There are few better ways to enjoy an evening on the town trying out new breweries. The world of craft beer and microbrews has been exploding for the past several decades, and it’s hitting its peak in Santa Monica, California.
If you’re new to the area or just passing through and aren’t sure about the best places to try out, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at the six best breweries in Santa Monica so that you can make a list and sample from each one!
1. Santa Monica Brew Works
Santa Monica Brew Works is the first and only locally owned and operated craft brewery in Santa Monica. It was founded in 2014 by Scott Francis, who is also the companies president and CEO. He believed that Santa Monica deserved a craft beer to call its own, and all of their brews are meant to invoke leisure and refreshing feelings.
While Santa Monica Brew Works doesn’t have a kitchen, they feature a rotating line of food trucks that range from BBQ and burgers to fusion. Santa Monica Brew Works offers a wide range of beer selections, including IPAs, Pilsners, Porters, and Blondes.
They offer more than 25 craft beers to choose from and provide nitro cold brews, soda, and juice boxes as non-alcoholic options. Aside from what’s available in-house, Santa Monica Brew Works also has many in-store options, including 310 California Blonde, Inclined IPA, Citrus Witbier, Pali Cali Pilsner, Head in the Clouds Double IPA, and PCH Golden Chocolate Porter.
Beer Recommendations
Head in the Clouds – 8.5% – Juice DIPA – This is an award-winning Hazy Double IPA that’s both juicy and tropical and features a soft mouthfeel.
Chili Pepper – 5.6% – Pale Ale – A juicy pale ale with a unique finish of Habanero pepper and lemon drop.
310 – 4.8% – California Blonde Ale – One of the most refreshing blonde ales you’ll ever have that includes a clean, crisp finish.
2. The Dudes Brewing Co.
The Dudes Brewing Company is a microbrewery that’s been a Los Angeles favorite since 2013. Their mission is simple – to make sure that no matter what your taste buds want, there’s always an option available to you. Whether you’re a craft beer veteran or just getting to know what you like, The Dudes Brewing Company is happy to help.
They feature a mixture of 24 beer staples and seasonal favorites to choose from. If you don’t know which one to try, The Dudes Brewing Co offers flight options so that you can sample until you find one to your liking.
If beer isn’t your thing, The Dudes Brewing Co also has a rotating selection of wines and ciders. Enjoy their scratch kitchen, where they make some of the best Neopolitan style pizzas in California.
Beer Recommendations
CalifornIPA – 6.9% – American IPA
Grandma’s Pecan Brown – 6.2% – English Brown with Pecans
Blood Orange Amber Ale – 6.5% – Blood Orange Amber Ale
The Wrug Imperial Stout – 7.7% – Golden Coffee Stout on NITRO
3. Firestone Walker Brewing Company – The Propagator
For 25 years, Firestone Walker has been gracing the Santa Monica/Venice area with some of the top craft beer in the area. Their origin story is the stuff of movie legend. Two brothers-in-law, Adam Firestone and David Walker, were debating about what the best type of beer is. Since they couldn’t settle the dispute, they decided to start making their own. From there, they went on to form the Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Firestone Brewing offers a wide variety of brews and beers in many different styles. However, their Propagator series is one of their best. Their propagator IPA Mixed Pack includes six unique IPAs, while their Venice Propagator Series features nine unique beer options.
No matter what you’re looking for, Firestone Walker has something for you. Their beer is served in-house or available for order online or in stores everywhere.
Beer Recommendations
Propagator Series Galaxy – 6.2% – Australian Single Hop Hazy IPA – Intense tropical and fruit flavors that include passion fruit, peach, and guava.
Wookie Jack – 8.3% – Black Rye IPA – A dark IPA with a unique blend of toasty malt flavors, bitterness, and spicy rye.
STiVO – 5.3% – Keller Pilsner – A collaboration with Russian River, Keller Pilsner is a mashup where you get the best of both brewing companies. You’ll notice herbal and lemony tastes courtesy of German Saphir and French Aramis hops.
4. Broxton Brewery & Public House
Broxton Brewery is located in the heart of Westwood Village in one of the most historic and beautiful parts of the city. Broxton’s goal is to use world-class beer, fantastic food, and an unbeatable atmosphere to bring people together for a good time.
Broxton has some of the best comfort food in the Westwood area, including burgers, BBQ brisket, salmon, and even a charcuterie board! Aside from their own brews, Broxton loves to collaborate with other local breweries to promote everyone and not just themselves. They consistently have six of their own beers on tap in addition to 10 other options from local breweries.
Beer Recommendations
Mookie’s West Coast IPA – 7.7% – American IPA
1.21 Gigawatts! DIPA – 8.6% – Double IPA
Sven Hoek Ale – 5% – Kolsch Style
5. Three Weavers Brewing Company
Another excellent brewery in the Santa Monica area is Three Weavers Brewing Company out of Inglewood, CA. Founded in 2014 by former real estate tax expert Lynne Weaver, Three Weavers has quickly become an Inglewood favorite. Craft beer, an award-winning brewmaster, and a rotating venue of food trucks are what you can expect at Three Weavers.
Three Weavers Brewing Company specializes in various pale ales and IPAs, but they also offer Kolsch-style ale, amber ale, and much more! You can try them all at the Three Weavers Brewing Company Tasting Room Beer Garden, where reservations are never required, and dogs are always welcome.
Beer Recommendations
Juicy Expat – 6.5% – Hazy IPA
Sun Trap – 4.5% – Session Sour Ale
Deep Roots – 5.2% – Amber Ale
Expatriate – 6.9% – IPA
6. The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse
Few breweries are more unique and delicious than the Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse. The Stalking Horse is an English pub-style brewery founded to honor Cornish heritage, food, and beer.
The Stalking Horse’s food menu includes American burgers, pizza, fish, and chips, as well as English pasties and British cheesecake and vegetables. They also have 11 gin options, four wine options, cocktails, and dozens of beer options. For a truly unique experience, check out the Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse in Los Angeles.
Beer Recommendations
West Pico Ale – 5.2% – English Pale Ale
Happy Hour – 4.5% – Cream Ale
Spawny Stout – 4.8% – Irish Dry Stout
Zee Germans – 6% – Hefeweizen Wheat Beer
No matter which one of these delightful breweries you try out while in Santa Monica, you won’t be disappointed!
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