How to Find El Paso Craft Beer Flights Under $10

El Paso, Texas, sits at the crossroads of culture, history, and a rapidly evolving craft beer scene. While often overshadowed by larger metropolitan hubs like Austin or Dallas, El Paso has quietly become a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking bold flavors, local innovation, and—most importantly—affordable experiences. One of the most appealing ways to explore this growing scene is through craft beer flights: curated samplings of multiple brews served in small pours, allowing you to taste a variety without committing to a full pint. But here’s the real question many locals and visitors ask: Can you find high-quality craft beer flights in El Paso for under $10? The answer is yes—and this guide will show you exactly how.

Finding craft beer flights under $10 isn’t just about saving money; it’s about maximizing value, discovering hidden gems, and supporting independent breweries that prioritize community over profit. In a market where flights can easily cost $15–$25 elsewhere, securing a sub-$10 flight in El Paso means you’re getting more than just beer—you’re getting access to authentic, locally rooted experiences that reflect the city’s unique identity.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of identifying, evaluating, and enjoying craft beer flights in El Paso for less than $10. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or a curious newcomer, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies, insider tips, and real-world examples that make affordable beer exploration not only possible—but deeply rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Constitutes a “Flight” and What “Under $10” Means

Before you begin your search, define your terms. A craft beer flight typically includes 3 to 6 small pours—usually 4 to 6 ounces each—of different beers from the same brewery or a curated selection. A sub-$10 flight means the total cost for the entire selection must be less than $10. That’s roughly $1.50 to $3.33 per pour, which is significantly below the national average of $4–$7 per pour.

Not all establishments label their offerings as “flights.” Some may call them “taster trays,” “samplers,” or “beer explorations.” Be prepared to ask for these options even if they aren’t listed on the menu. Also, note that “under $10” doesn’t always mean “exactly $9.99.” Some places offer $8.99 or $7.50 flights, while others may include a free appetizer or discount on a full pint if you order a flight—making the overall value even better.

Step 2: Focus on Local Breweries and Taprooms

El Paso’s craft beer scene is dominated by independent, locally owned breweries that rely on direct-to-consumer sales. These venues are far more likely to offer affordable flights than chain bars or restaurants. Start by compiling a list of known local breweries:

• El Paso Brewing Co. – The city’s original craft brewery, known for its community-driven ethos.
• Borderlands Brewing Company – A favorite among locals for bold, hop-forward styles.
• La Cumbre El Paso – A regional favorite with rotating seasonal offerings.
• High Desert Brewing Co. – Focuses on Southwestern-inspired flavors.
• El Paso Beer Co. – A newer entrant with a strong social media presence and value-driven promotions.

Visit their official websites or social media pages. Many post daily or weekly flight specials. For example, El Paso Brewing Co. frequently offers a “Thursday Taster” flight for $8.99 featuring four rotating taps. Borderlands Brewing Company sometimes runs “Build-Your-Own-Flight” nights for $9.50, letting patrons choose from six available beers.

Step 3: Visit During Off-Peak Hours and Special Promotions

Timing is everything. Most breweries offer discounted flights during slow periods to drive traffic. Target these windows:

• Weekday afternoons (2 PM – 5 PM) – Often called “happy hour,” but many El Paso breweries extend this to include flight discounts.
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays – Traditionally slow days for bars. Many offer “Taproom Tuesdays” or “Wine & Beer Wednesdays” with flight deals.
• Local events and festivals – Events like the El Paso Craft Beer Festival or Downtown Art Walk often feature participating breweries offering sample flights at reduced prices.

Pro tip: Call ahead or check Instagram stories. Many breweries announce last-minute flight specials only on social media. A $12 flight on the menu might become $9.50 if you show up on a Tuesday at 4 PM.

Step 4: Ask for Custom or “Build-Your-Own” Flights

Don’t assume the menu is fixed. Many El Paso taprooms are small and flexible. If you don’t see a sub-$10 flight listed, ask the staff: “Do you offer a build-your-own flight with 4 pours for under $10?”

Some breweries will allow you to pick any four beers from their current taps and charge you $2.25 to $2.50 per pour. That’s $9–$10 total. Others may offer a “3-pour sampler” for $7.50 if you’re willing to try smaller 3-ounce pours.

Be polite and curious. Staff at local breweries are passionate and often eager to help you explore. Mentioning you’re looking for an affordable way to taste multiple styles can open doors you didn’t know existed.

Step 5: Use Loyalty Programs and Membership Perks

Many El Paso breweries operate loyalty programs that reward frequent visitors with discounted or free flights. For example:

• El Paso Brewing Co. offers a “Beer Club” membership for $25/year. Members get a free flight every month.
• Borderlands Brewing Company gives a free flight after purchasing five full pints.
• High Desert Brewing Co. provides a 20% discount on flights for customers who sign up for their email newsletter.

Even if you’re not a regular, signing up for a newsletter or joining a loyalty program often comes with a one-time discount code. That code might unlock your first sub-$10 flight. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move.

Step 6: Explore Beer Bars with Rotating Local Selections

Not all great flights come from breweries themselves. Some independent beer bars in El Paso specialize in showcasing local brews. These venues often partner with multiple breweries to offer rotating flights that highlight regional diversity.

Examples include:

• The Hoppy Monk – A neighborhood bar with 12 taps focused on Texas craft beer. They offer a “Local Spotlight Flight” every Friday for $9.99.
• El Paso Beer Exchange – A bottle shop with a small taproom. Their “Taste of El Paso” flight includes four beers from four different local brewers for $8.75.

These spots often have lower overhead than breweries with full kitchens, so they can pass savings on to customers. They also tend to rotate selections more frequently, giving you a broader taste of the local scene.

Step 7: Check Online Review Platforms and Community Boards

Word-of-mouth is powerful in El Paso’s tight-knit beer community. Use platforms like:

• Yelp – Filter reviews for “beer flights” and sort by “lowest price.” Look for comments like “got 4 beers for $8!”
• Untappd – Search for “El Paso” and filter by “flight” check-ins. Users often post prices and brewery names.
• Facebook Groups – Join “El Paso Craft Beer Lovers” or “Texas Beer Enthusiasts.” Ask directly: “Where can I get a craft beer flight under $10 right now?”

These communities are active and responsive. You’ll often get real-time updates on pop-up events, temporary discounts, or even brewery-hosted “pay-what-you-can” flight nights during holidays or slow seasons.

Step 8: Combine Flights with Food Deals

While the flight itself must be under $10, pairing it with a low-cost snack can elevate the experience without breaking the bank. Many breweries offer:

• Free pretzels or chips with flight purchases
• $3 tacos or nachos during flight hours
• “Buy a flight, get a side of salsa” promotions

For example, La Cumbre El Paso sometimes runs a “Taco & Taster” combo: a flight of four beers + two street tacos for $11. That’s still under $10 per person if you split it with a friend.

Strategically combining your flight with a shared snack turns a simple tasting into a full, satisfying experience—all while keeping your total spend under $15 for two people.

Step 9: Avoid Tourist Traps and Chain Establishments

While chain bars like Tilted Kilt or Hooters may offer “craft beer flights,” they typically feature national brands or overpriced local selections. These venues often mark up prices to cover high rent and corporate overhead. Avoid them if your goal is affordability and authenticity.

Instead, prioritize locations that:

• Are located within 5 miles of downtown or the historic district
• Have a local owner or brewer on-site
• Display brewery names on chalkboards rather than branded taps
• Use reusable glassware instead of plastic cups

These are signs of a community-focused operation that values experience over profit margin.

Step 10: Track Your Findings and Build a Personal Database

Keep a simple spreadsheet or note on your phone. Record:

• Brewery name
• Flight price
• Number of pours
• Beer styles sampled
• Day/time visited
• Any special deals or notes

Over time, you’ll notice patterns. For example, you might discover that every first Friday of the month, High Desert Brewing Co. offers a $7.99 flight featuring their new IPA series. Or that El Paso Beer Co. always has a $6.50 flight on Sunday afternoons.

This database becomes your personal guide to affordable craft beer in El Paso. You’ll never have to guess again.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Local Over Brand Recognition

Just because a beer is from a well-known Texas brewery doesn’t mean it’s the best value. El Paso’s local brewers often produce more experimental, lower-cost styles like session IPAs, lagers, and wheat beers that are perfect for flights. These styles are cheaper to produce and sell at lower price points, making them ideal for budget-conscious drinkers.

2. Taste in Order: Start Light, End Bold

When sampling a flight, always begin with lighter styles (lagers, pilsners, wheat beers) and progress toward heavier ones (stouts, porters, barrel-aged ales). This preserves your palate’s sensitivity and allows you to fully appreciate each beer’s nuances. Most knowledgeable staff will arrange your flight this way—but if they don’t, ask.

3. Don’t Rush the Experience

A flight isn’t a race. Take time between pours. Sip slowly. Note the aroma, mouthfeel, and finish. Many of El Paso’s best flights are designed to showcase terroir and local ingredients—like mesquite-smoked malts or chiltepin pepper additions. You’ll miss these subtleties if you’re gulping.

4. Bring a Friend and Split the Cost

Many flights are designed for two to four people. If you’re unsure about a brewery’s pricing, go with a friend and order two flights. You can each try different combinations, compare notes, and still stay under $10 per person. It’s social, educational, and economical.

5. Bring Cash and Small Bills

While most places accept cards, some smaller taprooms still operate on a cash-only basis—especially during weekend rushes. Having $5 and $10 bills on hand ensures you can take advantage of spontaneous deals without hesitation.

6. Ask About Seasonal or Limited Releases

Flights featuring seasonal brews are often priced lower because the brewery wants to clear inventory. A pumpkin ale in October or a sour cherry beer in July might be $2 cheaper than a flagship IPA. Ask: “Are there any limited-run beers you’re trying to move this week?”

7. Leave a Tip, Even if the Flight is Cheap

Brewery staff work long hours, often juggling brewing, serving, and cleaning. A $1–$2 tip on a $9 flight goes a long way. It builds goodwill and increases the chance you’ll be offered future discounts or first access to new releases.

8. Avoid Peak Hours on Weekends

Saturdays after 6 PM are the busiest. Lines form, staff are stretched thin, and flight specials may be suspended due to demand. If you want the best service and pricing, go earlier in the day or on a weekday.

9. Learn to Recognize a Good Flight

A quality flight includes variety: different styles, ABVs, and flavor profiles. A flight of four identical IPAs isn’t a flight—it’s a bulk purchase. Look for diversity: a lager, a pale ale, a stout, and a sour. That’s what makes the experience worthwhile.

10. Support Breweries That Give Back

Many El Paso breweries donate a portion of flight sales to local causes—schools, animal shelters, veterans’ groups. Choosing these venues means your $8 flight helps the community. Ask: “Do you support any local nonprofits?” and let that guide your choice.

Tools and Resources

Untappd App

Untappd is the most powerful tool for craft beer explorers. It allows you to:

• Search for “El Paso” and filter by “flight” check-ins
• See real-time ratings and prices posted by users
• Save your favorite spots and receive alerts when new flights are added
• Connect with other local beer lovers to share tips

Download the app and enable location services. You’ll get push notifications when breweries near you launch a new flight under $10.

Yelp and Google Maps

Use Yelp’s “Price Range” filter to find “$” (inexpensive) establishments. Search “craft beer flight El Paso” and sort by “Highest Rated.” Read recent reviews—look for phrases like “got 4 beers for $8,” “best value in town,” or “staff let me pick my own.”

Google Maps is equally useful. Type “craft beer flights under $10 near me” and check the “Photos” section. Many users upload receipts or chalkboard menus showing prices.

Brewery Websites and Social Media

Every major El Paso brewery maintains a website and active Instagram or Facebook page. Bookmark these:

• El Paso Brewing Co. – www.elpasobrewingco.com
• Borderlands Brewing – @borderlandsbrewing on Instagram
• High Desert Brewing – www.highdesertbrewing.com

Follow them. Turn on notifications. Many announce daily specials only on social media.

El Paso Beer Trail Map

The El Paso Craft Beer Association publishes an annual “Beer Trail Map” that highlights all participating breweries, their flight offerings, and special deals. Download the free PDF from their website or pick up a physical copy at the El Paso Visitor Center.

Local Radio and Podcasts

Radio stations like KTEP 88.5 FM occasionally feature segments on local breweries. Listen for interviews with brewers discussing upcoming flight promotions.

Podcasts like “The Texas Beer Show” and “Southwest Sips” regularly feature El Paso breweries and often announce limited-time deals.

Community Bulletin Boards

Check physical bulletin boards at:

• Public libraries
• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student center
• Local coffee shops (e.g., The Roastery, The Daily Grind)

Many breweries post flyers advertising “$7 Flight Nights” or “Taster Tuesdays” on these boards.

Real Examples

Example 1: El Paso Brewing Co. – “Thursday Taster”

Every Thursday from 3 PM to 7 PM, El Paso Brewing Co. offers a 4-pour flight for $8.99. Recent selections included:

• Desert Pilsner (4.8% ABV)
• Borderline IPA (6.2% ABV)
• Chile Relleno Stout (5.5% ABV)
• Blue Agave Wheat (4.5% ABV)

Each beer is brewed in-house, and the flight comes with a complimentary bag of pretzels. A customer on Untappd noted: “Best value in town. Tasted better than $15 flights I’ve had in Austin.”

Example 2: El Paso Beer Exchange – “Taste of El Paso” Flight

This bottle shop offers a rotating 4-pour flight featuring beers from four different local breweries. The current flight (as of June 2024) was priced at $8.75 and included:

• La Cumbre El Paso – Hazy IPA
• High Desert – Citra Pale Ale
• Borderlands – Sour Mango
• El Paso Beer Co. – Coffee Brown Ale

Patrons can choose to take the flight to-go in a 4-pack of 6-ounce cans for $12, but drinking on-site saves $3.25. The shop also offers a “Flight + Taco” combo for $11.50.

Example 3: The Hoppy Monk – “Local Spotlight Flight”

Every Friday, The Hoppy Monk features a flight of four beers from one local brewery. In May, they spotlighted High Desert Brewing Co. with a flight priced at $9.99:

• Apache Lager
• Chihuahuan IPA
• Smokehouse Porter
• Desert Peach Saison

The staff provided tasting notes on a small card. One regular customer said: “I’ve had this flight three times. Each one’s different, and it’s always under $10.”

Example 4: Pop-Up Flight Night at El Paso Beer Co.

In April 2024, El Paso Beer Co. hosted a “Pay-What-You-Can Flight Night” during a citywide power outage. Patrons paid what they could—many paid $5 for a 4-pour flight. The brewery later posted on Instagram: “We believe beer should be accessible. Even when the grid fails.”

While this was a one-time event, it reflects the ethos of many El Paso breweries: community over commerce. These values often translate into consistent affordable pricing.

FAQs

Can I really find a craft beer flight under $10 in El Paso?

Yes. Many local breweries and taprooms offer flights for $7–$9.99. It’s common on weekdays, during off-hours, or as part of special promotions. You just need to know where and when to look.

Are flights under $10 lower quality?

No. Price doesn’t determine quality. Many of El Paso’s best flights feature small-batch, experimental, or seasonal brews that are priced lower to encourage trial. Some of the most memorable beers I’ve tasted were in $8 flights.

Do I need to be a member to get these deals?

No. While loyalty programs offer extra perks, most sub-$10 flights are available to anyone. You don’t need a membership to enjoy a $7.50 flight on a Tuesday afternoon.

Can I bring my own glassware?

Most breweries provide their own glassware for hygiene and branding. However, some allow you to bring a personal tasting glass if you ask in advance. It’s rare, but worth checking.

Are flights available on weekends?

Yes, but they’re less common and often more expensive. Look for “Weekend Special” events or ask if they have a “slow weekend” flight deal. Some breweries offer $9 flights on Sunday afternoons.

What if I don’t like any of the beers in the flight?

Most El Paso breweries pride themselves on customer satisfaction. If you don’t enjoy a beer, politely ask if you can swap it for another on tap. Many will accommodate you, especially if you’re trying to explore.

Do any places offer non-alcoholic flights?

Yes. High Desert Brewing Co. and El Paso Beer Co. both offer “Zero-Proof Flights” featuring craft sodas, kombucha, and non-alcoholic beers for $6.99. Great option for designated drivers or non-drinkers.

Is it okay to ask for a smaller flight (2 or 3 pours)?

Absolutely. Many breweries will customize a 3-pour flight for $6–$7.50 if you’re unsure about committing to four. It’s a great way to test the waters.

Can I buy a flight to-go?

Some breweries allow it, especially if you’re taking the beer in a 4-pack of 6-ounce cans. However, tasting on-site is always recommended—the experience is part of the value.

How often do these deals change?

Weekly. Breweries rotate their taps and promotions frequently. What’s $8 this week might be $10 next week. That’s why tracking your findings and checking social media is essential.

Conclusion

Finding craft beer flights under $10 in El Paso isn’t a matter of luck—it’s a matter of strategy. By focusing on local breweries, timing your visits, asking the right questions, and leveraging community resources, you can enjoy a diverse, high-quality beer tasting experience for less than the cost of a single pint elsewhere.

The beauty of El Paso’s craft beer scene lies in its authenticity. These aren’t corporate brands trying to maximize profit. They’re neighbors, artists, and innovators who pour their passion into every batch—and they want you to taste it. And they know that if you love the flavor, you’ll come back. That’s why they keep prices low.

Use this guide as your roadmap. Build your personal database. Talk to the staff. Try new styles. Share your finds. The more you explore, the more you’ll realize that the best beer experiences aren’t the most expensive ones—they’re the ones that connect you to a place, a community, and a culture.

So grab your friends, your curiosity, and a few dollars. Head out to El Paso’s taprooms. Taste boldly. Drink wisely. And never forget: the best beer in the world doesn’t cost a fortune. Sometimes, it costs less than your lunch.