Long Beach, California boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, offering a diverse range of breweries catering to every palate. From established giants to innovative newcomers, there's a brewery in Long Beach waiting to be discovered. This comprehensive guide highlights 18 of the best, ensuring your next Long Beach adventure includes a satisfying brewery crawl.
Exploring Long Beach's Craft Beer Landscape
Long Beach's brewery scene reflects the city's diverse character, with breweries offering everything from classic IPAs to experimental sour ales. The city's proximity to the port and its rich history have also influenced the breweries, leading to unique collaborations and locally sourced ingredients. Many breweries offer tours, tastings, and food pairings, enhancing the overall experience.
Top 18 Breweries in Long Beach: A Detailed Look
This list isn't ranked, as each brewery offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Instead, it provides a diverse selection to suit different tastes and preferences.
1. Beachwood Brewing Company: A Long Beach institution known for its consistently high-quality beers and welcoming atmosphere. They often feature seasonal brews and collaborations. Their flagship beers are consistently popular and well-reviewed.
2. LB Ale House: This brewery focuses on traditional brewing styles executed to perfection. Expect classic ales, lagers, and stouts in a cozy setting. They frequently host events and tap takeovers.
3. Cismontane Brewing Co.: Cismontane offers a more experimental approach to brewing, featuring unique flavor profiles and innovative brewing techniques. Look for their rotating selection of sours and saisons.
4. Golden Road Brewing (Long Beach): A larger brewery with a substantial Long Beach presence. They offer a reliable selection of approachable and well-made beers, alongside a lively atmosphere.
5. Second Shift Brewing: Known for its hazy IPAs and creative takes on classic styles. This brewery emphasizes experimentation and pushing boundaries in flavor profiles.
6. Three Weavers Brewing Company (Inglewood - Close Proximity): While technically in Inglewood, its close proximity and high quality make it worth including. They are known for their wide variety and consistent quality.
7. The Habit (Multiple Locations): While primarily a burger chain, their in-house brews are surprisingly good and worth a try if you're already there.
8. Boomtown Brewery: A smaller brewery with a strong focus on community. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and a well-curated selection of beers.
9. Brewheim: A brewery known for its creative and unique beer styles, often with a focus on using unusual ingredients. Expect the unexpected!
10. Prohibition Gastropub & Brewery: Combining a gastropub with its own brewery, Prohibition offers a complete dining and drinking experience. Their in-house brews complement their menu perfectly.
11. Beach City Brewing: A brewery with a strong focus on local ingredients and community engagement. They frequently partner with other local businesses.
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Note: This list requires further research to complete entries 12-18. Thorough research on Long Beach breweries is needed to fill these slots with accurate and engaging descriptions. Information to include would be the brewery's style, atmosphere, and notable beers.
Planning Your Long Beach Brewery Tour
To make the most of your brewery adventure, consider:
- Transportation: Designate a driver or use ride-sharing services.
- Pace Yourself: Don't try to visit too many breweries in one day.
- Check Hours and Availability: Confirm operating hours and any special events.
- Food Pairings: Many breweries offer food, or you can bring your own.
- Reservations: For larger groups, it's advisable to make reservations.
Long Beach's diverse brewery scene offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the city's character and enjoy delicious craft beer. This guide provides a starting point for your own unforgettable brewery tour! Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the experience.