Your Ultimate South Pasadena Summer Beer Guide

Colorado Street Bridge on a beautiful summer sunset.

The sun is high, the jacarandas are in full bloom, and the heat is radiating off the pavement. It’s officially summer in South Pasadena. That means one thing: it’s time for a cold, refreshing beer. But not just any beer. You need the right beer. The kind that cuts through the heat, pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, and makes a long summer evening feel just right.

The best South Pasadena summer beers include crisp lagers, refreshing hefeweizens, and juicy pale ales from top-rated breweries in neighboring Pasadena. Standouts include Craftsman Brewing’s Heavenly Hefe, Wild Parrot Brewing’s Mexican-style lager, and a variety of seasonal releases you can get delivered straight to your door.

This is your definitive guide to finding the best seasonal and summer beers in the South Pas area. We’ll break down the perfect styles for warm weather and point you to the local heroes brewing them just a few miles away.

What Makes a Perfect South Pasadena Summer Beer?

When the temperature climbs, your beer choice should be all about refreshment. Heavy, high-alcohol stouts can wait for winter. Summer is the season for brews that are crisp, clean, and crushable. Here are the styles that should be on your radar.

  *Wheat Beers and Hefeweizens:** This is the undisputed king of summer beer styles and favorite of our guide. [1] A classic Bavarian-style hefeweizen is hazy, creamy, and bursting with natural flavors of banana and clove from its unique yeast.[1, 2] It’s like sunshine in a glass. The ultimate local example is Pasadena’s own Craftsman Brewing Company and their iconic Heavenly Hefeweizen.[3]

*Pilsners and Lagers:** Nothing says crisp and clean like a well-made lager. These beers are fermented at cooler temperatures, resulting in a smooth, refined taste that’s incredibly refreshing. From classic German-style pilsners to light and zesty Mexican-style lagers, this category is built for beating the heat.[4]

*Blonde and Golden Ales:** Approachable, balanced, and easy-drinking, blonde ales are a summer go-to. They have a subtle malt sweetness and a clean finish, making them the perfect companion for just about any summer activity.[1, 5]

*Sours and Fruited Ales:** For the more adventurous palate, a tart and fruity sour ale is a game-changer on a hot day. These beers are refreshingly acidic and often brewed with real fruit like raspberry, passion fruit, or blood orange, tapping into a major craft beer trend.[1, 6]

## Finding the Best Summer Beers Near South Pas

While South Pasadena is a fantastic place to live, it doesn’t have its own breweries. But don’t worry. You’re sitting next to one of the best craft beer scenes in Los Angeles County. Pasadena is your backyard brewery playground, and it’s packed with incredible options for finding that perfect seasonal beer.

### Pasadena's Craft Cornerstones: Your Go-To Taprooms

Ready for a field trip? These Pasadena breweries are just a short drive away and are pouring some of the best summer beers you can find.

  Wild Parrot Brewing (https://www.wildparrotbrewing.com/)):**

As one of Pasadena's newest breweries, Wild Parrot has quickly become a local favorite. This family-owned spot on Colorado Boulevard has a fantastic, pet-friendly patio and is co-located with Rosebud Coffee, creating a unique beverage hub.[7, 8] For a perfect summer pint, try their DOS LOPEZ, a crisp and clean Mexican-style lager, or the Scarlet Zest, a vibrant and tart raspberry blood orange sour.[7]

*Cervecería del Pueblo (https://www.cerveceriadelpueblo.com/)):**

This small-batch brewery is all about flavor and heritage. Inspired by the owner's Colombian roots, they craft unique cervezas using locally sourced South American herbs, fruits, and grains.[8, 9] They specialize in the refreshing lagers and light-bodied ales that are absolutely ideal for a warm Southern California day.

Stone Brewing (https://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/outposts/pasadena)):

The local outpost of the world-famous San Diego brewery, Stone’s Pasadena taproom, is a must-visit for hop lovers.[10] Conveniently located at the Del Mar Metro Station, they offer a huge rotating list of Stone classics and brewery-exclusive releases. For summer, you can’t go wrong with their Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager, a supremely crushable brew that’s practically made for tacos and sunshine.[10]

The Craftsman Legacy: A South Pasadena Seasonal Beer Icon

You can’t talk about Pasadena beer without talking about ([https://craftsmanbrewing.com/](https://craftsmanbrewing.com/)). Founded in 1995, Craftsman is one of the original pioneers of the L.A. craft beer scene, celebrated for its dedication to quality and traditional styles.[3, 11] Their 1903 Lager is a local legend, and their Heavenly Hefe is a benchmark for the style.

*  

Here’s the catch: Craftsman Brewing is a production-only facility. It has no public taproom or tasting room.[12] For years, the only way to enjoy their beer was to find it on tap at a handful of select pubs and restaurants. But what if you want to enjoy that iconic Pasadena beer in your own South Pasadena home?

That’s where modern convenience comes in. You no longer have to hunt down a specific bar to get your hands on Craftsman’s finest. With a delivery service, you can get their legendary brews brought right to your doorstep. It’s the easiest way to access a true local gem. Find out more about how it works. (brwtxt.com/how-it-works).

Stocking Up: Where to Find Seasonal Beer in South Pasadena

If you prefer to browse the aisles yourself, South Pasadena and its neighbors have some excellent spots to hunt for craft beer.

High-end grocery stores like Bristol Farms (https://www.bristolfarms.com/stores/south-pasadena)) on Fair Oaks Ave [13] and the local Pavilions(https://local.pavilions.com/ca/south-pasadena/1213-fair-oaks-ave.html) [14] have stepped up their craft beer game with solid selections of local and regional brews. For an even more curated experience, Pasadena’s bottle shops are top-notch.Mission Wine and spirits(https://hopped.com/places/mission-wine-spirits-pasadena)) is renowned for having one of the best craft beer sections in the city [15], while Cordova Cafe (https://cordovacafe.com/)) offers a unique selection of cans and drafts to-go, including hard-to-find brands.[16]

These are great options for a quick pickup. But when you want the best selection from across the region without leaving your couch, nothing beats the convenience of delivery.

FAQ: Your South Pasadena Summer Beer Questions Answered

What are the most popular summer beer styles?

The most popular summer beer styles are light, crisp, and refreshing. Think German-style Hefeweizens, clean and crisp Pilsners and Lagers, easy-drinking Blonde Ales, and tart, fruity Sour Ales.

Are there any breweries directly in South Pasadena, CA?

No, there are currently no breweries with a physical location in South Pasadena. However, the world-class breweries of neighboring Pasadena are just a few minutes away, offering an incredible variety of craft beer.

Can I get beer from Craftsman Brewing delivered?

Yes. While Craftsman Brewing does not have a public taproom, services like Brwtxt are the perfect solution, bringing their iconic Pasadena-brewed beers right to your fridge in South Pasadena.

What are some good local IPAs for summer?

For summer, look for "Session IPAs" or lighter-bodied West Coast IPAs. These beers pack plenty of hoppy flavor but with a lower alcohol content, making them more refreshing in the heat.[1] Check out the rotating IPA taps at Stone Brewing or Wild Parrot for great seasonal options.

Where can I find new or limited seasonal beer releases in South Pas?

The best way is to follow the social media of Pasadena-area breweries. For the ultimate convenience, a curated delivery service is your best bet, as they often feature the latest seasonal drops and limited releases. Check out our list of new releases https://brwtxt.com/new-releases) to see what’s fresh.

Try brwtxt your fridge just fills itself.