted flavors with names like Tropical Punch Bexarliner, Soul Doubt, Bat Outta Helles, Oktoberfiesta, and Texicali.
At the Tap Room on South Presa Street, you can take tours of the brewery and enjoy comedy nights, local musicians, and food trucks. At the Brew Pub at 4035 North Loop 1604, you can order up some classic pub food at reasonable prices along with your favorite beer.
San Antonio, Texas
The founders of Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling claim their establishment as the first brewstillery in Texas. Here, you can enjoy one of a dozen hand-crafted beers along with a shot or specialty cocktail made with award-winning Texas rye whiskey, bourbon, or single malt.
Visitors can take a popular brewstillery tour to find out how bourbon and beer are made. The tour is an immersive experience that lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, and you have the option of getting three Ranger Creek beer samples for $10.
At the tasting room, meat and cheese plates and light snacks are available for purchase. Additionally, food trucks frequent the brewery. There’s always something special going on at Ranger Creek, too, from artisan Markets to Jazz and Cocktail nights.
