Arizona Wilderness, as its name suggests, focuses on incorporating sustainability and the environment through its business and offerings. This takes shape in brewing practices that use less water and menus that center local, organic ingredients. The latter is a big focus at the new space. The menu gets specific about where items originate, such as Steadfast Farms greens and Ramona Farms tepary beans in the Earth Bowl and White Sonora Wheat from Oatman Farms used in the pretzel dough.
The menu includes a mix of new items, favorites from Arizona Wilderness' two other Valley locations, and some that come in slightly different formats. For example, the PB&J Burger, made with a spicy jalapeno jam, is served as a full-size burger on Roosevelt Row and in Gilbert. At the new location, it's available as a slider.
Menu items unique to the new spot include a Bahn Mi Bowl with crispy pulled chicken, brown rice and pickled veggies, Kung Pao Cauliflower and Mexican Pizza served on a corn tostada. Vegan and vegetarian items are also available.
For dessert, customers can satisfy their sweet tooth with cheesecake-filled churros with caramel sauce. The beer menu includes Wilderness' staple brews along with its rotating seasonal creations. Cider, mead, wine and cocktails are also available.
The new location opened its doors with a limited menu on Thursday, with its full lineup on offer starting the next day. The expansive, open-plan dining area is punctuated by a central bar with beer options hanging overhead. Customers can order at the bar, or find a seat at one of the raw-edge wooden tables and order through a QR code.
The space features an exposed beam ceiling, a wall of windows facing McDowell Road with seating along the edge and red brick walls with a window through to the brewing space. A large black and white mural created by local artist Lora Lee depicts a desert scene along one wall. A small beer fridge offers cans to go, and other merch is on display.
The new brewpub is currently in a soft-opening phase, with a grand opening celebration planned for April 24. On Friday evening, the building buzzed with excited customers eager to check out the new space. Here's a look at what to expect.
The refurbished building shows its history through exposed beams and bricks. On Friday evening, it was packed with customers checking out the new space.
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The Cottage Fries are a cross between a waffle fry and a thick-cut potato chip. For $12, customers can order them topped with beer cheese, green chile and bacon.
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The Smash Slider Trio ($18) comes with a classic smash burger, the Wilderness staple PB&J with bacon and jalapeno jelly and a third with smoked gouda and truffle garlic aioli.
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On the back wall, a mural lists all of the local farms and producers that Arizona Wilderness features in its menu.
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Local artist Lora Lee created a three-dimensional mural that stretches the length of the taproom. Some of the saguaros pop out from the wall.
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The Arizona Wilderness taproom brings new life to a previously dormant stretch of the Miracle Mile.
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