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Barley's brewmaster, Bubba, shows off his crop of beers.
The Beer Issue
Barley’s Brewery
4500 E. Sunset Road, 458-2739, wildfire.sclv.com/barleys.
Backstory: The Henderson brewery opened in 1996 at Green Valley’s vibrant Town Center, aiming to provide a mix of dining, gaming and entertainment. While many neighboring businesses were forced to close, Barley’s has remained a Hendo staple ever since the first pull of the tap.
Signature brew: Red Rock Oktoberfest Lager
Experience it: Wash down a slice of wood-fired pizza with a pint at the brewpub, or take a growler to go. Barley’s beer is also available at Wildfire Gaming properties and Fiesta Henderson.
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Big Dog's originally opened as the Holy Cow! Brewing Company.
Big Dog’s Brewing Company
Draft House, 4543 N. Rancho Drive, 645-1404; Big Dog’s Cafe and Casino, 6390 W. Sahara Ave., 876-3647; bigdogsbrews.com.
Backstory: First opened as Holy Cow! Brewing Company in 1993, the brewery changed its name to Big Dog’s a decade later when it moved to its current Draft House location. The Wisconsin-themed bar was founded by ex-Badgers football player—and prominent local political figure—Tom Wiesner, and the staff even makes an annual pilgrimage back to America’s Dairyland to “keep it real,” as brewmaster Robert Snyder says.
Brewer’s pick: Red Hydrant Ale
Experience it: With an order of cheese curds at the brewpub. Growlers are available to take home, and Big Dog’s beer can also be found all over town (in the bottle and on draft). Among its distributors: Whole Foods, Total Wine, Public House (Venetian), Holstein’s and various Terrible Herbst stations.
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Boulder Dam Brewing is the only brewery in Boulder City.
Boulder Dam Brewing
453 Nevada Way, Boulder City, 243-2739, boulderdambrewing.com.
Backstory: Boulder City’s brewery opened in 2007 after brewer Todd Cook relocated from Seattle with the explicit intention of opening a brewery.
Brewer’s pick: Hell’s Hole Hefeweizen
Experience it: At the brewpub, while listening to a local band. Growlers are also available to take home.
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The suburban Chicago Brewing Co. also has a brewpub Downtown in the Four Queens.
Chicago Brewing Co.
2201 S. Fort Apache Road, 254-3333.
Backstory: Themed venues were all the rage in the late ’90s, and this brewery and restaurant aimed to fill the Windy City void when it opened in 2000.
Brewer’s pick: Brewer David Pascual couldn’t pick just one. “They’re like my children,” he says.
Experience it: At the brewery or Downtown at Binion’s and its Four Queens brewpub. Growlers are also available to take home.
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Ellis Island's beers can also be found on tap at the valley's Village Pubs and at select Metro Pizza locations.
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
4178 Koval Lane, 733-8901, ellisislandcasino.com.
Backstory: Owner Gary Ellis dreamed of opening a brewery to offer high-quality handcrafted beers. The brewery opened in 1998 and is still family-owned.
Signature brew: Ellis Island Light
Experience it: At the brewery/casino—you’ll need some liquid courage come karaoke time. Ellis Island beer is also available at the Village Pubs and various Metro Pizza locations.
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Hop Box is one of Joseph James' signature brews.
Joseph James Brewing Co.
155 N. Gibson Road, 454-2739, foxbrews.com.
Backstory: The production brewery opened in 2008 with the idea that “beer is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all,” says owner Matt Lisowski.
Signature brew: Red Fox Russian Imperial Stout
Experience it: Joseph James can be found in the bottle and on tap around town, including at Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits, Lee’s, Aces & Ales and Hi Scores. Brewery tours are held the third Saturday of each month.
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Pints Brewery and Sports Bar is the only brewery in Laughlin.
Pints Brewery & Sports Bar
Colorado Belle Casino, 2100 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, 298-4000, coloradobelle.com.
Backstory: The Colorado Belle opened the Boiler Room brewery in 1997. It’s still the only brewery in Laughlin, though its name changed to Pints when it was rebranded as a sports bar.
Signature brew: Pints Premium Golden Ale
Experience it: At the brewery while getting your ESPN fix. Growlers are also available.
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Sin City Brewing has opened three bars on the Strip, serving tourists and locals alike.
Sin City Brewing
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood; Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian; the Flamingo, sincitybeer.com.
Backstory: When brewer and Bay Area transplant Richard Johnson arrived in town, he noticed a lack of craft beer on the Strip. Sin City opened its first bar in 2005, giving tourists and locals an alternative to the tacky yard-long cocktail.
Brewer’s pick: Sin City Stout
Experience it: Sin City doesn’t distribute, so try a pint next time your friends drag you out for a night on the Strip. Vegas, baby!
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The Hop Ride IPA is Tenaya Creek's signature brew.
Tenaya Creek Brewery
3101 N. Tenaya Way, 362-7335, tenayacreek.com.
Backstory: Brewer Tim Etter left his job at Uinta in Utah with the intention of opening a brewery in Las Vegas. The family-owned operation opened in 1999 and began bottling in 2010.
Signature brew: Hop Ride IPA
Experience it: At the brewpub, where growlers are available along with freshly pulled pints. Tenaya is widely distributed locally, including at Albertson’s, Lee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and the El Cortez.
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Triple 7 opened in 1996 at Downtown's Main Street Station.
Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery
Main Street Station, 387-1896, mainstreetcasino.com.
Backstory: Main Street Station reopened in 1996 with a new brewery to entice locals and tourists. It’s been doing just that ever since.
Signature brew: High Roller Golden Ale
Experience it: At the brewery, and be sure to order some wings. Triple 7 beers can also be found at the main casino bar and buffet.
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