The Ultimate Long Beach Brewery Tour: Discovering the Best Craft Beers in Town
Long Beach, CA, is known for its laid-back vibe, ocean views, and rich culture, but in recent years, it has also become a hotspot for craft beer lovers. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a hardcore hophead, the city offers a diverse range of breweries that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Ready for a brew-tiful adventure? Let’s dive into the ultimate Long Beach brewery tour!
1.
Beachwood BBQ & Brewing
Address: 210 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802 What to
Expect: A pioneer of the Long Beach brewery scene, Beachwood BBQ & Brewing is famous for its award-winning beers and smoked meats. With a focus on hop-forward brews and unique barrel-aged offerings, Beachwood has something for everyone. Try their flagship Amalgamator IPA, a West Coast-style IPA bursting with citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Pair your pint with some mouth-watering BBQ, like their smoked brisket or pork ribs, for the ultimate experience.
Must-Try: Amalgamator IPA, Citraholic IPA, and Kilgore Stout.
2.
Ten Mile Brewing
Address: 1136 E Willow St, Signal Hill, CA 90755
What to Expect: Family-owned and operated, Ten Mile Brewing offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere just a stone’s throw from Long Beach. Their rustic taproom, adorned with reclaimed wood and a laid-back vibe, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a brew. They focus on brewing traditional styles with a modern twist, from refreshing lagers to rich, malty stouts.
Must-Try:
Mule Skinner Stout and
Sleepy Hollow Amber. For something light and easy, go for the
Loma Prieta Pilsner.
3.
Ambitious Ales
Address: 4019 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
What to Expect: Located in the charming Bixby Knolls neighborhood, Ambitious Ales is a neighborhood gem where creativity meets craft. Their experimental approach to brewing results in a wide variety of flavors, often incorporating local ingredients. The brewery’s modern taproom is inviting, with large windows and plenty of seating. Don’t miss their rotating seasonal beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles.
Must-Try: In The Pines, a piney and resinous IPA, and
Bean Me Up, an espresso vanilla porter that will satisfy your coffee and beer cravings at once.
4.
Smog City Brewing - Steelcraft
Address: 3768 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807
What to Expect: A beloved name in the SoCal craft beer scene, Smog City Brewing offers a location at Steelcraft, a unique outdoor venue made from repurposed shipping containers. This is the perfect spot to enjoy some fresh air, food from nearby vendors, and fantastic craft beer. Known for their creativity and eco-conscious approach, Smog City brews range from bold IPAs to wild ales and barrel-aged sours.
Must-Try: Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, an amber ale with a hint of nuttiness, and
Little Bo Pils, a crisp and refreshing pilsner.
5.
Long Beach Beer Lab
Address: 518 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806
What to Expect: As its name suggests, Long Beach Beer Lab is all about experimentation. Located in the Wrigley neighborhood, this brewery stands out with its focus on wild fermentation, sour ales, and naturally leavened breads. That’s right — they’re not just brewing beer, they’re also baking bread! The funky and sour beer enthusiasts will love this place, but there are plenty of options for more traditional tastes as well.
Must-Try:
Their wild-fermented
Funky Duck Saison,
Tart Lil’ IPA, and
LBBL House Saison are must-haves for adventurous palates.
6.
Trademark Brewing
Address: 233 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813
What to Expect: Trademark Brewing is one of the newer additions to the Long Beach craft beer scene but has quickly made a name for itself with its spacious taproom and diverse lineup of beers. This brewery has a bit of everything: hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and fruity kettle sours. Their eco-friendly brewing methods and dedication to sustainability also set them apart from the crowd.
Must-Try: The Future Is Bright, a hazy IPA bursting with tropical flavors, and
Dark Passenger, a chocolatey porter with notes of coffee and roasted malt.
Address: 2936 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815
What to Expect: Known for its laid-back, surfer-inspired vibe, Steady Brew Beer Co. offers a variety of classic beer styles in a casual setting. Whether you’re looking for something crisp and refreshing or dark and malty, Steady Brew has you covered. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring Long Beach or hitting the waves.
Must-Try:
Surfrider Pale Ale and
Dark and Steady Porter are fan favorites.
8. Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach
Address: 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
What to Expect: Situated right on the water in Alamitos Bay, Ballast Point Brewing’s Long Beach location offers stunning marina views alongside its lineup of iconic beers. While this isn’t a local Long Beach-born brewery, it’s worth a stop for the atmosphere alone. Sip a refreshing beer while watching the boats pass by, and indulge in their on-site kitchen’s tasty offerings.
Must-Try: Sculpin IPA,
Victory at Sea (a coffee vanilla porter), and
Aloha Sculpin (a tropical twist on their classic IPA).
Wrapping Up: Your Perfect Long Beach Brewery Tour
With its thriving craft beer scene, Long Beach offers something for every kind of beer enthusiast. From cozy, family-owned spots to innovative brewers pushing the boundaries of flavor, there’s no shortage of incredible places to grab a pint. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite brew or a visitor planning a beer-centric trip, these breweries are sure to impress.
Pro Tips for Your Brewery Tour:
- Consider renting a bike or scooter to hop from one brewery to the next while enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Don’t forget to bring a growler so you can take your favorite beers home.
- Check brewery websites or social media for any special events, live music, or food truck schedules to enhance your experience.
Cheers to a great time in Long Beach—where the beer is as refreshing as the ocean breeze!
