BREWING
Changing Things Up
State 48 keeps things fresh at new Norterra Rock House By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
S
tate 48 likes to keep things fresh. In Downtown Phoenix, State 48 Brewery caters to the concert crowd from The Van Buren and Crescent Ballroom when there’s not a pandemic. The location also brews its flagship, year-round offerings, such as the Sound of Freedom IPA, Javelina Hefeweizen, Lost Dutchman Golden Ale, Copper Star Kolsch and Vortex Amber. State 48 Lager House in Scottsdale has the chain’s biggest brewing system, a full-service restaurant, a second-level mezzanine, a din-
ing patio and second-level patio that overlooks the McDowell Mountains. The original location, State 48 Brewery in Surprise, features a 10-barrel system where it brews seasonal and specialty beers. It has a full kitchen as well as a wood-fired pizza oven featuring Neapolitan-style pizza. There’s a dog-friendly patio with games such as cornhole and giant Jenga and Connect 4. At Westgate, it’s all about entertainment, where State 48 Funk House boasts 12 lanes of bowling, two pool tables and a shuffleboard table. Its 20-barrel system will eventually
Graffiti adorns the walls of State 48 Brewery’s Rock House in Norterra. (Photos by Pablo Robles)
brew sours and other mixed fermentation beers. “We create a wonderful, good vibe and a great craft beer to keep them coming back for more,” says Greg Emmett, State 48 Rock House’s general manager. “We have excellent service.” So, expectations were high when State 48 Rock House opened in Norterra. A stage overlooks the room that is adorned with graffiti art of a drum kit, the restaurant’s logo and a peace sign. “I come from a background where details matter,” Emmett says. “We do it well, and the guests know that. We wanted to create a fun environment with music, burgers and beer.” “Fun” is in the menu as well. Starters range from Disco Fries—French fries covered in beer cheese, brown ale gravy, pork carnitas, pepperoncini and green onion ($11)—to Totchos—tater tots smothered in beer cheese, pickled jalapenos, pico de gallo, bacon, black beans and green onions ($12). Salmon salad with grilled salmon, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, carrots, feta, avocado and basil vinaigrette ($15) and roasted beet with braised red and gold beets, orange supremes, goat cheese, pistachios, arugula, basil vinaigrette and balsamic reduction ($9) are among the creative salad dishes. Sandwiches include hot chicken with buttermilk-battered chicken breast, spicy oil, State 48 Rock House’s lobby is warm and inviting.
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85085 | AUGUST 2020
