Discover the Best Breweries in Utah: Your Ultimate Craft Beer Guide

On the quest for the best breweries in Utah? Seek no further. Our straight-to-the-point guide unveils the top spots for quality brewing, unmatched flavors, and quintessential local experiences.

Skip the guesswork and dive into a landscape rich with craft beer gems ready for your discovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Salt Lake City’s brewing heritage, spurred by a 2019 regulatory change, has blossomed — creating hotspots like Salt Flats, SaltFire, and Kiitos where beer lovers can enjoy an array of unique brews.
  • Utah County is emerging as a craft beer destination, with breweries like Strap Tank and Talisman offering distinctive flavors like maple bacon porter and locally inspired beers.
  • Park City and South Salt Lake are home to must-visit breweries such as Wasatch Brew Pub, Moab Brewery, and Shades Brewing, each delivering creative and diverse beer selections set against stunning backdrops or with innovative brewing techniques.

[ez-toc]

Salt Lake City Craft Beer Hotspots

Salt Lake City, known for its rich brewing heritage, has evolved into a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. A regulatory shift in 2019 paved the way for salt lake city breweries to innovate, resulting in a vibrant growth in the craft beer industry, especially in downtown Salt Lake City.

Merging traditional brewing methods with modern techniques, breweries like Salt Flats, SaltFire, and Kiitos have become hotspots for beer aficionados, offering unique beers in inviting atmospheres.

Fisher Brewing Company

The Fisher Brewing Company, located in Salt Lake City’s Granary District, boasts a storied history that goes back to 1884. Its modern comeback as an employee-owned craft brewery has seen it craft over 100 unique beers annually.

From traditional pilsners and IPAs to experimental brews like cherry sours and lime goses, Fisher’s vast beer styles cater to a wide range of tastes.

The Fisher Lager, an American-style beer, is a permanent fixture in the brewery’s spacious taproom, perfect for soaking up Salt Lake City’s ambiance.

Hopkins Brewing Company

In the heart of Salt Lake City, you’ll find the warm, family-run Hopkins Brewing Company. Its inviting taproom, complete with exposed brick walls and natural light, offers a rotating beer menu of traditional and experimental craft beers.

Quality and consistency are at the heart of Hopkins’ operations, providing full-flavored beers that keep patrons coming back for more.

Their lively music events further enhance the visitor experience, making every visit a memorable one.

Proper Brewing Co

Proper Brewing Co seamlessly blends creativity with tradition. Reflecting Utah’s distinct personality, this brewery offers unique beers like the Belgian-style golden ale, Grand Sláinte, and the rich Proper Coffee Stout.

Their focus on quality and craftsmanship extends to offering seasonal and limited-release beers, ensuring that visitors can always experience new and unique flavors.

Utah County Breweries Worth Visiting

Utah County, an up-and-coming hotspot in the craft beer world, lies just beyond the vibrant beer scene of Salt Lake City. This diverse landscape is home to a range of breweries, each providing unique beer experiences.

Strap Tank Brewing Company, known for its maple bacon porter, and Talisman Brewing Company, with its locally inspired beers, have put Utah County on the map for craft beer enthusiasts seeking novel flavors and quality brews.

Strap Tank Brewing Company

Located in the heart of Utah County, Strap Tank Brewing Company offers a varied selection of craft beers that cater to a wide palate of tastes. Some of their popular brews include:

  • Maple Bacon Porter: a bold brew inspired by classic American brewing traditions
  • Hazy IPA: a hoppy and juicy IPA with tropical fruit flavors
  • Raspberry Wheat: a refreshing wheat beer infused with raspberry flavors
  • Coffee Stout: a rich and smooth stout brewed with locally roasted coffee beans

These bottled beers, along with our selection of draft beers, stand as a testament to Strap Tank’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Talisman Brewing Company

Housed in a snug, family-owned establishment in Ogden, Talisman Brewing Company showcases an intriguing variety of locally-inspired craft beers.

The taproom features an inviting atmosphere with live music, creating the perfect setting to enjoy their acclaimed series of barrel-aged sour beers and other traditional and experimental brews.

Park City’s Must-Try Breweries

Set amidst the mountains, Park City is an irresistible destination for beer enthusiasts. Home to renowned breweries like Wasatch Brew Pub and Moab Brewery, the city offers a diverse range of creative and classic beers that are as captivating as the picturesque surroundings.

Wasatch Brew Pub

As a key component of the local Salt Lake Brewing Co., Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City embodies local brewing prowess and community spirit. Offering a diverse range of beers, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a taste of Utah’s craft beer scene.

Moab Brewery

Drawing inspiration from the distinctive red rock landscapes of Moab, Moab Brewery offers a range of beers, including the popular Porcupine Pilsner and Dead Horse Amber Ale. Alongside its craft beers, the brewery offers a food menu featuring overflowing salads, yummy sandwiches, and delicious entrees straight from the grill.

Unique Beer Selections in South Salt Lake

South Salt Lake offers a plethora of unique beer choices. Breweries like Shades Brewing and Level Crossing Brewing Company are making waves in the craft beer community, offering a variety of IPAs, sours, and ales.

These breweries go against industry trends, introducing innovative beers that capture the essence of the local brewing scene.

Level Crossing Brewing Company

Level Crossing Brewing Company, situated in South Salt Lake, has made a name for itself in the craft beer industry with its extensive variety of flavorful beers. Some of their popular brews include:

  • Suss it Out Rye IPA: a smooth and hoppy IPA with a hint of rye
  • Red Feather red ale: a balanced and malty ale with a touch of sweetness
  • Velvet Elvis Stout: a rich and creamy stout with notes of chocolate and coffee

Level Crossing serves up a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for beer lovers.

Shades Brewing

Known for its nontraditional brewing methods, Shades Brewing produces a variety of IPA selections, including the Hop Rising Double IPA, and experimental ales that reflect their philosophy of refined rebellion against conventional brews.

Their introduction of Livli Hard Seltzer, a light and natural brew made with real fruit, adds another unique offering to their repertoire.

Breweries with Scenic Views

Savoring a pint of beer amidst breathtaking views is a sensory delight. Breweries like Uinta Brewing Company and Red Rock Brewing Company offer this unique experience, with their eco-conscious brewing practices and community-oriented philosophy adding to their appeal.

Savor their beers amidst picturesque scenery and let the environment enhance your overall experience.

Uinta Brewing Company

Uinta Brewing Company distinguishes itself with its eco-friendly brewing approach, harnessing renewable energy to power its facilities. Their commitment to sustainability extends to offering a range of sustainable and organic beers, like the Cutthroat Pale Ale and Baba Black Lager.

In the same spirit, Epic Brewing Company also demonstrates a dedication to quality and innovation in the craft beer industry.

Visitors can enjoy these beers set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, making for a truly unique experience.

Red Rock Brewing Company

Red Rock Brewing Company offers high-quality classic beers that can be savored amidst picturesque scenery.

In addition to their beers, Red Rock Brewery serves a diverse food menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and various entrees, making it a must-visit for both food and beer lovers.

Brewery Restaurants for Food and Beer Pairings

Bohemian Brewery and Grill and Desert Edge Brewery are among the brewery restaurants that have mastered the art of harmonizing food and beer.

They offer excellent food menus that perfectly complement their craft beer selections, with a variety of cuisines and unique dishes to choose from.

Bohemian Brewery and Grill

Bohemian Brewery and Grill serves a fusion of old-world European culinary traditions and pub classics, all made with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.

The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of starters, main courses, and wood-fired pizzas, which pair well with their European-style lagers.

Patrons can also indulge in sandwiches, popular entrees, and delectable desserts, with special brunch menus available on weekends.

Desert Edge Brewery

At Desert Edge Brewery, you can enjoy:

  • Handcrafted microbrews
  • A diverse food menu featuring unique dishes that reflect a blend of culinary styles
  • Mexican-inspired cuisine
  • Signature pub favorites
  • Weekly specials using fresh, local ingredients
  • Delicious desserts sourced from the Red Butte Cafe & Bakery

The menu complements their craft beers perfectly.

Small Batch Breweries in Utah

Small batch breweries in Utah such as Bewilder Brewing Co. and Zólupez Beer Company, continue the tradition of small batch brewing, yet they aren’t afraid to innovate and push the limits.

These breweries focus on creating high-quality beers that minimize environmental impact, making them a favorite among environmentally conscious beer enthusiasts.

Bewilder Brewing Co.

Bewilder Brewing Co. offers:

  • A range of small-batch beers
  • A relaxed and welcoming taproom
  • Unique creations that cater to a wide range of tastes
  • ‘Beer School’ for patrons interested in learning more about beer and food pairings.

Zólupez Beer Company

Zólupez Beer Company is renowned for its unique brewing approach, integrating cultural traditions into their small batch brewing processes to create distinctive beers. This approach allows them to craft brews that truly stand apart in the Utah craft beer scene.

Summary

Our journey through Utah’s craft beer scene has taken us from the bustling breweries of Salt Lake City to the emerging beer hotspots in Utah County, the scenic breweries in Park City, and the innovative small batch breweries across the state.

Whether you prefer traditional lagers, hoppy IPAs, or experimental brews, Utah’s breweries have something to cater to every palate. So why wait?

Embark on your own beer adventure in Utah and discover the unique and diverse flavors that this vibrant craft beer scene has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular beer in Utah is Uinta Brewing.

Does Utah have breweries?

Yes, Utah has breweries of all sizes scattered throughout the state, including in popular tourist areas like Moab, Zion National Park, and Park City. Cheers!

What are the largest breweries in Nevada?

The largest brewery in Nevada is Great Basin Brewing Co., which has been producing award-winning ales since 1993. They offer a variety of craft beers and a freshly made menu. Cheers!

What city in the U.S. has the best breweries?

If you’re a beer lover, Portland, Oregon is the place to be with its strong reputation and over 70 breweries, earning it the nickname Beervana. Cheers to that!

What unique beers are available in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a diverse range of unique beers, including traditional pilsners and experimental brews from Fisher Brewing Company. And a rotating menu of craft beers from Hopkins Brewing Company. Cheers!