Head to Chandler: San Tan Brewing Co.

The San Tan Brewing Company is located in historic downtown Chandler. The old bank building from 1954 has kept its charm with a modern yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar opens up to an outdoor patio by way of mini garage doors. And the soft green walls along with a window peeking into the kitchen made me feel right at home.

All San Tan beers are served in specially made 18 ounce hand blown glass with the San Tan Brewing Company design. The unique serving glass was created by local glass guru Peter Sciacca who tried to enhance San Tan ale’s flavors! Sciacca has a gallery right down the street in San Marcos Place.

Fill me in on the brews:
The light and bubbly Sunspot Gold is my pick at San Tan Brewing Co! This ale is perfectly golden and simple in flavor.
Oscuro is my second pick, great for round two! Did you know Oscuro is the Latin word for “dark”? Now you do and you’ll love it’s nutty and caramel sweetness.

Let’s talk chews:
Although the smell of the SanTan wings were enticing, I decided to go with the Downtown Sliders. The mini burgers doused with beer braised onions and beer mustard served with crispy fries is perfect to share with a friend or two.

If you like summer salads, go for the Off Boston Salad with mixed greens and grilled chicken. The raspberries, mandarin oranges pistachios and raspberry vinaigrette really top it off.

The San Marcos Pizza has a tangy Chipotle BBQ sauce with three delicious cheeses!

If Chandler still feels like it’s off the beaten path for you, it's absolutely worth the drive out on the 101 or 202, depending on where you live! Relax on the patio and enjoy an afternoon brew or settle in for Happy Hour Monday through Friday to enjoy beer and food specials.

www.santanbrewing.com

Four Peaks

The brews and chews at Four Peaks in Tempe, Arizona keep me coming back for more. The brewery is nestled in a Tempe neighborhood right near Arizona State, so you can bet on those Sun Devils hanging around the bar. Four Peaks has a rustic and cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to catch the latest sporting event or enjoy an evening on the patio with your pals. Here are my picks for brews and chews!

Brews
8^th Street Ale: Its award winning and it sure tastes that way! 8^th Street was based on an English-style bitter which is the most common ale served in British pubs. It tastes sweet and mellow.

Chews
Brickhouse Wings: I like my wings as HOT as they can make them! At Four Peaks you have a choice of traditional Buffalo, Oatmeal Stout BBQ or Spicy Thai Peanut. Thinking I was up for the challenge I went for traditional Buffalo, but asked for them extra hot! I didn’t realize extra hot meant mouth numbing! My 8^th Street pint helped put out the fire.

Popper Burger: Fresh, sautéed jalapeno, onion straws and cream cheese served with beer battered fries to die for! I like to ask for a side of the sweet jalapeno dressing for a little extra zing!

Other faves:

KiltLifter: Very popular Scottish Amber beer, smoky and malty sweet.

Arizona Peach: A wonderfully light and refreshing for a fruit beer.

Arizona Chicken Rolls: A light pastry appetizer filled will grilled chicken, chilies and cheese then lightly fried and served with jalapeno dressing.