The Tucson Food Guide: The best breweries in 2025

Close-up of bartender serving beers at bar

By Copper Courier Staff

June 25, 2025

Craft beer and local breweries are often in abundance. And people all have their favorite local haunts. When we asked Copper Courier readers to weigh in on their favorite Tucson brewery, the answer was very clear—and uncontested. After over 500 votes came in, the Best Brewery in Tucson is one that has been operating under its original ownership since 1991. Barrio Brewing Company shined through as the ultimate winner, and after over thirty years of service, it’s easy to see why everyone loves this brewery.

Barrio Brewing Company opened its doors in 1991, and after three decades in the Tucson community, they’ve sent their beer to all across the state. When Dennis and Tauna Arnold opened Barrio Brewing, they never dreamed they’d become the owners of Arizona’s oldest brewery. Fifteen years in, the couple outgrew their original location, and eventually moved into their current location which offered them more space for brewing.

Now, they’re housed in a former warehouse, and the space is industrial, yet chic with exposed brick and desert-themed murals. The brewery is spacious and has a number of different rooms for patrons to sip their beer in.

Barrio Brewing serves food and drink, and they cater to a wide audience. Feeling a burger? You might have to make a hard decision before a jalapeno popper-styled burger or a western burger. Want something a little lighter? Try a reuben or a pesto panini. Need a vegetarian option? There’s a Veg Head panini and a Peggy-O, a veggie patty.

When it comes to beer, Barrio Brewing has the bases covered. Arizona’s oldest beer is the Tucson Blonde Ale, a clean and crisp drink that’s perfect year-round. If you want a summer drink, try the Beach Ale and enjoy the sweet citrus flavors. Love raspberries? Then you might want to try Tj’s Raspberry Ale, a drink made in honor of the owners’ daughter who was born in 1992.

READ MORE: The best pizza in Tucson

Tucson has plenty of brewery options, but our readers made it clear that Arizona’s oldest is also its finest. Barrio Brewing Company has good drinks and good food, and it’s a place that continues to serve its community well.