Discover Your Favorite Craft Beers at These Local Outposts
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder, or something like that. Whether you’re a lager lover, a stout stan, an ale aficionado, an IPA addict, or prefer pilsners or porters, this list is for you! There is nothing quite like posting up and having a pint with a pal. And did you know Orange County is home to some of California’s best breweries? There are industrial-style spots, hipster hangouts, indoor tasting rooms, outdoor patios, and everything in between. There are even a few locations that the littles will love, too. We’ve been brewing up a list of our top 19 breweries in Orange County. What are you waiting for? Hop to it!
Everywhere Beer Co.
This place is both retro and rad. With over 40 years of combined experience in craft beer and wine, the owners have worked tirelessly to create a community of adult beverage lovers who want to hold space for one another. The colorful decor makes it damn near impossible to be in a bad mood and their funky flavors keep things exciting. If you are brave enough to taste-test an imperial stout, we recommend the 9.3% ABV See You Soon—a beer that has been treated with raw hazelnut, roasted hazelnut, cocoa powder, and Cook Island Tahitian vanilla. It’s basically dessert.
Not into beer but still want a buzz? This place also serves up agua fresca seltzers, like the cucumber calamansi sipper scented with Key lime. Everywhere is always doing collaborations with other local purveyors to bring you unique, flavorful finds that even include artisan hot sauces. They also have different pop-up restaurants serving snacks, so you always have something to pair with your pale ale.
Location: Orange
Asylum Brewing
Asylum is part arcade, part other world. It’s giving “Stranger Things” vibes—and we’re kind of into it. With red mood lighting and lots of bells and whistles (probably from the pinball machines), this tap room is terrifyingly terrific. “Every night is Halloween” is the slogan at this Anaheim hangout, which makes it a fun place to stop in and get a little weird. Open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. on the weekends, Asylum offers a diverse lineup of beers, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts. There’s even one topped with Lucky Charms for a nostalgic ‘90s twist. They bring in different food vendors to serve up tasty snacks, like smoked BBQ bites from local favorite Big Rick’s BBQ 714. This is definitely a place that will leave an impression.
Location: Anaheim
1886 Brewing Co.
1886 Brewing Co. in Orange blends heritage with craft, offering an eclectic array of artisanal beers to thirsty guests. In its cozy taproom, patrons enjoy a laid-back atmosphere perfect for savoring unique brews crafted with precision and care. They have a full menu featuring fan favorites like a jumbo Bavarian pretzel, borracho nachos and any of your between bun cravings. They brew a slew of beers in-house with over a dozen on tap, so you’ll never get bored of your pour. 1886 Brewing Co. is located in an ultra-charming part of Orange with plenty to explore before or after a few beers.
Location: Orange
Green Cheek
Do you like smash burgers? Then again, who doesn’t? This brewery is serving them up hot, so you have something drool-worthy to go with your brew. Another kid-friendly locale, Green Cheek is just good, clean fun. Check out Tuesday trivia night and other experiences, like Paint & Pints and Bend & Brews. Their vibrant beer cans are funky and fresh, especially the latest sour, called the Salty Message, a German-style beer with magnolia-scented tea and a dash of pink salt. Founded in 2017, this place has made itself a staple in the greater Costa Mesa community and beyond and is among places people love to post up.
Locations: Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Orange
Salty Bear Brewing Co.
Located in a little corner property on the backside of The Camp, this hidden gem off Randolph Avenue is a fan favorite for families and beer drinkers alike. Rarely without a crowd, Salty Bear often hosts local bands and singers on their outdoor stage to serenade the slow sippers. Hot tip: you can even order from the ever-popular Folks Pizzeria to enjoy with your pilsner. This is the move, people. Get a Big Guy Double IPA for the gentlemen and a Fancy Sauce Yuzu Kolsch for the ladies. Open seven days a week, Salty Bear is one of the Randolph big three, with Gunwhale and Green Cheek being the other two, making this little stretch the brewery hub of Costa Mesa.
Location: Costa Mesa
Gunwhale Ales
Another member of the Randolph watering hole gang, Gunwhale Ales has been an OG on the block since 2016. The staff here has been serving up some seriously untamed ales on tap, with their own style of hop-forward and yeast-driven beer called “coastal ales.” Owned and operated by three local friends, these ocean-loving guys geek out over beer and brewing, working together to push the limits on this surprisingly complex beverage. The atmosphere is nautical and nice—a quaint little spot that pays homage to the ocean and makes for a great way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. We recommend the Surfbird, a California golden ale that has hints of citrus and honey and makes for a really crisp sip.
Location: Costa Mesa
Brewery X
Remember how we mentioned this list included some industrial spots? This is one of them! Located in Anaheim, Brewery X is like a campground for all things carbonated. It’s a little bit indoor, a little bit outdoor, and you get a peak behind the whole operation with a view into their giant brewing hub. The outdoor seating is usually privy to some live music and food trucks, whereas the indoor space offers some reprieve from the inevitable Anaheim heat. They also have TVs so you can catch the Anaheim Ducks or Los Angeles Angels shooting their shot for some post-season playoff glory. Brewery X is a sprawling property with plenty of places to relocate to on your beer-drinking journey. They even do movie nights in the biergarten, complete with concessions and ice cream.
Location: Anaheim
The Bruery Tasting Room
Founded in 2008 by Patrick Rue, The Bruery has gained international acclaim for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing styles and flavors. They specialize in barrel-aged and experimental beers, often incorporating unconventional ingredients to create unique and complex flavors. Their tasting room offers a welcoming environment where visitors can sample a rotating selection of beers on tap, including limited releases and special collaborations. Their outdoor courtyard exudes charm with twinkle lights and views of their signature Bruery silo. We recommend ordering a flight and getting a four pack of the yuzu-flavored So Radler to go.
Location: Placentia
Villains Brewing Company
If you like kitschy, this place is for you. This brewery in Orange County is villain-themed meaning you’ll likely come across some of your favorite bad guys. There are plenty of places to post up, enjoy some BBQ or a burger and taste test some exceptional craft beers. There is also an on-site distillery if you’re craving something stronger. Kids can have fun, too, with their custom bizzy bags, an all-in-one bag of goodies that will keep your little ones entertained. Located 5 minutes from Disneyland, this is a great pit stop before or after a day at the theme park. Be sure to try the Wagyu beef burger with pork belly and guacamole.
Location: Anaheim
Bottle Logic
Another Anaheim beer-drinking oasis, Bottle Logic is a highly respected craft brewery celebrated for its precision and creativity. Established in 2013, Bottle Logic has quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional beers that blend traditional techniques with innovative flavors and styles. The brewery is known for its diverse lineup of beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to barrel-aged and sour beers. They are particularly known for their mastery of barrel-aged brews, like the recent release Fundamental Observation—a bourbon barrel-aged, Madagascar vanilla bean-finished Imperial Stout. And guess what? This brew is so good they are even making ice cream with it!
Location: Anaheim
Laguna Beer Co.
Laguna Beer Co. has two locations—one in its namesake city, specifically in Laguna Canyon, and the other in the always-beer-weather Rancho Santa Margarita. During the day, these watering holes are packed with patrons looking to enjoy California-crafted cold ones. When the sun sets, the brewery often turns the restaurant space into a concert hall, hosting local bands and DJs for a little Laguna After Dark vibe. If you are looking for a recommendation, try the Tuava Guava American-style wheat with guava. There’s a reason this one has won awards, not to mention that it’s a fun summer sipper.
Locations: Laguna Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita
Four Sons Brewing
This Huntington Beach hangout is serving up some seriously dank drinks. People love their Clouded Thoughts DIPA that bursts with tropical notes and The Great One Imperial IPA, crafted with six legendary hops for a smooth, malty finish. They have happy hour from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday with $2 off all beers, $5 seltzers, and plenty of accompaniments, like cheese curds, pretzels bites and buffalo wings. Four Sons has TVs at their downtown Huntington Beach taproom, so you can watch your favorite games, and you can even rent out their Barrel Room for your next event.
Location: Huntington Beach
Bootleggers Brewery
Bootlegger’s Brewery, founded in 2008 by Aaron Barkenhagen, is a super cool craft brewery based in Fullerton. Known for its adventurous approach to brewing and an enduring commitment to quality, Bootlegger’s offers a diverse lineup of beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes. They are particularly recognized for their IPAs, stouts and ales, often experimenting with different ingredients and styles to create unique flavors. The brewery operates a taproom where visitors can sample their latest releases and flagship beers in a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. Pair a pint with fish and chips or a pesto chicken sandwich, and you’ll be golden!
Locations: Fullerton and Costa Mesa
Los Molinos Beer
Sure, San Clemente has kind of cemented itself in the OC hall of fame as a surfer’s paradise, but little did you know, it’s also a hops haven. Semi-new to the scene, Los Molinos Beer offers a distinctive taste of local craft brewing culture, rooted in the community’s laid-back coastal vibes. Established with a passion for quality and creativity, this brewery embraces a diverse range of beer styles, from crisp lagers to robust ales, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Their taproom provides a relaxed setting where patrons can savor freshly brewed beers and connect with friends and neighbors. Hot food and cold beers is their motto so you bet they have some great entrees to pair with your ales. Beer and a banh mi? You got it! Carnitas sandwich and a Kölsch? On the double! Aguacate toast and an IPA? A match made in heaven.
Location: San Clemente
Artifex Brewing Company
Another San Clemente hotspot, Artifex Brewing Company is a super cute craft beer joint that pours up award-winning brews on tap. They have so many incentives to get you to come on down, like BYO-food night, themed Bingo, food trucks, live music and more! If you are not a beer enthusiast, fear not—they also have pink guava and mango seltzer slushies. And if you are a beer lover, try their Can We Be Friends West Coast IPA, which has hints of pineapple, tangerine zest and four different types of hops. At Artifex, they take pride in their craft and work hard to foster an environment where strangers can become friends over a heavy pour.
Location: San Clemente
Radiant Beer Co.
Radiant Beer Co. is a place for the people, by the people. This spot is all about sending out light and connecting with your community. And their beers kick ass, too. Their hazy IPA, named We Rock (And Roll), is a triple-hopped dinger that is both tangy and tropical. Beware… This one is a crusher. They pour up beer tasting flights, soft serve beer, beer slushies, nitro pours, slow pours, hard smoothies, and they also feature the occasional cask tappings. Radiant also hosts a ton of on-site events, like pub trivia, book club, industry nights, brewery tours and a fun First Friday market.
Location: Anaheim
Beachwood Brewing
Beachwood Brewing has two locations—one in Garden Grove and another brand new location at 2nd and PCH in Long Beach. This place is mixing high-quality craft beers with delicious artisan food. The menu plays the greatest hits with handcrafted pizzas, whipped ricotta appetizers, farm-fresh salads, fresh baked bread and fried pickles. They recently launched their Cactus Coolship—a funky sour ale aged in an oak barrel with a fruity finish. This place is a great date night spot, where you can split a pie and a 500 ml bottle of whatever tickles your fancy while you giggle over good food and bubbly beers.
Locations: Garden Grove and Huntington Beach
Monkish Brewing
This is a small brewing hub in Anaheim that is serving up Belgian-ish beers. Founded by Henry Nguyen in 2012, Monkish has garnered a passionate following for its commitment to quality and experimentation. Their beers often feature bold flavors, tropical fruit notes and a smooth mouthfeel, many characteristics of IPAs. The brewery features limited releases and special events that attract beer enthusiasts eager to experience their latest creations. Just last month they collaborated with Salt & Straw on a special cookie double IPA ice cream that was featured during the ice cream parlor’s brewers series. Even if you aren’t a beer connoisseur, their cans will look cool in your fridge. Plus, this spot is two minutes from Disneyland, making it a perfect pregame before hitting the parks.
Location: Anaheim
Cerveza Cito
If you’re a fan of Mexican beers, say hello to Cerveza Cito. This Orange County brewery has everything from margarita-style seltzers to micheladas that can be served on ice or as a slushy. This is a fun place to get a flight and some $2.50 tacos on Tuesday. They also have themed events like karaoke nights and trivia nights. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Ana, the surrounding area is incredibly walkable so you can take your show on the road after the hops hit. If you need to sober up, grab a coffee from Hidden House, located right around the corner.
Location: Santa Ana
