The 8 Best Breweries in Tucson, Arizona

When people think of Tucson, they usually picture desert landscapes, towering saguaros, and the University of Arizona’s lively college scene. But lately, it’s the breweries in Tucson that have been turning heads – and pouring some seriously good beer.

Not literal waves, of course… this is still the desert.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway or just passing through on a road trip, Tucson’s craft beer scene is worth exploring. From award-winning local favorites to small-batch innovators, these Tucson breweries are proof that great beer thrives even in the driest of places.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Pueblo Vida, MotoSonora, and 1912 Brewing lead the pack for standout beers and taproom vibes.
• Many breweries offer dog-friendly patios and rotating local food trucks, making them ideal for all-day hangs.
• Borderlands Brewing and Crooked Tooth shine for community events, creative brews, and great outdoor spaces.

This post was updated on October 31, 2025

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Map of Breweries of Tucson 

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1. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Food Available: No, but they partner with local restaurants and food trucks to have food occasionally

Located in the heart of downtown Tucson, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is one of the best-known names in the Tucson craft beer scene – and for good reason.

These folks are hazy IPA masters. Start with their flagship Cereus Hazy IPA, a silky, 0-IBU beauty that hits just right on a hot desert day. For something different, try their Hef (hefeweizen) or the Order Up coffee stout, especially in winter.

Set inside a revitalized 100-year-old building, the taproom is bright, relaxed, and the perfect spot to sip, socialize, and enjoy Tucson’s beer-forward charm. Whether you’re new to craft beer or a total hophead, Pueblo Vida is an essential stop on any Tucson brewery crawl.

When we were in Tucson, this was the brewery that almost every local we talked to recommended to us.

2. MotoSonora Brewing Co.

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
• Food Available: Yes, but only in the evenings Monday – Friday and on the weekends

The story of MotoSonora Brewing Company sounds like something out of a travel film – and honestly, we’re here for it.

The idea was born during a 2010 brothers’ overland trip through South Africa and Botswana, where two Tucson natives dreamed up a brewery that combined their love of adventure, travel, and beer.

The name itself tells the story:

• Moto – a nod to their passion for vehicles and racing culture.
• Sonora – a tribute to the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

The result? A brewery that blends Old World European beer styles with the bold spirit of the Southwest.

Their lineup features adventurous brews like:

• Victory or Death IPA – hoppy with a dry finish.
• Silk Road Imperial Stout – complex and dark, with subtle spice.
• Café Racer Coffee Brown Ale – smooth, rich, and perfectly caffeinated.
• Speedster Sour Series – rotating, fruit-forward sours that are as fun as their names.

The outdoor patio is one of the best among Tucson breweries – spacious, dog-friendly, and filled with picnic tables, barrel seating, and a cozy fire pit. Grab a pint, order from the food truck, and settle in for a relaxing desert evening.

3. Dragoon Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Friday: 3 PM – 9 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes, rotating food trucks depending on day

Located on Tucson’s north side (on the way up to Phoenix), Dragoon Brewing is the brainchild of a father, a son, and a friend who met in a local homebrew club. What started as a passion project has grown into one of the most respected breweries in Tucson.

Their beer lineup includes three year-round staples:

• Dragoon IPA – a true West Coast classic that put them on the map.
• Santa Cruz’r Golden Ale – light, crisp, and perfect for desert heat.
• Dragoon PILS – a clean, refreshing nod to old-world lagers.

On top of these, they pour a rotating mix of seasonal and experimental releases – usually at least 10 or 11 beers on tap.

When we first tried Dragoon, the taproom was closed (thanks, COVID), so we grabbed some to-go cans and instantly knew this was a spot we’d come back to. On our next Tucson trip, this is high on the list for a full pint in the taproom.

If you’re a hop lover or a purist who appreciates well-crafted beer without gimmicks, Dragoon is a can’t-miss stop in the Tucson breweries scene.

4. Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday – Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
• Food Available: No

Sitting among a small cluster of Tucson breweries, Crooked Tooth Brewing stands out for its creativity, character, and fearless experimentation – much like its name.

The name itself is a nod to individuality – a reminder that uniqueness (like a crooked tooth) should be celebrated. And this brewery lives that philosophy in every pour.

Their flagship beer, the 18th Hour Hazy IPA, hits that sweet spot between smooth and balanced – not too hazy, not too bitter. But they also brew an 11% Imperial Stout with no adjuncts or additives – just pure chocolatey, roasty perfection.

Where Crooked Tooth really shines, though, is with its sours and barrel-aged creations. During our visit, we tried:

• A brown sour with tamarind (sweet, tart, and earthy)
• A barrel-aged plum sour
• A mezcal sour that was smoky and wild in the best way

The vibe here is just as memorable. The open taproom has garage doors that roll up to the street, a large back patio, and a massive oak foeder (pronounced food-er) for fermenting lagers and sours.

Flights come served on skateboard decks, which is exactly as fun as it sounds. Grab a seat, sip something unexpected, and soak in the creativity that makes Crooked Tooth one of the most unique breweries in Tucson.

5. Borderlands Brewing Co.

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Food Available: Yes

If you love dogs and beer (and honestly, who doesn’t?), Borderlands Brewing Co. will feel like home. Located on Toole Avenue, just a half-mile from downtown Tucson, this local favorite combines great beer, an awesome patio, and serious community vibes.

The first thing you’ll notice is their HUGE outdoor patio – it’s one of the best in town and perfect for hanging out with both two-legged and four-legged friends. You’ll often find the brewery’s CEO relaxing here with his pit bull, Troy, the unofficial mascot of Borderlands.

And yes, they even make “beer” for dogs – served in a can for the full experience (don’t worry, it’s 0% ABV and really vegetable broth). We watched a few pups slurp it down like pros.

Humans aren’t left out, of course. Borderlands has about 20 of their own beers on tap, plus rotating guest pours from other local Arizona breweries and cideries. For something different, they also offer wine, margaritas, and a tasty food menu – because tacos and beer just belong together.

We met one of their Brand Ambassadors, Larry, who gave us a great insight into Tucson’s beer community. One of our favorite takeaways? The Tucson breweries genuinely support each other, often hosting events and collaborations. It’s a true “everybody love everybody” vibe.

We tried:

• Toole Avenue Hazy IPA – the flagship, available in fun flavor twists like peach-mango, tangerine, and coconut pineapple.
• La Miche Chili Ale – rimmed with chili salt and full of local flair.
• German Chocolate Cake Porter – dessert in a glass.

If you’re looking for one of the most laid-back and community-driven breweries in Tucson, Borderlands Brewing is the perfect place to end your crawl – especially if you’ve got a pup in tow.

6. Barrio Brewing Co.

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Food Available: Yes – full kitchen with burgers, sandwiches, and hearty pub fare.

As Arizona’s oldest brewery, Barrio Brewing Co. is basically Tucson beer royalty. Established in 1991, this place has been crafting beer longer than some of us have been drinking it (legally, anyway).

Located just south of downtown, the brewery sits inside a large industrial warehouse – perfect for big groups, live music, and long afternoons with friends. Their beer list hits every style imaginable, from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs and rich porters.

Their flagship Barrio Blonde Ale and Citrazona IPA are Tucson classics, but don’t skip the rotating seasonals – they often experiment with desert-inspired ingredients and local collaborations.

We grabbed a table on their dog-friendly patio, ordered a flight, and instantly understood why this brewery has stood the test of time.

7. Screwbean Brewing Company

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 8 AM – 10 PM
  • Thursday – Friday: 8 AM – 11 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
• Food Available: No, but they often host local food pop-ups on weekends.

Tucked away on Tucson’s east side, Screwbean Brewing is a hidden gem with a lot of heart. The brewery’s name pays homage to the Screwbean mesquite tree, native to the desert Southwest – a nod to the local landscape that inspires their beers.

Inside, it’s cozy, friendly, and filled with locals who clearly know they’ve got something special in their backyard. Their beer menu changes frequently but always includes a lineup of balanced lagers, hop-driven IPAs, and bold porters.

Their Mesquite Brown Ale is a standout – subtly smoky, rich, and perfectly Arizona.

If you’re looking to explore beyond downtown, Screwbean is worth the drive.

8. Slow Body Beer

• Hours:
• Thursday – Friday: 4 PM – 9 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Monday – Wednesday: Closed
• Food Available: No, but food trucks and nearby restaurants make it easy to grab a bite.

If you like your beer minimalist, crisp, and carefully crafted, Slow Body Beer is your spot. This Tucson microbrewery leans into the art of small-batch brewing – simple ingredients, clean flavors, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor.

The space itself is sleek and understated, with communal tables and soft lighting that make it feel more like a creative studio than a typical brewery. Their focus is on lagers, saisons, and low-ABV beers – everything designed to be refreshing in the desert heat.

We loved their Table Beer, a delicate, slightly floral brew that pairs perfectly with Tucson’s sunny afternoons. It’s the kind of place where quality takes center stage – no frills, just really good beer.

FAQs About Breweries in Tucson

How many breweries are in Tucson?
There are around 20 breweries in Tucson, ranging from large production operations to small, experimental taprooms. The local craft beer scene continues to grow every year with new openings across downtown and the foothills.

What is the most popular brewery in Tucson?
Pueblo Vida Brewing consistently ranks as one of the best breweries in Tucson, especially among locals who love hazy IPAs and creative small-batch releases.

Are there dog-friendly breweries in Tucson?
Yes! Many breweries in Tucson are dog-friendly. Most have spacious patios perfect for four-legged drinking buddies.

Do Tucson breweries serve food?
Most breweries in Tucson offer food either through an on-site kitchen or rotating food trucks. Borderlands, MotoSonora, and Dragoon Brewing all have food available, while others like Pueblo Vida host pop-ups or partner with local restaurants.

Can I visit multiple Tucson breweries in one day?
Definitely! Downtown Tucson makes it easy to brewery-hop. You can walk or take a quick drive between several top breweries like Pueblo Vida, Borderlands, and Crooked Tooth.

Tours in Tucson

While we didn’t have enough time to take a tour in the area, Viator offers several options if you are looking to add adventure to your drinking.

• 4th Ave & Main Gate Square Food Tour: This walking tour is a great option if you want to experience the city through food. Visit 6 restaurants and eat like a local!
• Downtown Tucson Tour: The OG talking tour for food, this tour promises samples from the hottest local food and drink spots.

Check out all Tucson Tours on Viator here.

Tucson’s beer scene might not be as famous as cities like Denver or San Diego, but it’s quietly brewing some of the best craft beer in the Southwest. Whether you’re drawn to hazy IPAs, bold stouts, or tart, funky sours, the breweries in Tucson deliver serious flavor and Arizona hospitality.

Wherever you end up, one thing’s for sure – the Tucson beer community is full of passionate brewers, friendly faces, and cold pints worth traveling for.

Looking to drink more in Arizona? We’ve got a bunch of guide!

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