HOP RIGHT IN

from Sunseeker - Spring 2022 - West Coast Edition

DELECTABLE DINING IN DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

By Yvonne Newman

Whether it’s an imperial stout, fruited sour ale or West Coast IPA that floats your boat, a craft beer lover’s paradise awaits you in Downtown Las Vegas – which has gone hop happy!

Wyndee Forrest, co-owner and founder of CraftHaus Brewery as well as president of the Nevada Craft Brewers Association, said, “Nevada breweries are really coming into their own with not only brewing qualitydriven beers, many are award winning, but also we embody that quintessential Nevada pioneering spirit.”

Following in the footsteps of well-established peers Tenaya Creek Brewery and Banger Brewing in the greater downtown area, several others began appearing in the mid-to late 2010s, inspiring the formation of Brewery Row.

James Manos, founder and co-owner of Able Baker Brewing, helped with its development and explained the goal was to create “a space for enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike to come and explore.”

Continued on page 40 Able Baker Brewing’s “Quarantine Edition” Duck

Explore Downtown Las Vegas’ booming craft beer scene

2019 Great Vegas Festival

Great Vegas Festival is back!

Be part of a spirited celebration of craft beer combined with food artistry, mixology and more. Launched in 2011, the Great Vegas Festival returns this spring at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. Created by Motley Brews, it spans two days from April 22-23, 2022. The fun kicks off Friday with the Taco Tiki Throwdown, where you can indulge in ridiculously tasty tacos, tiki-style cocktails and some craft beer selections, too. The Great Tasting follows on Saturday featuring unlimited pours from over 100 breweries along with amazing culinary creations, the Motley Disco and other activities. greatvegasbeer.com

The first to launch in the Arts District was Hop Nuts Brewing on the north end in 2015. Boasting a huge bar top embedded with grains, you can enjoy numerous craft beers on tap, with most brewed in house like the Green Mamba Double IPA and Harry Porter. hopnutsbrewing. com

Able Baker Brewing was the first to open on the less-developed south end of Brewery Row, debuting in late 2019. Its name is derived from the first two atomic bombs detonated at the Nevada Test Site.

Manos and his team are behind some outstanding beers including their signature Atomic Duck West Coast IPA, served at Allegiant Stadium. In addition, this spring will see the arrival of three new releases: Pineapple KaPOW! POW!, “Quarantine Edition” Duck and 5 Pepper Porter. ablebakerbrewing. com

Between those two locations, CraftHaus Arts District also opened in late 2019. CHAD features 24 house-made beers that can be paired with a full Bavarian sausage menu. Plus, try their ChillHaus frozen beer slushies for an unexpected craft beer treat. crafthausbrewery.com

Today, Brewery Row is a vibrant, walkable area that includes eight breweries and three craft beer taprooms.

“It’s easily accessible from the Strip and offers a glimpse of a different side of Vegas, one with a ‘neighborhood’ feel that reflects Las Vegas’ artistry, community and history,” added Manos.