Attention all beer-loving millennials! Are you looking for a fun and unique way to spend a night, or day, in downtown Tucson, Arizona? Look no further than the city’s thriving brewery scene!

With so many local breweries to choose from, you’re sure to find a perfect spot to enjoy a cold one with friends, family, or even a date. From traditional lagers to experimental IPAs, Tucson’s breweries offer something for every beer enthusiast. What I love about these downtown Tucson breweries is that they are all close together, meaning you can walk between each one. It also makes it easy for anyone who wants to check out more than one!

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best downtown Tucson breweries and what makes them worth a visit. So grab a pint and let’s explore!

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

Your Guide to Downtown Tucson Breweries

I’ve included the address of these downtown Tucson breweries as some of them have multiple locations throughout Tucson and the surrounding areas. I will only be referencing the downtown locations in this post, but encourage you to visit their other locations as well!

1. Borderlands Brewing Company (119 E Toole Ave)

First up is Borderlands Brewing Company. Located on the outskirts of downtown, next to the railroad tracks, this brewery offers a unique and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for kicking back with friends or family. This was the first downtown Tucson brewery I ever visited so it has a special spot in my heart!

One of my favorite features of Borderlands is its dog-friendly outdoor patio area, which makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a cold brew with their furry friends. You can almost guarantee that there will be a doggo out there. And what’s better than drinking a beer and petting dogs?!

In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Borderlands also hosts live music performances out on its patio on select nights, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your night out. As if that weren’t enough, the brewery also has a food truck, Pinches Tacos, on site that serves up some of the best tacos in downtown Tucson, but be careful, those Buffalo Tacos are spi-cyyy!

Now let’s talk about the drinks. Borderlands Brewery has an extensive selection of beers on tap, ranging from classic lagers to seasonal creations. If you’re looking for something truly unique, try their El Miche beer (my favorite!), which is a michelada in its easiest form. Trust me, it’s good! And if you’re not in the mood for beer, Borderlands also offers wine-based margaritas in different flavors for those sweet cravings!

Overall, Borderlands Brewery is a top-notch spot for anyone looking to enjoy great beer, food, and entertainment in a welcoming and dog-friendly environment. Don’t miss out on this downtown Tucson gem! And be sure to check out their new location which just opened up in March 2023!

2. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company (115 E Broadway Blvd)

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located on the East end of Broadway in downtown Tucson. While the brewery does not serve food, it does offer a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors that perfectly complement their tasty brews. Pueblo Vida is a great spot to stop before dinner, as it’s located near some of the city’s best restaurants. I HIGHLY recommend Charro Steak & Del Rey right across the street.

Pueblo Vida is known for its frequent new beer releases, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. They offer a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental beers, along with their flagship brews.

Looking for a casual night out with friends? Pueblo Vida has a nice collection of board games you can play while you are there. Or even better, be sure to check their website to see what fun events they are hosting that week.

And don’t leave your furry friends at home. All well behaved pups are welcome inside the Pueblo Vida brewery!

3. Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. (228 E 6th St)

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company is a unique and trendy craft brewery located in downtown Tucson, Arizona. The brewery offers a constantly revolving selection of 10 beers on tap, all of which are gluten-reduced and unfiltered, ensuring a fresh and delicious drinking experience. Crooked Tooth is known for specializing in sours, making it a popular destination for sour beer enthusiasts. downtown tucson breweries

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company goes above and beyond when it comes to creating unique and innovative beer flavors. They incorporate gem essence, herbs, and even moon cycles into the brewing process for some of their beers. One example of their creative approach is their monthly full moon goddess beer. Each beer is dedicated and crafted with a specific goddess in mind, making for a truly special and meaningful drinking experience. *Enter me planning my next Crooked Tooth visit around the upcoming full moon*

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company has an outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a warm Tucson day. With regular live music performances and a dog-friendly environment, it’s a great place to relax with friends and family.

While Crooked Tooth Brewing Company does not serve food, they do offer popcorn for snacking on while enjoying their tasty brews. There is also a pizza place across the street that you can order from and they will deliver the pizza to you at Crooked Tooth when it’s ready!

 Whether you’re a fan of sours or simply looking for a unique and fun spot to enjoy a beer in downtown Tucson, Crooked Tooth Brewing Company is not to be missed.

4. Thunder Canyon Brewery (220 E Broadway Blvd)

Thunder Canyon Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer and spirit enthusiasts in downtown Tucson. As Tucson’s longest-established local independent craft brewery and distillery, the “brewstillery” offers a unique and eclectic experience that celebrates the vibrant local arts and culture scene.

The brewery boasts a curated collection of murals that adorn the walls and spaces throughout the facility, adding to the lively and creative vibe of the venue. Thunder Canyon also features live music nightly, providing a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening out.

Thunder Canyon Brewstillery serves up delicious food that perfectly complements their craft beer selection. I tried one of their cheeseburgers and was pleased by how big and tasty it was!

And unlike the other downtown Tucson breweries, Thunder Canyon has its own in-house distillery. In addition to their delicious craft beers, Thunder Canyon also produces their own rum, adding to the diversity of their drink menu. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu if you’re not in the mood for a beer, or have both!

Ps. If you’re flying in or out of the Tucson International Airport, look out for their bar at the end of Terminal A!

5. Corbett Brewing (309 E 7th St)

Corbett Brewery is a lively and inviting craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona. With a full bar, stage for live music, and pool table, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. The outdoor patio is a great spot to soak up the Tucson sunshine and enjoy a cold brew with your furry friend, as the patio is dog-friendly.

While Corbett Brewery does not currently serve food, they have plans to add food options for dinner (including pizza service), making it an even more desirable destination for locals and tourists alike. The brewery offers a wide range of delicious craft beers, including seasonal and rotating options, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Corbett Brewery also frequently hosts live music events on their outdoor stage, adding to the lively and entertaining atmosphere of the venue. The friendly staff is always happy to recommend a beer or offer tips on the best local spots to visit.

6. Barrio Brewing Co (800 E 16th St)

Barrio Brewing Company is a well-known brewery located in downtown Tucson, Arizona. You could go almost anywhere in Arizona and you will find one of Barrio Brewing’s beers on tap!

The brewery itself offers a large full menu featuring a variety of delicious food options that pair perfectly with their craft beers. I personally really like their Pollo Pesto Panini; give me anything with pesto and I’m a happy gal!

Guests are encouraged to seat themselves and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, complete with big-screen TVs broadcasting games and events. There is also some outdoor seating available, which is dog friendly, great for enjoying the nice Tucson weather, or for watching the trains go by.

Located in an industrial part of town, Barrio Brewing Company has a warehouse vibe that’s popular among the local crowd. It is a bit darker in there, giving it a moodier, yet fun, atmosphere. If you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to get there early because Barrio Brewing can get packed!

I have also heard a myth that if you are at Barrio and a train goes by, everyone gets a free beer, or maybe just $1 off. Either way, still fun to be part of this tradition. I haven’t had a chance to experience a Rail Pint myself, but it’s worth going to see if it’s true or not.

7. Dillinger Brewing (402 E 9th St)

Dillinger Brewery is a vibrant and unique craft brewery located on the first floor of the historic Coronado Hotel building on 4th Ave and only a few minutes from downtown Tucson. 

The brewery offers a wide range of delicious craft beers, including seasonal and rotating options. One of their most popular beers and a crowd favorite is the Mango Nada, which I will agree, is delicious! They put chamoy and tajin on the rim – if you know, you know. Another popular beer is their Serrano Seduction. This one has a kick to it and there’s no denying it was made with serrano peppers!

The Blacktop Grill is a food truck that provides food options that perfectly complement the brewery’s selection of craft beers. We tried the Texan Quesadilla with chicken and Vampiro Tacos. Both were so unique and so delicious! One order of each was enough to feed two people!

The patio seating offers a relaxing and casual atmosphere to enjoy your food and drinks while taking in a Tucson sunset. During the week they also have trivia nights on Wednesday and the patio is a fun place for everyone to hang out. Seating is limited so get there early!

In addition to their delicious beers and food options, Dillinger Brewery also offers ciders and wines for those who prefer something different. The friendly staff is always happy to recommend a drink or offer suggestions based on your preferences.

8. Iron John’s Brewing Company (222 E Congress St)

Iron John’s Brewing Company is a trendy and hip downtown Tucson brewery. With 12 taps and a rotating selection of craft beers, this brewery is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Each month, Iron John’s releases new and innovative beers that are sure to impress visitors.

One of the highlights of Iron John’s Brewing Company is the live music that they offer on weekends. Visitors can enjoy the tunes while sipping on their favorite craft beer. The brewery has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends or unwind after a long day.

Although Iron John’s Brewing Company does not serve food, it is situated near many popular restaurants in downtown Tucson. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants and then head over to the brewery to enjoy a pint or two. I recommend grabbing something to eat at the restaurant inside of Hotel Congress.

9. Bawker Bawker Cider House (400 N 4th Ave)

Last, but definitely not least, in our best downtown Tucson breweries is Bawker Bawker Cider House. Bawker Bawker Cider House is a hidden gem nestled on 4th Ave, not far from downtown Tucson. This charming establishment is dedicated to crafting the perfect cider, with at least 10 different varieties on tap at any given time. Cider lovers will be pleased to know that Bawker Bawker Cider House prides itself on creating unique and flavorful blends that are naturally gluten-free, such as cucumber beet dill. Each month, the cidery also releases a new cider, adding to their already impressive selection of flavors.

The outdoor patio at Bawker Bawker Cider House is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm day, while inside the taproom offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. There are no TVs, making it an ideal spot for a quiet drink with friends or a date night.

For those looking for a little excitement, Bawker Bawker Cider House hosts regular events such as trivia and bingo nights, ensuring there is always something fun and engaging to do. 

While children and dogs are not allowed in the taproom, Bawker Bawker Cider House remains a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality cider and who wants to disconnect for a while.

Make sure you also grab something to eat at Boca Tacos, located on the same street as Bawker Bawker.

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Cheers to the Best Downtown Tucson Breweries

If you are a beer lover and find yourself in downtown Tucson, Arizona, then visiting the city’s breweries is an absolute must. From Borderlands Brewery to Iron John’s Brewing Company, the city has a vibrant craft beer scene that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a fun night out with friends, there’s something for everyone in the downtown Tucson brewery scene!

Each brewery has its own unique charm and atmosphere, ranging from industrial warehouses to outdoor patios with live music. Whether you are looking for a place to relax with friends, catch a game on the big screen, or enjoy a night of live music, there is a brewery in downtown Tucson that caters to your needs. And with their constantly rotating selection of beers and monthly new releases, visitors are sure to find a beer that suits their tastes.

In addition to their delicious beer selections, many of these breweries also offer unique features such as gourmet popcorn, cider and wine options, and most are dog friendly! Some even have a focus on sustainability and supporting the local community.

With so many breweries to choose from, there is no shortage of options for beer enthusiasts. The downtown Tucson breweries are a great way to experience the city’s culture and vibrant community, and should definitely be added to any beer lover’s itinerary when visiting the area.

I hope you find your new favorite downtown Tucson brewery. I hope you’ve had as much fun learning about the breweries in downtown Tucson as I did doing the research. 😉 Remember to drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive! Cheers friends!

XO,
Mayra