Discover the Best of St. George’s Local Brewery Tours

Introduction – Sip Your Way Through St. George

If you’re looking for a refreshing way to experience Southern Utah, you might be surprised to discover that St. George has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. While this desert city might not be the first place that comes to mind for brewery hopping, the local craft beer scene has been quietly flourishing, offering unique flavors that capture the spirit of the region.

As someone who’s explored every corner of our local beer landscape, I can tell you that creating your own brewery tour is one of the best ways to experience St. George’s distinctive character. Whether you’re a dedicated beer aficionado or simply looking for enjoyable things to do near Zion National Park, the growing collection of brewpubs, taprooms, and microbreweries offers something for every palate.

Top Breweries to Visit in St. George

Ready to explore the best breweries St. George has to offer? Here are the must-visit establishments that form the heart of our local craft beer scene:

Silver Reef Brewing Co.

Located at 4391 S Enterprise Drive, Silver Reef Brewing stands as the largest craft brewery in Southern Utah. Since opening their doors in 2018, they’ve quickly established themselves with award-winning beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Their impressive selection includes seasonal specialties like Holiday-Nog alongside a delicious non-alcoholic root beer. They also offer spirits and wines for those looking beyond beer options.

What visitors love most about Silver Reef (boasting a stellar 4.5 Google rating) is the combination of spectacular scenery and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to guide you through their brewing process and selection. The tasting room and retail space make it easy to sample their offerings and take your favorites home.

Zion Brewery’s Station II Bar

For a taste of history with your hops, Zion Brewery’s Station II Bar at 142 N Main Street delivers a unique downtown experience. Housed in a historic building, this popular spot serves handcrafted microbrews alongside creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere. The billiards tables and outdoor patio create a perfect setting for relaxing after exploring St. George’s attractions.

Station II complements their beer selection with satisfying food options, making it an ideal place to spend an evening sampling local flavors. It’s worth noting that this is a 21+ establishment, focusing on creating an adult-friendly environment for appreciating craft beverages.

Strap Tank Brewery

Beer enthusiasts with an appreciation for motorcycles won’t want to miss Strap Tank Brewery at 1872 South Crosby Way. This unique establishment draws inspiration from vintage Harley-Davidson history, creating a distinctive atmosphere that complements their carefully crafted beers.

The full-service restaurant offers thoughtful food pairings designed to enhance your beer tasting experience. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick flight or settling in for a meal, Strap Tank provides a memorable addition to any St. George brewery tour.

Hive 435 Taphouse

Located at 61 W St George Blvd, Hive 435 Taphouse offers a different approach to the craft beverage experience. While focusing more broadly on craft beers from various producers, they create a welcoming space to sample different styles alongside gourmet pizza that locals rave about. Their creative cocktails, including seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Spice Sangria, provide options for everyone in your group.

Expanding Your Tour Beyond St. George

To experience the full spectrum of Southern Utah’s craft beer culture, consider venturing a bit further from St. George to these notable nearby establishments:

Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Just a short drive from St. George at 95 Zion Park Blvd in Springdale, you’ll find Zion Canyon Brew Pub, the original home of Zion Brewery. This beloved spot offers the perfect combination of craft beer, live music, and satisfying pub fare. Its strategic location near the entrance to Zion National Park makes it an ideal stop after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

The outdoor seating area provides breathtaking views that pair beautifully with their flagship beers, creating an unforgettable Utah brewery experience.

Policy Kings Brewery

For those willing to venture a bit further, Policy Kings Brewery in Cedar City specializes in West Coast IPAs and refreshing lagers. This small but mighty brewery contributes significantly to the region’s growing reputation for quality craft beer, offering a different perspective on brewing styles compared to their St. George counterparts.

Edge of the World Brewery

Cross the state line into Arizona and you’ll discover Edge of the World Brewery in Hilldale. This addition to the regional beer landscape provides yet another unique brewing philosophy, making it worth including if you’re creating a comprehensive brewery hopping adventure through the greater St. George area.

Crafting Your Own Brewery Tour Experience

Since formal organized brewery tours aren’t widely available in St. George, creating your own self-guided experience is the way to go. Here’s how to craft the perfect beer tasting adventure:

Planning Your Route

When mapping out your St. George beer tour, consider these factors:

• Distance and transportation: The breweries in downtown St. George (Station II and Hive 435) are within walking distance of each other, while others will require driving or rideshare services.
• Timing: Most brewery experiences last 1-2 hours if you’re enjoying tastings and food. Plan accordingly to visit 2-3 locations in a day.
• Designated driver: Safety first! Ensure you have a designated driver or use rideshare services if you plan to enjoy multiple tastings.

What to Expect During Tastings

When visiting St. George breweries, you can typically expect:

• Beer flights offering 4-6 small pours to sample different styles
• Knowledgeable staff who can explain the brewing process and beer characteristics
• A relaxed atmosphere perfect for both beer enthusiasts and curious newcomers
• Food options that complement the beer offerings

Most establishments welcome questions about their brewing techniques and ingredients, so don’t hesitate to engage with the staff about the local beer culture and production processes.

Customizing Your Experience

Consider these options to enhance your brewery tour:

• Food pairings: Many St. George breweries offer menus specifically designed to complement their beers.
• Private experiences: For groups, contact breweries in advance to inquire about private tastings or behind-the-scenes tours.
• Brewery and outdoor adventure: Combine your brewery visits with the region’s outdoor attractions for a quintessential Southern Utah experience.

If you’re traveling with family, note that while some brewpubs welcome all ages in their restaurant sections, others like Station II Bar are strictly 21+. Always check ahead if you’re planning to bring younger travelers.

For the full experience, check out the Utah Ale Trail which features St. George breweries as part of the statewide craft beer map, helping you connect your local tour to the broader Utah beer scene.

Conclusion – Cheers to St. George’s Craft Beer Scene

St. George’s craft beer scene may be smaller than what you’ll find in larger cities, but it delivers big on quality, creativity, and memorable experiences. From Silver Reef’s award-winning brews to the unique atmosphere of Station II Bar, each establishment contributes something special to the local beer landscape.

Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply looking for a fun way to experience local culture, creating your own brewery tour offers a refreshing perspective on St. George. So raise a glass to discovering the flavors of Southern Utah – one craft beer at a time!