Craft Beer Lovers’ Guide to Downtown Mesa

Mesa’s brewery scene is a true gem in Arizona’s craft beer crown. With award-winning brews, unique local vibes, and walkable accessibility, it’s the perfect destination for beer lovers looking to explore something new. So grab your friends, bring your thirst, and discover why Mesa is earning its spot as Arizona’s Brewery Capital.

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Downtown Mesa is a must-visit destination. With its vibrant brewery scene, this up-and-coming area boasts the most breweries in one concentrated area in Arizona—and they’re all independently owned and award-winning. Whether you’re into IPAs, stouts, ciders, or creative experimental brews, Downtown Mesa has something to satisfy every palate.

Why Downtown Mesa is Arizona’s Brewery Capital

Local and Independent: Every brewery in Downtown Mesa is independently owned, meaning each pint you enjoy supports local artisans and the community.

Award-Winning Excellence: From national beer competitions to local accolades, Mesa’s breweries consistently receive recognition for their innovation and quality.

Walkable Brewery Crawl: All these spots are within walking distance, making it easy to create your own self-guided brewery tour.

Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of Mesa’s craft culture.

Phantom Fox Beer Co.

A Neighborhood Brewery with Big Flavor
Phantom Fox Beer Co. is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy craft beer in a warm, laid-back atmosphere. This family-owned brewery focuses on creating approachable, high-quality beers that cater to both craft beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Must-Try Options:
• Amber Trails Ale: A smooth amber ale with a rich, toasty flavor.
• Hazy Voyage IPA: A juicy, hazy IPA packed with tropical hop notes.

Why You’ll Love It: Phantom Fox’s inviting and friendly vibe makes it an ideal place to kick back and enjoy a pint with friends. The brewery frequently hosts fun events like trivia nights and live music, adding to its community-focused charm.

Cider Corps

Veteran-Owned, Boldly Crafted Ciders
Cider Corps is a staple cidery in Arizona, specializing in creative ciders that push the boundaries of flavor. Founded by two veteran brothers, this cidery is as much about community as it is about crafting bold, delicious drinks.

Must-Try Ciders:
• Mango Foxtrot: A tropical blend that’s both juicy and refreshing.
• Pineapple Grenade: A cider-meets-pina-colada dream.

Why You’ll Love It:
The cozy, welcoming atmosphere includes a spacious indoor seating area, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a flight. Plus, their veteran-owned story adds an inspiring layer to the experience.

12 West Brewing Co.

Creative, Bold, and Award-Winning
Known for its daring approach to beer-making, 12 West Brewing Co. is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Their beers are crafted with precision and creativity, making them one of Arizona’s most celebrated breweries.

Must-Try Beers:

• K-LAX IPA: A crisp and refreshing West Coast-style IPA.

• Zona Pilsner: Light, crisp, and perfect for sunny Arizona afternoons.

Why You’ll Love It: Located in the heart of Downtown Mesa, 12 West combines sleek industrial vibes with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab a beer after exploring the nearby shops and attractions.

Chupacabra Taproom

A Curated Craft Beer Experience

While not a brewery itself, Chupacabra Taproom is the ultimate spot to sample a rotating selection of Arizona’s best craft beers. This locally loved taproom prides itself on showcasing unique brews you won’t find anywhere else.

Must-Try Options:

With an ever-changing menu, there’s always something new and exciting to try, from small-batch IPAs to barrel-aged stouts.

Why You’ll Love It: Chupacabra’s intimate and quirky vibe makes it a favorite for beer aficionados. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you discover your next favorite beer.

Oro Brewing Company

Small-Batch Craft Beer with Big Personality
Oro Brewing Company is a Downtown Mesa staple, known for its small-batch, hand-crafted beers and welcoming atmosphere. This locally-owned brewery prides itself on creating bold, flavorful brews that reflect the spirit of the Mesa community.

Must-Try Options:
• Arizona Gold Blonde Ale: A crisp and refreshing brew that’s perfect for any beer lover.
• The Dark Side Chocolate Stout: A rich, velvety stout with decadent cocoa notes.

Why You’ll Love It: Oro Brewing’s intimate taproom and dedication to quality make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Their rotating menu of beers ensures there’s always something new to try, and the staff are passionate about sharing their craft beer expertise. Plus, with its prime location in the heart of Downtown Mesa, it’s an easy stop on any brewery crawl!

Pedal Haus Brewery

Award-Winning Beers in a Fun, Lively Setting
Pedal Haus Brewery brings its award-winning beer lineup to Downtown Mesa with a vibrant indoor-outdoor space that’s perfect for enjoying Arizona’s sunshine. Known for its top-tier brews and energetic vibe, Pedal Haus is a go-to for anyone looking to pair great beer with a fun atmosphere.

Must-Try Options:
• Day Drinker Light Lager: A crisp, refreshing beer perfect for Mesa’s sunny days.
• Pedal Haus IPA: A hoppy favorite with bold citrus and pine notes.

Why You’ll Love It: With a spacious beer garden, yard games, and a lively atmosphere, Pedal Haus is ideal for a casual hangout. Their focus on pairing great beer with a memorable experience makes this spot a standout in Mesa’s brewery scene.

Tips for the Perfect Beer Day:

1. Start Early Many breweries open in the afternoon, so plan your day around their hours.

2. Pair with Food Grab lunch at a local spot like Worth Takeaway, Tacos Chiwas, or enjoy hand-twisted pretzels and craft bites at The Salted Knot.

3. Stay Safe Consider using Uber, Waymo or the Valley Metro Light Rail to get around safely.

4. Sign Up for the Beers and Brews Check-In Challenge Follow the stops on the challenge, check in at participating breweries, and earn prizes as you sip your way through Downtown Mesa.

Beers & Brews

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About The Author

Kate Yordi

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