Beer Bloke: Craft beer drinking on the cheap

My beer-centric topic this go-around comes from a response to last week’s article, specifically a very thirsty man’s plea for a great time on a little dosh. Funny thing, really. As I sat there contemplating his query, I looked down at my own wallet stuffed full of receipts.

Wow, do I dare add them all up? I began to realize the wasn’t the only one in need of this list. I have a feeling that most people browsing this article may share our pain, so read on.

Monday

Let’s start with The Living Room (pictured above) in Chandler. Happy hour begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. They feature $2.50 pints, including brews from Four Peaks, as well as wine by the glass for $5 and, my wife’s favorite, $20 bottles.

The place is posh yet comfortable, features multiple patio areas and great sandwiches, soups and bruschetta when you fancy a bit of nosh. Monday’s are also ladies night and the deals get even better.

Tip: Lads, this is a great inexpensive happy hour date spot. Our secret!

Tuesday

Uncle Bear’s has multiple locations and $2.50 craft drafts (pictured) all day long. With six local brews from Four Peaks and SanTan Brewing, there is a choice for everyone.

As for food, half-price pizzas can’t be beat. I have spent a few Tuesday afternoons here with the lads and my bill has never stretched beyond $20.

Tip: While at Uncle Bear’s, if you check in on Facebook via your mobile phone your first draft is only $1.

Wednesday

The mid-week place to be is the Hungry Monk, where $3 craft draft beers and 59-cent wings from open to close make for the sauciest day or night out in the East Valley. With 28 beers on tap and 12 wing flavors to choose from, you won’t leave hungry or thirsty. The place is simply jammed to the rafters with high-definition televisions so you’ll never miss a second of your favorite game, and shot specials just add to the fun.

For those who live out a little further east, an honorable mention goes to Trophy’s Steakhouse in Queen Creek. They also feature $3 craft brews all day long on Wednesdays.

Tip: Reservations are allowed at both places so call ahead to ensure you get a good seat.

Thursday

As we close in on the end of the week, let’s begin at Old Chicago. Multiple locations and 30 beers on tap make for good times all around. With $3.29 craft beers and half-price appetizers from 3-6 p.m., happy hour is always a hoot.

If you fancy a local twist, BLD in Chandler is a nice haunt as well. From 3-7 p.m. you can expect $3 drafts, Bloody Marys, wine and housemade sangria. There is always local beer on tap and $5 gastro-style appetizers.

Tip: BLD is open at 7 a.m. for those working the graveyard shift – or people just ready to start the celebration early.

Friday

The end of the working week is a time for reflection, a time to skip out of work early and a time for drinking and dialing. Seriously, the place to start on Fridays has to be Papago Brewing in Scottsdale. From 2-6 p.m. all 30 craft drafts are $1 off.

With their recent expansion, Papago has become a comfortable place and even features cask beer or “real ale” on a regular basis. Here you will hob-knob with the who’s who of the Arizona craft beer scene and have access to rare brews that can’t easily be had anywhere else.

The other place to be is Teakwood’s Tavern (pictured). Multiple locations and several Four Peaks beers for $2.50 a pint all day make for the best craft beer value in the East Valley.

Tip: There is a great English pub called the British Open in the same strip mall where Papago Brewing is located and bar hopping/walking is always an option.

Saturday

Looking to laugh about the prior night and the one that got away? It’s $4 craft drafts at Whole Foods Chandler’s Watering Hole Bar. Yes, I’m serious: a relaxed craft beer bar inside Whole Foods Market. Once inside you’ll find 31 craft beers on tap, big comfortable booths to stretch out in and great hangover food in every direction. If you have never been to the Watering Hole, this will be an entertaining trip, I promise.

Tip: The craft beer selection is second to none, and the bar opens at 8 a.m. daily.

Sunday

This is an easy one. It’s football season and nearly every bar in town is serving breakfast, showing the games and competing for your scratch. My choice is Boulders on Broadway in Tempe for its “White Trash Sundays” with $2 domestics and $7 all-you-can-eat pizza. So brush off that old jersey, keep it local and save a few dollars for next week, eh?

As an end our little journey, a suggestion from my friend Angela Muniz is to join Arizona Society of Homebrewers. Even if you do not brew, a love and curiosity for craft beer is all you need to get started. And when you show your ASH card at most East Valley craft beer bars, you get a discount. Score!

You can send comments or column ideas to England native James Swann, the beer buyer at Chandler’s Whole Foods, at kingjamesswann@gmail.com.