By: Haley Bosselman, Tierra Booth By: Haley Bosselman, Tierra Booth | December 8, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide,
Benny Boy Brewing
Why crack open a cold one at home when you can relish in the greatness of one of Los Angeles many great breweries? Whether you’re looking for a rich, dark stout or a blonde ale, you can find a place for lager and friends all across the city. From downtown L.A. to the coast, read on for the city’s best breweries.
Website / 700 Jackson St. 90012
Rooted in California’s history as a place for potential riches and discovery, Boomtown Brewery embraces the creativity and community of the very artists that keep Los Angeles thriving. In addition to serving what Boomtown describes as “old world, unfiltered, gravity fed, fully flavored beers with integrity," they offer their space as a venue for galleries. The taproom taps into the heart and soul of the DTLA Arts District by hosting DJs, benefits, block pirates and bicycle rides all in the name of engaging around a beer.
Website/ 828 Traction Ave. 90013
Since 2015, the Arts District Brewing Company has brought Angelenos a rotating selection of 30 craft beers, in addition to a full bar of cocktails and wine. Ranging from wheat ales to stouts to IPAs, the 15-barrel brewhouse produces approximately 2,1000 barrels each year by an award-winning team. They have a pretty hearty menu of mouthwatering items like tater tots and buffalo fried chicken sandwiches. Furthermore, be sure to head over on a Monday for a free round of skee ball, an ideal start to your week.
Website/ 1220 N. Spring St. 90012
The Chinatown-border location of Highland Park Brewery is a city gem neighbor to Los Angeles State Historic Park. Pop by before your way into a Dodgers Game or relax on the patio with your pup. The menu boasts fresh hoppy beers, crisp lagers and bold stouts that are accompanied by a menu inspired by its surroundings, such as salsa negra mole tots, the kung pao wrap and chili limón chips. Highland Park Brewery has such a solid fanbase that they have a special Bottle Friends Membership that regularly has a waitlist.
Website / 216 S. Alameda Ave. 90012
Riding on a wave of creativity, culture and craft, Angel City Brewing’s origins go back to 1997. Over the last several decades, it has gone through a number of ownership changes and renovations and now sits in the historic John A. Roebling Building in the Arts District. Come sit at its mustache bar for its constantly rotating selection of Angel City beers on tap, including some exclusive options.
Website/ 140 Main St. 90245
This locally-owned, independent brewery focuses on fresh, hoppy West Coast IPAs. Founded in a garage by Rob Croxall over a love of hops, El Segundo Brewery has expanded from producing 60 to 400 barrels a month in its 11 years. The selection is designed to be consumed within 6 weeks of production and promise beers characterized by “amazing aromas of citrus, pine, tropical fruits and just dankness.”
Website/ 110 E. 22nd St. 90731
Brian Mercer spent much of his career importing Belgian Candi Sugar for some of the country’s top breweries when he decided to found his own beer brand in 2010. By 2016, Brouwerij West came home to San Pedro where it now operates as a brewery, tasting room and beer garden in a former Port of Los Angeles Warehouse built by the Navy during World War II. Not only does Brouwerij West attest to combining traditional ingredients and progressive experimentation, but its solar-powered facility uses 30 percent less water than traditional breweries. Be sure to head to the coast to sip on a Belgian-style ale and munch on food from a local food truck.
Website / 800 S La Brea Ave 90036
Since 2021, All Season Brewing has been dedicated to “good beer, good times and good folks.” It offers a full bar, which includes classic and craft cocktails, wine and house-made ginger beer. More importantly, it is a 15-barrel brewhouse and ski ball spot located inside a former Firestone tire shop, making it a unique spot to check out.
Website / 110 N Marina Dr 90803
For soothing ocean breezes and gorgeous water views, check out Ballast Point’s Long Beach outpost. This two-story location offers a harborside spot with outdoor patios and fire pits. It features 60-plus beers on tap along with a tasting room that is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m Monday through Friday, 10 a.m until 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. until 8 p.m on Sundays.
Website / 1821 Daly St 90031
Located in Lincoln Heights, Benny Boy Brewing is the best place to unwind after a long day with a cold one. You can join others in The Backyard, its outdoor seating area with firepits, and take in the nice sunsets while sipping on one of the various beer choices. Whether kicking back on the weekend or coming by for a seasonal events, Benny Boy brings the cozy feeling from your home into theirs.
Website / Various
Los Angeles Ale Works has two locations in Hawthorne and Culver City. Both locations offer production spaces and family-friendly tasting rooms. At the Hawthorne location, there is indoor seating, as well as a large outdoor beer garden seating area. There are also TVs located throughout Ale Works both inside and outside to be sure you won’t miss your game. It has 25 rotating taps that change frequently but offer light, dark, sour, Belgian and hoppy options.
Website / 1920 Colorado Ave 90404
Santa Monica Brew Works is Santa Monica’s first brewery. It is also home to Emmy’s Squared Pizza, which has a variety of different pizzas to choose from, such as its Hot Chicken, Vodka, MVP and the Big Al. It also offers a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. What’s more, check out the Johnny Rockets Milkshake Porter flavors while visiting, such as the chocolate peanut butter or strawberry options.
Website / 5410 W San Fernando Rd 90039
The Atwater Village Brewpub offers a family-friendly environment with bright and welcoming interior spaces and a shaded outdoor area that is taken great advantage of during the warmer months. It includes a variety of brews on taps, while also serving fresh food favorites made from ingredients that come directly from Los Angeles local farms. Some menu highlights include its avocado tacos, birria fries, Chimi burger and its falafel bowl.
Breweries are so much more than beer. When you find the right spot, you find community.
See also: The Best Wine Bars In Los Angeles
Photography by: Marie Buck