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| - SanTan Brewing has become a regular destination for me in the East Valley, and even more so since moving to Gilbert. I've been coming here for about a year now. SanTan is a fantastic micro brewery the occupies an old bank in downtown Chandler. Anthony, the brewmaster, knows his craft and is creating some delicious beers.
Not to compare, or even pick on Four Peaks, because I love their beer but I think SanTan is where the grownups go to drink craft beer. Compared to Four Peaks, SanTan doesn't have the rowdy college crowd downing pitchers of beer and stumbling back to their dorm rooms. SanTan has a crowd that goes to meet up after work, a fun night out with friends, or a place to hang out and watch the game... all while enjoying some of the best beer in Arizona.
The staff at SanTan is great. Even after only our second or third time in the bartenders recognized us and began to know our beers. Cory, Amanda and Hailey are regular bartenders that are always there serving up great beer. They're attentive and very quick! We noticed this one Wednesday night, there were three or four behind the bar and the pub was packed. It was great to see all of them in sync and bustling about. All of them knew exactly what they were doing and moving around each other in a manner that was fun to watch. Even with them being so busy they were constantly checking on their patrons at the bar. Nice job guys!
For a micro brewery I don't have super high expectations for food, but I am constantly pleased. Their bar snacks such as nachos, soft pretzels, sliders, etc. are all very good and are a step up from typical bar food. Likewise, their fish & chips are great! Their happy hour is also very good. A 20oz glass of ice cold craft beer will only set you back $3.75!
I don't think I've tried a SanTan beer I didn't like. Their flagship beer, Devil's Ale, was rated 96 points from Draft Magazine. That's great! Devil's Ale is an American Pale Ale with great floral notes and just the right amount of hops to keep the beer crisp and clean. Their IPA, Hopshock, is a very dry and hopping IPA, but delicious as well. The Epicenter, Amber Ale, is what I would call a gateway beer. For those that are used to drinking cheap light beer, this a good seg-way into a craft beer. It might be a little dark and intimidating in color, but it's rich amber color is matched by a rich malt flavor that is incredibly smooth. I am a huge fan of trying their seasonal brews as well. Just ask them to sample whatever seasonal is on tap, and I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.
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