Late in 2009, Taste of Tops opened in Tempe attached to the venerable Tops Liquor. Despite being close to Arizona State University, this really isn’t a place to pick up a 24-pack of frat boy swill. It’s a place for for hardcore brew fans to find stuff to hit the taste buds hard.
Taste of Tops took the Tops inclination for craft brew further – they offer about a dozen taps, all connected to kegs of high-quality offerings. You won’t find Bud here. Ever.
You will find a somewhat high price tag, as noted in the Brew Dork Times. I differ from that post about ToT in a few ways: I’ve always found the service friendly, and I get recognized by the staff every time I visit (being a long-haired dude kind of helps). I’ve had great conversations with the staff, too. As for the “sterile” feel of ToT … well, it’s brand new. I don’t think anyone has a right to expect a place to feel lived in from the day it opens. And really, customers are a huge part of the atmosphere. I have no problem getting a good chat going with strangers, and that means more to me than decor.
Now, there’s been an unexpected consequence of ToT’s opening: It’s really forced Papago Brewing in Scottsdale to pick up its game. Before ToT started drawing people, I could often go to Papago and find barely anything interesting on tap. I’ve noticed a marked change in this. Now, I have a [...]
craft brew
Taste of Tops Ups the Ante for Craft Brew
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, [...]
