Arizona’s craft scene has a heartbeat, and you’ll find it inside a historic creamery on 8th Street in Tempe. Four Peaks Brewing Co. is more than a popular taproom; it’s an Arizona institution. With the flagship Kilt Lifter Scotch-style ale leading the charge and a steady stream of hop-forward seasonal beers, Four Peaks built statewide popularity on consistent quality, a welcoming brewpub, and a location that feels like a living piece of Tempe history. This spotlight shows you what to drink, what to eat, and how to plan an ideal visit.
Quick Snapshot
- Brewery Name: Four Peaks Brewing Co. (8th Street)
- Location: 1340 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Website / Contact: https://www.fourpeaks.com/
- Signature Beer: Kilt Lifter Scotch-style ale (flagship)
- Vibe in 3 Words: Historic, lively, Arizona
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Four Peaks is synonymous with Kilt Lifter, a malt-forward Scotch-style ale that helped introduce countless Arizonans to craft beer. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and rich with toffee and toasted malt notes. The finish is clean, which makes it a repeat-order beer at the brewpub and on tap lists across the state. This reliability is a big reason the brand earned “Arizona institution” status: the beer tastes the way you expect, every time.
Alongside Kilt Lifter, Four Peaks keeps the taps fresh with hop-forward seasonals and limited releases. Expect bright citrus-forward IPAs and pale ales designed for desert weather, often with West Coast clarity and a crisp finish. You’ll also see rotating lagers, wheat beers with gentle fruit or citrus character, and darker seasonals when the evenings cool.
What sets Four Peaks apart is balance. Even their hoppiest offerings keep bitterness in check to remain food-friendly and approachable for a wide range of palates.
Unique Styles and Approaches
- Scotch-style mastery: Kilt Lifter remains the standard-bearer—rich malt, restrained bitterness, and a polished finish.
- Desert-friendly hop profiles: IPAs and pale ales emphasize citrus, pine, and tropical fruit over aggressive bitterness, which suits Arizona heat.
- Seasonals with purpose: Expect lighter, crisp styles in warmer months and malt-driven beers when temperatures dip.
- Consistency at scale: Four Peaks’ statewide presence means tight quality control, cold-chain distribution where possible, and a taproom that doubles as a test bed for fresh ideas.
Recommended Must-Try Beers
- Kilt Lifter Scotch-style ale: Start here for the signature experience—caramel, toast, and smooth drinkability.
- A rotating IPA or pale ale: Ask what’s new. Look for grapefruit, orange zest, and pine with a clean, dry finish.
- A crisp lager or pilsner: Perfect for patio sessions and pairing with salty snacks or tacos.
- A darker seasonal (porter, stout, or strong ale): When available, these pours match Arizona’s winter sunsets and heartier dishes.
Flights and Samplers
First time? Order a flight to explore the house range. A smart four-pour set:
1) Kilt Lifter
2) Rotating IPA or pale ale
3) Lager or pilsner
4) Seasonal specialty (dark beer in winter; wheat or fruited ale in summer)
It’s a quick way to compare malt-driven comfort with hop-forward freshness.
Atmosphere & Experience
Taproom and Space
Four Peaks’ 8th Street home sits inside a restored brick creamery and icehouse, and the building itself tells a story. High ceilings, exposed brick, timber beams, and industrial details create a space that feels both historic and energetic. Fermentation tanks underscore the working-brewery vibe, while long communal tables and cozy nooks give groups and solo sippers room to settle in.
The room buzzes at lunch, before ASU events, and on weekends. You’ll hear the clink of glassware, see servers threading trays of food through the crowd, and catch that rush of warm air when the patio door swings open. It’s lively without being chaotic—just the right level of hum for a social pint.
Family- and Dog-Friendliness
The brewpub is family-friendly during the day and early evenings, with seating that works for groups. Dogs are typically welcome on the patio (leashed and well-behaved). Policies can shift during special events or peak football weekends, so a quick check on the website or posted signage helps.
Events and Happenings
- Seasonal beer releases and taproom-only specials
- Trivia nights and community fundraisers
- Game-day gatherings tied to local sports
- Occasional live music or themed events
Follow Four Peaks’ social feeds for release dates and weekly event schedules. Limited drops can move fast.
Vibe: Local Hangout vs. Destination
It’s both. Locals treat the 8th Street location as their neighborhood spot for dinner and a pint. Visitors add it to Tempe itineraries for the history, the beer, and the menu. You’ll find ASU alumni swapping stories, families sharing pizzas, and beer travelers tasting their way through a flight.
Food & Pairings
The Kitchen
Four Peaks operates as a proper brewpub, and the menu leans hearty and shareable. Think wood-fired pizzas, stacked burgers, tacos, wings, salads with citrus and herb accents, and appetizers tuned for pairing with a pint. Portions are generous and designed to handle both malt-rich beers and hop-forward styles.
Expect rotating specials and seasonal plates that sync with what’s pouring. On hot days, crisp salads and citrus-dressed bowls shine. When the nights cool, richer options—short rib, brat plates, or cheesy bakes—complete the picture.
Best Beer + Food Pairings
- Kilt Lifter + beer-battered fish and chips: The malt sweetness meets crunchy batter; the clean finish cuts oil.
- Hop-forward IPA + spicy wings or carne asada tacos: Bright hops temper heat and highlight char.
- Pilsner or lager + pretzel with mustard or a classic burger: Crisp carbonation and a dry finish love salt and fat.
- Wheat beer + chopped salad or fish tacos: Soft wheat character and citrus lift herbs, lime, and fresh toppings.
- Dark seasonal + brownie or bread pudding: Roast and caramel play with dessert richness.
Local Collaborations
Four Peaks has a long history of community partnerships—charity nights, local vendor pop-ups, and culinary tie-ins that spotlight regional flavors. Ask your server about current specials or collaborative events; these often feature small-lot beers or unique menu items.
Logistics & Practical Tips
Getting There and Parking
- Address: 1340 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Website: https://www.fourpeaks.com/
- Parking: On-site and nearby street parking. It fills during peak hours, weekends, and game days—arrive early or consider rideshare.
- Transit and walkability: A short drive from ASU and central Tempe. Rideshares are frequent; biking is popular, especially in cooler months.
Tours and Reservations
The brewpub runs on a first-come basis most days, though wait times can build during peak periods. For large groups or special events, reach out through the website. Brewery tours may be available on select dates; check the events page and book ahead if you want a behind-the-scenes look.
To-Go Beer
- Cans: Find core and seasonal releases cold to-go when available.
- Crowlers/Growlers: Availability varies by tap and freshness; ask what’s eligible.
- Distribution: You’ll see Four Peaks widely across Arizona. If you loved something on draft, you can often track it down in local stores.
Bring an insulated bag if you’re traveling—Arizona heat is tough on hop aroma and delicate lager character.
Merch Highlights
- Arizona-forward tees, hats, and hoodies
- Branded pint glasses and specialty glassware
- Stickers and enamel pins featuring brewery motifs
- Gift packs for out-of-state friends who want a taste of Tempe
Local Flavor
What Makes Four Peaks an Arizona Institution
Four Peaks took a historic building and made it a community anchor. Kilt Lifter introduced countless locals to a malt-forward style they now claim as their own. Consistency across taps, convivial service, and a menu that respects the beer keep regulars loyal. On the statewide stage, Four Peaks is shorthand for “dependable craft”—the kind you can order at a ballgame, a barbecue, or a neighborhood bar and know it will land.
They’ve also helped normalize craft beer culture in Arizona: brewery dinners, charity nights, patio pints in shoulder season, and beer that pairs with Sonoran flavors. That cultural footprint matters as much as the beer.
Nearby Attractions and Crawl Ideas
- ASU Tempe campus: Stroll the campus or catch a game, then stop in for a pint.
- Tempe Town Lake and beach park: Walk, bike, or paddle before a late lunch at the brewpub.
- Downtown Tempe/Mill Avenue: Shops, venues, and nightlife within a quick ride.
- Build a crawl: Tempe and greater Phoenix host several breweries—map a loop with rideshare and hydrate between stops.
Ask the Staff
“What’s pouring that you love right now?” Staff suggestions often include:
- A fresh IPA release or small-batch pale
- A taproom-only lager or experimental wheat
- A food special that pairs with Kilt Lifter
Insider picks tend to rotate, so asking pays off.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Craft Beer Tourists Should Visit
Four Peaks offers a complete experience: a storied building, a flagship with a devoted following, and a tap list that suits the climate and cuisine. You’ll get local culture in a glass and on the plate. If you’re mapping Arizona beer, this is a cornerstone stop—easy to recommend to newcomers and still rewarding for seasoned fans.
Best Time to Go
- Weekday lunches for a calmer room and quick service
- Late afternoons in shoulder season (fall/spring) for patio weather
- Game days if you enjoy a lively, high-energy crowd—arrive early
- Summer evenings for cooler temps and bright, hop-forward pours
Seasonal tip: Tourists swell in spring training and ASU event weekends. If you prefer a low-key visit, choose off-peak hours.
My Recommendation
Start with a flight anchored by Kilt Lifter. Add the current IPA, a crisp lager, and a seasonal. Order a shareable appetizer and a main—pizza or a burger works well—then pick your favorite flight pour for a full glass. If a limited IPA or small-batch lager is available to-go, grab a 4-pack for later.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Four Peaks Brewing Co. (8th Street) blends place, flavor, and community into a signature Tempe experience. The historic creamery setting provides character; Kilt Lifter delivers familiar comfort; and hop-forward seasonals keep each visit fresh. Set your GPS to 1340 E 8th St, check fourpeaks.com for hours, events, and tour info, and come hungry. Whether you’re a local meeting friends after work or a traveler building an Arizona beer itinerary, this brewpub shows why Four Peaks holds a permanent spot in the state’s craft story.
