Westlake Village Dinner Dates + the Right Beer Pairings

A sumptuous gourmet meal with great local craft beer.

Planning a Westlake Village date night? Ditch the default wine. The best Westlake Village beer pairings match local craft beer with fine dining. Pair a hoppy IPA to cut the richness of steak or a crisp Pilsner to complement delicate seafood.

Westlake Village. Date night. You’ve got reservations at a spot with "gorgeous views". The pressure is on. And the easiest, most predictable move is... a glass of wine. It’s the default choice in a town full of wineries.

That default is a missed opportunity. You’re not a default person. Your date isn't default. Why is your drink? The most interesting, dynamic, and flavor-forward choice for craft beer dinners in Westlake is hiding in plain sight. It’s a great craft beer.

We’re here to show you how to pair craft beer with Westlake Village’s best date night spots. This is your guide to being the most interesting person at the table.

The 3 C's: Your Beer Pairing Cheat Code

Forget stuffy rules. You only need to remember three words for advanced Westlake Village beer pairings.

• Complement: Match intensities. Light food, light beer. Rich food, rich beer. A crisp Pilsner with seafood. A dark, roasty Stout with a chocolate dessert. Simple.

• Cut: Use carbonation and bitterness to slice through richness. This is why a hoppy, bitter IPA is magic with fatty, rich foods. It scrubs your palate clean for the next bite.

• Contrast: Find an opposing flavor that works. A sweet, malty Scotch Ale against a savory, grilled steak.

Perfect Westlake Village Beer Pairings for Your Big Night Out

Let’s apply this to the Westlake Village icons. Here are the date night beer pairings that will win the night.

The Lakeside Legend: Boccaccio's Restaurant

The vibe at Boccaccio's Restaurant (https://www.boccacciosrestaurant.com/) is "special occasion". The menu is classic. You need a beer that respects the luxury.

• The Dish: Filet Mignon.

• The Pairing: A "Dark & Roasty" Imperial Stout or Porter.

• Why it Works: This is a classic Complement. The roasted, coffee, and chocolate notes in the stout will latch onto the seared, caramelized crust of the steak. It’s a pairing that’s just as rich and complex as any big Cabernet.

• The Dish: Cioppino or Scallop Fettuccine.

• The Pairing: A "Fruity & Spicy" Belgian Witbier or a clean, "Crisp" German Pilsner.

• Why it Works: Complement again. The delicate seafood needs a delicate beer. The bright citrus and light body of a Witbier will elevate the seafood without overpowering it.

Elevated & Modern: RED O Restaurant

The vibe at RED O Restaurant (https://www.redorestaurant.com/westlake-village) is Tulum-inspired, modern Mexican. The flavors are "bold" and "authentic." This is where "Hoppy & Bitter" beers come to play.

• The Dish: Braised Short Rib Enchiladas or Slow Braised Carnitas.

• The Pairing: A "Hoppy & Bitter" West Coast IPA.

• Why it Works: This is a perfect example of Cut. The intense hop bitterness and sharp carbonation will slice right through the rich, fatty goodness of the short rib and carnitas, cleansing your palate. Bonus: The citrusy hop notes will Contrast the spicy, savory chile sauce beautifully.

• The Dish: Scallop Aguachile or Catch of the Day Ceviche.

• The Pairing: A "Sour, Tart & Funky" Gose or a "Crisp" Mexican Lager.

• Why it Works: The high acidity, bright lime, and saltiness of a Gose will Complement the citrus-cured fish and feel incredibly refreshing.

Rustic Italian: Nonna

Nonna (https://nonna.restaurant/) is cozy, rustic, and built around a craft bar. This is a place that understands craft.

• The Dish: The 21 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye.

• The Pairing: A "Malty & Sweet" Amber Ale or a Belgian Dubbel.

• Why it Works: The deep caramelization of the malts in an Amber Ale will Complement the grilled meat, while the beer's sweet-ish backbone will Contrast the steak's savory, salty crust.

• The Dish: Tiramisu or Butterscotch Budino.

• The Pairing: A "Dark & Roasty" Coffee Stout or Milk Stout.

• Why it Works: This is the ultimate Complement. You’re matching the coffee and chocolate notes in the Tiramisu with a beer that has the exact same flavors. It’s like dessert on dessert. (This is a great time to check our new-releases for seasonal stouts).

Date Night In? Craft Beer Dinners Westlake Style

Going out is great. But sometimes the best date night beer spot is your own couch. You grab takeout from a local favorite—maybe the "Mendo" at Mendocino Farms (https://www.mendocinofarms.com/locations/westlake-village) or even a platter from Brent's Deli (https://brentsdeli.com/) —but the restaurant's to-go beer selection is... sad.

That’s where you win. You already have the perfect, curated selection of craft beer in your fridge. Because you planned ahead. You get to bring the expertise of a local Westlake Village brewery like 14 Cannons (https://www.14cannons.com/) or Figueroa Mountain (https://www.figmtnbrew.com/westlakevillage) right to your living room.

This is the Brwtxt secret. We handle the curation and the logistics. You handle being the date-night hero. Curious? See how-it-works and check our zones to see if we're in your neighborhood.

FAQ: Your Westlake Village Beer Pairing Questions

What's the best beer for a first date?

Something interesting but accessible. A "Fruity & Spicy" Belgian-style Saison or a "Hoppy" but balanced Pale Ale shows you have good taste without being too intimidating. It’s a great conversation starter.

Can you really pair beer with fancy food like steak or seafood?

Absolutely. It’s what beer is meant for. A rich, complex Imperial Stout can stand up to a filet mignon better than many wines. And a crisp, effervescent Pilsner is a perfect companion for delicate shellfish.

What are the best local breweries to try in Westlake Village?

You are spoiled for choice. 14 Cannons (https://www.14cannons.com/) offers amazing, expertly crafted beers in a beautiful taproom. Figueroa Mountain (https://www.figmtnbrew.com/westlakevillage) is a gastropub staple. And Naughty Pine ([https://www.naughtypinebrewingco.com/](https://www.naughtypinebrewingco.com/)) is a local favorite for its "seasonal dark beers".

What beer pairs well with spicy food?

You have two choices: Cut or Contrast. A "Hoppy & Bitter" IPA will amplify the spice at first, then the bitterness will fan the flames before a clean, cooling finish. A "Crisp," malty lager will do the opposite, taming the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Are there craft beer dinners in Westlake?

Yes! Local taprooms like Figueroa Mountain (https://www.figmtnbrew.com/westlakevillage) host their own gastropub-style dinners. Keep an eye on their event calendars. Or, even better, create your own by ordering Brwtxt to your door.

Leverage Brwtxt, and your fridge fills itself.