Cold Beer To Go

Food: Interviews & Features

Fresh, cold beer is nearby and you don’t have to visit a liquor store to find it. Venture out to explore our local breweries, and you’ll find some of the best beer around. Purchasing beer straight from the source eliminates possible hazards when picking it up somewhere else. When getting beverages from breweries, it is usually chilled and guaranteed fresh. And the person selling it may know a whole lot about it, because it could be the brewmaster themselves. Remember: Don’t drive intoxicated. Here is a rundown of where to find cold beer, to go.


2 Row Brewing
6856 S. 300 W., Midvale, UT 84047
801.987.8663

2 Row’s cold cases are always populated with some of Utah’s best IPAs. Always fresh and hopped to the top, assortments of fan favorites are available for “build-your-own” six-packs. Dangereux Farmhouse Ale, Tastes Like Citrus, Random Double IPA and 24K Golden Ale are prime choices to fill the slots. Owners Brian and Dede Coleman have quickly become one of the most popular beer-makin’ couples in the state. Nowadays, the Colemans, who are friendly with considerable beer knowledge, are manning the bottle shop or filling growlers personally.

A. Fisher Brewing Co.
Crowlers available
320 W. 800 S. SLC, UT 84101
801.487.2337

The A. Fisher Brewing Co. taproom became a craft beer hot spot since opening a little more than a year ago. A welcoming atmosphere offering quality brews with golden suds made this a home for regulars. Fisher Brewing always has a stellar selection of traditional and edgy beers, and beers on tap rotate regularly. You’ll have a choice of anything from a citrusy pale to the Fisher Beer, a classic American lager. Enjoy here or there, because these liquid refreshments can be poured to go in a 32-ounce crowler or 64-ounce growler.

Bohemian Brewery
94 E. 7200 S., Midvale, UT 84047
801.566.5474

Searching for a traditional-style lager based on the German Purity law? Look no farther than Bohemian Brewery. This brewery is also recognized because of its exceptional restaurant that has been a staple in the Midvale community for years. The cold case here is a little smaller but worth a visit. Beyond core brews, Bohemian creates seasonal selections as well as their special Brewers ‘Stache. However, always-available, respectable high-point lagers like Dortmunder or Düsseldorfer tastes refreshing after gobbling down a garlic burger or brats.

Bonneville Brewery
Growlers ONLY
1641 N. Main St., Tooele, UT 84047
435.248.0646

Whether you’re on your way to or from Wendover or you’re in close proximity to Bonneville Brewery, plan a quick stop. They don’t have a bottle shop, but you can bring a growler to fill. The selection includes excellent examples of all of the common beer styles from fresh IPAs to crisp lagers and pilsners. Popular beers include Free Roller IPA, Pilot Peak Pilsner and the Vienna Lager, all good to take home with you. Bonneville Brewing is a brewpub, and a break for a bite pairs well with grabbing beer.

Desert Edge Brewery
Growlers ONLY
273 Trolley Square, SLC, UT 84102
801.521.8917

Visit the longstanding resident of the Trolley Square shopping center, Desert Edge Brewery, for flavorful food and craft beer. Much like the historic landmark it’s located in, some of Desert Edge’s beers have etched themselves into history for Utah’s beer-loving community. Fill a growler with Happy Valley Hefeweizen, Pub Pils, Utah Pale Ale or the delicious Latter Day Stout. Next time you are shopping Whole Foods and want fresh beer, take a swift detour to Desert Edge.

Epic Brewing Company
825 S. State St., SLC, UT 84111
801.906.0123

Epic Brewing provides full-strength brews to the Utah faithful, and has since its inception in 2010. Their substantial cold case is a go-to for consumers because it holds many choices showcasing various styles of beer. Epic has something for everyone with their Classic, Elevated and Exponential Series brews. From the Classic Series, grab a fresh Spiral Jetty IPA, or from the Elevated Series, a Copper Cone Pale Ale. Big Bad Baptist Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout or one of its slick variants from the Exponential series are also crowd favorites. Growlers are on hand, and recently, Epic released 12-ounce cans into the market, so you can take them anywhere.

Hoppers Grill & Brewing Company
Growlers ONLY
890 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, UT 84047
801.566.0424

Hoppers Brew Pub is located in the ever-growing Midvale beer scene. This small brewery is situated within a nice restaurant featuring seafood, burgers, pizza and other pub-style grub. Have a taster or drink a pint. When you find one you like, you have the option to take it home. It pays to check back often, too, because Hoppers occasionally has special beer available. There are plenty of tasty beverages to enjoy, but growler fills only. Fill ‘er up with Hot Headed Redhead, Drifter Lager or Madame X Stout.

Kiitos Brewing
608 W. 700 S., SLC, UT 84104
801.215.9165

Kiitos is one of the newest breweries in Utah, and they have come out swinging! In their few short months of existence, Kiitos’ cold case has been stocked with everything beer lovers want. Patrons score everything from hoppy double IPAs, fruited sours and an Imperial Stout with three additional barrel-aged variants. With a pinball machine and cold cans and growlers to go, it’s no wonder why people frequent this place. Brewing with a system designed to reduce water usage hasn’t stopped Kiitos from squeezing out every bit of usable H2O to create crowd-pleasing beer.

Moab Brewery
686 S. Main St., Moab, UT 84532
435.259.6333

Moab is one of Utah’s most prized areas for locals and visitors. Here, Moab Brewery has the distinction of being a big dog in a small town. If you’re visiting Moab, there is a good chance that beer is a secondary thought. But whether hiking, biking or off-roading, at some point, a tasty beverage will prove refreshing. Moab Brewery is Moab’s largest restaurant and only microbrewery. Pick up a Johnny American IPA, Dead Horse Amber or Moab Pils for your red rock adventure. Available in 16-ounce tallboy cans or growlers. Remember to recycle.

Park City Brewery
2720 Rasmussen Rd., Ste. A1, Park City, UT 84098
435.200.8906

Park City Brewery is found in the ideal zone for guests and residents of the Beehive State’s popular tourist destinations. Positioned just around the bend from the heart of Salt Lake City, PCB is a warm hideaway with benefits. They fine-tune their craft, offering visitors something interesting. Ice-cold beers like Hooker Blonde or Boogie Water are available in six- and 12-packs in their General Store fridge. Along with beer in the session series, you should also look for the Imperial Pilsner, a 7.7-percent ABV easy-drinker.

Proper Brewing Company
Crowlers available
857 S. Main St., SLC, UT 84111
801.953.1707

Since the beginning, it seems Proper Brewing Company churns out new beer after new beer. Head Brewer Rio Connelly steeped in both tradition and invention, keeps a cold case packed with fun goodies for all. Deciding whether to visit the taproom for a growler fill or visit the cold case first will be stressful. Do both. Relish in a fresh Proper Beer or Patersbier while enjoying a game of Skee-Ball. Then, grab a Hop Vs Hop Double India Pale Ale or Lake Effect Gose for later.

Red Rock Brewery Beer Store
443 N. 400 W., SLC, UT 84103
801.214.3386

Red Rock Brewery is considered one of our region’s founding fathers of craft beer. Kevin Templin and his brew crew locally create some of the highest-quality and well-loved beers around. While their brewpubs have been around for a long time, the Beer Store is a relative newcomer by comparison. Since the Beer Store opened, it’s known as the place to grab “the freshest Elephino in the world.” Chilled staples occupy the beer fridge, and they offer growler fills. Besides fixed, first-class brews on their roster, Red Rock gets tantalizingly creative. Be aware of seasonal releases for Paardebloem, Rêve and Furlong, as they generate a line around the building.

RoHa Brewing Project
30 E. Kensington Ave., SLC, UT 84115
385.227.8982

RoHa Brewing is nestled in a convenient area just off of State Street. If you want some freshies, there is an easily accessible cold fridge with plenty of choices. Even though their brand presence is growing in convenience and grocery stores, you should still take a quick trip to home base. Brewery owner Chris Haas and his team produce beers designed to pair with life’s adventures. Looking for a go-to? Pick up the balanced Back Porch Pale Ale, or for something a little fancier, a Kensington Grand Saison.

Roosters Brewing Company
748 W. Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, UT 84047 & 253 Historic 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401
801.774.9330; 801.627.6171

Growing in a hothouse for craft beer, Roosters Brewing Company is an Ogden legend. Their motto of “Good Food, Good Beer, Good People” is a fitting description. Each restaurant location features worthy beer and may have something a little different to offer than the other. Growler fills are available in both spots; however, the Layton bottling site boasts a cold case with their higher-point brews. Collect a Patio Pilsner, Hellevation IPA or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, the Iron Rooster Imperial Stout. You’ll be happy you did.

Shades of Pale Brewing Co.
154 W. Utopia Ave., SLC, UT 84115
435.200.3009

If you knew Shades of Pale when it was located in Park City, we suggest getting reacquainted.  In our vote, it is one of Utah’s most improved breweries. Shades still consistently delivers the handcrafted promise from their huge Salt Lake brewery. Trent Fargher and Márcio Buffolo teamed up, pushing SOP in development of an ever-growing list of supreme brews. Visit the speakeasy-style taproom to pick up freshly bottled Slick City Citrus (IPA), Sweet Dreams (imperial porter) or the limited Espresso Stout. Consider including a growler of Grapefruit Revolution (IPA), too. All of their goods are available cold, for sale and to go.

Strap Tank Brewing Co.
Crowlers available
569 S. 1750 W., Springville, UT 84663
385.325.0262

The winner for the most instantly appealing establishment has got to be Strap Tank Brewing. This classic American brewpub is masterfully designed, with prominently displayed respect to the iron hog. Surrounded by vintage motorcycle décor, enjoy a hearty meal and a finely tuned beverage from the vast food and beer selections. Strap Tank newly started bottling small-batch high-point beers available for on- and off-site consumption. In spite of generating sought-after IPAs and barrel-aged creations, staples like Sport Session IPA or Sgt. Holtz Stout hold the flag. Take a ride south of Salt Lake. Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find delicious beer.

Talisman Brewing Company
1258 Gibson Ave., Ogden, UT 84404
385.389.2945

We initially became familiar with their line of brews thanks to solid distribution efforts from Talisman Brewing Company. Yet, it is beneficial to take the trip to the city of Ogden to visit the brewery itself. Sure, the Uplifted Scottish Ale tastes great now, but imagine the flavorsome difference when obtaining it fresh from the source. Twenty-two-ounce bottles and growler fills are obtainable in the bottle shop. If you plan your trip accordingly, you may be able to snag a special barrel-aged or limited-release beer, but bring a friend because quantities are small.

Uinta Brewing
569 S. 1750 W., Springville, UT & 1722 S. Fremont Dr., SLC, UT 84104
801.467.0228

Uinta Brewing does a nice job of keeping their beer available in the liquor and grocery stores. However, there are advantages of visiting Utah’s largest craft beer brewery. Getting super-fresh Grapefruit Hop Nosh IPA or Detour Double IPA alone gives value to a stopover. Special-release beers warrant ventures, too. Cold bottles and cans are sold inside, adjacent to the brewhouse pub. Growler fills with brews like 801 Pilsner, Piggyback Peach IPA and Baba Black Lager are also available. If you’re lucky, you may be able to schedule a brewery tour. It’s one of the best behind-the-scenes looks at a major brewery in the state.

Wasatch Brewery/Squatters Craft Beers
Crowlers available
1763 S. 300 W., SLC, UT 84105
801.466.8855

This one-two combo is the grandfather of the Utah craft beer community. Wasatch (founded in 1986) and Squatters (founded in 1989) cemented themselves into the foundation. Looking for Jalapeño Cream Ale or Outer Darkness Russian Imperial Stout? Stop into their well-stocked beer store. It is a popular spot to snag a crowler and cold six-pack. Their relationship with Cigar City Brewing out of Tampa, Florida, means you can usually grab a crisp Jai Alai IPA as well, which is pretty damn cool. A taproom connected to the beer store, The West Side Tavern, is regularly offering new brews, so frequent visits are suggested.

Vernal Brewing Company
55 S. 500 E., Vernal, UT 84078
435.781.2337

We propose making a short trip to visit the historic landmarks and attractions in Vernal, Utah. Or better yet, making it to Vernal Brewing Company for every meal you can. The brewery’s building is a gorgeous, modern structure located in a prehistoric town. VBC’s blend of beer and farm-to-table food is picture-perfect. If you’re just traveling through, acquire icy cans or growler fills from the gastropub for your next destination. Mama’s Milk Imperial Milk Stout, Little Hole Lager or .50 Caliber India Pale Ale all make good travel buddies.

Zion Brewery
Growlers ONLY
2400 Zion–Mount Carmel Hwy, Springdale, UT 84767
435.772.0404

At the base of beautiful Zion Canyon National Park’s entrance is craft beer abode Zion Brewery. Expeditions bring thirst, and Zion has a primary set of beers for eager exploration seekers. Southern Utah’s first microbrewery also creates seasonal flavors to keep you interested after a long day of exploring the landscape. Cold cans and bottles aren’t available here, but growlers can be filled with sessions like with Zion Pale Ale, Paradox Session IPA or Springdale Amber. Take a growler home to remind you of the fun you had.


Editor’s note: Originally in print and online, we incorrectly published 147 W. Broadway for Wasatch Brewery/Squatters Craft Beers’ UBC Beer Store, which is incorrect and solely the address for Squatters Pub. The address has been corrected to be that of The West Side Tavern & Cold Beer Store.