Los Angeles, the city of angels, is also a city of amazing craft breweries! With a booming craft beer scene, choosing where to start your LA brewery tour can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide showcases 31 of the best breweries in LA, categorized for your convenience, ensuring you find your perfect pint, no matter your taste. We'll explore their unique offerings, atmospheres, and what makes each brewery special.
Exploring LA's Diverse Brewery Landscape
Los Angeles boasts a diverse range of breweries, each with its own distinct character and brewing philosophy. From established giants to innovative newcomers, the city offers something for every beer enthusiast. This guide breaks down the best breweries into categories to help you navigate the scene:
Top 10 Must-Visit LA Breweries
This section highlights ten breweries that consistently receive high praise and exemplify the best of LA's craft beer scene. These are perfect starting points for any brewery tour.
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Angel City Brewery: Known for its wide variety of beers, including their popular IPA's and seasonal releases, Angel City is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Their spacious taproom offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for socializing.
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Golden Road Brewing: A larger brewery with a well-established reputation, Golden Road produces consistently good beers and is well-known for its approachable styles. Their massive outdoor space is perfect for larger groups.
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Monkish Brewing Co.: This brewery is renowned for its focus on high-quality, innovative, and often experimental beers. Expect unique flavors and a constantly rotating selection. Monkish attracts serious beer aficionados.
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Highland Park Brewery: This neighborhood brewery offers a more intimate setting with a strong focus on community. Their beers are consistently excellent, showcasing both classic and modern styles.
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Three Weavers Brewing Company: Situated in Inglewood, Three Weavers is admired for its commitment to sustainability and its exceptional range of IPAs and other styles. Their outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
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Smog City Brewing Company: Located in Torrance, Smog City is a must-visit for fans of bolder and more experimental beers. Their creative flavor combinations are sure to challenge your palate.
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Boomtown Brewery: This brewery is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection. They regularly host events, making it a hub for local beer lovers.
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Brewyard: Brewyard offers a unique experience, combining a brewery with a variety of food vendors, live music, and games. It's a great spot for a fun-filled outing.
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Eagle Rock Brewery: This established brewery offers a wide selection of beers and a comfortable taproom, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
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Arts District Brewing Co.: Situated in the Arts District, this brewery boasts a stylish taproom and a strong focus on seasonal brews. The location itself is worth a visit.
Breweries by Neighborhood: Exploring LA's Diverse Taprooms
To further assist your exploration, we've organized some notable breweries by neighborhood:
Downtown LA:
- Angel City Brewery
- Arts District Brewing Co.
- Wurstküche (Brewery and Sausage Kitchen Combo)
Highland Park:
- Highland Park Brewery
Eagle Rock:
- Eagle Rock Brewery
Inglewood:
- Three Weavers Brewing Company
Torrance:
- Smog City Brewing Company
Other Notable Locations:
- Long Beach: Numerous breweries exist in this coastal city, offering stunning ocean views to accompany your brews. (Specific brewery recommendations would require further research to ensure accuracy).
- Pasadena: Pasadena also hosts a growing number of craft breweries, often offering a more relaxed atmosphere. (Specific brewery recommendations would require further research to ensure accuracy).
- Westside: The Westside boasts a number of breweries often catering to a more upscale crowd. (Specific brewery recommendations would require further research to ensure accuracy).
Beyond the Beer: The LA Brewery Experience
The LA brewery scene extends beyond just the beer. Many breweries offer:
- Food Trucks: Many breweries partner with local food trucks, providing a diverse range of culinary options to complement your beer selection.
- Live Music: Several breweries feature live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Outdoor Spaces: Many breweries boast expansive outdoor patios, perfect for enjoying the California sunshine.
- Community Events: Breweries often host community events, fostering a strong sense of local camaraderie.
Planning Your LA Brewery Tour: Tips and Considerations
- Transportation: Designate a driver or utilize ride-sharing services. Drinking and driving is never acceptable.
- Reservations: For larger groups, consider making reservations, especially on weekends.
- Variety: Sample a wide range of beers to discover your favorites.
- Pace Yourself: Enjoy the experience responsibly.
This guide serves as a starting point for exploring the incredible world of LA breweries. Remember to do further research on specific breweries based on your preferences and location to make the most of your craft beer adventure in the City of Angels. Cheers!
