The Torrance Craft Beer Guide: Best Spots for Locals
- Jason Hargrove

- 4 days ago
- 5 min read

Forget the 405. The only thing brewing in Torrance is world-class beer. This balanced city has quietly become the undisputed hub of SoCal’s craft beer scene, transforming its industrial parks into a paradise for pint lovers. With more than 10 incredible breweries packed into the 90501, Torrance is a certified destination. This isn’t just another list. This is your guide to finding the perfect local spot for whatever mood you’re in. Whether you want to try the latest award-winning release or just relax on a patio, we’ve got you covered.
The best Torrance craft beer spots offer something for everyone. Head to Monkish Brewing Co. (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/) for legendary hazy IPAs, Smog City Brewing ([https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/](https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/)) for award-winning variety and a community vibe, or HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/) for a perfect pairing of delicious food and expertly crafted ales.
## For the Hop Heads: Torrance's Best IPAs
If your life revolves around Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe, you’re in the right place. Torrance is home to some of the most sought-after IPAs on the West Coast. These are the spots that deliver the goods.
### Monkish Brewing Co: Chasing the Haze
Let’s be clear. People line up for this beer. Monkish Brewing Co. (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/) famously pivoted from traditional Belgian styles to become a pioneer of the New England-style hazy IPA. The hype is real. Their taproom, located right inside the brewery on Western Avenue, is a temple for fans of juicy, aromatic IPAs. Expect a rotating list of creatively named brews that are consistently spectacular. It’s the top spot for tasting the best beer Torrance has to offer, straight from the source.
### Smog City Brewing: West Coast Classics, Perfected
Brewer-owned and family-operated, Smog City Brewing (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) is a pillar of the LA beer community. They craft exceptionally balanced beers with a conscience, donating 1% of their sales to environmental non-profits. While they excel at everything from sours to stouts, their hoppy ales are legendary. Grab a pint of their classic Smog City IPA or the Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, a GABF award-winning hoppy amber that has been a local favorite for years. Their welcoming Del Amo Boulevard taproom is the perfect place to see why they’re so respected.
## Best Beer and Bites: Top Torrance Brewpubs
Sometimes a great beer calls for a great meal. These Torrance breweries go beyond the pint, offering full-service kitchens that make them perfect for date night or a group dinner.
### HopSaint Brewing Company: Where Beer Meets the Hearth
HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/)) is a full-blown gastronomic destination. Their motto is quality craftsmanship, and it applies to both their beer and their food. The kitchen is built around a hearth, char grill, and custom smoker, churning out incredible dishes like chorizo mac ‘n’ cheese and roasted chicken jambalaya. Pair your meal with one of their award-winning brews, like the Kolsch Enough or the Pure Intention Pale Ale. They even have a second taproom location, HopSaint at The Ditch (https://www.hopsaint.com/the-taproom)), for a more casual experience.
### Red Car Brewery & Restaurant: Old School Cool
Take a trip back in time at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (http://www.redcarbrewery.com/). As Torrance's very first brewery, opening in 2000, this Old Town Torrance spot is steeped in local history. Named for the old Pacific Electric trolleys, Red Car specializes in traditional English-style ales brewed with Old World ingredients. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the hop-heavy scene. Their laid-back pub atmosphere and menu of wood-fired pizzas and classic comfort food make it a timeless local hangout.
## More Than a Pint: Breweries with a Vibe
Looking for a place with great beer and great energy? These spots are community hubs that offer live music, games, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stick around.
### Project Barley Square: Your Go-To for Cask Ale and Live Music
Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/)) is the neighborhood’s living room. This friendly brewery and pub is one of the few places on the West Coast serving traditional English-style cask ales from a hand pump. The vibe is always lively, with a packed calendar of events like karaoke, trivia, and live music on the weekends. With a full menu of killer pub fare like fish and chips, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends.
### Scholb Premium Ales: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Hangout
Need a place where you, the kids, and the dog can all hang out? Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/) is your answer. This family-owned brewery on Columbia Street has a massive, inviting taproom that’s both kid- and dog-friendly. With a game room, frequent events, and plenty of space to spread out, it’s designed for good times and good conversation. They focus on clean, direct-flavored craft beers that please every palate.
## FAQ: Your Torrance Craft Beer Questions Answered
### Which Torrance breweries are family-friendly?
Many Torrance breweries welcome the whole family. Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/) is a top choice with its game room and spacious layout. Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/)) and Smog City Brewing (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/)) are also great, family-friendly environments.
### Where can I get a full meal with my beer in Torrance?
For a full restaurant experience, head to HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/) or Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (http://www.redcarbrewery.com/). Both have extensive, high-quality food menus. Other spots like Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/) also have full kitchens, while breweries like Monkish (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/) and Smog City (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) host a rotating schedule of excellent food trucks.
### Can I bring my dog to breweries in Torrance?
Yes, Torrance is a very dog-friendly beer city. Most breweries with outdoor patios welcome well-behaved pups. Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/), Hermosa Brewing Company (https://hermosabrewingco.com/), and Trademark Brewing (https://trademarkbrewing.com/) are all known for being canine-friendly. It's always a good idea to check a brewery's specific policy before you go.
### Are there any breweries in Torrance that aren't just about IPAs?
Absolutely. While Torrance has amazing IPAs, the variety is huge. Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (http://www.redcarbrewery.com/) specializes in traditional English-style ales. Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/) is famous for its hand-pulled cask ales. You'll find excellent lagers, stouts, and sours all over the city.
### What's the parking situation like at Torrance breweries?
This is one of the best parts about the Torrance craft beer scene. Most breweries are located in industrial parks with their own lots or ample, free street parking. It’s a welcome relief from the usual LA parking nightmare, making your trip for beer near Torrance that much easier.
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