Los Angeles Craft Breweries

When exploring LA craft breweries, you will find an incredible variety of styles, cool environments, and awesome people. From hazy IPAs in the South Bay to crisp lagers in downtown taprooms, the local scene offers something for every palate. The city boasts dozens of exceptional independent craft breweries worth discovering.

• The Los Angeles beer scene features diverse styles and award-winning independent producers.

• Top neighborhoods for taproom hopping include the Arts District, South Bay, and northeast side.

• There are even brewery cats in some places!

• Hungry? Some breweries like Highland Park have an awesome kitchen! Others, like Benny Boy and Audiograph, host food trucks!

The ultimate guide to exploring LA craft breweries

Los Angeles is massive, and tracing a route to visit local taprooms takes careful planning. To maximize your time, group your stops by neighborhood. Taking a strategic approach to visiting these locations prevents you from spending half your day sitting in traffic on the 101 or the 405. Our sunny weather means patio drinking is a year-round reality, making outdoor spaces a huge draw for weekend visitors.

The rise of Los Angeles craft beer

Over the past decade, the local landscape has exploded with top-tier talent. You can find world-class stouts, meticulously crafted pilsners, and experimental ales in almost every zip code. If you want a taste of what the city offers, you look toward established heavyweights. Places like Monkish and Highland Park command respect far beyond city limits. Monkish draws dedicated fans for its unmatched hazy hop profiles. Highland Park anchors the northeast side with exceptionally clean lagers and vibrant West Coast IPAs.

Keeping things cold is paramount when acquiring these fresh cans. When pulling four-packs straight from a taproom display, they should go directly into a cooler in your trunk. Heat is the main enemy of fresh hops. High temperatures degrade delicate flavor profiles rapidly. Buying local means the product spends less time on a warm shipping truck and more time in a chilled environment. Organizations like the California Craft Brewers Association (https://californiacraftbeer.com/) highlight hundreds of regional producers emphasizing freshness and quality.

Must-visit spots in DTLA and beyond

Downtown is a major hub for independent producers. When you head to DTLA, you can easily walk between several excellent taprooms without ever calling a rideshare. Boomtown offers a massive warehouse space perfect for groups, pouring everything from hazy pales to dark ales. A short trip away in Chinatown, Homage focuses on mixed-fermentation ales and beautiful saisons. Nearby in Lincoln Heights, Benny Boy combines a rustic cidery and a brewery on a single sprawling property, creating a fantastic outdoor atmosphere for weekend afternoons.

Check out Audiograph on S. Olive Street close to Crypto for excellent music-inspired spaces and creative can releases. Head toward the coast to Inglewood to find Three Weavers, a staple for bright and balanced ales that scream California sunshine. Over in Glendale, Paperback brings bold comic-themed can art and incredibly solid hoppy offerings to the local community. Each neighborhood dictates a completely different vibe, ensuring you never run out of unique tasting rooms to visit.

What the heck is Brwtxt, anyway?

We're an LA start-up with a text-based beer ordering and delivery service. We're currently working with 8one8, Absolution, Burning Bridge, Common Space, Hermosa, Hop Secret, Malibu, and Trusted Gut. And hope to partner up with many more breweries as we go!

It's easy! You sign up, we text you what beer we have available from our partners based on your preferences, you order, and then the next day, all you have to do is answer the door and show ID!

We know that sometimes mapping out a weekend route feels like entirely too much work. You do not need to drive across the city to enjoy the best local releases. Stocking your fridge with fresh cans is easier than ever before. Getting a curated selection delivered changes how you plan your weekend gatherings. There is zero need to haul heavy cases from the grocery store. Whether you are hosting a casual rooftop sunset gathering or inviting friends over to watch baseball, having a perfectly stocked cooler takes all the pressure off the host.

FAQ: Los Angeles craft beer questions

What is the best way to get heavy cases home?

Instead of carrying bulky items yourself, use a local delivery service. Getting your beverages dropped at your door saves you time and physical effort.

Do I need an ID for alcohol delivery?

Yes, you absolutely need an identification card. State law dictates that a person who is 21 or older must be present to show a valid ID at the time of drop-off.

Where should I store my hoppy IPAs?

Keep your cans in the refrigerator at all times. Cold temperatures preserve the delicate aromas and prevent off-flavors from rapidly developing inside the can.

Can I visit multiple taprooms in DTLA by walking?

Yes, the Arts District and surrounding downtown neighborhoods offer a high concentration of locations. You can easily walk or take short rideshares between several great spots.

Are dogs normally allowed at local taprooms?

Many tasting rooms in the region are dog-friendly, especially those with large outdoor patios. It is always smart to verify the specific pet policy of the location before arriving.

Sign up for Brwtxt (https://brwtxt.com/), and your fridge will fill itself.