Craft brewing is getting to be a real thing in Los Angeles. Breweries are scattered throughout the city from Pasadena to DTLA to Torrance. With a high concentration of stellar micro-brews in the South Bay, start there for a day’s leisurely sipping and snacking.
Absolution Brewery
Torrance
Seats are made of church pews and beers feature monikers like Cardinal Sin Crimson and Purgatory Hefeweizen. Add a bowl of pretzels from behind the bar, or check out the food trucks in the parking lot.
Phantom Carriage
Carson
Taking its name from a 1921-era horror film, with beers named for classic horror performers, sour beers are the order of the day. Try the Lugosi or Rathbone, served in stemmed tasting glasses. A screening room runs old horror classics and soccer matches. On-site, the cafe offers small plates and organic choices.
The Dudes
Torrance
Picnic tables, board games, and Big Lebowski quotes, along with intense flavors from brews like Grandma’s Pecan brown ale and the Blood Orange Amber Ale with cocoa and citrus notes.
Smog City Brewery
Torrance
Smog City was among the first brewers to stake a claim in town. Along with its wide selection of beers ready for tasting flights in a comfortable warehouse setting, the brewers offers some experimental choices like a wine and beer hybrid.
King Harbor – Redondo Beach
Cozy ambiance, high top tables, and a low key strip mall location. Try the Abel Brown cold brew coffee brown ale.