Long Beach: A Thriving Hub for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
As a Long Beach resident, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of our city’s craft beer scene. What started as a few scattered breweries has blossomed into a vibrant, diverse landscape offering something for every palate. From laid-back taprooms to innovative brewing techniques, Long Beach is a destination that craft beer lovers simply can’t afford to miss. This guide is your insider’s look into the best spots, the local favorites, and the hidden gems that make our city’s beer culture so special.
Dive into the Local Brews: Must-Visit Breweries
Long Beach boasts a fantastic array of breweries, each with its own unique character and offerings. Whether you’re a fan of classic IPAs, crisp lagers, or experimental sours, you’ll find your perfect pour here.
Beachwood Brewing & BBQ
A true cornerstone of the Long Beach craft beer scene, Beachwood Brewing is a must-visit. Known for their award-winning IPAs, particularly the “Amalgamator” and “Tropic of Thunder,” Beachwood offers a consistently excellent product. But it’s not just about the beer; their BBQ is legendary, making it the perfect spot for a full-on culinary and craft beer experience. The atmosphere is lively and often bustling, a testament to their popularity. They have multiple locations, but the original brewpub on 19th Street is where the magic began.
Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach
While Ballast Point is a larger, established brewery with a presence in San Diego, their Long Beach location is a significant addition to our local scene. Situated right on the water with stunning views, this spot offers a beautiful setting to enjoy their wide range of beers. From their iconic Sculpin IPA to seasonal offerings, there’s a vast selection to explore. The spacious taproom and outdoor patio are perfect for groups and enjoying the Long Beach sunshine. It’s a great place to sample a variety of styles and enjoy the waterfront ambiance.
Smog City Brewing Co.
Smog City has two locations, one in Torrance and a newer one right here in Long Beach at the SteelCraft outdoor food hall. Their Long Beach outpost at SteelCraft is a fantastic addition, offering a more casual and communal vibe. Smog City is renowned for its creative and well-balanced beers, often featuring unique ingredients and flavor profiles. Their “Hop Juice” IPA and “Khalessi” Cream Ale are local favorites. SteelCraft itself is a vibrant hub with various food vendors, making it easy to pair your Smog City brew with delicious eats.
Lingering Thoughts Brewery
For those seeking a cozy and intimate brewery experience, Lingering Thoughts Brewery is a gem. Tucked away in the Alamitos Beach neighborhood, this brewery focuses on quality over quantity, producing small-batch, meticulously crafted beers. They often have unique styles on tap that you won’t find elsewhere. The taproom has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and the brewers are usually on hand to chat about their creations. It’s a place where you can truly savor the beer and the company.
Willows Fine Craft Ales
Located in the heart of the Retro Row district, Willows Fine Craft Ales offers a more sophisticated take on craft beer. They specialize in Belgian-inspired ales and barrel-aged creations, appealing to those with a discerning palate. The taproom has a warm, inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a classic European pub. Their beers are complex and thoughtfully brewed, offering a delightful departure from the more hop-forward styles. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed evening exploring nuanced flavors.
Ambitious Ales
Ambitious Ales, situated in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, is a local favorite known for its approachable and delicious beers. They brew a wide variety of styles, from refreshing lagers to juicy IPAs and rich stouts. The taproom is lively and family-friendly, often featuring food trucks and local events. It’s a great community gathering spot where you can always find a welcoming atmosphere and a well-crafted beer. Their dedication to quality and community makes them a standout.
Beyond the Brewery: Where to Find Great Beer in Long Beach
While breweries are fantastic, Long Beach also offers numerous bars and restaurants that take their beer selections seriously. These establishments are curated havens for beer lovers looking to explore a wider range of local and regional craft brews.
The Federal Bar
This popular spot in the Alamitos Beach neighborhood is more than just a gastropub; it’s a destination for craft beer aficionados. The Federal Bar boasts an impressive and constantly rotating tap list featuring a diverse selection of craft beers. They pride themselves on supporting local breweries and often feature special tappings. The atmosphere is lively, and they also offer a great food menu, making it ideal for a full evening out.
Hoparazzi Craft Beer Bar
If you’re looking for a place dedicated solely to craft beer on tap, Hoparazzi is your sanctuary. Located in the trendy East Village Arts District, this bar offers an extensive and thoughtfully curated selection of beers from around the country, with a strong emphasis on West Coast brews. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer recommendations, and the intimate setting is perfect for diving deep into different styles.
Boathouse on the Bay
For those who want to enjoy great beer with an unparalleled view, the Boathouse on the Bay in Alamitos Bay offers a scenic escape. While known for its seafood, they also maintain a respectable craft beer list that complements their waterfront dining experience. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a local brew while watching the boats go by.
Long Beach Tap House
Situated in the heart of Long Beach, the Tap House is a classic spot for beer lovers. They offer a wide array of beers on tap and in bottles, covering a spectrum of styles. It’s a reliable choice for finding both popular craft favorites and some lesser-known gems. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy a pint.
Experiencing Long Beach’s Beer Culture: Insider Tips
To truly get the most out of Long Beach’s craft beer scene, here are a few insider tips:
- Check Brewery Schedules: Many breweries have “Nitro Tuesdays,” “IPA Thursdays,” or special release days. Check their social media or websites before you visit.
- Visit on Weekdays: If you prefer a more relaxed experience, visiting breweries during off-peak hours on weekdays can be ideal. You’ll often have more space and can engage more easily with the staff.
- Utilize Rideshare: Long Beach is spread out, and many of the best breweries are clustered in different neighborhoods. Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft is a safe and convenient way to hop between locations.
- Explore SteelCraft: The SteelCraft outdoor food hall in Long Beach is a fantastic concept that brings together multiple food vendors and features breweries like Smog City. It’s a great place to go with a group because everyone can find food they like, and you can sample different beers in one location.
- Look for Local Collaborations: Keep an eye out for collaboration brews between Long Beach breweries. These often represent the pinnacle of local brewing innovation and camaraderie.
- Attend Beer Festivals: Long Beach occasionally hosts craft beer festivals. These are excellent opportunities to sample a wide variety of beers from local and regional breweries all in one place.
- Don’t Forget the Online Resources: For the latest news, reviews, and releases, check out resources like dropt.beer’s blog, which often features local craft beer news and insights. You can also find a great selection of beers to purchase online at dropt.beer’s shop.
The Future of Long Beach Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Long Beach is continually growing and innovating. New breweries are always on the horizon, and existing ones are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing. The community’s support for local businesses, combined with the passion of the brewers, ensures that Long Beach will remain a top destination for craft beer enthusiasts for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your craft beer journey, Long Beach offers an enriching and delicious experience. So grab a friend, explore a new neighborhood, and cheers to the incredible craft beer culture of Long Beach!
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of craft beer, stay updated with the latest trends and discover new breweries, dropt.beer is an invaluable resource. Their platform offers insights, news, and a shop for discovering and purchasing your favorite brews.
