The West Coast of the United States is renowned for its incredible natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant food and drink scene. Among the many culinary delights that the region has to offer, beer holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From San Diego to Seattle, the West Coast is home to some of the most innovative, creative, and delicious craft breweries in the world, each with its own unique style and approach to brewing.
In this guide, we'll take you on a virtual tour of some of the best breweries on the West Coast, exploring the history, culture, and artistry that make this region such a mecca for beer lovers. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious newcomer to the world of craft brewing, this tour will give you a taste of the incredible variety and depth of the West Coast beer scene.
So grab a pint glass, settle in, and join us on a journey through the hoppy, malty, and endlessly fascinating world of West Coast brewing.
San Diego: The Birthplace of West Coast IPA
Our tour begins in San Diego, a city that has earned a reputation as one of the craft beer capitals of the world. With over 150 breweries in the county, San Diego is home to an incredible variety of beer styles and brewing traditions, from classic German lagers to experimental sour ales.
But perhaps the style that San Diego is most famous for is the West Coast IPA, a bold and hoppy beer that has become a signature of the region's brewing scene. The origins of the West Coast IPA can be traced back to the early 1990s when breweries like Stone Brewing and Ballast Point began experimenting with new hop varieties and brewing techniques to create beers with intense, fruity, and resinous hop flavors.
One of the pioneers of the West Coast IPA style is Stone Brewing, a San Diego institution that has been pushing the boundaries of hoppy beer for over two decades. Founded in 1996 by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone Brewing has become known for its aggressive, hop-forward beers like Stone IPA and Arrogant Bastard Ale.
Visiting the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido is a must-do for any beer lover in San Diego. The sprawling complex features a massive brewery, a restaurant serving up farm-to-table cuisine, and a stunning garden filled with sculptures and water features. And of course, there's plenty of delicious beer to be had, from classic Stone favorites to limited-edition releases and collaborations.
Another San Diego brewery that has made a name for itself in the world of hoppy beer is Ballast Point Brewing Company. Founded in 1996 by a group of home brewers, Ballast Point has grown into one of the largest and most respected craft breweries in the country, with a portfolio of beers that spans a wide range of styles and flavors.
One of Ballast Point's most famous and beloved beers is Sculpin IPA, a bright and citrusy beer that showcases the complex flavors of American hops. Visiting the Ballast Point Tasting Room & Kitchen in Little Italy is a great way to sample some of the brewery's most popular beers, as well as try some of their more experimental offerings like the Habanero Sculpin IPA or the Aloha Sculpin Hazy IPA.
Of course, San Diego's beer scene is much more than just IPAs. The city is also home to a thriving community of breweries focused on traditional European styles like Belgian ales, German lagers, and British pub ales. One such brewery is Societe Brewing Company, which has gained a cult following for its expertly crafted beers in a range of classic styles.
Visiting Societe's tasting room in Kearny Mesa is like stepping into a cozy European pub, with dark wood paneling, vintage beer signs, and a rotating selection of delicious beers on tap. Whether you're in the mood for a crisp and refreshing Czech-style pilsner or a rich and complex Belgian Dubbel, Societe has something to satisfy every palate.
Los Angeles: A Melting Pot of Beer Styles
As we move up the coast from San Diego, we come to Los Angeles, a city that is often overshadowed by its northern neighbors when it comes to beer. But don't let the glitz and glamour of Hollywood fool you – LA has a thriving and diverse craft beer scene that is well worth exploring.
One of the most influential breweries in LA's recent history is Golden Road Brewing, which was founded in 2011 by Meg Gill and Tony Yanow. Golden Road quickly made a name for itself with its approachable and easy-drinking beers, like the popular Wolf Pup Session IPA and the 329 Lager.
Visiting the Golden Road Pub in Atwater Village is a great way to sample some of the brewery's core beers, as well as try some of their more experimental offerings like the Mango Cart Wheat Ale or the Palisades Pineapple Upside Down Cake Sour. The pub also features a full menu of pub fare, as well as a spacious outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a beer in the LA sunshine.
Another LA brewery that has been making waves in recent years is Highland Park Brewery, which was founded in 2014 by Bob Kunz and Ross Stephenson. Highland Park has gained a reputation for its inventive and boundary-pushing beers, which often incorporate unusual ingredients and brewing techniques.
Visiting the Highland Park Brewery Chinatown taproom is a must for any beer lover in LA. The cozy and inviting space features a rotating selection of beers on tap, from classic West Coast IPAs to experimental sours and stouts. Be sure to try some of Highland Park's most famous beers, like the Hello, LA IPA or the Timbo Pils.
But LA's beer scene is much more than just trendy new breweries – the city also has a rich history of traditional brewing that dates back over a century. One of the most iconic and enduring examples of this tradition is the Eagle Rock Brewery, which was founded in 2009 by father-and-son team Steven and Jeremy Raub.
Eagle Rock specializes in classic European beer styles like pilsners, stouts, and saisons, all brewed with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Visiting the Eagle Rock taproom in Glassell Park is like stepping back in time to a simpler era of brewing, with a cozy and rustic atmosphere and a focus on the beer itself rather than flashy branding or gimmicks.
San Francisco: A Hub of Innovation and Experimentation
Moving further up the coast, we come to San Francisco, a city that has long been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution. With a rich history of brewing that dates back to the Gold Rush era, San Francisco has always been a hub of innovation and experimentation in the world of beer.
One of the most influential and iconic breweries in San Francisco's modern beer scene is Anchor Brewing Company, which was founded in 1896 and has been a cornerstone of the city's brewing tradition ever since. Anchor is perhaps best known for its flagship beer, Anchor Steam, a unique and historic style that originated in San Francisco during the Gold Rush.
Visiting the Anchor Brewing taproom in Potrero Hill is a must for any beer lover in San Francisco. The beautifully designed space features a rotating selection of Anchor beers on tap, as well as a full menu of delicious pub fare. Be sure to take a tour of the historic brewery itself, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of American brewing.
But San Francisco's beer scene is much more than just Anchor Steam – the city is also home to a thriving community of innovative and experimental breweries that are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. One such brewery is Cellarmaker Brewing Company, which has gained a cult following for its hop-forward and barrel-aged beers.
Visiting Cellarmaker's tasting room in the heart of San Francisco's SOMA district is like stepping into a mad scientist's laboratory of beer. The small and unassuming space belies the incredible creativity and skill that goes into every beer, from the dank and resinous IPAs to the complex and nuanced barrel-aged stouts.
Another San Francisco brewery that has been making waves in recent years is Almanac Beer Co., which was founded in 2010 by Jesse Friedman and Damian Fagan. Almanac specializes in farm-to-barrel brewing, which involves sourcing fresh, local ingredients and aging the beer in wine barrels to create complex and nuanced flavors.
Visiting Almanac's taproom in Alameda is a great way to sample some of the brewery's most popular and sought-after beers, like the Farmers Reserve series of barrel-aged sours or the hoppy and refreshing Hazy IPA. The taproom also features a full menu of delicious food, as well as a spacious outdoor patio with views of the San Francisco Bay.
Portland: A Mecca for Beer Lovers
As we move further north up the West Coast, we come to Portland, Oregon, a city that has earned a reputation as one of the best beer destinations in the world. With over 70 breweries in the city limits alone, Portland is a true mecca for beer lovers, offering an incredible variety of styles, flavors, and experiences.
One of the most iconic and influential breweries in Portland's beer scene is Deschutes Brewery, which was founded in 1988 in the nearby town of Bend. Deschutes has since expanded to Portland, where it operates a massive production facility and a popular pub in the heart of the trendy Pearl District.
Visiting the Deschutes Portland Public House is a must for any beer lover in the city. The sprawling space features a rotating selection of Deschutes beers on tap, from classic favorites like Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale to seasonal and limited-edition releases. The pub also offers a full menu of delicious pub fare, as well as a lively and convivial atmosphere that captures the spirit of Portland's beer scene.
Another Portland brewery that has gained a national following in recent years is Breakside Brewery, which was founded in 2010 by Scott Lawrence and Tony Petraglia. Breakside has won numerous awards for its innovative and experimental beers, which often incorporate unusual ingredients and brewing techniques.
Visiting Breakside's original brewpub in the Woodlawn neighborhood is a great way to sample some of the brewery's most popular and sought-after beers, like the Wanderlust IPA or the Passionfruit Sour. The pub also features a full menu of delicious food, as well as a cozy and inviting atmosphere that feels like a true neighborhood hangout.
But Portland's beer scene is much more than just its big-name breweries – the city is also home to a thriving community of small, independent breweries that are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. One such brewery is Upright Brewing, which specializes in farmhouse-style beers that are aged in oak barrels and bottle-conditioned for complex and nuanced flavors.
Visiting Upright's tasting room in the basement of the Leftbank Building is like stepping into a hidden speakeasy of beer. The small and intimate space features a rotating selection of Upright's beers on tap, as well as a curated selection of guest beers from other local breweries. Be sure to try some of Upright's most famous beers, like the Four Play or the Seven.
Seattle: A Pioneer of the Craft Beer Revolution
Finally, we come to Seattle, Washington, a city that has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution since the 1980s. With a rich history of brewing that dates back to the city's founding in the 1850s, Seattle has always been a hub of innovation and creativity in the world of beer.
One of the most iconic and influential breweries in Seattle's beer scene is Elysian Brewing Company, which was founded in 1996 by Dick Cantwell, Joe Bisacca, and David Buhler. Elysian has gained a national following for its creative and experimental beers, which often incorporate unusual ingredients and brewing techniques.
Visiting Elysian's Capitol Hill brewpub is a must for any beer lover in Seattle. The sprawling space features a rotating selection of Elysian beers on tap, from classic favorites like the Space Dust IPA and the Avatar Jasmine IPA to seasonal and limited-edition releases. The pub also offers a full menu of delicious pub fare, as well as a lively and convivial atmosphere that captures the spirit of Seattle's beer scene.
Another Seattle brewery that has been making waves in recent years is Fremont Brewing, which was founded in 2009 by Matt Lincecum and Sara Nelson. Fremont has gained a reputation for its hop-forward and barrel-aged beers, which often incorporate local ingredients and showcase the terroir of the Pacific Northwest.
Visiting Fremont's Urban Beer Garden in the heart of the Fremont neighborhood is a great way to sample some of the brewery's most popular and sought-after beers, like the Lush IPA or the Rusty Nail Imperial Stout. The beer garden also features a rotating selection of food trucks, as well as a spacious and dog-friendly outdoor seating area.
But Seattle's beer scene is much more than just its big-name breweries – the city is also home to a thriving community of small, independent breweries that are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. One such brewery is Holy Mountain Brewing Company, which specializes in mixed-fermentation and barrel-aged beers that are inspired by the brewing traditions of Belgium and France.
Visiting Holy Mountain's tasting room in the Interbay neighborhood is like stepping into a temple of beer. The small and intimate space features a curated selection of Holy Mountain's beers on tap, as well as a rotating selection of guest beers from other local and international breweries. Be sure to try some of Holy Mountain's most famous beers, like the Afterswarm or the The Seer.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our virtual brewery tour of the West Coast, it's clear that this region is home to an incredible variety and depth of beer culture. From the hoppy and bold flavors of San Diego's West Coast IPAs to the complex and nuanced barrel-aged beers of Seattle and Portland, the West Coast offers something for every beer lover to enjoy and explore.
But more than just the beer itself, what makes the West Coast beer scene so special is the sense of community and camaraderie that surrounds it. Whether you're visiting a sprawling production brewery or a tiny neighborhood taproom, you're sure to find a warm welcome and a shared passion for the art and science of brewing.
So the next time you find yourself on the West Coast, be sure to seek out some of these incredible breweries and experience the best of what the region has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, a brewery tour of the West Coast is sure to leave you inspired, refreshed, and thirsty for more.