Breweries have a rich history in Tempe, adding character, vibrancy and entertainment to the local scene. “Brewery owners play a huge role in shaping Tempe’s sense of place as community hubs, connectors, culture-builders and hosts of the everyday moments that bring people together,” says Sue Rigler, CEO and founder of Hundred Mile Brewing Company, which was named to USA Today’s list of Top 10 Best New Breweries in 2023. “We help set the tone for how people experience the city. We are the face of Tempe to the millions of tourists who visit our city.”
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This summer, guests can experience the livelihood and craftsmanship of Tempe’s breweries, sampling the latest distillery-made ales, delicious food pairings, live music and more. All through July, Hundred Mile Brewing Co., Four Peaks and Catalyst Crafted Ales invite guests to explore beers and bites with three-course prix-fixe menu deals.
Find out what makes Tempe breweries the ideal summer hot spots for all the food, feels and deals.
Catalyst Crafted Ales
The brainchild of Alex Baldwin and Will Walthereson, Catalyst Crafted Ales sets the stage as a contemporary brewery, self-described as a “pretension-free experience.” Here, visitors can relax, converse and catch a game while enjoying expertly crafted beers and bites.
Catalyst is also a Tempe entertainment hub, offering weekly and monthly events such as Sunday Fun Day, Wednesday Bingo Night, Thursday Trivia Night, Guys Night and more.
Beers on tap come in 5-ounce, 12-ounce and 16-ounce options, with brewing recipes hailing from various places across the globe — New Zealand, Italy and Belgium (as examples). This summer, in addition to sampling Catalyst’s elevated ales (one pint or a flight of four beers), prix fixe patrons will enjoy a salad and entree (think blackened chicken sandwich with avocado and pepper jack cheese).
Four Peaks
The building that houses Four Peaks originated in 1882 as Hough’s Ice Factory — before Arizona officially became a state! When Four Peaks took over the revival-style brick building in 1998, the brewery had a clear vision to not only provide an extensive beer menu, but also to incorporate its brews into the menu.
During the hot summer months, guests can take a tour to get a behind-the-scenes experience, learning all about the brewing experience and a chance to sample Four Peaks beers.
Summer visitors can also sample beers as part of Four Peaks’ prix-fixe menu in July, which includes fan favorite “Kilt Lifter Amber Ale,” among other brews. The menu also features an entree sampler and dessert, both of which incorporate Four Peaks’ beer, like chicken strips and Brussels sprouts infused with ale and a house-made beer sorbet.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co. represents the type of steadfast commitment Tempe breweries have to their community, and in this case, the name. Never traveling more than 100 miles from where it’s brewed, Hundred Mile is “all about keeping things fresh, local and close to home.”
Rigler, named Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Business Woman of the Year for 2025, is part of the 2% of solely owned breweries in the U.S. and her love for her community is deeply rooted. “As a business owner, especially in hospitality, I can’t emphasize enough that we represent Tempe,” she says. “ When we lead with warmth, welcome and vibrant energy, we’re setting the tone for how people experience this city.”
Visitors of Hundred Mile experience Rigler’s and the team’s hospitality in every pour and menu item. From lagers, pilsners and IPAs to ales, stouts and ciders, Hundred Mile has an extensive list of brews from which to choose. There is no shortage of eats to pair with this brewery’s beer menu. In July, guests can try the hearty Hundred Mile Burger or refreshing Summer Chopped Salad with a pint of beer as part of a prix-fixe menu.
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“If you think you know Tempe, it’s time to take another look because the city has completely redefined itself in all the best ways,” Rigler says “It’s still got that nostalgic spark, but now it’s layered with elevated experiences and culture, incredible food and drink, stylish hotels, vibrant rooftops. It’s not just a college town anymore, it’s a destination.”
To plan your brewery crawl and taste some of the best beers and bites in Tempe this summer, check out Taste in Tempe for a full look at prix fixe menus available through July.
