While Las Vegas is known for its larger-than-life casinos and standing-ovation-worthy shows, it’s also home to an excellent collection of breweries and distilleries. Whether you’re seeking a husky IPA or refreshing pale ale, beer aficionados will find a variety of handcrafted brews that pair perfectly with the glitz and glam of a Vegas vacation at these ten outstanding breweries.
Hudl Brewing Company
Located downtown, Hudl Brewing Company is a San Diego-inspired brewpub whipping up crowd-pleasing beer in a cozy atmosphere, where people come to commune over their love of beer. A mix of wood décor and modern industrial chic creates a chill vibe, and the golden glow of Edison light bulbs adds to the ambiance.
With 22 beers on tap, HUDL’s brews aim to please, and patrons can choose anything from a German Pilsner to a hazy IPA. Peruse their digital menu above the bar, which encompasses their ever-evolving range of craft beer, from Toasted Pecan brown ale with notes of marshmallows to the Vanilla Oak, a cream ale with an oak finish.
Nevada Brew Works
Nestled in the Las Vegas Arts District, Nevada Brew Works goes above and beyond your typical brewpub by offering consistently great beer, a dynamic cocktail menu, and a full kitchen serving pizza, burgers, wings, and giant pretzels with stone ground mustard.
The beers on tap are constantly changing at the brewery, so check the taproom’s board for the latest flavors. The Ariana Rye PA comes highly recommended with its lightly hoppy flavor, while the Golden Pale Ale is a blend of malted rye and Melanoidin.
CraftHaus Brewery
Located in downtown’s art district and inspired by European craft beer culture, CraftHaus Brewery is home to 24 on-site taps. The sense of community is palpable as soon as you walk in. You won’t see gaming machines here; instead, you’ll find local artwork on the walls, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Vegas, and a clean modern-style bar.
Enjoy a selection of two dozen beers, including seasonal sours, lagers, and IPAs. For example, try the Evocation, a farmhouse ale with notes of pepper and citrus, or the Urban Panda, a black lager with a refreshing finish.
Banger Brewing
Surrounded by the infectious energy of the Freemont Street Experience in the downtown area, Banger Brewing is a hit with Vegas locals thanks to a rotating beer menu and reasonable prices. With the goal to craft beer that mirrors the Las Vegas experience – sexy, classy and one-of-a-kind, Banger Brewing serves up unique blends that are sure to please any palate.
Try the El Heffe, a hefeweizen infused with jalapeno. Or the Morning Joe, a golden ale infused with hazelnut and French caramel coffee beans. Be sure to hit them up during happy hour when beers of two bucks off. They also offer a brewery and tasting tour.
Able Baker Brewing Company
A salute to Nevada’s history and the Atomic Age, Able Baker Brewing embraces the state’s history with its name, brews and style. Named after an event in the Nevada desert where two nuclear bombs called Able and Baker were deployed, this taproom and brewery is located in downtown Las Vegas and home to more than 30 beers on tap and a kitchen serving an expansive menu, from fish tacos to vegan burgers.
After you’ve grabbed some grub, pair it with a beer such as the Class A Detonator, a rich lager with hints of chocolate and raisin, or the Atomic Duck, a hoppy IPA with notes of malt.
Neon Desert Brewing Co.
With more than 20 creative brews on tap, Neon Desert Brewing Co. is making a name for itself near downtown’s art district. Home to small-batch beers, hazy IPAs, fruity sours and even slushie beer (the perfect summer treat), Neon Brewing continues to grow its brand and draw in crowds of locals and visitors alike. Sip on house favorites, such as Captain Haze, an IPA with hints of mango, passion fruit and guava, or try the Bavarian-style Hefeweizen.
Ellis Island Brewery
If you wander a block off the Strip, you might just stumble upon this hidden gem nestled in the Ellis Island Casino. Ellis Island Brewery is the on-site brewery for the casino and hotel and is home to six fresh taps in the Front Yard – a two-level beer garden and restaurant.
Featuring a rotating selection of beers, the brewery has been voted Best of Las Vegas yearly. Sample classic staples like the IPA with fruit notes or the Hefeweizen with hints of banana and clove. Small-batch house specialties include the Dubbel Trouble, a Belgian-style dark with hints of raisin, and sweet caramel malt, while customized beer flights allow guests to choose their own selection of beers from the menu.
Trustworthy Brewing Co.
The folks at Trustworthy want to ensure you get good west-coast style beer and that you’re fed well, to boot. Located on the second floor of the Palazzo at the Venetian and tucked discreetly in the Grand Canal Shoppes, Trustworthy provides a modern yet casual ambiance. Beyond its beer menu, Trustworthy offers an extensive food and brunch menu. Dine on delicious bites, from premium burgers to chicken pot pie.
If you can’t decide among their impressive craft brews, why not order a flight and sample a few favorites? Of course, you can’t go wrong with the What Plane?, an oatmeal stout, and the Brass Jar Amber Ale, which has a full-bodied flavor. Finally, book a brewery tour to learn the beer-making process from the experts.
Nevada H&G Distilling, Co.
In a state that prohibits distilling from scratch, the award-winning H&G Distillery has worked hard to make its spirits stand out. For example, they age and blend their Smoke Wagon Bourbon. Located on East Fremont Street in the heart of downtown, the Nevada-built company has won a few awards. Yet, with all the hype, many bourbon lovers come in skeptical but leave true fans.
Their spirits are just that good. The small-batch bourbon has a lovely, balanced oak nose with hints of fruit and dried apricots. Choose from Smoke Wagon Bourbon, Smoke Wagon Rye, or Silver Dollar American Vodka. Or come in for a tasting of all. Stay tuned to H&G Distilling because they are soon to offer tours, as well.
The Whisky Attic
Located just minutes from the Strip on West Harmon Ave., you’ll have to try this tasting room just for the sheer novelty of it. It promises a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience set in a cozy space with wall-to-wall displays of some of the finest whiskies. Not only will you be sampling fine spirits, but you’ll also get a history of the art of whisky tasting and a unique personal flavor profile assessment!
For those just starting their “liquid education,” a course catalog is available. Whiskey enthusiasts will be happy to peruse the Honors Catalog, with delicious samplings of both vintage and unique whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, America, and beyond.
