Where to Find L.A.'s Finest Local Beers
Updated: October 25, 2009
Eat a loaf of bread and pad your briefcase with saltines because you're going to need a little something extra to sop up all the suds on our local brew list. These days, any respectable watering hole sports a beer list longer than a baby's arm. Here are 5 ultra-local breweries--and a bar that stocks 'em--to help make sure you don't lose when you hit the booze. Enjoy.
On this page:Dale Bros. Brewery, The Bruery, Skyscraper Brewing Company, Craftsman Brewing Company, Deans Brothers Brewing Company.
Dale Bros. Brewery
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Tavern
Read Reviews11648 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (map)
It's only fitting that classy restaurateurs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (of A.O.C. fame) would want the Dale Bros. on tap at their newest buzzworthy establishment in Brentwood. Founded in 2003 by brothers Curt and Andy Dale, their award-winning Upland brewery (just east of Downtown Los Angeles) specializes in beers that capture the essence of Californian life. You'll find their flagship beer, Pomona Queen, a surprisingly tasty, dry amber lager here. Pair it with a gourmet Niman Ranch beef and fontina burger for lunch.
The Bruery
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Father's Office 2.0
Read Reviews3229 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90034 (map)
Grandfather of all Los Angeles gastropubs, this burger bar's Culver City location serves food and drink the other guys wish they could. And since we're simply talkin' suds here: Ask for a beer made by The Bruery. These Orange County brewers have a random selection from their mighty collection on constant rotation at both Father's Office locations. At any given time, drinkers can select from at least two of their popular beers, including their Belgian-style Orchard White; the dark, citrus-infused Black Orchard Belgian beer; or their Belgian/French-style farmhouse ale, Saison Rue, which features a natural, earthy flavor. Then again, real beer connoisseurs may opt for Batch No. 1, a limited edition ale with a spicy, fruity taste. (It hails from, you guessed it, The Bruery's first-ever batch.)
Skyscraper Brewing Company
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Good
Read Reviews3725 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)
This Silver Lake microbrewery is home to Mystery Beer Night every Wednesday from 6 to 10pm. If you're a regular, though, you won't need a label to recognize the classic offering from El Monte, CA's Skyscraper Brewing Company. Their Bulldozer Honeyweizen, brewed with Wildflower Honey, can often be found on draft here, compliments of the SoCal brewery founded in 2005.
Craftsman Brewing Company
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York
Read Reviews5018 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (map)
Craftsman, a brewery in Pasadena, takes over 2 of the 12 taps at this genuine gastropub in Highland Park. Fans of a filling wheat beer will want to toss back a tall Heavenly Hefe, the brewery's Bavarian Weizen offering. For drinkers who aren't big into beer, however, there's also the light Craftsman 1903, the company's staple lager that's neither too sweet nor too dry. The beer selection rotates every Thursday, allowing other Craftsman offerings to come in and out often. That's something you ought to do, too.
Deans Brothers Brewing Company
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Verdugo Bar
Read Reviews3408 N Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065 (map)
Glendale and Eagle Rock bar hoppers are hip(ster) to this superior watering hole near sleepy Glassell Park. In the honey, low-lit lounge alternative singles take center stage, but near the expansive bar it's all about beer. Verdugo offers 65 different brews to choose from, including 12 on tap. And that's where you'll find Irvine's Deans Brothers. Their ESP is a strong, bitter pale ale made with Maris Otter malt and English Hops from East Kent Golding & English Fuggles. Their IPA (a traditional India pale ale), meanwhile, is made with the same, yet features a smoother finish. The bonus about both? They're only available in California.
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