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The Perfect Torrance Craft Beer Crawl

  • Writer: Jason Hargrove
    Jason Hargrove
  • 4 days ago
  • 6 min read

Six friends cheer with beers at an outdoor table under an orange umbrella. They're laughing and joyful, with sunglasses and a phone on the table.
Friends enjoying a stop on a Torrance Brewery Crawl.

A perfect Torrance beer crawl focuses on walkable clusters. Start in the "Del Amo Cluster" to visit Smog City Brewing, Hermosa Brewing Co., and Cellador Ales. Or, hit the "Columbia Cluster" for Absolution Brewing and Scholb Premium Ales.

Let’s be clear: Torrance is LA’s craft beer heaven. If you’re looking to explore the best of the South Bay beer scene, you’ve come to the right place. But a "crawl" implies walking, and many of this city's all-star breweries are just a little too far apart.

Don't worry. We’ve done the legwork. This is the real-deal, actionable guide to a smart bar crawl in Torrance, complete with two genuinely walkable routes.


Why Torrance is LA’s Craft Beer Capital

This isn't just hype; it's a fact. Torrance has the highest concentration of craft breweries in all of Los Angeles County.

This critical mass of brewers has turned the city into a true beer destination. It's so official that Discover Torrance (https://discovertorrance.com/) hosts an annual "Torrance Beer Run," a self-paced tour of all 11-ish breweries every November. The city's industrial parks, once just business addresses, have become hallowed ground for beer lovers, creating legendary taproom clusters locals affectionately call the "Beer-muda Triangle".

And since we know you're in the area, check our delivery zones to see if you're in the Brwtxt network.


Planning Your Torrance Beer Crawl: The Essentials

A great crawl needs a little planning. Before you map your route, here are three things to know.

1. Transportation is Key This is the most important rule: do not drive yourself. These beers are delicious, and they pack a punch. The whole point is to relax, not to worry about your car.

Your best bets are standard rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. For a pro-level local tip, check out Connect Torrance (https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/connect-torrance), the city's own on-demand shared ride service. It’s an affordable way to hop between clusters.

2. The Food Situation You’ll find two types of breweries in Torrance. First are the brewpubs, which are full-on restaurants like HopSaint Brewing Company and Red Car Brewery. Second are the production taprooms, like Smog City and Monkish, which host a daily rotating schedule of awesome food trucks. Check their social media before you go if you have a specific craving.

3. Know the Rules Be cool. You’re a guest in these taprooms. Respect the staff, know your limits, and stay hydrated. Remember that all service is at the discretion of the establishment and state law, regulated by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (https://www.abc.ca.gov/).


The "Del Amo Cluster": A Truly Walkable Torrance Crawl

This is it. If you only have a few hours and want a true walking crawl, this is your spot. Forget what you’ve heard about other clusters; these three breweries are literally doors from each other on Del Amo Boulevard. Park your rideshare once and walk.


Stop 1: Smog City Brewing Company (The Community Hub)

Start at the heart of the Torrance beer community. Smog City (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) is a brewer-owned and operated institution. Their welcoming, industrial-chic warehouse taproom is the perfect place to sample their exceptionally balanced beers. They brew everything from crisp pilsners to rich, creative stouts, including the legendary, Great American Beerfest gold-medal winner, Groundwork Coffee Porter.

Check our new releases to see if we have any fresh Smog City in stock.


Stop 2: Hermosa Brewing Company (The Game Room)

Walk just a few hundred feet to your next stop, the Torrance taproom for Hermosa Brewing Company (https://hermosabrewingco.com/). This is the fun stop. While the Hermosa Beach location is a full restaurant, this spot is all about the taproom vibe. They have a huge selection of beers, ciders, and seltzers, plus "delicious food pop-ups" to keep you fueled. Grab a pint and hit the games: they have pinball, pool, darts, and classic video games.


Stop 3: Cellador Ales (The Sour Specialists)

Right next door to Hermosa is your final stop in this cluster: Cellador Ales (https://www.celladorales.com/). This is a special place for the true beer connoisseur. Cellador is not your average IPA factory. They specialize exclusively in 100% oak barrel-fermented and mixed-culture sour ales. These complex, funky, and often fruity beers are a brilliant way to end your crawl, cleansing your palate with something truly unique.


The "Columbia Cluster": Torrance Crawl Part Two

Did you finish the Del Amo crawl and still have some fight left in you? Grab a rideshare and head over to Columbia Street for another fantastic micro-cluster. These two breweries are on the same block, making for a perfect two-stop hop.


Stop 4: Absolution Brewing Company

Absolution Brewing Company (https://www.absolutionbrewingcompany.com/) is a spacious, industrial taproom where you can see the entire brewhouse right from your seat. They offer a huge variety of styles, but they are rightfully proud of their 405 IPA, which has won multiple gold medals. They also have a lively schedule of food trucks, sports on the TVs, and even disc golf putting nights.


Stop 5: Scholb Premium Ales

A short walk down the block brings you to Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/). The vibe at Scholb is all about "clean, clear, direct flavors". They focus on well-made, easy-drinking beers without a lot of fuss. It’s one of the most welcoming spots in the city and is explicitly kid-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a perfect, chill place to relax.


Destination Breweries: Worth the Drive

Some breweries are so good they don't need to be in a cluster. These are the "must-visit" destinations that define the Torrance beer scene. You will need a dedicated ride to each of these, but they are 100% worth it.


Monkish Brewing Co. (The Haze Legends)

You can't talk about Torrance beer without talking about Monkish (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/). They are trendy, hype-worthy, and for Hazy IPA fans, this is the holy grail. They famously started as Belgian-style purists, with a "No IPA" sign in their taproom. After mastering those complex styles, they took down the sign and quietly became legends in the "haze game," perfecting the New England-style IPA. The lines for their can releases are legendary for a reason.

Hate lines for can releases? See how it works and get the haze delivered.


The Brewpubs (Where Food is King)

If your craft beer crawl in Torrance is just as much about the food, these brewpubs are your best bet.

  • Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (https://www.redcarbrewery.com/): Located in historic Old Torrance, Red Car is the city's original pioneer, serving classic English-style ales and great food since 2000.

  • HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/): This award-winning brewpub is a local favorite, known for its outstanding food menu and its gold-medal-winning Kolsch.

  • The Brews Hall (https://www.thebrewshall.com/): A modern, bustling food hall concept that houses multiple food vendors under one roof, all anchored by the diverse tap list of Buzzrock Brewing Co..


    FAQ: Your Torrance Craft Beer Crawl Questions


    How many breweries are in Torrance, CA?

    Torrance is home to approximately 11 craft breweries. This gives it the highest concentration of breweries in all of Los Angeles County, making it the perfect destination for brewery hopping.


    Are Torrance breweries kid-friendly?

    Yes, Torrance is very kid-friendly. Most production taprooms, like Monkish (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/) and Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/), welcome children. Brewpubs like Red Car Brewery (https://www.redcarbrewery.com/) are full-service restaurants suitable for families.


    Are Torrance breweries dog-friendly?

    This is a great city for beer-loving dog owners. The majority of breweries with patios, including Smog City (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/), Monkish (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/), and Scholb (https://www.drinkscholb.com/), welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs.


    Which Torrance breweries serve food?

    For a full restaurant experience with a dedicated kitchen, head to Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (https://www.redcarbrewery.com/), HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/), or Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/). The Brews Hall (https://www.thebrewshall.com/) is a food hall with multiple vendors. Most other taprooms, like Smog City and Monkish, host a rotating schedule of excellent food trucks.


    What is the Torrance Beer Run?

    The Torrance Beer Run is a fun, annual event presented by Discover Torrance (https://discovertorrance.com/), usually held in November. It is a self-paced tour (no actual running required!) where you collect stamps in a passport from all the city's breweries to earn a custom commemorative glass.

    Tired just reading about it?


    Brwtxt and your fridge fills itself.

 
 
 

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