Best Phoenix Restaurants for Craft Beer Pairings (Featuring Beers You Can Buy at Goodz & Brews)
Phoenix has quickly become one of the Southwest’s most exciting craft beer cities, with breweries, taprooms, and restaurants offering creative beer and food combinations that keep locals exploring new flavors year-round. Whether you’re enjoying dinner downtown, exploring Arcadia, or relaxing near Sky Harbor, great craft beer pairings are only a few minutes away.
At Goodz & Brews, we’re all about helping customers discover amazing craft beer—and giving them the chance to take those flavors home. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best Phoenix restaurants for craft beer pairings, along with the beers you can pick up at Goodz & Brews to recreate the experience yourself.
1. Ocotillo Restaurant (Central Phoenix)
Located in Midtown with a beautiful outdoor patio and a menu filled with seasonal dishes, Ocotillo is known for serving local Arizona beers with their wood-fired entrees, bright salads, and roasted vegetables.
Recommended Pairing: Citrus Herb Chicken + Hazy IPA
Take-Home Match: Greenwood Brewing’s Shapeshifter Hazy IPA (available at Goodz & Brews)
The juicy, tropical notes of a hazy IPA perfectly complement Ocotillo’s citrus-forward dishes.
2. The Vig (Arcadia, Uptown, & Downtown Phoenix)
The Vig’s laid-back neighborhood vibe makes it a go-to spot for burgers, wings, and live music. They regularly feature Arizona craft beer, keeping the selection fresh and local.
Recommended Pairing: The Vig Burger + American Pale Ale
Take-Home Match: Greenwood Brewing Herstory Pale Ale
The balanced hoppiness of a pale ale cuts beautifully through a rich, juicy burger—making this a classic Phoenix pairing.
3. Four Peaks Brewing Co. (Tempe)
One of Arizona’s most iconic breweries, Four Peaks pairs handcrafted beers with pub favorites like Bavarian pretzels, wings, and their famous Kilt Lifter beer bread.
Recommended Pairing: Bavarian Pretzel + Scottish-Style Ale
Take-Home Match: Look for Kilt-Lifter-style ales on our shelves at Goodz & Brews.
The malty sweetness of a Scottish ale elevates the warm, salty pretzel flavor perfectly.
4. Wren House Brewing Co. (Phoenix)
One of the most decorated breweries in Arizona, Wren House crafts award-winning IPAs, lagers, and barrel-aged beers. Their taproom snacks pair effortlessly with their creative brews.
Recommended Pairing: Pretzel Bites + West Coast IPA
Take-Home Match: West-coast inspired IPAs available at Goodz & Brews
The sharp bitterness of a crisp IPA matches beautifully with salty, buttery pretzels.
5. The Welcome Diner (Downtown Phoenix)
A Phoenix classic, Welcome Diner offers comfort food with a twist—fried chicken, biscuits, and hearty sides. Their craft beer list leans local and pairs perfectly with Southern-inspired dishes.
Recommended Pairing: Fried Chicken Biscuit + Wheat Beer
Take-Home Match: Greenwood Brewing’s Wildcard Wheat
Light wheat beers balance fried, rich comfort food with refreshing smoothness.
How to Recreate Restaurant-Level Beer Pairings at Home
Goodz & Brews makes it easy to bring Phoenix’s best craft beer experiences into your own kitchen. With a growing selection of local favorites—including Greenwood Brewing, Wren House, Fate, and other Arizona brands—you can explore new pairing ideas at home without the restaurant price tag.
Try pairing:
- IPA + Spicy Foods: Tacos, wings, or Thai dishes
- Wheat Beer + Light Bites: Salads, grilled chicken, seafood
- Amber Ales + BBQ: Brisket, pulled pork, grilled vegetables
- Stouts + Dessert: Chocolate cake, brownies, or ice cream
Visit Goodz & Brews for Your Phoenix Craft Beer Essentials
Whether you’re exploring local restaurants or creating pairings at home, Goodz & Brews is your go-to destination for discovering Arizona’s best craft beer.
Stop by today to pick up your favorite Phoenix brews—and discover new ones you’ll love.
Visit the Goodz & Brews website to explore our store.