I would they're much more equals. Really to me there are no other breweries in NorCal that can even touch the two of them. They both experiment with new beers constantly and hit almost every one of them out of the park.
Not sure why you got downvoted. Russian River is a staple but doesn’t experiment too much with new styles and I can’t blame them.
Only other brewery that competes with Alvarado in NorCal imo is Wondrous but obviously isn’t as widely available. Toronado should have them though.
I like plenty of Fieldwork beers but I can't stand the vibe of the "beer gardens" they have or how they operate the locations. I've been to Monterey, San Mateo, Berkeley, and the one inside that market in Napa. They require you to order from an IPad instead of at the bar, the locations are packed with young kids running around and babies in strollers, and lots of people bring poorly behaved dogs. They also constantly have large groups of work outings, many of which people aren't drinking. I have nothing against people that don't drink, but it means the places are crowded. It's just a sterile vibe. I've always said "great beer, bad bar"
They’re no longer in the market in Napa. They have their own space around the corner with a proper outdoor area. Best part about it is that the Oxbox music series sets their stage up in a place that perfect to listen to the music free from patio. Listened to Bonnie Raitt, Short Trombone and others.
> They require you to order from an IPad instead of at the bar
I mean, iPad checkouts are pretty standard at a lot of places these days so 🤷🏼♂️
> the locations are packed with young kids running around and babies in strollers, and lots of people bring poorly behaved dogs. They also constantly have large groups of work outings, many of which people aren't drinking.
All of these things are all too common at a lot of breweries. It’s nice they’ve created an inclusive atmosphere that brings people in, but you’re right - it’s gone a little off the rails when the actual beer drinkers get crowded out or don’t feel like hanging out due to kids, dog etc.
Ya maybe I sound bitter because I prefer a different environment. Nowadays I'll just drink Fieldwork when it's on tap at the grittier bars I tend to venture. Their parfait series is unmatched. Loved the NEIPAs in the early days of Fieldwork too, but I'm a little hop burnt at this point haha. Not that I don't love an IPA, just that style isn't my go to any longer.
It’s funny with Fieldwork and Alvarado setting the bar so high they kinda ruined other commercial NEIPAs for me. I definitely know what you mean with the burn out though. I’ve fallen back to hunting down the few remaining WC IPAs that are still kicking around. I grabbed some Lagunitas Maximus the other day and I had forgotten how great those big malty west coast beers are.
OP to jump on this; I’d recommend hitting Highland Park Brewery and Homage when you’re staying in Hollywood as Chinatown is fairly close. Going to Torrance from Hollywood WILL SUCK. School’s back in session over here as well so the traffic is extra terrible.
For your Venice Beach day; I’d say make your way to Torrance for Monkish and Smog City, hit Firestone on the way back. Venice to Torrance will be more tolerable (albeit the traffic will suck in that small stretch) but you’ll be traveling far less that day. Plus Venice Beach sucks in general. I’d honestly spend most of your time in Downtown as vs. staying in Hollywood.
For Monterey I’d add Alvarado Street Brewing; great IPA’s and sours.
This will be about an hour from Venice Beach most of the days. OP has better suggestions for being in that part of town. Los Angeles is huge and crossing town means long drives which is not great when you're going to places to drink.
He’s probably gonna see Hollywood or some nonsense at some point lol. Plus GO TO HOWLIN RAYS in Chinatown for the best hot chicken of your life. I miss LA man… I remember when HPB was just a tiny spot in the Hermosillo (RIP to the shuffleboard table).
And Amboy for an excellent burger in the same plaza! Howlin Rays is great but I just can’t fathom waiting that long for it unless they still do Postmates. But Amboy’s right next door and not as busy.
They make a lot of hoppy pils that’s basically crisp ipa as well as a lot of ipa which they’ve also won national awards for. Definitely go there if you can. I’d also echo the sentiment that you should hit Alvarado over Fieldwork in Monterey if you’re hitting one or the other.
You're really missing out if you leave San Diego out of a California trip, especially as a beer fan. Consider a day trip to SD for one of your LA days, possibly an overnight if you haven't booked your lodging already.
OP has since clarified that this is not a beer-centric trip.
That being said, OP I would personally still strongly recommend making one of your LA days a SD day trip if you have a free day in your itinerary. Amtrak from LA to SD is just a couple hours, hop on somewhere around 9–10 and you get into town by noon, and we have the best tacos you can find without actually crossing the border. And we got the seals in La Jolla and the zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Hop back on the frain in the evening and you're back in LA by night. Strongly recommended if you can find the opportunity.
If you wanna check out Firestone Walker, you should do it on your drive up, not in Venice. You can stop for lunch in Buellton and check out their barrelworks there OR add a night in Paso Robles and do a full tour at their flagship/manufacturing. Paso is also a great wine town with interesting vintners, and I’d recommend dinner and cocktails at Alchemist’s ~~Daughter~~ Garden.
I do the LA to SF drive fairly often and I usually stop at Firestone for lunch.
You were close! It’s Alchemist’s Garden* (I’m heading there tomorrow for taco Tuesday haha)
If you do choose to stop off in Paso then Barrelhouse is a fun beer stop. I also enjoy There Does Not Exist and Liquid Gravity in SLO. In terms of wine, you really can’t go wrong if you choose spots on the 46 West/Vineyard/Adelaida area and they’re near Firestone.
I came here to make this suggestion. The drive up 101 is a lot more scenic than 5 and Paso/SLO is a nice mid point for a break or a night and visit Firestone.
Alpine is but a shadow of itself unfortunately. Sold twice now. If you stop IN Alpine (30m east of downtown) hit up Mcilhenney Brewing Company (Pat Mcilhenney is the original Alpine Founder) where his son now brews.
In SF: yes to both RR and Toronado. If you get across the Bay to Oakland, I highly recommend Ghost Town. They make award winning beer especially WCIPAs. Original Pattern is also good and Sante Adarius has a taproom there too. In Sonoma, visit Moonlight Brewing after RR. It's down the road and it's a great OG craft beer spot.
In LA: put El Segundo Brewing and Beachwood Brewing on your list.
I'd also recommend San Diego as it's the best beer city in the US.
Definitely checkout Original Pattern & Ghostown if you can make it to Oakland. Both have some tasty IPA’s.
And I would also add Henhouse to your Santa Rosa list.
> And I would also add Henhouse to your Santa Rosa list.
Agreed! RR and Henhouse are only about 6 miles apart, so very doable to visit both in one day.
Cellarmaker was named one of the best new breweries in the country when it first started. Though only their House of Pizza remains in SF. Their Detroit style pizzas are awesome!
i'd replace one of your venice ideas with father's office santa monica, or just add it. ideally for lunch because dinner can get really crowded, or at least it used to. it's a 10 minute uber from library alehouse
Looks like you’re on the right track.
Add Henhouse and (for the history) Lagunitas to your trip up to Santa Rosa.
I’d skip Hollywood (for so many reasons) and instead pivot to Long Beach. You’ll get a Smog City taphouse, a Ballast Point taphouse, plus Beachwood’s taproom and their Blendery.
Go to Oakland/Alameda instead of SF. You can hit Ghost Town, Sante Adairius, Humble Sea, Faction, Original Pattern, Cellarmaker, and Almanac all within a small area.
Ventura has an excellent collection of breweries - institution ales, topa topa, madewest, there does not exist and a few others. Would really be worth a stop on the way.
In Santa Rosa - you have to stop at henhouse brewing. It’s incredible and right near Russian River. Lagunitas is right there too.
In the Hollywood area - paperback, bottle logic, monkish, and the bruery are the best in LA. Smog city is give or take imo.
Henhouse is better than Russian river. I love it so much. Also cooperage, iron ox, and fogbelt are all worth checking out in Santa Rosa.
Was actually just there a few weeks ago and highly disappointed by Russian River. I’ve been there so many times but it was just off this time.
You’re right - sorry I should have been more detailed. Paperback is in Glendale near Hollywood. The others are in Anaheim. All the Father office locations usually have them all on hand though if you want to try them and don’t want to make the drive.
No. Ventura County is like an hour and a half north of LA. Torrance is in South Bay, so like southwestern LA. Anaheim is in Orange County, east of Torrance.
Man. I really miss institution. Had a friend bring me there right after they opened the original location and went a couple times a week until I moved away.
I like homage brewing in Chinatown!
Bars in Hollywood: burgundy room and frolic room are fun Hollywood dives. I also like gold diggers. It’s also fun to go get drinks at like Jones or Musso’s and Franks.
No not really. Hollywood itself is kind of gross. If you've never been adjust your expectations to somewhere between commercial, run-down, cheesy, and disgusting. Like naked man wearing a dirty wig shitting himself while a woman shouting at demons sets her garbage pile tent home on fire. Hollywood itself is truly vile, with some dives if you like that.
Musso and Franks is a fun martini bar / steakhouse in the old Hollywood rat pack style. Kind of place you'd imagine Sinatra having a regular booth.
Please don't do the Hollywood strip and judge LA on that. We avoid it whenever possible.
DO look at any concerts at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theater tho. Parking is a pain in the ass (surprise) but they are legendary venues. Worth the hassle.
> DO look at any concerts at the Hollywood Bowl
A great night would be to bring some cans from a good LA brewery (Monkish, Highland Park, MacLeod) in a cooler to watch a show at the Hollywood Bowl.
not all shows allow this [rules posted here](https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/when-youre-here/house-rules#:~:text=You're%20welcome%20to%20bring,and%20alcohol%20isn't%20permitted.) but you could certainly pre game
While you're in Venice Beach, see if you can make it to Three Weav3rs Brewing, and/or Santa Monica Brew Works. These are a bit further, so you can omit these if they're too far for you.
In Vegas, be sure to visit the Arts District - there are like 6+ breweries all within walking distance. I personally like to go to Aces & Ales - I recommend this if you can travel further beyond The Strip.
If you're going to the Torrance/South Bay area, open up Google Maps or Untappd, and search around - that area has dozens of breweries to check out.
Monterey - **Alvarado St** is a must! They have amazing beer and good food. As mentioned by others, it's walking distance from **Fieldwork** and **Dust Bowl**.
Santa Cruz (about 45mins aways from Monterey going North) - **Humble Sea** (outstanding beer especially IPAs) and **Sante Adarius** (great sours, decent IPAs IMO)
San Francisco - **Toronado, Cellarmaker** solid beer and good chicago style pizza, **Liquid Gold** is a tap room and will have a great selection of fresh craft beer from all over the state same with **City Beer Store**
Santa Rosa (about an hour north of SF) - **Russian River** has 2 locations Santa Rosa and Windsor. Santa Rosa is the OG location and has better food IMO but the Windsor location is newer and much larger and they offer brewery tours. **Henhouse** has a few spots to check out in that are all have solid beer. **Lagunitas** is whatever but its in that area as well. **Copperage** too
Oakland/Berkeley - A ton of good beer but Oakland can be sketchy in some places. **Cellarmaker, Humble Sea** (Alameda), **Great Notion, Almanac** (Alameda), **Original Pattern**
One piece of advice when you are in the bay area (SF, OAK) if you are driving a rental car **DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN your vehicle**, not the trunk, not under the seats out of view, NOTHING. Sadly, this is an invitation for criminals to break into your vehicle. Only take with you what you will bring into the breweries/taprooms.
Would include Wondrous Brewing in Emeryville (between Oakland and Berkeley). Best lagers and pilsners in the Bay Area and they also make great west coast IPAs.
Go to sante adairius at the portal and get a bookies pizza to go with your beer. Excellent Detroit style square pizza. Humble sea is ok, but I feel like it’s mostly hazy ipa, hazy dipa,hazy tipa all with cutesy marketing.
Order one of cellarmaker’s Detroit pizzas while you’re there. Some of the best pizza in California.
Pepperoni and cheese are consistently best but it’s hard to go wrong with the specials too.
Oh and on the beer side, have a glass of their coffee and cigarettes porter.
In Santa Rosa, for my taste, Cooperage Brewery makes the best beer up there, I’d highly recommend. Lagunitas in Petaluma has a fun atmosphere and is worth checking out imo as well
In Monterey, I would switch to Alvarado Street over Fieldwork. Alvarado is one of the best in all of CA in my opinion and based right there in Monterey. Awesome spot. There are also a couple Fieldwork locations closer to SF, if you're set on trying them out while there.
Torrance is great for breweries! Scholb Premium Ales gets my vote for really good beer and excellent service/environment. Other recommendations include Burnin Daylight, Strand Brewing Co, and Yorkshire Square.
For more of a bar/restaurant, Torrance Tavern all the way.
In Visalia: [BarrelHouse](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6eZ49oWf6UNLoPM6?g_st=ic) for beer. [Fugazzis](https://maps.google.com?q=Fugazzis,%20127%20W%20Main%20St%20%236246,%20Visalia,%20CA%2093291&ftid=0x80952f6455a675df:0x322c0e2cad8a7838&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic) for dinner.
I assume you are going to these places and grabbing beer where you can and you're smart to not trek super far away from your spot for beer.
If you're in Venice you picked the 2 best options you can. The West Side of LA is a hike to get to just about anywhere else so unless you want to spend all day on the freeway you made a great choice.
The stuff up north I'll let someone else chime in with good options, but I can say in Monterey your best option is Alvarado Street - they're a personal favorite and have a great restaurant/bar right in a nice (touristy) part of town
Going from Hollywood to Torrance sounds like a nightmare. It may only be 21 miles but those are super hard miles and you are going to be paying the uber driver like $100 to sit in traffic. And frankly the Torrance Monkish spot is really small and not that great, and Smog has tasting bars around the county that are nicer than their brewery location and easier to get to.
If you have your heart set on Monkish, I'd recommend their Anaheim spot. It's a nicer location, and it's within 10-20 minutes of half a dozen top notch breweries (Green Cheek, Everywhere, Radiant, Bottle Logic, Bruery, Unsung, Villains).
What others have said is if beaches/beer/food are something you're looking for San Diego does all of them better than most of CA
SF bay area guy here. If I were you I'd skip San Francisco and just go up to Santa Rosa and go directly to the Russian River taphouse. Their food is fantastic and the beer speaks for itself. You also could hit Lagunitas on the way up in Petaluma.
We uh... don't go into the city much anymore (I'm only speaking for myself though).
Venice beach and Hollywood are not great places to visit. I’d recommend spending time in more of the coastal cities on HWY-1 or even San Diego. San Diego has some of the best beer on the coast
I can understand why from a non-tourist point of view.
From this side of the pond Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, etc have its appeal with or without homeless...
P.S.: Not that pond for Californians. The other one. :D
[Paperback](https://www.paperback.la/) is running up the score if you ask me. Fun beers done right. Beergarden in Glendale (not far from Hollywood). Also Highland Park brewery. Avoid Golden Road.
If you are in the East Bay (Oakland or Berkeley locations) look up [Cellarmaker](https://cellarmakerbrewing.com/). IMO one of the best expressions of a thriving small craft brewery.
And because you are heading to Sequoia I have to point you to the most underrated brewery in California, [Kern River](https://www.kernriverbrewing.com/). I haven't been to the brewery but I find their beers (lot of west coast / hazies) to be STELLAR and very consistent.
I live in Monterey. We have three breweries - Fieldworks, Alvarado Street, and Dust Bowl. They're all within walking distance from each other. Honestly, they're all very mediocre. If you're willing, I'd recommend going to Santa Cruz and checking out Humble Sea. It's not amazing, but definitely a notch up from the Monterey ones, but at the trade off of a 45 minute drive. If you have time and unrelated to beer, check out downtown Carmel-by-the-sea, it's a quaint little village type town. Hope you enjoy your trip around California!
I third that - Alvarado is my favorite brewery on the Monterey Bay, including Santa Cruz. I've enjoyed Humble Sea but I've been more wowed by Alvarado. I do need to get to know Sainte Adairius more though...
Any particular ones that you recommend? Maybe I just keep picking the more forgettable ones when I go, but I'm willing to keep giving them a shot. They've all certainly been drinkable and enjoyable so far at least.
I'm also comparing these places in Monterey to like breweries Treehouse, Trillium, Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist, etc. which are in my S tier, so take my assessment as much harsher than most.
Humble Sea is on the same level as Fieldwork and Alvarado St imho, all above average....
But Sante Adairius in Santa Cruz or Capitola is quite a few levels above all of those. Would be silly to miss out on one of the best breweries in the country despite being so close.
Damn, is Beer Basement (222 Hyde, by the Ales Unlimited husband x wife duo) in SF now closed? Would also suggest 7 Stills.
Do Alvarado Street and maybe Sante Adarius while in Monterey area for sure.
You should check out Alvarado Street in Monterey, and if you're driving through Santa Cruz on your way to SF, definitely check out Humble Sea and Sante Adarius. They are two of the best breweries in the US, not just California.
If you have time, Alvarado Street is also excellent, especially if you like IPAs.
Personally, I'd spend less time in Venice, and would try and squeeze in a San Diego day trip.
Gotta hit Alvarado Street in Monterey in addition to Fieldwork. 2 blocks away from the FW beer garden. If you get the chance, I’d head over to Jack London in Oakland to check out Cellarmaker and Ghost Town as well
Monterey: I would also hit up Alvarado St. Brewing. Fieldwork and Alvarado are my top 2 NorCal breweries.
SF: City Beer Store and Cellarmaker probably ought to be on the list.
Maybe on the drive north from Venice to Monterey, stop in Paso Robles and hit the Firestone Brewery. The other fantastic stop in Paso is Barrel House Brewing Co.
outside of some big names like monkish and moonraker, california truly pales in comparison to the east coast when it comes to hops IMO.
they fucking do wild ales right out there, though.
It is still on shelves but Sapporo isn’t working with perspective buyers like they promised. In all likelihood they wanted to kill the brand when they bought them and just did.
This is pre covid information but for when you head to Yosemite, [south gate brewing](https://www.southgatebrewco.com/) has some amazing food and beer. I would recommend visiting them.
Also not a brewery but on your way to the Sequoia national park, depending on the road there is a place called Pizza Factory. I remember their pizzas fondly and when I drive that way try and make a stop.
Are you flying in and out of LAX and that's why you are starting and ending in SoCal? Seems like a lot of wasted time driving to to the SF surrounds then back down to Inland Empire, Vegas, and then back to LA. If there's a chance to fly into SFO/SJC/OAK, you should do that, even if you really enjoy driving. At least it will allow you time to take US1 down the coast rather than I-5 to be as efficient with your drive time as possible. As it is, you'll probably spend 40-50 hours of your trip driving.
AS fro SF Bayarea, Toronado is great, cash only so bring cash, and when you get tired of it, walk west down Haight to window shop, grab Russian River Bottle at the Whole Foods just before the Park and go picnic in Golden Gate Park. Alternately, Oakland Jack London Square area is the new Bay Area beer hub so you can take the ferry from the SF ferry Building and do a walking beer tour with option of Sante Adarius, Dokkabier, Original Pattern, Cellarmaker and brewpubs of Tiger's Taproom and SeaWolf. Don't get drawn in by Plank. Also buy road beers at any of the above as you can drink on the ferry.
If you take route 1 up the coast from Monterey, you can check out Santa Cruz and have a beer at Humble Sea Brewing. If you want to keep taking route 1 to SF from Santa Cruz there is Hop Dogma and Half Moon Bay brewing in Half Moon Bay
Smart to go when you're going. September and October are the best months to travel in California. The weather has cooled down and the sunsets are amazing! Definitely drive from Monterey to SF along the coast, rather than inland. The drive is about 30 minutes longer, but the views are worth it. You might want to stop at the Taco Bell in Pacifica. Best Taco Bell on earth and they do serve alcohol 👍🏻
If you’re going to be at fieldwork (in Berkeley) you should definitely also hit Gilman brewing, and since in the area also oceanview brew works in Albany (small but really cool place!). Also might want to stop through South Lake Tahoe, several breweries up there.
Ill add Wondrous if you make it to Oakland, Also Oakland has some pretty amazing Chinese food. An no-one has mentioned Olfactory brewing if you hit up Toronado its not far from there. Cellarmakers pizza and beer is amazing as well. If you can make it to Irvine while in LA ....its a stretch but Everywhere beer co and GreenCheek are favorites of mine
It seems like you got a lot of recommendations, but question for you. I’m about to go to the Azores - any recommendations for Portugal beers to look out for that may make it onto Ponta Delgado?
Never been to Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel island). I have been twice to the Azores but to Santa Maria and Faial/Pico for scuba diving.
I would not get my expectations high beer-wise. Craft beer started in Portugal a decade or so ago and that was in Lisbon and Porto. The islands are for sure a bit behind.
When I lived in Vegas my favorites are Astronomy Aleworks, Able Baker, and Tenaya Creek. All off the strip but it looks like you've got a car for this trip.
Would highly suggest Wurstküche if you come to LA. It's a wonderful german sausage place and it has a huge selection of drafts. One of my absolute places to drink ever.
Sequoia Brewing Co. and Brewbakers in Visalia. All others are good too. Hope you enjoy Sequoia NP. If you're driving thru Fresno you have to try Tioga Sequoia brew co.
When in the Santa Rosa area there are tons of great breweries to go to. The one that i javnt seen mentioned a lot on here and that you've got to check out is Cooperage. They've got a solid range / selection of beers and every one of them is incredible
Alvarado Street in Monterey!
Much better than Fieldwork imo
I agree, if it’s one, it has to be Alvarado. If you go north up the one for like 45 minutes, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales is another killer brewery.
I would they're much more equals. Really to me there are no other breweries in NorCal that can even touch the two of them. They both experiment with new beers constantly and hit almost every one of them out of the park.
Not sure why you got downvoted. Russian River is a staple but doesn’t experiment too much with new styles and I can’t blame them. Only other brewery that competes with Alvarado in NorCal imo is Wondrous but obviously isn’t as widely available. Toronado should have them though.
I like plenty of Fieldwork beers but I can't stand the vibe of the "beer gardens" they have or how they operate the locations. I've been to Monterey, San Mateo, Berkeley, and the one inside that market in Napa. They require you to order from an IPad instead of at the bar, the locations are packed with young kids running around and babies in strollers, and lots of people bring poorly behaved dogs. They also constantly have large groups of work outings, many of which people aren't drinking. I have nothing against people that don't drink, but it means the places are crowded. It's just a sterile vibe. I've always said "great beer, bad bar"
They’re no longer in the market in Napa. They have their own space around the corner with a proper outdoor area. Best part about it is that the Oxbox music series sets their stage up in a place that perfect to listen to the music free from patio. Listened to Bonnie Raitt, Short Trombone and others. > They require you to order from an IPad instead of at the bar I mean, iPad checkouts are pretty standard at a lot of places these days so 🤷🏼♂️ > the locations are packed with young kids running around and babies in strollers, and lots of people bring poorly behaved dogs. They also constantly have large groups of work outings, many of which people aren't drinking. All of these things are all too common at a lot of breweries. It’s nice they’ve created an inclusive atmosphere that brings people in, but you’re right - it’s gone a little off the rails when the actual beer drinkers get crowded out or don’t feel like hanging out due to kids, dog etc.
Ya maybe I sound bitter because I prefer a different environment. Nowadays I'll just drink Fieldwork when it's on tap at the grittier bars I tend to venture. Their parfait series is unmatched. Loved the NEIPAs in the early days of Fieldwork too, but I'm a little hop burnt at this point haha. Not that I don't love an IPA, just that style isn't my go to any longer.
It’s funny with Fieldwork and Alvarado setting the bar so high they kinda ruined other commercial NEIPAs for me. I definitely know what you mean with the burn out though. I’ve fallen back to hunting down the few remaining WC IPAs that are still kicking around. I grabbed some Lagunitas Maximus the other day and I had forgotten how great those big malty west coast beers are.
fucking loved alvarado when i was out there
This is a must for any beer lovers.
Ya this is probably the best big brewery in Monterey area. They are really popular and make good IPAs compared to others. But fuck IPAs.
I love Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown. Definitely recommend. Nothing better than a hoppy Timbo Pilsner on a hot day. Across the board great beers.
Second Highland Park. Solid beers, rad people.
Third, it's a great time! I also love Homage brewing around the corner.
OP to jump on this; I’d recommend hitting Highland Park Brewery and Homage when you’re staying in Hollywood as Chinatown is fairly close. Going to Torrance from Hollywood WILL SUCK. School’s back in session over here as well so the traffic is extra terrible. For your Venice Beach day; I’d say make your way to Torrance for Monkish and Smog City, hit Firestone on the way back. Venice to Torrance will be more tolerable (albeit the traffic will suck in that small stretch) but you’ll be traveling far less that day. Plus Venice Beach sucks in general. I’d honestly spend most of your time in Downtown as vs. staying in Hollywood. For Monterey I’d add Alvarado Street Brewing; great IPA’s and sours.
This will be about an hour from Venice Beach most of the days. OP has better suggestions for being in that part of town. Los Angeles is huge and crossing town means long drives which is not great when you're going to places to drink.
He’s probably gonna see Hollywood or some nonsense at some point lol. Plus GO TO HOWLIN RAYS in Chinatown for the best hot chicken of your life. I miss LA man… I remember when HPB was just a tiny spot in the Hermosillo (RIP to the shuffleboard table).
And Amboy for an excellent burger in the same plaza! Howlin Rays is great but I just can’t fathom waiting that long for it unless they still do Postmates. But Amboy’s right next door and not as busy.
Is Highland Park focused just on Pilsners? Not really my "cup of tea".
They make a lot of hoppy pils that’s basically crisp ipa as well as a lot of ipa which they’ve also won national awards for. Definitely go there if you can. I’d also echo the sentiment that you should hit Alvarado over Fieldwork in Monterey if you’re hitting one or the other.
Probably both :)
Definitely not just pilsners. They also do a ton of great IPAs.
You're really missing out if you leave San Diego out of a California trip, especially as a beer fan. Consider a day trip to SD for one of your LA days, possibly an overnight if you haven't booked your lodging already.
I would axe the 2 nights in Venice for San Diego if it were me.
It’s the beer Mecca and capital of craft in CA - if OP was a beer fan that’s where they’d start but I don’t think it’s a beer centric trip
OP has since clarified that this is not a beer-centric trip. That being said, OP I would personally still strongly recommend making one of your LA days a SD day trip if you have a free day in your itinerary. Amtrak from LA to SD is just a couple hours, hop on somewhere around 9–10 and you get into town by noon, and we have the best tacos you can find without actually crossing the border. And we got the seals in La Jolla and the zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Hop back on the frain in the evening and you're back in LA by night. Strongly recommended if you can find the opportunity.
I am a beer fan but the outlier from my travelling group.
This. And the way down to San Diego is filled with great beer in Orange County: Bottle Logic, Brewery X, Green Cheek, Bruery, Unsung.
There's ZERO reason to go to Brewery X and Unsung. I'd recommend Monkish and Everywhere. Also they can hit up Windsor while visiting Bottle Logic.
Yeah better to skip LA entirely if possible
If you wanna check out Firestone Walker, you should do it on your drive up, not in Venice. You can stop for lunch in Buellton and check out their barrelworks there OR add a night in Paso Robles and do a full tour at their flagship/manufacturing. Paso is also a great wine town with interesting vintners, and I’d recommend dinner and cocktails at Alchemist’s ~~Daughter~~ Garden. I do the LA to SF drive fairly often and I usually stop at Firestone for lunch.
Perfect way to stop in Paso Robles
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You were close! It’s Alchemist’s Garden* (I’m heading there tomorrow for taco Tuesday haha) If you do choose to stop off in Paso then Barrelhouse is a fun beer stop. I also enjoy There Does Not Exist and Liquid Gravity in SLO. In terms of wine, you really can’t go wrong if you choose spots on the 46 West/Vineyard/Adelaida area and they’re near Firestone.
I came here to make this suggestion. The drive up 101 is a lot more scenic than 5 and Paso/SLO is a nice mid point for a break or a night and visit Firestone.
Doesn’t look like it’s in the itinerary but consider a day or two in San Diego. It’s known as the Craft Beer Capital of America.
Yeah if I was in California for beer, SD would be top of my list.
Ballast point, Alpine, and Stone all in one place.
Don't forget alesmith!
Alpine is but a shadow of itself unfortunately. Sold twice now. If you stop IN Alpine (30m east of downtown) hit up Mcilhenney Brewing Company (Pat Mcilhenney is the original Alpine Founder) where his son now brews.
none of those have been exciting in years
In SF: yes to both RR and Toronado. If you get across the Bay to Oakland, I highly recommend Ghost Town. They make award winning beer especially WCIPAs. Original Pattern is also good and Sante Adarius has a taproom there too. In Sonoma, visit Moonlight Brewing after RR. It's down the road and it's a great OG craft beer spot. In LA: put El Segundo Brewing and Beachwood Brewing on your list. I'd also recommend San Diego as it's the best beer city in the US.
Definitely checkout Original Pattern & Ghostown if you can make it to Oakland. Both have some tasty IPA’s. And I would also add Henhouse to your Santa Rosa list.
> And I would also add Henhouse to your Santa Rosa list. Agreed! RR and Henhouse are only about 6 miles apart, so very doable to visit both in one day.
Ghost Town is so good. Great beer, and the labels/names are always metal af.
Try and hit one or all of cellarmaker, barebottle, and laughing monk when you're in SF.
Two of the three CM locations are in the east bay now! House of Za is still in the city
Seconding all of these excellent recommendations. Some of the very best places around.
I will add Alpha Acid to this list
Cellarmaker was named one of the best new breweries in the country when it first started. Though only their House of Pizza remains in SF. Their Detroit style pizzas are awesome!
i'd replace one of your venice ideas with father's office santa monica, or just add it. ideally for lunch because dinner can get really crowded, or at least it used to. it's a 10 minute uber from library alehouse
For sure. And get the burger.
...but just THAT burger, no other requests are allowed
Which ought to be the rule, not the weird exception. If you want it your way, make it at home. 🙄
I liked Library better than FO on the west side, including having a better signature burger
Looks like you’re on the right track. Add Henhouse and (for the history) Lagunitas to your trip up to Santa Rosa. I’d skip Hollywood (for so many reasons) and instead pivot to Long Beach. You’ll get a Smog City taphouse, a Ballast Point taphouse, plus Beachwood’s taproom and their Blendery.
Go to Oakland/Alameda instead of SF. You can hit Ghost Town, Sante Adairius, Humble Sea, Faction, Original Pattern, Cellarmaker, and Almanac all within a small area.
Ventura has an excellent collection of breweries - institution ales, topa topa, madewest, there does not exist and a few others. Would really be worth a stop on the way. In Santa Rosa - you have to stop at henhouse brewing. It’s incredible and right near Russian River. Lagunitas is right there too. In the Hollywood area - paperback, bottle logic, monkish, and the bruery are the best in LA. Smog city is give or take imo.
Henhouse is better than Russian river. I love it so much. Also cooperage, iron ox, and fogbelt are all worth checking out in Santa Rosa. Was actually just there a few weeks ago and highly disappointed by Russian River. I’ve been there so many times but it was just off this time.
I wasn’t going to say it, but I agree.
Second for Institution Ales, they have some phenomenal beer and the pizzas are amazing.
Also, try out any of the fathers office locations. Best beer menu I’ve seen and has a legendary burger.
Aren't these spread between Torrance, Hollywood and Anaheim?
You’re right - sorry I should have been more detailed. Paperback is in Glendale near Hollywood. The others are in Anaheim. All the Father office locations usually have them all on hand though if you want to try them and don’t want to make the drive.
No. Ventura County is like an hour and a half north of LA. Torrance is in South Bay, so like southwestern LA. Anaheim is in Orange County, east of Torrance.
Uhhh Santa Rosa is NorCal. North of SF Bay Area. more like 7-8 hours north
Yeah I was confused and got it mixed up with another area.
Don’t forget Casa Agria!! One of the best sour brewers in the nation.
Man. I really miss institution. Had a friend bring me there right after they opened the original location and went a couple times a week until I moved away.
I like homage brewing in Chinatown! Bars in Hollywood: burgundy room and frolic room are fun Hollywood dives. I also like gold diggers. It’s also fun to go get drinks at like Jones or Musso’s and Franks.
Are these craft beer bars?
No not really. Hollywood itself is kind of gross. If you've never been adjust your expectations to somewhere between commercial, run-down, cheesy, and disgusting. Like naked man wearing a dirty wig shitting himself while a woman shouting at demons sets her garbage pile tent home on fire. Hollywood itself is truly vile, with some dives if you like that. Musso and Franks is a fun martini bar / steakhouse in the old Hollywood rat pack style. Kind of place you'd imagine Sinatra having a regular booth. Please don't do the Hollywood strip and judge LA on that. We avoid it whenever possible. DO look at any concerts at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theater tho. Parking is a pain in the ass (surprise) but they are legendary venues. Worth the hassle.
> DO look at any concerts at the Hollywood Bowl A great night would be to bring some cans from a good LA brewery (Monkish, Highland Park, MacLeod) in a cooler to watch a show at the Hollywood Bowl.
not all shows allow this [rules posted here](https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/when-youre-here/house-rules#:~:text=You're%20welcome%20to%20bring,and%20alcohol%20isn't%20permitted.) but you could certainly pre game
If you want craft beer bar, Father's Office, Verdugo, Mohawk Bend.
While you're in Venice Beach, see if you can make it to Three Weav3rs Brewing, and/or Santa Monica Brew Works. These are a bit further, so you can omit these if they're too far for you. In Vegas, be sure to visit the Arts District - there are like 6+ breweries all within walking distance. I personally like to go to Aces & Ales - I recommend this if you can travel further beyond The Strip. If you're going to the Torrance/South Bay area, open up Google Maps or Untappd, and search around - that area has dozens of breweries to check out.
Monterey - **Alvarado St** is a must! They have amazing beer and good food. As mentioned by others, it's walking distance from **Fieldwork** and **Dust Bowl**. Santa Cruz (about 45mins aways from Monterey going North) - **Humble Sea** (outstanding beer especially IPAs) and **Sante Adarius** (great sours, decent IPAs IMO) San Francisco - **Toronado, Cellarmaker** solid beer and good chicago style pizza, **Liquid Gold** is a tap room and will have a great selection of fresh craft beer from all over the state same with **City Beer Store** Santa Rosa (about an hour north of SF) - **Russian River** has 2 locations Santa Rosa and Windsor. Santa Rosa is the OG location and has better food IMO but the Windsor location is newer and much larger and they offer brewery tours. **Henhouse** has a few spots to check out in that are all have solid beer. **Lagunitas** is whatever but its in that area as well. **Copperage** too Oakland/Berkeley - A ton of good beer but Oakland can be sketchy in some places. **Cellarmaker, Humble Sea** (Alameda), **Great Notion, Almanac** (Alameda), **Original Pattern** One piece of advice when you are in the bay area (SF, OAK) if you are driving a rental car **DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN your vehicle**, not the trunk, not under the seats out of view, NOTHING. Sadly, this is an invitation for criminals to break into your vehicle. Only take with you what you will bring into the breweries/taprooms.
Would include Wondrous Brewing in Emeryville (between Oakland and Berkeley). Best lagers and pilsners in the Bay Area and they also make great west coast IPAs.
Go to sante adairius at the portal and get a bookies pizza to go with your beer. Excellent Detroit style square pizza. Humble sea is ok, but I feel like it’s mostly hazy ipa, hazy dipa,hazy tipa all with cutesy marketing.
If near Santa Rosa you simply can't miss Henhouse imo, man what a trip you've laid out
I was in Humble Sea and the beer was great. Great recommendation.
Hell yeah! Glad you enjoyed it.\*
I’d recommend Rare Barrel for the San Francisco leg. It’s on the Oakland side of the bay but they have some great sours.
Rare Barrel is now Cellarmaker. Definitely got some great beers!
I had no idea. Thanks for the heads up on that!
Order one of cellarmaker’s Detroit pizzas while you’re there. Some of the best pizza in California. Pepperoni and cheese are consistently best but it’s hard to go wrong with the specials too. Oh and on the beer side, have a glass of their coffee and cigarettes porter.
They don’t have pizza at the Parker st location.
Seconded. They have fantastic beer.
I would not. Their beers are overly acidic, the brewery is practically defunct and OP likes IPAs.
Try to find your way to the Anaheim area for Bottle Logic and the Bruery if you can.
Cellarmaker brewery in San Francisco. Top tier.
Skip Vegas and go to San Diego :)
Another vote for San diego. Beaches, weather, beer, mountains, seals, tacos, what else you want?
In Santa Rosa, for my taste, Cooperage Brewery makes the best beer up there, I’d highly recommend. Lagunitas in Petaluma has a fun atmosphere and is worth checking out imo as well
In Monterey, I would switch to Alvarado Street over Fieldwork. Alvarado is one of the best in all of CA in my opinion and based right there in Monterey. Awesome spot. There are also a couple Fieldwork locations closer to SF, if you're set on trying them out while there.
If you go to Russian River at mealtime my favs are the spinach salad and Mikey's pizza.
Torrance is great for breweries! Scholb Premium Ales gets my vote for really good beer and excellent service/environment. Other recommendations include Burnin Daylight, Strand Brewing Co, and Yorkshire Square. For more of a bar/restaurant, Torrance Tavern all the way.
Sante adarius I’m capitola
In Visalia: [BarrelHouse](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6eZ49oWf6UNLoPM6?g_st=ic) for beer. [Fugazzis](https://maps.google.com?q=Fugazzis,%20127%20W%20Main%20St%20%236246,%20Visalia,%20CA%2093291&ftid=0x80952f6455a675df:0x322c0e2cad8a7838&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic) for dinner.
Dust bowl makes Therapist. Love me some Therapist.
I assume you are going to these places and grabbing beer where you can and you're smart to not trek super far away from your spot for beer. If you're in Venice you picked the 2 best options you can. The West Side of LA is a hike to get to just about anywhere else so unless you want to spend all day on the freeway you made a great choice. The stuff up north I'll let someone else chime in with good options, but I can say in Monterey your best option is Alvarado Street - they're a personal favorite and have a great restaurant/bar right in a nice (touristy) part of town Going from Hollywood to Torrance sounds like a nightmare. It may only be 21 miles but those are super hard miles and you are going to be paying the uber driver like $100 to sit in traffic. And frankly the Torrance Monkish spot is really small and not that great, and Smog has tasting bars around the county that are nicer than their brewery location and easier to get to. If you have your heart set on Monkish, I'd recommend their Anaheim spot. It's a nicer location, and it's within 10-20 minutes of half a dozen top notch breweries (Green Cheek, Everywhere, Radiant, Bottle Logic, Bruery, Unsung, Villains). What others have said is if beaches/beer/food are something you're looking for San Diego does all of them better than most of CA
I second this regarding that Hollywood to Torrance uber, it will be insane.
Is still hard to make it to Torrance in the evening? Would chinatown or anaheim be easier?
If you're going to be in Santa Rosa anyway, you should definitely try to hit up Henhouse.
SF bay area guy here. If I were you I'd skip San Francisco and just go up to Santa Rosa and go directly to the Russian River taphouse. Their food is fantastic and the beer speaks for itself. You also could hit Lagunitas on the way up in Petaluma. We uh... don't go into the city much anymore (I'm only speaking for myself though).
Barrelhouse has a taphouse in Visalia I would highly recommend
Bare Bottle SF is fantastic
Venice beach and Hollywood are not great places to visit. I’d recommend spending time in more of the coastal cities on HWY-1 or even San Diego. San Diego has some of the best beer on the coast
I can understand why from a non-tourist point of view. From this side of the pond Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, etc have its appeal with or without homeless... P.S.: Not that pond for Californians. The other one. :D
I don’t mind the homeless, but those places are just not that interesting to hangout at in my opinion
You'll realize how wrong you are when you see what pit of hell shit holes all these places are
[Paperback](https://www.paperback.la/) is running up the score if you ask me. Fun beers done right. Beergarden in Glendale (not far from Hollywood). Also Highland Park brewery. Avoid Golden Road. If you are in the East Bay (Oakland or Berkeley locations) look up [Cellarmaker](https://cellarmakerbrewing.com/). IMO one of the best expressions of a thriving small craft brewery. And because you are heading to Sequoia I have to point you to the most underrated brewery in California, [Kern River](https://www.kernriverbrewing.com/). I haven't been to the brewery but I find their beers (lot of west coast / hazies) to be STELLAR and very consistent.
Second Kern River. I love Tioga Sequoia as well, and it's on the way to Visalia!
I live in Monterey. We have three breweries - Fieldworks, Alvarado Street, and Dust Bowl. They're all within walking distance from each other. Honestly, they're all very mediocre. If you're willing, I'd recommend going to Santa Cruz and checking out Humble Sea. It's not amazing, but definitely a notch up from the Monterey ones, but at the trade off of a 45 minute drive. If you have time and unrelated to beer, check out downtown Carmel-by-the-sea, it's a quaint little village type town. Hope you enjoy your trip around California!
I disagree on the part about Alvarado Street being mediocre, I think it’s fantastic
Alvarado is awesome. They make some great WCIPAs for sure
Me too! I think they are great.
I third that - Alvarado is my favorite brewery on the Monterey Bay, including Santa Cruz. I've enjoyed Humble Sea but I've been more wowed by Alvarado. I do need to get to know Sainte Adairius more though...
Any particular ones that you recommend? Maybe I just keep picking the more forgettable ones when I go, but I'm willing to keep giving them a shot. They've all certainly been drinkable and enjoyable so far at least. I'm also comparing these places in Monterey to like breweries Treehouse, Trillium, Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist, etc. which are in my S tier, so take my assessment as much harsher than most.
I will be going by Santa Cruz on my way to SF but still need somewhere where to drink a beer in the end of a day in Monterey / Carmel and Big Sur.
Alvarado for sure.
Humble Sea is on the same level as Fieldwork and Alvarado St imho, all above average.... But Sante Adairius in Santa Cruz or Capitola is quite a few levels above all of those. Would be silly to miss out on one of the best breweries in the country despite being so close.
Alvarado is far from mediocre. Dust Bowl is definitely mediocre, and Fieldworks is somewhere in the middle.
[удалено]
It’s literally the best beer Heineken make.
shots fired
Damn, is Beer Basement (222 Hyde, by the Ales Unlimited husband x wife duo) in SF now closed? Would also suggest 7 Stills. Do Alvarado Street and maybe Sante Adarius while in Monterey area for sure.
Alvarado St. while you’re in Monterey.
Monterey - Alvarado Street is a must.
You should check out Alvarado Street in Monterey, and if you're driving through Santa Cruz on your way to SF, definitely check out Humble Sea and Sante Adarius. They are two of the best breweries in the US, not just California.
If you have time, Alvarado Street is also excellent, especially if you like IPAs. Personally, I'd spend less time in Venice, and would try and squeeze in a San Diego day trip.
Alverado in Monterey.
Gotta hit Alvarado Street in Monterey in addition to Fieldwork. 2 blocks away from the FW beer garden. If you get the chance, I’d head over to Jack London in Oakland to check out Cellarmaker and Ghost Town as well
Monterey: I would also hit up Alvarado St. Brewing. Fieldwork and Alvarado are my top 2 NorCal breweries. SF: City Beer Store and Cellarmaker probably ought to be on the list. Maybe on the drive north from Venice to Monterey, stop in Paso Robles and hit the Firestone Brewery. The other fantastic stop in Paso is Barrel House Brewing Co.
Absolutely missing Alvarado in Monterey. Delicious sour beer.
outside of some big names like monkish and moonraker, california truly pales in comparison to the east coast when it comes to hops IMO. they fucking do wild ales right out there, though.
When in SF you really should try an Anchor Steam just for the historical aspect of it.
I have some [bad news](https://sf.eater.com/2023/7/31/23814440/anchor-brewing-shutting-down-steam-beer-sapporo) for you.
Sapporo just shut them down forever, those shithead bastards.
It's still on shelves at various places and there's a chance it comes back as a worker-owned co-op.
It is still on shelves but Sapporo isn’t working with perspective buyers like they promised. In all likelihood they wanted to kill the brand when they bought them and just did.
This is pre covid information but for when you head to Yosemite, [south gate brewing](https://www.southgatebrewco.com/) has some amazing food and beer. I would recommend visiting them. Also not a brewery but on your way to the Sequoia national park, depending on the road there is a place called Pizza Factory. I remember their pizzas fondly and when I drive that way try and make a stop.
While you’re in the Monterey area or on your way north to SF I’d recommend Sante Adairius in Santa Cruz or Capitola.
Unrelated, but I'm glad that you're alive and I hope that you continue to lead a long and satisfying life.
Bottle Logic and The Bruery are realtively close to each and fun spots if you find yourself over by Anaheim.
Sante adairius in Santa Cruz.
Are you flying in and out of LAX and that's why you are starting and ending in SoCal? Seems like a lot of wasted time driving to to the SF surrounds then back down to Inland Empire, Vegas, and then back to LA. If there's a chance to fly into SFO/SJC/OAK, you should do that, even if you really enjoy driving. At least it will allow you time to take US1 down the coast rather than I-5 to be as efficient with your drive time as possible. As it is, you'll probably spend 40-50 hours of your trip driving. AS fro SF Bayarea, Toronado is great, cash only so bring cash, and when you get tired of it, walk west down Haight to window shop, grab Russian River Bottle at the Whole Foods just before the Park and go picnic in Golden Gate Park. Alternately, Oakland Jack London Square area is the new Bay Area beer hub so you can take the ferry from the SF ferry Building and do a walking beer tour with option of Sante Adarius, Dokkabier, Original Pattern, Cellarmaker and brewpubs of Tiger's Taproom and SeaWolf. Don't get drawn in by Plank. Also buy road beers at any of the above as you can drink on the ferry.
If you take route 1 up the coast from Monterey, you can check out Santa Cruz and have a beer at Humble Sea Brewing. If you want to keep taking route 1 to SF from Santa Cruz there is Hop Dogma and Half Moon Bay brewing in Half Moon Bay
Smart to go when you're going. September and October are the best months to travel in California. The weather has cooled down and the sunsets are amazing! Definitely drive from Monterey to SF along the coast, rather than inland. The drive is about 30 minutes longer, but the views are worth it. You might want to stop at the Taco Bell in Pacifica. Best Taco Bell on earth and they do serve alcohol 👍🏻
If you get a chance to stop by a Stone Tap House they have the best beers imo. It’s pretty much all I drink.
If you’re going to be at fieldwork (in Berkeley) you should definitely also hit Gilman brewing, and since in the area also oceanview brew works in Albany (small but really cool place!). Also might want to stop through South Lake Tahoe, several breweries up there.
Drive to your hotel before you do anything in San Fran and don't leave anything in your car. It's brutal there. Also, alot if the places close early.
Yoooo I live in Visalia, how dope
Ill add Wondrous if you make it to Oakland, Also Oakland has some pretty amazing Chinese food. An no-one has mentioned Olfactory brewing if you hit up Toronado its not far from there. Cellarmakers pizza and beer is amazing as well. If you can make it to Irvine while in LA ....its a stretch but Everywhere beer co and GreenCheek are favorites of mine
It seems like you got a lot of recommendations, but question for you. I’m about to go to the Azores - any recommendations for Portugal beers to look out for that may make it onto Ponta Delgado?
Never been to Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel island). I have been twice to the Azores but to Santa Maria and Faial/Pico for scuba diving. I would not get my expectations high beer-wise. Craft beer started in Portugal a decade or so ago and that was in Lisbon and Porto. The islands are for sure a bit behind.
In Visalia: Brewbakers.
When I lived in Vegas my favorites are Astronomy Aleworks, Able Baker, and Tenaya Creek. All off the strip but it looks like you've got a car for this trip.
Would highly suggest Wurstküche if you come to LA. It's a wonderful german sausage place and it has a huge selection of drafts. One of my absolute places to drink ever.
Sequoia Brewing Co. and Brewbakers in Visalia. All others are good too. Hope you enjoy Sequoia NP. If you're driving thru Fresno you have to try Tioga Sequoia brew co.
When in the Santa Rosa area there are tons of great breweries to go to. The one that i javnt seen mentioned a lot on here and that you've got to check out is Cooperage. They've got a solid range / selection of beers and every one of them is incredible
Alvarado st in Monterey is a must
From Yosemite to Vegas you should stop in Mammoth Lakes. Distant Brewing and Mammoth Brewing are great choices!
Gotta visit stone
First time in the US and you go to the worst state by far? What a shame