The Wayward Taphouse

The Wayward Taphouse arrived during the COVID era, a time when Phoenix was in great need of patios. The outdoor seating here seems to have been arranged with care. There are good sun and shade options, the space is outside food- and dog-friendly, and it’s surrounded by the casitas (which many know were once prisoner-of-war houses) that are home to Novel Ice Cream and other small businesses in the Grand Avenue Arts District. The Wayward was opened by Tyler Goolie and Hilda Cardenas, who both spent about five years at the also-beloved Wren House Brewing Co. The menu here offers an expansive selection of Arizona beer and wine as well as craft brews from across the country and even Mexico and Japan. But be advised: There’s also a beer fridge with more well-known stuff such as Coors Banquet and Modelo and a well-poured Guiness on tap. Order inside the funky space, or from the ordering window, which is easily accessible from the patio.