The Best Hawthorne Craft Beer Guide: Taprooms Near LAX
- Jason Hargrove
- Oct 22
- 5 min read
Hawthorne’s craft beer scene, fueled by titans like Los Angeles Ale Works and Common Space Brewery, is the perfect starting point for South Bay exploration. Located just 5 miles from LAX 1, this hub offers diverse, quality brews—from production-focused taprooms to sprawling, family-friendly beer gardens that capture the Southern California vibe.
TLDR: The Essentials
Location: Hawthorne is only a quick 5-mile drive from LAX.1
Key Breweries: Los Angeles Ale Works (LAAW) and Common Space Brewery.
Vibe: Choose between LAAW’s production-focused tasting room or Common Space’s huge, dog-friendly beer garden.2
Delivery: Craft beer delivery is legal and accessible in Hawthorne, making it easy to stock up.
Why Hawthorne is the South Bay’s Essential Beer Destination
Welcome to the flight path. For first-timers seeking the best beer Hawthorne has to offer, the city is a surprisingly centralized brewing destination. Its proximity to major transit routes is its defining feature: the breweries themselves are located a quick five-mile drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).1 This prime location near LA’s main entry point, combined with easy access to the 405 freeway and nearby entertainment venues like SoFi Stadium 4, makes Hawthorne a convenient hub for travelers and locals alike.
The quality of Hawthorne’s local production is not a lucky accident; it is backed by the sheer scale and influence of the state’s brewing industry. California continues to dominate the national craft scene, boasting a leading number of craft breweries (961) and contributing a massive $8.26 billion to the state economy.5 Hawthorne’s breweries are crucial contributors to this stable and competitive market, ensuring high-quality, regionally distinct beer styles are constantly being produced.
Furthermore, the industrial nature of the city provides the perfect foundation for high-volume brewing operations. The success of large production facilities like those found in Hawthorne is rooted in the city’s established industrial infrastructure. Hawthorne’s economy sees substantial revenue in its transportation and warehousing sector, totaling $3.7 billion.6 This robust industrial base provides the necessary large-scale zoning, logistical support, and space for production required by major brewing companies, explaining why these brewing titans chose this specific South Bay location to build their operations.
For Brwtxt customers, this robust infrastructure means Hawthorne sits squarely within a premium delivery region. Whether you are arriving at LAX or living in the South Bay, access to fresh local brews is simple. To check the full extent of the coverage area and confirm delivery times, view the Brwtxt zone map at /zones.
Meet the Hawthorne Brewing Titans
A first-timer's guide to the local scene starts with understanding the two main players who define the Hawthorne craft beer experience. While both produce excellent beer, their environments and overall vibes are designed to offer two distinct social experiences.
Los Angeles Ale Works: Focused Flavor and Production Prowess
Los Angeles Ale Works (LAAW) is a cornerstone of the Hawthorne brewing scene, rooted in a vision for a brewery that emphasizes teamwork and community.7 Located at 12918 Cerise Ave. 8, LAAW operates as both a major production facility and a family-friendly tasting room.3
The atmosphere at LAAW is often described as the workhorse brewery vibe—clean, production-focused, and centered on the quality and consistency of the liquid. While you can certainly enjoy a welcoming environment for the whole family, the primary focus remains on the beer and the large-scale operation happening around you. Patrons visit here specifically to taste the latest fresh batches and witness the scale of a serious California production facility. LAAW is instrumental in bringing a range of styles, including classic hop-forward West Coast IPAs and innovative experiments, to the broader Los Angeles market.
Common Space Brewery: The Definitive Family-Friendly Beer Garden
Just a short distance away, Common Space Brewery offers a complementary, high-engagement social environment. Located at 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd. 2, Common Space anchors the other major Hawthorne hub near LAX and is also frequently visited by fans heading to or from SoFi Stadium.4
Common Space is defined by its massive, community-oriented outdoor space. Its status as a definitive social destination is immediately apparent through its numerous amenities.4 The spacious beer garden and taproom are open seven days a week, making it a reliable spot for gatherings.2 This is a space built for maximizing dwell time: they broadcast all major LA sports games—Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, and others—on a giant projector and multiple TVs, creating a true, energized gathering spot.2
Crucially for families and pet owners, Common Space is explicitly welcoming. Well-behaved children and dogs are allowed, though guests are asked to keep them within arm’s length at all times.2 To support the extended stay, the taproom features a rotating Food Truck Schedule, ensuring diverse culinary options. Recent vendors have included favorites like Freddy’s Birria and Tripp Burgers, though the lineup often changes.2 The combination of pets, kids, food, and sports firmly establishes Common Space as a vital community hub where the beer is paired with a comprehensive social experience.
Elevating Your Experience: Finding the Best Beer Hawthorne Offers
While in Hawthorne, first-timers should prioritize exploration beyond the typical pale ale. The South Bay brewing tradition, heavily influenced by innovators like Far Field Beer Company (located nearby in Lawndale), celebrates diversity.9 While hop-forward West Coast IPAs remain local staples, seeking out other regional specialties is highly rewarding. Keep an eye out for crisp, dry lagers, or experimental sours; for example, regional brewers frequently excel at complex styles like Berliner Weisses and barrel-aged options.9
Whether you discover a new favorite at LAAW or Common Space, transporting those fresh brews home can sometimes be a challenge. While visitors might search for a dedicated local bottle shop, the centralized search index does not readily verify a prominent retail option in Hawthorne, CA itself. This structural gap highlights the convenience of specialized delivery services. Brwtxt fills this need by serving as the indispensable resource for local residents and visitors who want to take their discoveries home or access regional, high-demand beers without the hassle of a drive.
For the fastest way to get your hands on the latest local and regional releases, simply browse our inventory of new releases available for immediate delivery right to your Hawthorne location: /new-releases. If you are unfamiliar with the process, you can easily review the full delivery instructions at www.brwtxt.com/how-it-works.
FAQ: Your Hawthorne Craft Beer Questions Answered
How far is Hawthorne from LAX?
The major Hawthorne breweries, including Los Angeles Ale Works and Common Space Brewery, are located approximately 5 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).1
Are Hawthorne breweries family and dog-friendly?
Yes. Common Space Brewery, in particular, is known for its expansive beer garden that welcomes both well-behaved children and dogs, provided they are kept within arm’s length.2
What is the atmosphere like at Hawthorne breweries?
Hawthorne offers two contrasting experiences: Los Angeles Ale Works focuses on a more traditional production-facility and core tasting room vibe 3, while Common Space Brewery offers a large, dynamic community beer garden with rotating food trucks and LA sports broadcasts.2
Can I get craft beer delivered in Hawthorne, CA?
Yes. Alcohol delivery, including local craft beer, is legal and operational in Hawthorne, CA, within the broader state regulatory framework.10 Services like Brwtxt provide fast, compliant access to local and regional brews.
Where can I find the official rules regarding alcohol in California?
The official regulations and licensing information for alcohol production and sales in the state are overseen by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).11
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