Some breweries build buzz. Others build community. Saddle Mountain Brewing Company has quietly spent years building both in the West Valley.
In a craft beer world that constantly feels like it’s chasing the next big thing, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company has carved out its own lane by focusing on consistency, quality beer, and creating a place people genuinely want to spend time. Long before the West Valley got their fare share of breweries, Saddle Mountain was already building a loyal following in Goodyear with award-winning beer, elevated pub food, and a welcoming atmosphere that still feels true to its roots today.
Owner Laura Hansen says staying grounded has always been part of the vision. “What I’m most proud of is that we’ve stayed true to who we are,” Hansen said. “From day one, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company was built on hard work, family values, and a genuine love for great beer and bringing people and community together.”
That mindset has shaped the brewery since the beginning. What started as a true family operation grew through long days, late nights, and a belief that the West Valley deserved a brewery people could truly call their own. Over the years, Saddle Mountain has evolved into more than just a place to grab a pint. On any given week, the brewery hosts comedy nights, beer pairing dinners, charity events, live music, and community fundraisers that bring regulars and first-time visitors together under one roof.
“We wanted Saddle Mountain to be more than just a place to grab a beer,” Hansen said. “We wanted it to be a place where people come together.” That approach has helped Saddle Mountain stay relevant in an increasingly crowded Arizona beer scene. While plenty of breweries lean heavily into hype releases and fast-moving trends, Saddle Mountain has focused on refining what already works: quality beer, consistency, hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels approachable whether you’re a longtime craft beer fan or just stopping in for dinner and a pint.
Of course, the beer itself remains the backbone of the operation.The brewery has earned repeated recognition at major competitions including the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Much of that success comes from the work of Head Brewer Anthony Worthy and his brewing team, whose beers continue to bring home awards year after year.
Longtime staples like Clan-Destine, Strawberry Bitch, Hop Snob, and Now What? have become closely tied to the brewery’s identity, with customers often making special trips back for their favorites.
If it’s your first visit, start with the Clan-Destine. The award-winning Scottish-style ale is smooth, rich, and incredibly approachable, especially for people who normally approach darker beers cautiously. Pair it with one of Saddle Mountain’s burgers or elevated dishes and it becomes pretty easy to understand why the brewery has built such a loyal following over the years.
The fun doesn’t stop with the beer, though. The food at Saddle Mountain may be brewpub fare, but it is done well and offers a wide variety. If you’re not looking for a classic burger to pair with your beer, possibly look towards the fajitas or the pork chili verde skillet. The mac and cheese and nachos are also hard to beat. With a solid Happy Hour and great daily specials, Saddle Mountain is a great new spot to frequent, but it’s also worth a haul for any beer lover.
Looking ahead, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company shows no signs of slowing down. The brewery recently launched Strength Served, supporting the Veterans Cancer Network, and is preparing for its upcoming Brews with the Bravest Festival benefiting the Arizona Firefighter’s Foundation. Seasonal beer releases, collaborations, and expanded community events are all part of what’s next.
In a beer scene that never stops changing, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company has managed to hold onto something that matters most: giving people a place that still feels familiar every time they walk through the doors.
written by: steven larson
photographed by: grace stufkosky
𖡡 15651 west roosevelt street, goodyear, arizona 85338
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