Roses by the Stairs: A Sour Beer Adventure

Mar 26
2 min read

Updated: Jun 24

For some reason, the name Roses by the Stairs gave me pretty high expectations going in. It sounds creative, a little artsy, maybe even a bit funky. I was picturing a place that would feel unique and fun. You know, the kind of spot that makes you say, "Wow, I’ve discovered something special!"

The Story Behind the Brewery

To be fair, the story behind the brewery does lean in that direction. Roses by the Stairs is a craft brewery located in downtown Phoenix. They focus on farmhouse-style beers and often experiment with local, seasonal ingredients. Their concept revolves around creativity and sustainability. You can see this in the building itself; they took over a historic space that was once a costume shop and transformed it into a brewery. Their goal was to create something different from the typical brewery experience. But, in my experience, that wasn't quite the case.

Instead, it felt more like a basic hangout spot. There’s nothing wrong with that if you’re just looking for a place to sit and have a drink. But it didn’t really match the vibe I had hoped for.

What's On Tap?

When it comes to the beer selection, Roses by the Stairs has a decent variety. They offer a range of farmhouse ales that showcase their commitment to local ingredients. However, I found myself wishing for more sour options. If you’re a fan of sour beers, it’s a good idea to check their tap list ahead of time. You might find a hidden gem!

Food Finds

Food options here are minimal. You’re limited to basic bar snacks, so this isn’t really a place to plan a meal around. If you’re hungry, you’ll probably want to grab food somewhere else before or after your visit, or bring your own along to pair with your drink of choice.

Food Score: 1.5

The Vibe Inside & Out

The atmosphere was probably the most mixed part of the experience. It’s definitely a place where you can hang out - there’s plenty of seating. But overall, the space felt pretty simple with concrete floors and a more stripped-down setup.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, bustling environment, you might find it lacking. However, if you enjoy a laid-back vibe, this could be your spot!

Dog Friendly Details

It was hard to get a read on the dog-friendliness during my visit since there weren’t any dogs there at the time. If you’re planning to bring your pup, you may want to check ahead.

Score: 1/5

Insider Info

Here are a few tips if you decide to check out Roses by the Stairs:

This is more of a casual hangout spot than a destination brewery.
Check the tap list ahead of time - especially if you’re going for sour beers.
Plan food elsewhere; there aren’t many options on-site.
Take a look at the artwork - it’s the most interesting aspect of the space.

Tapped In Takeaway

Final Score: 2/5

In conclusion, Roses by the Stairs has potential. It’s a cozy spot for a drink, but it may not be the destination for sour beer enthusiasts looking for a wide selection. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop, but don’t set your expectations too high. You might just find a new favorite farmhouse ale or two!