The best breweries in LA
If it seems like a new brewery pops up in a Torrance warehouse or a garage in Highland Park every few months, it's because it does. Despite LA's impressive selection of beer bars, we're also a city full of artisans who like taking matters into our own hands—including brewing beer. In fact, there's so much fantastic craft beer in this city that compiling a list of the best breweries had to come with restrictions. Here, we focused on the breweries that have a taproom you can actually visit (hence why Craftsman, a veritable local brewery with a devoted following but no actual public space, is not on here). So put down your Miller Lite and check out our list, then raise a pint to LA's growing craft beer scene. Cheers!
RECOMMENDED: Guide to craft beer in LA
LA's best breweries
Beachwood Brewing and BBQ
Craving some serious eats with your booze tonight? Check out Beachwood Brewing and BBQ for 22 rotating taps of craft beers. Favored by brewers and serious beer drinkers across Los Angeles, Beachwood is known for their offering of rare and unique beers, as well as a solid selection of local brews. People come here for the food, too: Their menu boasts everything from ribs to pulled pork to brisket, all dry rubbed and slow smoked with the sauce on the side. Try the Black Moon Rising, a Belgian dark ale.
Smog City Brewing Co.
Arts District Brewing Co.
Eagle Rock Brewery
Though the taproom at Eagle Rock Brewery might be small—a few tables and chairs, where visitors can take advantage of the board games on hand—the beers on tap pack in big flavor. A handful of brews are offered year-round, including Solidarity, Populist, Manifesto and Revolution, along with a selection of seasonal beers that we wish would stick around longer. We highly recommend the Populist, a West Coast IPA and a great summer beer (good thing it's always summer in LA).If you're just getting into craft beer, Eagle Rock Brewery is a perfect place to start: the tours are highly informative, and regular events include the Women's Beer Forum, where ladies who drink can sample and discuss a flight of four beers on the third Wednesday of each month. Want a look around? Free brewhouse tours are on Sundays at 1, 2:30 and 4pm.
Golden Road Brewing
Angel City Brewery
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co.
Congregation Ale House
Monkish Brewing Co.
Ohana Brewing Co.
Ohana Brewing Co.'s actual brewery may be located in a Downtown warehouse, but its tasting room is far from industrial—and far from the actual brewery. Instead, head to Alhambra, where a quaint storefront window reads "Ohana Brewing Co." in Hawaiian-inspired script. The family-run operation started in a garage a few years ago, but the tasting room only opened at the beginning of 2014, and it's already offering incredible beers (though tastings are limited to four per customer). A small list of beers range from Saison Miel, a fruitier, honey-infused option, to the Special Tap, which is a rotating selection that Ohana uses to play around with ingredients like cucumber, coffee and kumquat. If you're into beers that are slightly malty, Pacific Ale is a great choice.
See the best craft breweries in America
The best craft beer breweries in America
Thank these craft brewery gods for our best tasting beer, from brewery big guns like Goose Island to quieter achievers.