College Times

Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Nightlife

Media Credit: Ryan Ruiz

When people think of quality microbreweries, most will probably consider Portland or the California coast, but a microbrewing community is burgeoning in Arizona - and giving the Northwest a run for its money.

One of the newest in this wave is SanTan Brewing Company in historic downtown Chandler. The charming brick bar and restaurant is blessed with a large space and garage-type doors that open onto a wrap-around patio. Visitors can even see the brewing process up close, as the fermentation tanks are behind a window at the entrance for viewing.

The beer is exceptional - especially the SanTan Pale Ale and Oscuro, a well-balanced nutty ale. An 18-ounce glass is $4.50, but during happy hour, which is 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, it is only $3.75. Happy hour also offers $5 on certain appetizers.

One of the coolest parts of the brewery is the hand-blown glasses they use. The head brewer, Anthony Canecchia, and a Chandler glass maker named Peter Sciacca combined their talents to create a unique design to help enhance the flavor of the beer. Sciacca and his worker have hand blown every beer vessel in the brewery.

Thursday is trivia night where winners can earn house cash to put toward their tab. Saturday they have live entertainment from a local band and Sunday is $3 Bloody Mary day.

The place can get very busy, though, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to relax; you might be waiting a while for that delicious beer.



SanTan Brewing Company, 8 S. San Marcos Plaza, Chandler, 480.917.8700

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