Relic Road Brewing Company in Winslow, Arizona

Winslow is a town that runs on nostalgia. Route 66, the Eagles song, that famous corner with the flatbed Ford. And tucked into the downtown grid at 107 W Second St, Relic Road Brewing Company fits right into that spirit. This is a craft brewery and taproom that opened in a historic building a short walk from Standin' on the Corner Park, making it one of the more logical stops after you've taken your obligatory photo with the mural.

It's the kind of place that earns its keep on a long drive day. If you're crossing northern Arizona on I-40, Winslow tends to be either a quick bathroom break or a proper stop. Relic Road makes a case for the latter.

What the Kitchen Is Known For

Relic Road has built its identity around house-brewed beers that lean into the Southwest. The tap list often features a rotating mix of ales, lagers, and seasonal brews, with names that nod to local geography and Route 66 culture. Expect the lineup to shift depending on what's in season and what the brewers are experimenting with.

The food menu tends toward casual pub fare that holds up well against a pint. Think flatbreads, burgers, and shareable starters. Nothing here is trying to be precious. The kitchen is set up to feed people who've been driving for hours and want something satisfying without a fuss.

If you're visiting on a weekend, the selection of available beers on tap is usually at its widest. Weekday afternoons can mean a shorter list depending on what's been kicked or is still conditioning.

Atmosphere and Setting

The building itself does a lot of the work. Relic Road occupies a historic downtown space with exposed brick and the kind of bones that reward a slow look around. The interior mixes industrial brewery elements with the weathered character of a building that's seen decades of Route 66 foot traffic.

It's not a large room. On a busy Saturday afternoon, especially during peak tourist season between spring and fall, the place fills up faster than you'd expect for a town Winslow's size. There's usually some outdoor seating, which is worth grabbing when the temperature cooperates, roughly from late September through May in this high desert climate.

The vibe is relaxed without being sleepy. Locals mix with road trippers, and the bar area tends to have the most energy.

Service and Experience

Service here is casual and friendly in the way small-town taprooms often are. Staff are generally happy to walk you through what's on tap, especially if you're not sure where to start. Don't be shy about asking for a sample before committing to a full pour.

The pace is unhurried, which is either exactly what you want after a stretch of highway driving or a mild frustration if you're on a tight timeline. Adjust your expectations accordingly and you'll have a good time.

Reservations and Waits

Relic Road operates as a walk-in taproom. Reservations are not typically part of the experience. During the warmer tourist months and on weekends, you may find a wait for a table, though the bar usually has seating available sooner. If you're coming with a larger group during peak season, arriving before the lunch or dinner rush gives you the best shot at a comfortable spot.

Price Tier

Relic Road sits comfortably in the budget to mid-range tier. Craft beers are priced in line with what you'd expect from a regional taproom. The food menu won't put a dent in your road trip budget. It's the kind of place you can order a round and a couple of dishes without any anxiety.

Best Time to Visit

Winslow sits at roughly 4,900 feet elevation, which means summers are milder than the Phoenix lowlands but winters can get genuinely cold. The sweet spot for visiting tends to be late spring and early fall, when the weather is comfortable and Route 66 tourism is in full swing without being overwhelming.

If you're passing through in July or August, the taproom is a perfectly reasonable escape from the midday heat. Winter visits are quieter and the town has a different, slower character worth experiencing if you have the flexibility.

Neighborhood and Location Context

Second Street sits in the core of historic downtown Winslow, about a two-minute walk from Standin' on the Corner Park. La Posada Hotel, one of the great surviving Harvey Houses and a destination in its own right, is also within easy walking distance. The Turquoise Room restaurant inside La Posada offers a very different dining experience if you're looking for contrast.

Winslow's downtown is compact and walkable. Parking is easy to find on the street. The whole area has a lived-in quality that feels genuinely Route 66, not a theme park version of it.

Who This Is For

Relic Road is the right stop if you want a locally made beer and a casual meal in a room that actually feels like it belongs to the town. It works well for solo travelers at the bar, couples doing a Route 66 road trip, and small groups who want somewhere to decompress mid-drive. It's not a destination restaurant in the fine dining sense, but it doesn't need to be. The best use of Relic Road is as the kind of stop that turns a highway break into an actual memory.

FAQ

• Is Relic Road Brewing Company family friendly? The taproom tends to be welcoming to all ages earlier in the day, though the bar atmosphere takes over as the evening progresses. Check ahead if you're bringing young children.
• Do they have non-alcoholic options? Most taprooms of this type carry sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks alongside the beer list. Confirm with staff on the day of your visit.
• How close is it to La Posada Hotel? La Posada is a short walk from Second Street, well under five minutes on foot through downtown Winslow.
• Are dogs allowed on the patio? Outdoor patio policies vary and can change seasonally. It's worth calling ahead if you're traveling with a dog.
• What are the hours? Hours can shift depending on the season and day of the week. Check their current hours before you arrive, especially if you're planning a visit on a weekday or in the off-season.