All posts by MadiMooney

Meet the Stars of the 2026 Pluto Pub Crawl

The 2026 Pluto Pub Crawl is set to take place in downtown Flagstaff on Friday, February 13, from 6pm to 9pm — but don’t worry, the only thing ominous about this night is how good the drinks will be! Grab exclusive Lowell swag, chat with astronomers and science communicators, and explore some of our cozy mountain town’s finest breweries and bars on a route shaped like the Pluto symbol. 

Read on to discover each participating stop and their limited-time Pluto Pub Crawl special. 

Psst — download a printable pdf of this year’s map here!

💖 Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Dark Sky Brewing Co., located in the heart of Flagstaff, AZ, is a craft brewery known for its adventurous and ever-changing beer lineup. Since opening in 2014, Dark Sky Brewing has become a local favorite, offering a cozy taproom, a lively beer garden, and a rotating selection of small-batch brews.

• Pluto Paloma: Peach Street Distillers Agave, Squirt soda, lime, and a dinosaur gummy. One sip will have you on cloud (or should we say planet?) nine! 

💖 Hops on Birch

Nestled in Flagstaff’s historic downtown area, Hops on Birch was founded in 2012. It was opened with a big vision in mind: to offer some of the best craft beer, wine and service in Arizona. Hops offers unique beers from breweries from across Arizona and the US. They have also always been known for being extremely dog friendly and having a beautiful patio.

• Still A Planet Lager: A clean, crisp and exceedingly drinkable, refreshing lager. Perfect for those long trips towards heliopause.
• Cold & Distant Marg: An agave wine-based strawberry lime margarita with a splash of sprite. This slow sipper works well during Pluto’s 248 year orbit in the Kuiper Belt.

💖 Oeno Wine Lounge (First-Time Participant!) 

Oeno (pronounced ee-no) Wine Lounge is making their debut on the pub crawl route this year! This cozy downtown space features a thoughtfully curated menu of wines from around the world. With a focus on small producers and distinctive flavor profiles, Oeno offers a welcoming space for both casual sipping and deeper exploration of wine. 

• Pomegranate Sangria: Feel like the Queen of the Underworld herself as you sip this deliciously fruity twist on a classic sangria. Pluto approves. 

💖 Drinking Horn Meadery

Created in small batches using the best ingredients and natural processes, Drinking Horn’s authentic recipes strive to get back to the roots of one of human kind’s earliest libations. Stop by to sample their assortment of flavored meads and mead-based cocktails!

• Slepnir Fossa mead cocktail: This nod to both Odin’s noble steed and a region on Pluto’s surface features Unicorn Blood Mead on the bottom, a floater of Bluetooth Mead on top, and a Pop Rock rim. 

💖 Lumberyard Brewing Co. 

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s Lumber era,  Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award winning beers since 2010. With a full menu, large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events, Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone.

• Pluto Yard Jar: Blue Curacao, peach schnapps, lime juice, grenadine, Starry Lemon Lime soda, and finished off with a sugared rim! 
• Pluto Burger: Aa 1/3 lb fresh Burger patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, crispy jalapeños, and moon cheese aioli, dusted with jalapeño Cheeto crumbs, lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted Brioche Bun. Comes with your choice of side!

💖 Lobo Drinkhouse (First-Time Participant!)

Opened in November 2025, newcomer Lobo Drinkhouse offers a menu that blends classic cocktails and creative house specialties, emphasizing quality spirits and thoughtful craftsmanship. Its laid-back speakeasy vibe and creative cocktails are sure to bring a new edge to Flagstaff nightlife! 

• Pluto’s Plight cocktail: This sophisticated homage to our favorite dwarf planet is made with gunpowder gin, white strawberry, a citrus blend, guava, and kumquat! Lobo will also be offering a shot and a cider with the same flavor profile. 

💖 Historic Barrel + Bottle House

This inviting taproom offers a rotating selection of expertly brewed beers, handcrafted cocktails, and a delicious menu of elevated pub fare. With its rustic-chic ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends and enjoy some of the best drinks in town.

• Space Mule: Prickly Pear Vodka, lime, mint, and a splash Blueberry Spaceship box from Superstition Meadery.
• Mission to Märzen beer: A bottom-fermented, amber-colored lager that originated in Bavaria, Germany.
• Space Balls: The best fried cheese curds on this side of the Milky Way!

💖 Mother Road Brewing Co. 

Mother Road Brewing Co. is a beloved Flagstaff brewery inspired by the spirit of adventure and the historic Route 66. This community-focused brewery offers a welcoming taproom, delicious craft brews, and a laid-back vibe. As one of our most loyal community partners, Mother Road has produced an original custom craft beer for every year of the I Heart Pluto Festival since the very first one in 2020!

• Limited Edition I Heart Pluto Beer — To be revealed at Mother Road on Feb. 12!

💖 Alpine Pizza (First-Time Participant!)

This local pizzeria is known for its hearty New York-style pizza and casual, smalltown feel. Known for serving some of the highest-altitude pizza in the state, the menu features hearty pies like the “Shredder” and “Whiteout,” alongside smashburgers and local craft beers.

Black Hole Old Fashioned: A classic Old-Fashioned, but with an edible black shimmer! Pair with a discounted pepperoni pizza slice!

With the I Heart Pluto Festival just one week away, we’re getting hyped for all the special events and activities that will be happening both on and off our Mars Hill campus! On the evening before the festival’s official start on Saturday, February 17, the Pluto Pub Crawl will take place in Flagstaff’s historic downtown; a place overflowing with variety, culture, and some of the best breweries and restaurants on this side of the Mississippi. It all starts at 6pm, and goes until last call!

You can download a map here, or collect one from any of the participating locations along the path of the Pub Crawl. You may notice that the route makes an interesting shape — it’s the planetary symbol for Pluto! Read on to learn more about the Crawl and the locations you’ll discover on the way. The locations are listed in no particular order; you can tackle the map in any way you choose!

❤︎ Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet we can see from our backyard. Dark Sky Brewing Co.’s micro-brewery size allows them the freedom to brew everything from traditional recipes to experimentally fun brews with exotic ingredients. In honor of the 93rd anniversary of Pluto’s discovery, DSB will be renaming one of their classic brews to ‘Pluto Paloma,’ and it will be available for the whole month of February! DSB is listed as the first stop on the Pluto Pub Crawl.

❤︎ Hops On Birch

Nestled in Flagstaff’s historic downtown area, Hops on Birch was founded in 2012. It was opened with a big vision in mind: to offer some of the best craft beer, wine and service in Arizona. Hops offers unique beers from breweries from across Arizona and the US. They have also always been known for being extremely dog friendly and having a beautiful patio. Hops of Birch will be offering a special Pluto brew during the festival. Stop by to taste it for yourself!

❤︎ Rendezvous at the Monte Vista Hotel

Opened in 2003 with the intention of creating a special meeting place for community members and tourists to come together, the Rendezvous at Monte Vista is the perfect space to gather for everything from work and study to friends and date nights. They serve locally roasted, artisanal coffee from their state-of-the-art espresso machine, as well as craft cocktails from a seasonal menu featuring house-made bitters, syrups, juices and liquor infusions, expertly curated by their creative staff of bartenders and baristas. The Rendezvous also offers a thoroughly deluxe selection of spirits as well as a rotating draught system featuring several local brews. Stop by for a special Pluto cocktail during the Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Drinking Horn Mead Hall

Drinking Horn mead is inspired by a desire to live, and drink more simply and environmentally responsibly. Created in small batches using the best ingredients and natural processes, Drinking Horn’s authentic recipes strive to get back to the roots of one of human kind’s earliest libations. On the evening of February 17, this cozy, laid-back venue fit for a viking’s feast will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl. Stop by to sample their assortment of flavored meads and mead-based cocktails!

❤︎ Lumberyard Brewing Co.

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s Lumber era, Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning beers for people who love to drink it since 2010. With a full menu, large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events, Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone. At the ‘Yard, it’s not just about the attitude, it’s all about the altitude. Be sure to stop in and ask for the Pluto Special.

❤︎ The Annex

The Annex is, hands down, Northern Arizona’s premier cocktail lounge. Their expert cocktail leadership collaborates with their top-notch bartenders every season to create cocktails unlike any you’ve experienced before — it’s art, in a glass! Try out their special Pluto cocktail, available this month only.

❤︎ Historic Brewing Co.

Historic Brewing Company brews up craft beer and awesomeness, both at their Historic Taproom production facility on the east side of Flagstaff and their downtown Historic Barrel + Bottle House location downtown. On FebruaryDuring the festival, Historic will offer a “Pluto Sky” blueberry sour, Pluto cocktail, and 10% discount with Lowell GA Pass at the Barrel + Bottle House during the Pub Crawl.

❤︎ NiMarco’s Pizza

NiMarco’s is Flagstaff’s hometown pizzeria, and it won Best of Flag’s Best Pizza award in 2022. Their original store is located downtown, just south of the tracks on Beaver Street. Their second location is right at the entrance of NAU on Milton Road, and their brand new third location is located on the east side of town on the corner of Kaspar Drive and historic Route 66. Stop by for a bite to help you refuel!

❤︎ Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s third-largest independent craft brewer. Founded in 2011, their mission is to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. Mother Road will unveil yet another limited-edition Pluto-themed beer for the festival, which will be unveiled at the Cheers to Pluto! Beer Unveiling and Astronomy on Tap event on the evening of February 16. During the Pub Crawl, come by to try their special Pluto-themed beer.

❤︎ Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Flagstaff Brewing Company was opened in July of 1994 with the mission to provide craft-brewed beer and a robust whiskey selection to a thirsty mountain town. Aiming to further the ambiance of great brewpubs, Flagbrew (as the locals like to call it), provides a casual and friendly atmosphere, which anyone should expect from a genuine brewpub. Swing by to try their special Pluto cocktail!

The only thing we love more than Pluto here on Mars Hill is our incredible Flagstaff community! This year, the I Heart Pluto Festival is being supported by a group of integral players in Flagstaff’s food, drink, and entertainment scenes. Read on to learn what our stellar sponsors are bringing to the table (besides their love for Pluto, of course!).

 ❤︎ Drinking Horn Mead Hall

Drinking Horn mead is inspired by a desire to live, and drink more simply and environmentally responsibly. Created in small batches using the best ingredients and natural processes, Drinking Horn’s authentic recipes strive to get back to the roots of one of human kind’s earliest libations. On the evening of February 17, this cozy, laid-back venue fit for a viking’s feast will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl. Stop by to sample their assortment of flavored meads and mead-based cocktails!

❤︎ FlagTag AZ

Eat and play at 7k! If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family, FlagTag AZ is the place. They offer laser tag in a multi-storied arena, axe-throwing, a pizza cafe, and more. FlagTag AZ will be at the Night of Discovery event at the Orpheum Theater on February 19, offering complimentary axe-throwing to Pluto lovers before the show begins.

❤︎ Single Speed Coffee Roasters

Single Speed Coffee Roasters is a family-owned micro roastery, where they care about loving people… with good coffee! Single Speed will have a booth set up at Lowell Observatory to serve up fresh-brewed coffee all day, every day from Feb 18-20 (all three days of the festival!).

❤︎ Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet we can see from our backyard. Dark Sky Brewing Co.’s micro-brewery size allows them the freedom to brew everything from traditional recipes to experimentally fun brews with exotic ingredients. In honor of the 93rd anniversary of Pluto’s discovery, DSB will be renaming one of their classic brews to ‘Pluto Paloma,’ and it will be available for the whole month of February!

❤︎ Diablo Burger

Diablo burger is an Arizona local foods-based burger joint. All of their burgers are made from 100% local, grass-fed, open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth-hormone-free beef from the ranches of the Diablo trust, whose award-winning land stewardship produces burgers that allow us them to say, “this is landscape-scale conservation that you can taste.”

❤︎ Pizzicletta

Local favorite Pizzicletta has been serving up traditional Neapolitan pizza in Flagstaff since 2011. Located in the heart of our historic downtown area, it’s a perfect stop during a night out on the town or for dinner with the family!

❤︎ Steep Tea Lounge

Located just across the street from Heritage Square, Steep Tea Lounge offers a selection of fresh iced and hot teas by the cup. Kick back and relax in Steep’s cozy cafe atmosphere, or browse their collection of loose leaf teas, teawares, pottery, fine art, and other unique gifts. During the month of February, Steep will offer a Pluto-themed tea special to their customers!

❤︎ Historic Brewing Co.

Historic Brewing Company brews up craft beer and awesomeness, both at their Historic Taproom production facility on the east side of Flagstaff and their downtown Historic Barrel + Bottle House location downtown. On FebruaryDuring the festival, Historic will offer a “Pluto Sky” blueberry sour, Pluto cocktail, and 10% discount with Lowell GA Pass at the Barrel + Bottle House during Pluto Pub Crawl.

❤︎ Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s third-largest independent craft brewer. Founded in 2011, their mission is to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. Mother Road will unveil yet another limited-edition Pluto-themed beer for the festival, which will be unveiled at the Cheers to Pluto! Beer Unveiling and Astronomy on Tap event on the evening of February 16.

❤︎ Wil’s Grill

Founded by two best friends on the streets of Flagstaff in 2014, Wil’s Grill has become northern Arizona’s premier catering service. They offer cuisine that mixes tradition with innovation to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences, made with locally-sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible. Wil’s Gril will be serving food on Lowell’s campus from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, February 18. Come give it a try!

❤︎ Starlite Lanes Bowling Alley

Starlite Lanes has been Flagstaff’s local bowling alley since 1958! Located on Route 66, they are proud to state that throughout these sixty-four years, the bowling alley has always been owned and operated by a Flagstaff family. The bar located inside Starlite Lanes will be serving a special Pluto cocktail called ‘From Pluto with Love’ (complete with a heart-shaped lollipop to represent Pluto’s “heart”) for the whole month of February!

❤︎ Fratelli Pizza

At Fratelli Pizza, they bake pizza the right way: in a stone-deck oven! Every Fratelli pizza starts life as homemade dough in our kitchen and is then proofed, hand tossed, combined with the freshest ingredients and baked to crispy, golden perfection. They’ve been voted best pizza in Flagstaff every year since 2002!

❤︎ Atria

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown, Atria is Flagstaff’s new home for farm-fresh modern American fare, craft cocktails and more. Join them for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and savor their seasonal menu featuring fine seafood, hearty steaks, house-made pastas and locally-grown goodness!

❤︎ Northern Pines

As a locally owned restaurant, the staff of Northern Pines considers it their responsibility to promote an authentic experience specific to the Flagstaff area. Their menu is composed of high quality, mouth-watering meals that are reasonably priced. If you’re not hungry, come enjoy their modern, yet cozy, lounge area. Of their fifteen beers on tap, over half are brewed right here in Arizona. They proudly serve steaks cut and aged by Randall’s Fine Meats, and they  include only the most delicious, pure ingredients, including real butter and Satchmo’s seasonings.

❤︎Dirty Birdies

Dirty Birdies serves a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu has something for everyone, including happy hour specials, breakfast staples, and delicious burgers. Stop by to watch the game, meet up with friends, or enjoy a meal with the family!

❤︎ Little America

When you stay at Little America Flagstaff in Flagstaff, you’ll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This hotel is 15.4 miles from Arizona Snowbowl and 2 miles from West of the Moon Art Gallery. Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including a spa tub, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Little America will be offering a dinner special and lodging promotion in honor of the festival!

❤︎ Boricua Luna

Authentic Puerto Rican Food located in Flagstaff that proudly serves authentic Puerto Rican food. They are best known for their arroz con gandules and pernil, and it’s the only place in Flagstaff you can find it! They bring great food to locations all over our city. Their truck is more than just a place to grab lunch; it’s also a place to try out new dishes created by a great Puerto Rican chef and made from fresh local ingredients. The Boricua Luna truck will be on Mars Hill serving up fresh Puerto Rican faire from 1pm-8pm each day of the festival.

❤︎ North Country Health Care

Looking for a doctor close to campus? North Country Health Care provides students with top care, close to campus. Schedule an appointment at their University Ave. location, conveniently located one mile from NAU’s campus, with plenty of free parking. NCHC will have a booth set up at the Night of Discovery event on the 18th, so be sure to stop by!

❤︎ Late for the Train

Late for the Train has been brewing community in a world-class cup since 1993. This homey coffee shop specializes in dark roasts and offers a variety of specialty drinks, plus light fare. As a local, independent coffee roastery, Late for the Train vies globally with other roasters to create exceptional coffees. Once a coffee arrives at the roastery, it is carefully roasted by hand in small batches. Late for the Train will be offering a special Galaxy Mocha for a limited time this month in honor of the I Heart Pluto Festival!

❤︎ Hops On Birch

Nestled in Flagstaff’s historic downtown area, Hops on Birch was founded in 2012. It was opened with a big vision in mind: to offer some of the best craft beer, wine and service in Arizona. Hops offers unique beers from breweries from across Arizona and the US. They have also always been known for being extremely dog friendly and having a beautiful patio. Hops of Birch will be offering a special Pluto brew during the festival. Don’t forget to stop by to check it out during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Rendezvous at the Monte Vista

Opened in 2003 by the owner of the Monte Vista hotel, with an intention of creating a special meeting place for community members and tourists to come together, the Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect space to gather for everything from work and study to friends and date nights. They serve locally roasted, artisanal coffee from their state-of-the-art espresso machine, as well as craft cocktails from a seasonal menu featuring house-made bitters, syrups, juices and liquor infusions, expertly curated by their creative staff of bartenders and baristas. The Rendezvous also offers a thoroughly deluxe selection of spirits as well as a rotating draught system featuring several local brews. Their in-house baker puts out fresh cookies, muffins and breakfast burritos daily. Stop by for a drink during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Lumberyard Brewing Co.

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s Lumber era, Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning beers for people who love to drink it since 2010. With a full menu, large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events, Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone. At the ‘Yard, it’s not just about the attitude, it’s all about the altitude. The Lumberyard will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl, so be sure to stop by! Ask for the Pluto Special.

❤︎ The Annex

The Annex is, hands down, Northern Arizona’s premier cocktail lounge. Their expert cocktail leadership collaborates with their top-notch bartenders every season to create cocktails unlike any you’ve experienced before — it’s art, in a glass! Try out their special Pluto cocktail, available this month only.

❤︎ NiMarco’s Pizza

NiMarco’s is Flagstaff’s hometown pizzeria, and it won Best of Flag’s Best Pizza award in 2022. Their original store is located downtown, just south of the tracks on Beaver Street. Their second location is right at the entrance of NAU on Milton Road, and their brand new third location is located on the east side of town on the corner of Kaspar Drive and historic Route 66. Stop by for a bite during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Flagstaff Brewing Company was opened in July of 1994 with the mission to provide craft-brewed beer and a robust whiskey selection to a thirsty mountain town. Aiming to further the ambiance of great brewpubs, Flagbrew (as the locals like to call it), provides a casual and friendly atmosphere, which anyone should expect from a genuine brewpub. FBC will be a stop on the Pluto Pub Crawl, so swing by to try their special Pluto cocktail.

❤︎ Monte V Cocktail Lounge

Historically, The Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge was the first speakeasy in Flagstaff, welcoming everyone from celebrities and law-breakers to skiers and river runners. During prohibition, the Cocktail Lounge opened and successfully ran a major bootlegging operation in the very same location as today! Come 1931, the Cocktail Lounge was raided by officials and was forced to close their doors until prohibition ended two years later. For five years, 1935 to 1940, the Monte V offered the only slot machines to ever appear in Flagstaff. The Monte V Cocktail Lounge will offer a special Pluto cocktail for a limited time this month.

❤︎ Brews and Cues

Brews & Cues is a 21-and-up bar located right next door to Beaver Street Brewery. With 5 full-sized pool tables, TVs, and a wide selection of draft beers, regional craft beer cans, specialty craft cocktails, and happy hour specials, it’s the perfect place to meet some friends, kick-back, play some games, and have a good time! Stop buy to try out their limted-edition Pluto cocktail.

❤︎ Pepsi Cola

Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff brings you the best brands in the business, backing them up with 24/7 customer service, hiring and training only the most qualified people, and always giving back to their community. Pepsi will be offering a free tasting of their new Starry lemon-lime soda at the Night of Discovery event!