It is evident that there is a growing trend amongst craft beers. In fact, in the past five years the number of breweries in the U.S. have more than double! [1] Even with their popularity on the rise, they’re not readily available due to the nature of the business. Usually restaurants and bars prefer to sell well established beer brands that will be easy to sell to patrons. And the selective distribution chains may also be a contributing factor, this is especially true in small towns like ours. Luckily, we actually do have a few options in town where you can find and try some tasty craft beers. Remember that craft beers are no longer just for hipsters or the self-called beer connesiouers. Here’s a compiled list of places you can visit in Madera to satisfy your craft beer needs.
1. The Tap House
175 N Schnoor St #101, Madera, CA 93637
When it comes to craft beers in Madera, The Tap House is easily one of my favorite go to places. It is relatively a new place, it opened sometime back in 2017. They have several well-known beers and craft beers as part of their “permanent” beer menu, but in addition to that they have a rotating tap that changes frequently. Every time I go, I always like to try something new. During my last visit I tried the Green Flash (Passion Fruit Kicker Wheat) which I enjoyed every single drop of it! The only thing I wish they could do better is their food, they got some work to do in that area. Let’s just say I have only eaten there twice and both times the food tasted like microwaved food, very bland. I am hopeful that they’ll work on that in the foreseeable future.
As far as location goes, I feel it’s a little out of place, it’s next to the Home Depot shopping center. I really can envision a place like this in a revitalized downtown Madera! I actually like the interior. It has a great atmosphere due to its wonderful decor and well thought out design. Across the ceiling, empty wine bottles give it that extra cool factor. It is on the smaller side when it comes to square footage, but it’s probably one of those things were starting small makes sense. They have large TV’s indoors where sports are typically broadcasted. As an added bonus it has a nice little outside patio for those who enjoy a drink accompanied by a fresh breeze when the weather permits. The times that I have been there, the staff has been friendly and attentive. Overall, it is definitely a good place to go and have conversations with your friends or family while you enjoy a refreshing craft beer. It has been a great addition to Madera.
2. Backstreet Bar & Grill
930 Howard Rd, Madera, CA 93637
Backstreet Bar & Grill has been in business for years, though recently it had a major facelift. The first time I stepped in after the remodel I felt confused, in a way paralyzed, the change was that drastic! It went from looking like an old basement somewhere in Kansas, to a modern looking bar with lots of colorful neon lights, a large TV, and with the addition of great craft beer to their taps. After the remodel, the only thing that remained the same were the bar stools and tables, which quite frankly require a little love, but I’m guessing it’s a matter of incremental improvements. Perhaps they will be upgraded soon so don’t let that discourage you.
Towards the end of the bar, there’s also a pool table for those who enjoy to play. They also have modern state-of-the-art jukebox that has a vast number of greats song to choose from. Sometimes it’ll play country music, other times the latest hip hop hits, and other times some Spanish folk songs. You can actually add songs to the jukebox queue from your own phone using an app, for a couple bucks of course. It does get a little loud during weekend nights, so probably not the best place to have a peaceful conversation. During earlier hours they do sell food, however, I can’t really say much about it since I have never been there early enough to order any! You’ll just have to rely on Yelp to get their food reviews.
I must say that the craft beer selection offered at Backstreet is pretty good. As usual, they have big name brand beers and a few craft beers that I always see in their artsy chalkboard. They seem to refresh their craft beer menu occasionally, so that’s exciting. During a recent visit, I had one from the Elysian Brewing, I can’t recall the name of it, but it tasted like cinnamon pumpkin. I really recommend this place if you want to try some delicious craft beer and perhaps party a little.
3. Grocery Stores that Carry Craft Beers
If it’s one of those days that you’re not in the mood to drink around many people and would rather just skip the social atmosphere, you’re in luck too. You can enjoy some craft beers at the comfort of your own home after picking up a few from the chilled shelves at Pak’n Save or any of the two Save Mart super markets in town. They have a decent selection of craft beer to choose from. Here are the grocery stores that are known to carry craft beer in Madera:
Pak’ n Save
2237 W Cleveland Ave, Madera, CA 93637
Save Mart
1504 Howard Rd, Madera, CA 93637
Save Mart
1143 Country Club Dr, Madera, CA 93638
Additional Remarks
As an aside we actually have a local brewery in town called Riley’s Brewing, though I’m not sure if you can actually visit to drink there. I have seen their beers offered at places like Backstreet Bar and Grill and throughout the central valley. I actually have tried their Sancha beer (the “mistress” in English) on many occasions, it’s a blonde ale that is brewed with real honey according to them, it’s actually pretty good.
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