Tempe’s Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery Primed for Success

I am really thrilled to report that there’s a new brewery in metro Phoenix, and that it’s poised to become a regular stop for people who love craft beer. I’m talking about Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery (1920 E. University, Tempe). I just made my first stop there tonight; it was a spontaneous trip to finish an evening of devouring Asian food at Tottie’s Asian Fusion in Scottsdale (which is also excellent). All we had to do is keep driving past the plastic generic Everytown USA hell of the Tempe Marketplace, and we were soon there with fine beverages perched on the cold-rolled steel bar in front of us.

With our bellies full of Asian eats, the wife and I couldn’t have more than one each. I opted for a Rottie Milk Stout, with the wife choosing a Scottie (that’s a strong Scottish ale, big surprise!). Both were excellent, with a strong malty kick and silky textures. The carbonation was spot-on, and they tasted like terrific examples of their breeds. I really, really wanted a Ridgeback IPA, but my stomach was just too full to allow it. Curses! Well, at least it was fish panang and dragonfly noodles occupying the valuable space.

HMFIC Rob has salted snacks available, but he doesn’t serve food. Guests can bring their own food – in fact, some folks celebrated their New Year’s Eve at Sleepy Dog by bringing in a crock pot full of weinerschnitzel. So bring your favorite take-out. Make something at home. Doesn’t matter, it’s welcome at Sleepy Dog.

Rob spent a great deal of time talking to us about his plans – he’s clearly a guy who wants to do things right. I’ll let him fill you in. All I can say is I’m really going to enjoy having Sleepy Dog around.

The atmosphere is very laid-back. It’s quiet enough to have a good conversation with your friends, but it’s not dull or stuffy. And he was showing the Simon Pegg hit Shaun of the Dead! The interior is very bright, and the tables and bar are hand-made original works of metal art. How cool is that? During our visit, he only had a staff of himself and one other person. But both were very friendly. Rob let us sample his new barley wine, which is way tastier than I expected from a young barley wine.

I also think Sleepy Dog is taking the right attitude: Other local breweries are not competition, but their brethren. He’s going to support them, because there’s room for plenty of brewery ticks on the big ol’ hound that is metro Phoenix. Seriously, go to Sleepy Dog to support craft brewing in Arizona. Then keep going because the crew is friendly, the atmosphere’s great and the brew is outstanding.

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