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 even a few locations that the littles will love, too. Ready to raise a glass? We’ve brewed up a list of our top breweries in Orange County.

 

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 a unique rye barrel-aged super stout, we recommend the Do We Know The Names of Shadows?, a beer made with kyushu sencha green tea leaves, toasted coconut, southern california coastal honey and french lavender petals. The menu also hosts a variety of light, hoppy, and sour brews. 

Not into beer but still want a buzz? This place also serves up agua fresca seltzers, like blueberry lemonade, melón, and strawberry lemon soft serve. 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. Asylum offers a diverse lineup of beers, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts. For something different, try the “Professional Help”, a piña colada–style brewed cocktail that blends creamy coconut, tangy pineapple and a hint of sweet escape. Asylum brings 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.

Blending heritage with craft, 1886 Brewing Co. pours an eclectic lineup of artisanal beers for every kind of beer lover. In its cozy taproom, patrons enjoy a chill atmosphere perfect for savoring unique brews crafted with precision and care. They have a full menu featuring fan favorites like onion rings, borracho nachos and any of your between bun cravings. They brew a slew of beers in-house with over fifteen on tap, so you’ll never get bored of your pour. Don’t miss their Pastime Paradise, a Belgian-style blonde with its smooth balance of sweetness, subtle bitterness, and classic Brussels character. 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

Calling all smash burger lovers, this brewery is serving them up hot, so you have something drool-worthy to go with your brew. Their vibrant beer cans are funky and fresh, especially the DDH Sleepin’ In, a hazy IPA loaded with Citra, Strata and Mosaic hops, delivering juicy notes of strawberries and creamy orange bang​​. Founded in 2017, it has made itself a staple in the greater Costa Mesa community and is among places people love to post up. As a kid-friendly locale, Green Cheek is just good, clean fun with events like Thinky Drinky trivia, Paint & Pints and Bend & Brews.

Locations: Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Orange

 

Salty Bear Brewing Co.

Located on the backside of The Camp, this hidden gem off Randolph Avenue is a 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. The tap list pours everything from the smooth Saddle Up Amber to the tropical Island Style Ube Coconut Ale Nitro. Open seven days a week, Salty Bear is the ideal spot to unwind with friends, catch some live music and soak up Costa Mesa’s craft beer scene.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Brewery X

Anaheim’s Brewery X is like a campground for all things carbonated. There are dozens of beers on their dine-in menu and even more available to-go. Malty-beer lovers will appreciate the Double Headed Mountain Goat, while the Watermelon Lime will please seltzer fans. The outdoor seating is privy to live music and food trucks, while the indoor space offers a break from the Anaheim heat. They also have TVs to catch the Anaheim Ducks or Los Angeles Angels shooting their shot for post-season playoff glory. Brewery X is a sprawling, family-friendly brewery with events to keep everyone entertained, including movie nights (complete with concessions), jukebox bingo and themed paint nights. There’s always something happening, so grab a pint, bring the crew and make an evening out of it.

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. But if beer isn’t your thing, they serve virgin micheladas in four fruity flavors: mango, guava, pineapple or cucumber. To spice up the weeknights, they also host trivia every Thursday from 7-9 pm followed by karaoke until 1am. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Ana, the 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

 

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, 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 Valencia orange-flavored So Radler to go.

Location: Placentia

 

Villains Brewing Company

If you like kitschy, this place is for you. This villain-themed brewery offers plenty of places to post up, enjoy some BBQ, guac and chips or a Wagyu beef burger with pork belly. You can taste test some exceptional craft beers like the caramely Irish red, We Will Never Financially Recover From This. And there’s an on-site distillery if you’re craving something stronger. As a family-friendly brewery, 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 prime pit stop before or after a day at the theme park.

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 gained a reputation for producing beers that blend traditional techniques with innovative flavors and styles. The brewery is known for its diverse lineup, ranging from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to barrel-aged and sour beers. They are known for their mastery of barrel-aged brews, like the Fundamental Observation, a bourbon barrel-aged, Madagascar vanilla bean-finished Imperial Stout. With every pour, Bottle Logic proves why it’s a go-to spot for beer lovers chasing innovation and craftsmanship.

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. If you are looking for a recommendation, order the Tuava Guava, an American-style wheat with guava, and the hot honey hand-tossed pizza. When the sun sets, the brewery often turns the restaurant space into a concert hall, hosting local bands and DJs for a Laguna After Dark vibe. There’s a reason this one has won awards, not to mention that it’s a fun year-round sipper.

Locations: Laguna Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita

 

Four Sons Brewing

This Huntington Beach hangout is serving up some seriously bold 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. The AlpineHause Family Kitchen serves brewery staples like cheese curds, pretzel bites and even a pint of bacon. Four Sons has TVs in the taproom for catching every big play, while the barrel room doubles as a sleek, private space for parties, celebrations or your next unforgettable night out.

Location: Huntington Beach

 

Monkish Brewing

Founded by Henry Nguyen in 2012, Monkish has gained a following for its commitment to quality and experimentation. Their beers feature funky flavors, tropical fruit notes and a smooth mouthfeel, many characteristics of IPAs. For something you don’t see (or taste) every day, try the Sixteen Trees that’s fermented on Masumoto nectarines for a crisp, juicy twist that’s pure California cool.  The brewery also features limited releases with past highlights including a collab with Salt & Straw on a cookie double IPA ice cream. Not to mention, this spot is two minutes from Disneyland, making it perfect for a post-park hang.

Location: Anaheim

 

Bootleggers Brewery

Founded in 2008 by Aaron Barkenhagen, Bootlegger’s Brewery, is a cool craft brewery based in Fullerton. Known for its adventurous approach to brewing and a commitment to quality, Bootlegger’s offers a lineup of beers that appeal to a range of tastes. They are 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, laid-back atmosphere. Order a pint of Far Out IPA, made with Thai tea, and buffalo wings or a pesto chicken sandwich, and you’ll be golden!

Locations: Fullerton and Costa Mesa

 

Los Molinos Beer

San Clemente has cemented itself as a surfer’s paradise, but did you know it’s also a hops haven? Los Molinos Beer offers a taste of local craft brewing culture, rooted in the community’s laid-back coastal vibes. This brewery embraces a range of beer styles, from crisp lagers to robust ales, each crafted with attention to detail. Their taproom provides a relaxed setting where patrons can savor freshly brewed beers and connect with friends. Cold beer and hot food is their motto, so you bet they have 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. It’s where good vibes, great food and even better beer come together.

Location: San Clemente

 

Artifex Brewing Company

Another San Clemente hotspot, Artifex Brewing Company is a craft beer joint that pours award-winning brews. They have many incentives to get you to come on down, like BYO-food night, themed Bingo, food trucks and live music! If you are not a beer enthusiast, they also have pink guava and mango seltzer and peach and dragon fruit hard tea. And if you’re a beer lover, try their Can We Be Friends? West Coast IPA, with hints of pineapple, white grape and lemon candy. 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.

A true community hub, Radiant Beer Co. shines as a brewery made for the people, by the people. This spot is all about sending out light and connecting with your community. Their Call Me Home Hazy IPA bursts with New Zealand hops and lush tropical flavors of pineapple, lychee, papaya and white nectarine. They also offer tasting flights, soft serve beer, hard slushies or smoothies, nitro pours, slow pours and more. You can easily spend an evening here at one of their on-site events, like pub trivia, book club, industry nights, calligraphy classes and yoga. It’s all part of their mission to brew connection and create a space where everyone feels at home.

Location: Anaheim

 

Beachwood Brewing

Born in Long Beach and beloved across SoCal, Beachwood Brewing has perfected the art of bold, balanced beers that taste like California sunshine. This place is mixing high-quality craft beers with delicious artisan food. The menu plays the greatest hits with handcrafted pizzas, whipped ricotta appetizers, peach gem salads, wood-fired bread and fried pickles. You can’t go wrong with the Sunset Groove, an American amber ale, or the West Coast-style IPA, Citraholic. This is a great date night spot where you can split a pie and a pint of whatever tickles your fancy.

Locations: Garden Grove and Huntington Beach

 

Capo Leisure House

Coastal comfort meets elevated casual dining at Capo Leisure House, where great beer and good company are always on tap. This laid-back hangout pairs frontier flair with crowd-pleasers like carnitas fries, shrimp quesadillas and smoked birria tacos. On the beer menu, you’ll find German Pilsner, Hefeweizen and Irish Red, to name a few. Plus, you can sip on craft saloon cocktails like the flirty Farmer’s Daughter or unwind with a pour from their California wine lineup. The atmosphere is warm and rugged and buzzing with friendly conversation. Whether you’re here for post-work happy hour or date night, Capo makes every visit feel like the start of the weekend.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Synth Beer Co.

New on the scene and already turning heads, Synth Beer Co. opened in September with serious style and even more serious flavor. Channeling major ‘80s energy, this Irvine brewery pulses with neon vibes, synth beats and a passion for experimental brewing that’s impossible to ignore. Their tap list hits all the right notes. From the Moscow Mule seltzer to The Royal We Hazy IPA, made with Nelson and Citra, their brews taste like vacation in a glass. Surprise visits from local food trucks keep things fresh, making each night feel a little different. With its cool aesthetic and fearless approach to craft beer, Synth is poised to become Irvine’s next local favorite.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Webb’s Grainworks

Webb’s Grainworks elevates both beer and spirits with a meticulous “grain-to-glass” approach. This family-run operation handcrafts small-batch beers, smooth whiskeys and botanical-forward gins, all made in-house. The tasting room blends rustic charm and industrial cool, creating the perfect backdrop for a flight of brews or a signature cocktail. Try the Marveza, a lager that’s brewed with shrimp and sea salt or the bourbon barrel-aged milk stout, Mocha Mountain, made with Colombian cacao coffee and milk sugar. Add Sonoma goat cheese wontons or a Fancy BLT and you’ve got the perfect blend of comfort, flavor and small-batch charm.

Location: Aliso Viejo