Belly Up: 12 Beer Bars in Los Angeles

6360 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Billing itself as Hollywood's first gastropub, this spacious hangout right next to the Cinerama Dome might look like your kooky aunt Bess did the decorating (yeah, those are teddy bears next to your booth), but don't let the low-brow design fool you--the 25 brews on tap rotate weekly, thanks to beer sommelier Ryan Sweeney of Verdugo Bar.

1835 E First St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (map)

Sure, it might be called a "wine bar," but this Boyle Heights nook has its fair share of draft beers, including Hoegarden, Fat Tire and, of course, Tecate (what else would you drink when rocking out to the mariachi-oke sing-alongs?).

6268 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

With a Lower Manhattan feel all the way down to the NYC imported bar stools, this cozy joint features a small but well-edited beer and wine list. Choose between high-end pilsners and an array of wines by the glass.

5018 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (map)

Finally, a genuine gastropub in the heart of Highland Park. Expect a wide selection of rotating microbrews at this Eastside hangout from the curious ?Real Ale? served at room temperature to the ultimate IPA-Racer 5.

3408 N Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065 (map)

Glassell Park's first official brew bar comes complete with a cool lounge, outstanding imported beer selection--everything from Czechvar to Speckled Hen--and even to-go booze, so you never have to go home empty handed.

17 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 (map)

This Old Town tavern is where you'll find all your normal draughts and imports with an emphasis on Belgian ales and fruity lambics, plus Pasadena?s own Craftsman Ale on tap. With a total of 63 beer choices, there's no excuse for thirst.

1805 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Mirror, mirror, on the wall: From the owner of Spaceland and the Echo comes this revamped Echo Park bar, serving up eight specialty brews on tap with drafts du jour listed on the mirror behind the bar.

7383 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

A casual, no-reservations policy levels the playing field at this Melrose gastropub which offers pub standards like Guinness and Boddington?s as well as several local Pasadena brews including Poppyfield Pale Ale and Craftsman Ale.

2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)

Everyone's favorite Bavarian-style brewery--replete with Dirndl-clad waitresses and live oompah music--features three separate drinking areas, including a sprawling upstairs beer garden. Serving up all the German staples from Spaten Lager to Hefeweizen, enjoy 25% off all drinks from 3pm-6pm on weekdays.

2911 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

Reportedly the best beer selection on the Westside with 29 microbrews and imports on tap, this is one of the only places in town where you can get actual pitchers of rare brew. There are also three different beer tasting-flights designed specifically for beginners, intermediates and adventurous connoisseurs. Pints are $5 on Tuesdays and refills are only $3.

1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

We just can't get enough: The granddaddy of craft beer bars, Santa Monica's already-legendary joint offers 36 seasonally rotating beers on tap and some of the tastiest sweet potato fries in town ... just don't ask for ketchup. (There is none. No, really.)