It’s July in Tucson, and HOT. So Neighbors Ron and Elaine along with Ms. Karen and myself, took off for Sonoita, an hour southeast and 10 degrees cooler. Sonoita is a crossroads to Patagonia, Tombstone, Wineries and Parker Canyon Lake. There has not been much else there for years except The Cafe and the Steak Out Restaurant, a gas station and a convenience store. In comes the Copper Brothel Brewery. We believe it opened shortly before the Pandemic hit town. On this day, we stopped at the Copper Brothel Brewery for lunch and libations. It was just after 11 AM and the parking lot was filling up.

Once inside, the place looked BIG , with high ceilings and lots of space. Most of the seating area was filled with highbar chairs. It had ample patio seating in the back and a grassy area behind that. Ms. Karen asked if it was for a putting green, but our waitress told her it was for a new stage. Music? Comedy? Karaoke?

Both couples ordered a flight of beers to share. For our four selections ($13) Ms. Karen and I ordered Rosie’s red Kolash, Gringa Starr Mexican Cream Ale, Hazel DIPA, and Mark Smash Stache. Our waitress, Taryn, soon returned with our beers and took our lunch orders.

Ms. Karen ordered the Chile Relleno Plate with Black Beans ($13.74). I ordered the Fish and Chips with French Fries ($17.74). Ron and Elaine ordered a Cobb Salad to share. Of our four select beers, Ms. Karen and I both preferred the Mexican Cream Ale and so ordered a glass with our lunch.

When Taryn returned with our food, Elaine asked her where the beer is made. She pointed to the area behind the big brick wall which was behind the bar. “The vats are behind that wall,” she said. “You can see them there if you wish.” So we made a mental note to stop and look on our way out.

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Ron and Elaine’s Cobb Salad

After our meals, I asked Ron what he thought of Copper Brothel. He said the salad was OK, you can’t screw up a salad. In one out of 10, the beers were an eight. He agreed with Ms. Karen when she noted that whoever owns this place has money behind them, so fine was this establishment.

Ms. Karen’s Chili Relleno

I asked Ms. Karen the same question and she answered that the Chile Relleno was supposed to be crispy, which was what intrigued her, but after they poured sauce on the Chile parts, it became soft. The sauce was very good. The black beans were also tasty. The rice was, well rice.

Jim’s Fish & Chips

My Fish and Chips were quite good, tender fish covered with a light batter. The French Fries was good as well. The coleslaw was just okay.

According to the Copper Brothel Brewery website: ” In July 2014 over a jar of moonshine and some inebriated banter, our family discussed opening a brewery in Southern Arizona’s wine country. We talked about the Copper State’s history, the large unspoken contribution women played in building the Wild West, and how we can pay homage to the world’s oldest profession through craft beer.” All that may be true, but these folks put some serious money into this place. It is very nice, with high ceilings, spacious main room, ample patio with an upper deck, and substantial brewing equipment in the back room.

Brewery vats in the back room.

Do we recommend Copper Brothel Brewery? Indeed we do. Three and a half Saguaros. The service was very good, the prices higher than you would expect, but this is way out in Sonoita. Nonetheless they were doing a bang-up business when we went during that brief break in the pandemic. For a second opinion by a Sonoita local, Click HERE.

Copper Brothel Brewery

HOURS: Closed Monday
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
520-405-6721
3112 AZ Highway 83
Sonoita, AZ 85637