Best Breweries and Bars in South Pasadena for Beer Lovers

South Pasadena’s beer lovers are just minutes away from excellent craft breweries and beer bars. Nearby taprooms like Cervecería Del Pueblo (Latin-inspired beers) and Wild Parrot Brewing (Pasadena’s newest brewery) offer fresh, locally-made craft beer. You can also enjoy world-class pints at Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena or savor beer history with Craftsman Brewing, Pasadena’s oldest microbrewery. For a night out, South Pas locals hit beloved bars like Lucky Baldwin’s (over 60 beers on tap luckybaldwins.com), Congregation Ale House (32 taps with house brews visitpasadena.com), Der Wolf (German-style beer hall oldpasadena.org), and Kings Row (gastropub with 24 craft taps kingsrowpub.com). Many of these spots feature great food, trivia nights, and even Oktoberfest events.

And if you’d rather stay in, Brwtxt craft beer delivery can bring South Pasadena’s best beers straight to your door. 🍻

Best Breweries and Bars in South Pasadena for Beer Lovers

Welcome to South Pasadena, a charming corner of Los Angeles that punches above its weight in craft beer culture. In this guide, we’ll explore the best South Pasadena breweries (and nearby taprooms) along with neighborhood-favorite bars and gastropubs. From a Colombian brewer crafting ales with South American ingredients to a Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Old Pasadena, the local beer scene here is both eclectic and engaging. Whether you’re a craft beer South Pasadena native or just searching for the best beer near South Pasadena, we’ve got you covered with taproom highlights, beer-friendly eateries, local events, and even how to get fresh beer delivered to your door. So crack open a cold one (or better yet, let’s go find one) and let’s dive in! 🍺

Craft Breweries & Taprooms Near South Pasadena

South Pasadena itself is a small, primarily residential city – but luckily, some outstanding craft breweries are just a stone’s throw away. Here are the top breweries near South Pasadena that beer lovers won’t want to miss:

Cervecería Del Pueblo (Pasadena)

What to expect: An independent Pasadena brewery with a Latin American twist. Cervecería Del Pueblo was founded by Colombian-born brewer Martín Quiñónes, who infuses South American ingredients into his beers (think Colombian coffee stouts and yerba mate-infused brews) visitpasadena.com. The name means “Brewery of the People,” and true to form, this taproom is all about community.

You’ll find a family-friendly patio and a Mexican eatery on-site, so you can pair a Tropicál blonde ale or coffee IPA with tacos. Cervecería Del Pueblo also hosts lively events like comedy nights, musical bingo, paint & sip classes, and run club meetups visitpasadena.com, making it a cultural hub as much as a brewery. (Location: 141 W. Bellevue Dr., Pasadena – just a 10-minute drive from South Pas.) – Visit Website

Wild Parrot Brewing Company (East Pasadena)

What to expect: Pasadena’s newest craft brewery, opened in 2023, offering a laid-back taproom with brews made on-site. Wild Parrot Brewing is named after the famous flocks of wild parrots that fly over Pasadena (yes, those green parrots are real!) – and the brewery even celebrated Oktoberfest with a tongue-in-cheek “Squawktoberfest” event visitpasadena.com.

At Wild Parrot’s taproom, you can enjoy a rotating lineup of house-made lagers and ales brewed right behind the bar wildparrotbrewing.com. They serve pub-style food (think pretzels, sandwiches, and snacks) and even have wine and cider for the non-beer folks wildparrotbrewing.com. The atmosphere is welcoming: family-friendly and pet-friendly, with an outdoor patio and plenty of parking wildparrotbrewing.com.

Wild Parrot regularly hosts fun happenings like Trivia Night Tuesdays and a weekly Run Club for beer-loving joggers wildparrotbrewing.com. It’s a perfect spot to chill with a flight or pint after work. (Location: 2302 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena – about 6 miles from South Pasadena.) – Visit Website

 *A South America-shaped beer flight at Cervecería Del Pueblo in Pasadena. The brewery showcases South American flavors in its craft beers and serves them in creative ways, reflecting its Latin roots.

Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena

What to expect: A world-famous craft brewery’s local outpost right next door in Old Pasadena. San Diego’s Stone Brewing is legendary for its IPAs, and the Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena lets you taste all their hits (and rare specials) without leaving the 626. Housed in a beautifully repurposed historic train depot by Del Mar Station, Stone’s taproom features 20+ rotating taps of Stone beers, from year-round favorites to one-off releases and even vintage barrel-aged ales. Beer geeks can indulge in taster flights, growler fills, and browse Stone merchandise (the tap room doubles as a mini Stone gift shop)stonebrewing.com.

The location is super convenient – just hop on the Metro L Line (Gold) from South Pasadena and step off at Del Mar Station, and you’re basically there. Stone Pasadena often hosts events like trivia nights and food truck pop-ups (stonebrewing.com), and they allow dogs on the outdoor patio, so you can bring your furry friend. If you crave a reliably great IPA or stout straight from the source, this is the place. (Location: 220 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena – 5 miles from South Pas, or 2 stops on the Metro rail.) – Visit Website

Craftsman Brewing Company (Pasadena)

What to expect: The OG craft brewery of Pasadena. Craftsman Brewing was founded in 1995 by Mark Jilg and is one of the Los Angeles area’s oldest craft breweries. It’s dedicated to brewing as a true art form, drawing inspiration from Pasadena’s history and local culture craftsmanbrewing.com.

Unlike the others on this list, Craftsman is a production brewery only – meaning there’s no public taproom at their facility, craftsmanbrewing.com. Don’t let that stop you: Craftsman’s beers are on tap at many local bars and restaurants. In fact, trying a Craftsman beer is a must for understanding Pasadena’s beer heritage. Look for their signature 1903 Pre-Prohibition Lager craftsmanbrewing.com (a crisp, historic-recipe lager) or Poppyfields Pale Ale craftsmanbrewing.com (named after Pasadena’s blooming orange poppy fields) on draft. You might spot Craftsman pours at Lucky Baldwin’s or other craft beer spots around town.

If you’re serious about local beer, raise a glass to Craftsman – the brewery that helped pave the way for the current craft beer boom in the San Gabriel Valley. (Location: Brewery at 1260 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena – no public tasting room.) – Visit Website

Best Beer Bars and Gastropubs Around South Pasadena

In addition to breweries and taprooms, the greater Pasadena area boasts some fantastic beer bars and gastropubs. These are the kind of places where the tap lists are long, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere makes you want to become a regular. All of the following spots are popular with South Pasadena locals and are perfect for a night out with friends.

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub (Old Pasadena)

Vibe: An English-style pub that’s world-famous among beer geeks. Lucky Baldwin’s has been a cornerstone of Pasadena’s beer scene since the 1990s. It may look like a cozy British pub plastered with beer signs, but the draw here is the massive beer selection – over 60 beers on tap at their Old Town Pasadena location luckybaldwins.com (plus a huge bottle list).

Lucky Baldwin’s is especially known for its love of Belgian ales and often features hard-to-find Belgian Trappist beers, alongside a rotating lineup of California craft brews, European classics, and more luckybaldwins.com. They host annual events like a Belgian Beer Festival, an IPA festival, and Oktoberfest celebrations visitpasadena.com, where you might find special kegs and even keg-tapping ceremonies.

Feeling hungry? The food menu covers all the pub favorites – fish and chips, bangers and mash, burgers, and more – perfect to pair with a pint of ale. With its friendly vibe and unmatched selection (from Guinness to the hoppiest of triple IPAs), Lucky Baldwin’s is the kind of place where you can discover a new favorite beer every visit. – Visit Website

Congregation Ale House – Pasadena Chapter

Vibe: A church-themed beer hall meets modern gastropub. The Congregation Ale House (Pasadena Chapter) took over an old Pasadena brewery’s space and gave it a fun, slightly irreverent concept – think stained-glass logos, gothic chandeliers, and long communal tables like pews. It’s not just about gimmicks, though: Congregation pours an excellent lineup of craft beers. They have around 30–32 taps at any given time visitpasadena.com, including a curated mix of California craft beers and their own house brews. (Congregation started brewing a few of their beers at their central brewery, so you might find a house IPA or a Belgian-style ale among the choices visitpasadena.com.) If you’re into variety, you’ll appreciate styles ranging from hazy IPAs to malty Belgian dubbels on tap. The food menu was recently revamped under new ownership – now branded as Congregation Brewery & Cocina, they’ve added tacos, burgers, and other elevated pub fare to enjoy with your beer. It’s a full-service restaurant experience (no more ordering at the bar only). Don’t miss their weekly specials like Taco & Beer Tuesdays or other promos. With its outdoor patio and lively atmosphere (plus a few big TVs for sports fans), Congregation is a solid pick for groups with diverse tastes. – Visit Website

Der Wolf (Old Pasadena)

Vibe: A slice of Bavaria in Pasadena. Der Wolf (formerly “Der Wolfskopf”) is an Old Pasadena beer hall styled after a traditional German Bierhaus, complete with long wood tables and a menu of sausages and pretzels. They’ve got an impressive tap list focused on German and German-inspired beers – about 20 on tap, including classic imports like hefeweizens, dunkels, pilsners, as well as German-style craft beers brewed just for Der Wolf oldpasadena.org. If you’re in the mood for a giant stein of lager or a wheat beer with a lemon slice, this is your spot. Don’t worry if not everyone in your party is a beer nerd; Der Wolf also serves cocktails and has a full kitchen with not only bratwurst and schnitzel, but also burgers and other American fare visitpasadena.com. The venue is bigger than it looks: there’s an indoor main floor, a basement lounge dubbed “The Dungeon”, and a small patio – offering multiple vibes in one building. They often have DJ nights or game watch parties, but it’s also great just for a low-key afternoon pint. Oktoberfest at Der Wolf is a highlight – expect special brews and live music in the fall. Fun fact: Der Wolf is Latino- and woman-ownedvisitpasadena.com, adding a local twist to this German beer hall. – Visit Website

Kings Row Gastropub (Old Pasadena)

Vibe: Craft beer meets upscale pub grub in a historic arcade alley. Kings Row Gastropub is tucked just off Colorado Blvd., and it’s a favorite for those who want great beer and great food in equal measure. This casual gastropub offers about 24 craft beers on tap at all times kingsrowpub.com, spotlighting a lot of West Coast breweries. You’ll find plenty of hoppy IPAs, trendy sours, and crisp lagers rotating through their taps, often including local Pasadena brews (yes, Craftsman and co. show up here) alongside other California stars. The bar is also known for quality cocktails, but the beer is front and center – it’s even the official pub partner of the LAFC soccer team, so expect some black-and-gold fandom on game nights. Kings Row’s kitchen turns out scratch-made gastropub fare that goes a notch above your standard bar food kingsrowpub.com. We’re talking truffle fries, artisan flatbreads, gourmet burgers, and even British classics like shepherd’s pie (a nod to the “Kings” in the name). Adding to the atmosphere, live music is a regular feature from Thursday through Sunday visitpasadena.com, often in their open-air courtyard in back. With a friendly neighborhood vibe, Kings Row is the kind of place you can start with Sunday brunch beers or end a Saturday night with friends. – Visit Website

 Kings Row, Pasadena Sports Bar and Gastropub

Food Pairings and Beer-Centric Events

No beer adventure is complete without some great eats and fun events. Luckily, the South Pasadena/Pasadena area offers plenty of both, making it easy to turn your beer outing into a full experience.

Food Pairings: Many of the breweries and bars mentioned double as excellent dining spots. You can grab dinner with your beer at most of these locations. For instance, tacos + beer is now a thing at Congregation Ale House’s revamped cocina (their $10 “Tacos & Brews” deal is popular) congregationbreweryandcocina.com. Craving pub comfort food? Lucky Baldwin’s will sort you out with hearty British dishes to soak up those Belgian ales. Kings Row’s gourmet burgers or fish & chips are perfect alongside a pint of pale ale. And at Der Wolf, a Bavarian pretzel or bratwurst is practically required to go with your German lager. Even the taprooms have options: Cervecería Del Pueblo’s on-site kitchen serves Mexican-inspired dishes tailored to their beers, and Stone Brewing Pasadena frequently hosts food trucks (like Hawaiian BBQ or taco pop-ups) on weekends stonebrewing.com. In short, you won’t go hungry while beer-tasting here – the food and beer pairing culture is alive and well.

Beer Events & Festivals: The community of beer lovers around Pasadena loves to celebrate. Throughout the year you’ll find events like brewery anniversary parties, tap takeovers, and more. Local breweries often host trivia nights, live music, and meet-the-brewer events (Wild Parrot’s Tuesday trivia and Stone’s live music Fridays, for example stonebrewing.com). Seasonally, Oktoberfest is huge – South Pasadena locals join in festivities at places like Lucky Baldwin’s (which throws an annual Oktoberfest with special beer releases and even ceremonial keg tappings) visitpasadena.com and Wild Parrot (with their quirky Squawktoberfest) visitpasadena.com. Pasadena also boasts Craftoberfest LA at the Rose Bowl, a massive outdoor beer festival featuring dozens of Southern California breweries each fall, craftoberfestlosangeles.com. And don’t forget the smaller stuff: Cervecería Del Pueblo’s weekly run club or musical bingo nights turn a regular weeknight into a beer-centric social hour. Whether you’re into beer education (like guided tastings) or just want a lively atmosphere (hello, karaoke and pint nights), there’s likely an event for you. Keep an eye on brewery social media and the Brwtxt New Releases page for news on special brews and events – you might score a limited can release or a ticket to a brewer’s dinner.

Beer Education and Local Brewing Culture

Part of what makes being a craft beer fan fun is the learning journey – discovering new styles, understanding the stories behind the brews, and connecting with fellow beer aficionados. In the Pasadena/South Pas scene, you’ll find a welcoming culture for beer education and exploration.

Several breweries here were founded by passionate homebrewers, which means they love to talk about their craft. Chat up the staff or brewers at places like Cervecería Del Pueblo or Wild Parrot – they’re often happy to explain the unique ingredients in your glass or the brewing techniques that created your favorite IPA. For example, at Cervecería Del Pueblo you might learn how panela (unrefined cane sugar from Colombia) is used in their ales, or how Ecuadorian cacao elevates a stout visitpasadena.com. These cultural ingredients come with stories, and the brewery team loves sharing them.

If you’re looking to broaden your beer palate, take advantage of beer flights and tastings. Stone Brewing Tap Room offers flights so you can sample a range from West Coast IPAs to rich porters in one sitting. Many bars like Lucky Baldwin’s will serve smaller pours on request, which is a great way to educate your taste buds without overindulging. You can also attend events like “tap takeovers” (where a brewery showcases multiple beers at a bar – a mini lesson in that brewery’s style) or special tasting nights at Congregation and Kings Row.

Pasadena has a history of brewing that enthusiasts might find interesting. Did you know the city’s very first brewery, Crown City Brewery, operated in the ’80s and ’90s in the same building Congregation Ale House is now? And of course, Craftsman Brewing’s legacy since 1995 has been a master class in consistency and quality – their approach of brewing inspired by local history shows how beer can reflect a place craftsmanbrewing.com. Mark Jilg of Craftsman was advancing “brewing as an art form” long before craft beer was trendy craftsmanbrewing.com, and that spirit trickles down to newer brewers in town.

For those who want to get even geekier, consider connecting with local homebrew clubs or attending regional beer events (the annual SoCal Homebrew Festival, for instance, or LA Beer Week events). Pasadena’s proximity to Eagle Rock Brewery (LA’s first microbrewery since Prohibition) and others means there are often workshops, brewery tours, or panel talks in the greater LA area. And if all else fails, the Brwtxt blog and New Releases feed can keep you informed about what’s brewing in the local scene – knowledge which you can then brag about at your next bottle share! 🍻📚

Best of South Pasadena Craft Beer: Quick Picks

To recap our journey, here’s a quick-hit list of the best breweries, taprooms, and beer bars around South Pasadena and what makes each special. Consider this your South Pas craft beer bucket list:

• Cervecería Del Pueblo – Independent Pasadena brewery blending South American flavors; try the exotic ingredient brews and enjoy the community vibe.

• Wild Parrot Brewing Co. – New East Pasadena brewery; family-friendly hangout with house-made beers, pub bites, and fun weekly events (trivia, run club).

• Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena – Local outpost of Stone Brewing; 20+ rotating taps of famous IPAs & rare beers in a historic train station setting stonebrewing.com.

• Craftsman Brewing Company – Pasadena’s oldest craft brewery (est. 1995); no taproom, but their classic 1903 Lager and Poppyfields Pale Ale are must-try OG brews craftsmanbrewing.comcraftsmanbrewing.com.

• Lucky Baldwin’s Pub – Iconic Old Town pub; boasts 60+ beers on tap luckybaldwins.com (Belgian, craft, and more), hearty British-American grub, and legendary beer festivals.

• Congregation Ale House (Pasadena) – Church-themed beer bar & restaurant; ~30 taps including house beers visitpasadena.com, gothic decor, and a new menu mixing tacos and gastropub favorites.

• Der Wolf – German-style beer hall; 20 taps of German and inspired brews oldpasadena.org, giant steins, Bavarian eats, plus a cool basement lounge for a unique night out.

• Kings Row Gastropub – Lively gastropub with 24 craft taps kingsrowpub.com; known for live music, sports-friendly vibe, and a scratch kitchen serving upscale pub classics.

These spots cover the spectrum from quiet brewery taprooms to energetic bars. No matter which you choose, you’re in for a great beer experience in the South Pasadena area.

Craft Beer at Your Doorstep: Brwtxt Delivery 🚚🍺

What if you want to enjoy all this craft beer goodness without leaving home? That’s where Brwtxt comes in. Brwtxt is a Los Angeles-based craft beer delivery service (and yes, it serves South Pasadena!). The idea is simple: text-message based beer delivery. You sign up, and Brwtxt will send you weekly curated craft beer offers via SMS – just reply to order and get fresh beer delivered to your door, hassle-free brwtxt.com.

Brwtxt focuses on supporting local independent breweries, often featuring beers from the very places we’ve discussed. You might get a deal on a 4-pack from a hot new LA brewery or a seasonal release from a nearby favorite. Delivery is next-day and handled via DoorDash, so it’s reliable and quick. Check out how it works for all the details, and see which neighborhoods are covered in the delivery zones (South Pasadena residents are definitely in the mix!). Brwtxt even highlights new releases and limited editions, so you’ll never miss out on the latest hazy IPA or pastry stout hitting the scene.

Imagine coming home from work and having a curated pack of craft beers chilling in your fridge the next day – no liquor store trip needed. It’s like having the beer bar come to you. Many South Pasadena beer enthusiasts use Brwtxt to keep their home selection fresh, especially when they can’t make it out to the bars or just want a quiet night in.

Sign up to Brwtxt and your fridge fills itself. 🍻📲 It’s the perfect complement to exploring local breweries in person – you get the best of both worlds. So whether you’re heading out to a taproom or kicking back on the couch, great craft beer is always within reach.

FAQ: South Pasadena Beer Scene

Q1: Does South Pasadena have any breweries?

A: South Pasadena proper does not currently host any production breweries or full-scale taprooms within the city limits. However, there are excellent breweries near South Pasadena – especially in the neighboring city of Pasadena (just a few minutes away). Places like Cervecería Del Pueblo and Wild Parrot Brewing in Pasadena are effectively “South Pasadena’s local breweries” given their close proximity. Additionally, big-name craft breweries like Stone Brewing have a taproom nearby. So while you won’t find a brewhouse on Mission Street in South Pas, you have plenty of craft beer brewing happening just around the corner.

Q2: Where can I find craft beer in South Pasadena?

A: For enjoying a pint in a bar setting, South Pasadena residents often head to nearby Old Pasadena, where you’ll find Lucky Baldwin’s Pub, Congregation Ale House, Der Wolf, and Kings Row Gastropub – all great spots with extensive beer selections. Within South Pasadena itself, you can visit local restaurants and pubs that carry craft beer (for example, some eateries have Craftsman or other local beers on tap). If you’re looking to buy craft beer for home, South Pas has a few gourmet liquor stores and markets (such as Mission Wine & Spirits on Fair Oaks) that offer a solid craft beer selection. And of course, you can always use Brwtxt’s delivery to get craft beer without leaving home.

Q3: What is the oldest or most famous brewery in the Pasadena area?

A: The Pasadena area’s most iconic brewery is Craftsman Brewing Company, founded in 1995. Craftsman was a trailblazer for local craft beer and is known for beers like 1903 Lager and Heavenly Hefeweizen. It’s the oldest continually operating craft brewery in the LA metro region facebook.com. While Craftsman doesn’t have a public taproom, its beers are found at many local bars (often regarded with almost legendary status by beer fans). As for famous breweries with taprooms in the area, Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena is noteworthy since Stone is a big name in craft beer; their Pasadena outpost draws beer pilgrims from around LA. Another historic note: back in the late 19th century, Pasadena had a brewery called “Eagle Brewing” (later Ritz Brewing) – long defunct, but it shows that beer has been in the local culture for well over a century!

Q4: Are the breweries and bars here family-friendly or pet-friendly?

A: Many of them are, yes. Breweries tend to be very family-friendly during the daytime/early evening. For example, Wild Parrot Brewing welcomes families (they even have kids’ board games available and allow minors until certain hours) and has a pet-friendly patio wildparrotbrewing.com. Cervecería Del Pueblo also has a relaxed, community vibe where you’ll often see families and even dogs on the patio. Bars and gastropubs vary: Kings Row Gastropub and Congregation Ale House serve food and allow under-21 guests during kitchen hours (so you can bring the family for lunch or early dinner), but they become 21+ at night. Lucky Baldwin’s is primarily 21+ (it’s a pub atmosphere), and Der Wolf in the evenings is 21+ as well, though weekends daytime might occasionally see families for brunch. As for pets, patios are generally dog-friendly at places like Stone Brewing Tap Room (dogs are allowed outside on leash stonebrewing.com) and Kings Row’s courtyard. It’s always a good idea to check each venue’s specific policy, but overall the craft beer scene here strives to be inclusive and community-oriented.

Q5: How can I get craft beer delivered in South Pasadena (what is Brwtxt)?

A: Brwtxt is a craft beer delivery service that makes it super easy to get fresh beer without leaving home. It works via text message: once you sign up (it’s free to join), Brwtxt will text you a weekly craft beer offer. If you like the beer (they’ll describe the style, brewery, and price), you just reply with how many 4-packs you want, and they’ll charge your card and deliver the beer to your home (typically the next day). Brwtxt focuses on Los Angeles-area breweries and often features limited releases or special deals you might not find in stores. Yes, they do deliver to South Pasadena as part of their LA delivery zones (along with most of LA and Orange County). Delivery is usually via a partner like DoorDash, and you’ll need someone 21+ to receive the order (with ID). In short, Brwtxt is like having a personal beer shopper: you get curated, high-quality craft beers hand-picked and sent to you. It’s perfect for those who want to try new beers or keep the fridge stocked with minimal effort – as they like to say,

“Sign up to Brwtxt and your fridge fills itself!” Cheers to that! 🍻

South Pasadena may be small, but when it comes to craft beer, it’s connected to something much bigger – a vibrant local beer community that’s right at its doorstep. Whether you venture out to a neighborhood brewery, relax in a friendly pub, or have the brews come to you via Brwtxt, one thing is certain: beer lovers in South Pas have plenty to raise a glass to. Happy exploring and drinking!