Tasty Oktoberfest: 10 places for soft pretzels (and a beer) around Phoenix
Oktoberfest season is underway, which means the cravings for frosty pints of ales and lagers, and warm, soft, salty pretzels are in full force.
From breweries to a food truck, these 10 spots make soft pretzels in all shapes and sizes.
Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen
These pretzel bites ($8) are thick, just-the-right-size nuggets served with the brewery’s Biltmore Blonde cheese fondue and house-made Ironwood Porter mustard. In addition to coarse salt, a sprinkle of caraway seeds adds an earthy and sweet hint.
Details: 5813 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-313-8713, centralkitchenaz.com.
Two Brothers Tap House and Brewery
An organic pretzel crafted with the house Domaine DuPage French country ale is the heart of the signature beer brezen ($8). It’s served with stone-ground mustard made with Cane and Ebel red rye ale, and beer cheese sauce made with the Sidekick extra-pale ale.
Details: 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-378-3001, twobrothersbrewing.com.
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DeSoto Central Market
At the Burger Joint, a hefty pretzel bun keeps everything together in the bison burger ($14). The patty is dressed with sweet and sour tomato jam, avocado, peppercress and a gooey fried egg.
Details: 915 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-551-6832, desotocentralmarket.com.
Brat Haus
Pretzel dilemma: Go for the simple and classic original ($5), or get it with a side of warm beer cheese fondue ($6)? For a crowd, order the Giant Pretzel ($20), which serves six to eight.
Details: 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-947-4006, brathausaz.com.
Mustache Pretzels
This fun food truck offers four varieties of soft, mustache-shaped pretzels: Original, ($3.75); garlic Parmesan ($4); cinnamon sugar ($4); and the Nutstache ($4.25), drizzled with salted caramel and topped with a nutty mix of peanuts, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts. Dips include honey mustard, marinara, cream cheese, queso, Nutella and cilanktro hot sauce.
Details: mustachepretzels.com.
Proof Canteen
With a golden buttery, salty exterior and soft center, the pretzel knots ($5 for three, $7 for five) have developed a following. For a kick, try them with the spicy cheese sauce on the side.
Details: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive. 480-513-5085, proofcanteen.com.
Handlebar Tempe
The fresh pretzel rods are served with stone-ground spicy mustard and beer cheese or buffalo beer cheese ($7). Order the C.B.P. ($10) and you'll get three pretzels stuffed with chicken, bacon and Cheddar, topped with tomato basil aioli spread, and served with beer cheese or buffalo beer cheese. There's also a dessert pretzel ($5), served with cinnamon marshmallow glaze and dipping sauce.
Details: 680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-474-4888, handlebaraz.com.
Haus Murphy’s
The Original Oktoberfest Pretzel ($8.95) is a giant import from Germany that is great for sharing. It’s served with homemade horseradish mustard and butter. Add a side of Haus cheese spread for $2.50.
Details: 5739 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 623-939-2480, hausmurphys.com.
SanTan Brewing Company
There's no shortage of beer here to go with the huge Soft Pub Pretzels ($7.75), which are sprinkled with salt and served with sides of beer cheese and beer mustard.
Details: 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. 480-917-8700, santanbrewing.com.
Dubina Brewing Co.
Take your pick of deli mustard or beer cheese to pair with the brewery's hand-twisted pretzel ($5 for one, $8 for two). Can’t decide? Get both mustard and cheese for 50 cents more.
Details: 17035 N. 67th Ave., Glendale. 623-412-7770, dubinabrewing.com.
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