Since we moved to Phoenix from Portland three years ago, the Arizona craft beer scene has blown up a great deal. While the state still lags behind its other western states in the local brewery department, the distribution and availability of excellent beers seems to expand weekly.
It's hard to think of a more central hub to that movement than Papago Brewing, a simple pub with a exceptional smattering of craft beers on tap and a bank of refrigerators stacked with the best bottled beer Arizona distributors have to offer. Along with Sun Devil Liquors and Topps, this is where Arizona's beer lovers congregate.
And the food's not bad either. Especially the pizza.
I saw the new expansion for the first time last night, and it seems a little incongruous and bright, but more seating is more seating, and I can't complain about that. Maybe it's the acoustics in the new room, but it was LOUD in there.
Fortunately, great beer and the company of beer lovers makes up for it.