The Most Flavorful Breweries in Long Beach

Syncopated Brewing

★★★★★ 4.7 (55) • $$

"A Boozy Symphony in the Temple of BrewsSyncopated Brewing Company, a haven where the elixirs of gods flow, beckons the weary souls seeking respite from the mundane. Here, amidst the clash of flavors and the crescendo of laughter, one finds a kaleidoscope of beers that would make even the most seasoned palate raise an intrigued eyebrow. For a humble man like me, a Coors Light aficionado, it's a true voyage into uncharted territories, a testament to the craft of brewing.Unveiling their taps, Syncopated presents a symphony of unusual flavors, each note played with precision and a touch of whimsy. A harmonious cacophony of tastes awaits the adventurous soul who seeks liberation from the mundane brews of mass production. But fear not, fellow Coors Light devotees, for even in this vibrant tapestry of craft brews, a light lager finds its place. A nod to simplicity amidst the complexity, like a brief respite in a tempestuous sonata.As the libations flow, so does the mirth and revelry. Syncopated Brewing Company is not merely a place to sip fermented nectars but a sanctuary of amusement. The games, oh the games! Board games whisper secrets, shuffleboard invites friendly rivalry, and pinball machines, if fortune favors the whimsical gods, dance with delight. And on certain days, pickleball takes over the very parking lot, a boisterous battle of paddles and pickle balls, laughter echoing through the air.Yet, amidst this carnival of diversion, a humble suggestion emerges. A couple of televisions, a portal to the world of games and glory, would be a welcome addition. For those days when the sporting gods vie for our attention, a screen to share in the triumphs and defeats would complete this bastion of leisure. But fret not, for even without this modest amenity, Syncopated Brewing Company remains a victor in its own right.So, my fellow wanderers of libation, if you seek an adventure where the taste buds are challenged, where laughter mingles with the clatter of tokens, Syncopated Brewing Company is a symphony you must partake in. Raise your glass to the daring brewmasters, toast to friendship, and revel in the games that paint the canvas of this vibrant temple. With a slight nod to simplicity, this haven for craft brew connoisseurs embraces all who seek a sip of life's intoxicating pleasures. Cheers to Syncopated Brewing Company, a true marvel in the realm of ale!"

Flashpoint Brewing Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (113)

"We love Flashpoint Brewing, the entire staff is so friendly and always welcoming. They walk around the patio and check in on you, they have plenty of seats with heaters available so you can enjoy their beers year around!!"

Santa Ana River Brewing

★★★★★ 4.6 (53)

"Excellent micro brewery. You can sample the beers before deciding what you want. All the beers I sampled were excellent. Prices reasonable. The pinball is amazing!! All the games are 50 cents! And they have all my favorites - Godzilla, Jaws, Monster Bash! Also Fish Tales, Star Wars and creature from the black lagoon. Dogs are welcome."

Smog City West

★★★★★ 4.6 (32) • $$

"BEST TRIVIA SPOT!!! But seriously, our daughter has spent two birthdays at Smog City West for their trivia nights. She doesn't know any other way. Sam is the best beertender ever, and knows exactly what you want. They don't have food, but you can bring your own. Brittany is the best trivia host!! (Insert high fives).Board games? They've got em. Chalkboard hallway and chalk to draw? You betcha. Simpsons arcade game? D'oh! Yup! Oh, and don't forget about the free books outside next door at the tutoring place to go peruse in between rounds. Thanks for all the good times, Smog City!!"

Smog City Brewing Co. SteelCraft

★★★★☆ 4.4 (157) • $$

"Popped in one day to have some drinks with a friend. We got the beer flights. They were cool. I don't remember the pricing for them. But it must've been ok because I know we got multiple flights. The customer service was cool. The ambiance was cool. I've only been once and it was years ago and I haven't went back. So I will say overall this place is OK."

Brewery X

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Bomb ass pizza! Great drink selection. I always get the seltzers they taste great. Strong and tasty is a good combo for a drink. I recommend the huckleberry, sweet enough but definitely tart and the seltzer has enough carbonation. Try the buffalo chicken pizza it is the best but if you like pepperoni get it and ask for the hot honey and crushed red peppers. Pro tip ask for it well done so the under carriage is crunchy."

Monkish Brewing

★★★★☆ 4.4 (755) • $$

"As for the IPA experience, I'm not much of an IPA sipper myself, but I've heard great things about Monkish Brewing. They seem to capture the flavor profile beyond just the hops, which is a nice change of pace. The staff here are great and very patient, even when I'm indecisive with all the fantastic selections. My drink of the day was the Feminist, which at almost 10% alcohol, doesn't seem as strong as one might expect. The customers out on the patio look excited and happy. It's nice to see this place is kid and pet-friendly too. Overall, it seems like a great spot to enjoy a refreshing beer and take in the lively atmosphere."

Belmont Brewing

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$

"Friends and I stumbled upon Belmont Brewing by surprise while walking on the pier. Open seating indoors, but there is a wait for outdoor seating where you have a view of the ocean. We opted to sit inside and service was pretty quick. I don't drink alcohol but friends really like the Strawberry one that they were promoting at the time. They also have a great bar area if you really want that brewery feel. As for the menu, I personally feel the prices were too expensive. We shared two appetizers and my friends ordered a drink each. The bill cost well over $50, so just expect it to not be budget friendly. Still, the food was good, but there was no value in it."

Beachwood Brewing - SteelCraft Garden Grove

★★★★☆ 3.7 (48)

"Inside Steelcraft with a lot of other food vendors, Beachwood is the only spot with alcoholic drinks. Since we already ate, we came to grab a drink. The bartender was nice and there's a solid selection to choose from.I really love this space with so much patio seating all around. There are huge jenga blocks to play and the string lights give such a vibe. For a Friday night, they weren't too busy either. It's the perfect place for large groups or date nights and there's a little bit of everything for everyone."

Hermosa Brewing - Torrance

★★★★☆ 4.3 (35) • $$

"Laid back and chill brewery with AWESOME pinball machine set up! We enjoy taking our son, grabbing a beer, and playing some pinball. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and usually have a food truck available. I believe they also have a small pizza oven for personal size pizzas. There are two small lots for parking and there is usually available parking on Del Amo. They are hosting a weekly pinball competition on Wednesdays evenings which my husband is very excited about."

The Bike Brewery

★★★★☆ 3.8 (199) • $$

"My husband and I were hungry after a show and decided to stop by the bike brewery. It was late and the bar was busy. Once we got seated, the staff were attentive and move quick to make sure everyone is taken care of. The food came out fast and we enjoyed the poke and appetizer platter. The staff are trained very well on delivering great service! The environment is clean and the vibe is always good."

Cellador Ales

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"My friends and I have been a big fan of this brewery for years. A bunch of my friends used to be members in their old location in the valley. They still could be members. I'm just not sure. They specialize in barrel-fermented sour beers here. Although personally, I can't say those are my favorite types of bears, I found plenty of them from this place that I really enjoyed. The folks here are very friendly, and I think a few of my friends are personal friends of the people here. The vibe was super chill on my visit.This was my first trip to the new location and it was for a special raclette night - which they have from time to time and I missed the last one at the old location. I ordered the raclette platter (potatoes, caramelized onions, mushrooms, pickled peppers) with prosciutto. it was so delicious and especially for a very reasonable price. I got to enjoy it with some of their beers which pair really well. I even got to try one of their newer beers that they just produced and was less acidic and sour than their usual offerings. I really enjoyed that one a lot!"

Riip Beer Company

★★★★★ 4.6 (383) • $$

"The service here alone is what put this place on my 5-star list. Erick was such a cool guy, all the recommendations he made all hit the spot. It was super busy but he was still attentive and made sure that we were taken care of. I appreciate service like that. I ordered the Burrata & hot honey slice, the mozzarella sticks, the chicken wings and the Dan P beer, all excellent. This place is good for groups too, noticed a lot of families all having a good time. Sports on all the tvs. Definitely coming back to this place."

Gunwhale - Costa Mesa

★★★★☆ 4.2 (265) • $

"Happy hour on Wednesdays 3-6pm - $2 off beers!Dedicated parking spaces & plenty of seating inside & out. It's dog friendly as well!"

San Pedro Brewing Company

★★★★☆ 3.7 (705) • $$

"Cute little place with great history and awesome local brews! Shanghai red is a must try, one of my favorites."

Bottle Logic Brewing

★★★★★ 4.5 (985) • $$

"Nice ambience, excellent beer. Very nice place to hangout with friends.They have wide range collection and they keep updating often with new options"

Dutch's Brewhouse

★★★★★ 4.8 (415) • $$

"I came here with my mom and father for some pizza and beer. We got the Pervy Pep and Grindtime. My mom had a salad. The pizza is thin and crunchy. The ingredients are fresh and savory. The service was interesting as they kind of just talk to you from behind the bar but they were busy so no worries. I got the Shiner Bock and my dad got the Pils. Both of our beers were good we ended up getting a second round and trading. This was followed by the pretzel bits which came with a cheese sauce and mustard. I loved the pretzels. I want to go back to take my wife. The inside is a little tight so I would not recommend for large groups but a small group meeting up for a couple of brews or a slice will be fine."

The Brews Hall at Del Amo

★★★★☆ 4.1 (569) • $$

"A little confused when we first walked in. No on was at the counters, so we asked people sitting at a table where to order. But the ambiance was amazing and the food was absolutely delicious!! Will definitely be back!!"

Helmsman Ale House

★★★★☆ 4.4 (626) • $$

"We loved this place! My family & I came on a Monday (in July) around 3:45. We found parking very easily and got sat right away. The servers were super nice and checked on us multiple times throughout our time there. My family got a few drinks and we all got some food. I got the spicy chicken sandwich (5/5 stars) with sweet potato fries (4/5 stars) and my boyfriend got the wings (5/5 stars) with garlic fries (5/5 stars). We also got fried pickles (4/5 stars). The place itself is very relaxing during the day; it's a perfect spot to go after a beach day. They also have outdoor seating which I want to try next time. Thankfully the outdoor seating is shaded which makes for a perfect lunch. They also have darts to play which hopefully I can learn how to play!"

Steady Brewing

★★★★☆ 4.2 (102) • $$

"Nice local neighborhood brewery. The bartender was very patient with us, we had a pretty large group! She was helpful and suggested different beers depending on what we liked. We came when it opened and right after we ordered, many people came by! You can tell this place is popular. Great environment and they had on some football games.No food but you can bring in food from the neighboring restaurants!"

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa

★★★★☆ 4.2 (175) • $$

"Great selection! This place always hits the spot love that they have a patio area too. And the staff is so welcoming with wanting to suggest whatever you're craving!! Emily, especially! Super friendly! We're gonna bit the Fullerton location next. And soon."

everywhere

★★★★☆ 4.4 (145) • $$

"I love this brewery! Been twice. First with my friend who is a member and gets two flights every month. And back again with my other friends tonight. Their IPAs, rice lager, and seltzers are delicious. My favorites are the first two. "Must be a feeling" is a great IPA. The staff is wonderful. Love chatting with Allison. She loves the product and is so funny/friendly. Got a four pack today too to share with others. Looking forward to my next visit!"

Beachwood Brewing 2nd & PCH

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14)

"So cute and right inside the mall area. Pretty tiny but there's a bunch of tables and a small bar area. Passed by and got a drink because it was such a nice night out. Got a día de Los mangos sour ale. Super good if you like sours and not too sweet at all."

Salty Bear Brewing

★★★★☆ 4 (222) • $$

"We like salty bear! -- great location in Costa Mesa. It's next to other breweries and restaurants that are walking distance. Chill environment. Parking can get tough but you're bound to find a spot. Two big screen TVs, typically a food truck outside and you can order food from surrounding restaurants that will deliver to salty bear. There's outdoor and indoor seating. Multiple beers on tap and right now, two seltzers. Sometimes we'll bring cards or a game to play while we grab a drink. Service has always been good."

Brewing Reserve of California

★★★★★ 4.8 (112) • $$

"Another wonderful brewery in my city of Costa Mesa. It's so laid back with a neighborhood feel. Furry friends are welcomed. Good selection of beer and service is friendly and welcoming. They also have food trucks in front of the brewery. I'm telling my friends to come and drink with me here at the Brewing Reserve of California"

Four Sons Brewing

★★★★☆ 4.4 (460) • $$

"We had a venue canceled on us a few days before the birthday surprise event but Duke, the owner, was able to accommodate us a private section of the brewery. The process was so quick and easy within a few hours of emailing back and forth. We reserved the Barrel room for around 60 people. Before the event, Duke introduced himself and gave us the room run down. We had a closed off section with two private televisions, a private speaker (bluetooth) and a private bartender. There was enough room for everyone to roam or sit. We also had access outside so the breeze kept everyone cool and a quick walk to the car. Our private bartender OH MY GOSH was amazing and super friendly. My guests were very happy with our bartender and he made sure everyone was having a good time. He was quick and swift with going around checking up on our guests. We definitely will book this spot again for mother birthday in the future!!"

Noble Ale Works

★★★★☆ 4.4 (636) • $$

"Beer fit for a king. Our crew stopped by Noble Ale Works prior to hitting up the Angel's game on a Thursday. Unfortunately the Angel's lost badly (0-11, ouch!) but the drinks from Noble Ale Works made the trip worth it. Their brew team is incredible. They offered us a number of tastings from the tap to make sure we were happy with our picks. One of their memorable beers was the funfetti, very dessert-esque. We also tried the Flamingle, a pink strawberry lemonade seltzer. My besties ended up taking home a six pack of this seltzer for a future beach day. You can tell that Noble was made by the coolest nerds around. Several of the beers are themed around Harry Potty, Rick & Morty, etc. The artwork is dope and I'd buy a six-pack for this alone. They typically have additional vendors onsite during peak hours. During our visit there was a jewelry seller and mediterranean food truck. Pro tip: Noble Ale Works offers complimentary parking for games at the Angel's Stadium. It's an easy 10 minute walk and worth saving a few dollars. Great spot to pre or post game! Plus it's not as packed as Golden Road/Karl Strauss."

Project Barley Brewery & Pizzeria

★★★★☆ 4.3 (139) • $$

"This place is a gem, if you love BEER and MUSIC, this is the place. They have live music on Saturdays and Sundays, Trivia Wednesday, Karaoke Thursday and BEER. This Brewery is a local hangout. The general manager "Zha" not only takes care of you and makes sure you have the best time. She has the most amazing voice and she is also smokin HOT."

Ambitious Ales

★★★★★ 4.7 (209) • $$

"PSA: 2024 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner:Professional Human Being (Best Juicy/Hazy IPA)This was the reason for my visit. I wanted to get a taste of this year's "best hazy IPA" in the USA.Along with their gold-medal winning hazy, I wanted try one of the Filipino-inspired brews. I went with their Ube Bay brewed with ube halaya because it was about to be tapped out.Both beers were delicious and easy drinkers. I could have ordered more of them. If it was not too late in the evening, I would have ordered more to try. The Ube Bay wasn't too sweet. My friend mentioned that their slushie version was way too sweet. Upon sniffing you cannot ignore the strong aroma of coconut in this beer. The Professional Human Being hazy IPA is easier to drink than a West Coast IPA. If you're a fan of hazys, a visit to Ambitious Ales is a must.Across the parking lot, you will find a permanent fixture for food delivery at your table from Thunderbird Pizza. I wanted to try the simplest pizza so I went with a cheese pizza. This is how I judge pizza -- either the plain cheese or a margherita pizza. They didn't have any pizzas by the slice available to order. Pizza is the best pairing with beer so having a pizza restaurant across the parking lot is perfect. To order, you scan from a QR code at your table so they know where you are seated. Order immediately as it took a while to get our pizza. If you love sourdough pizza, I recommend ordering this pizza immediately once you find a table.There are some food pop ups (barbecue) as an alternative option on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.The beertenders are very helpful and friendly which I find as the norm while visiting California breweries except the one brewery I visited in NYC which was like pulling teeth to get service and a smile out of them. I love California.Being that that the restrooms are gender neutral and the brewery seemes to be busy, they were not the cleanest restrooms compared to other breweries I have visited. Mens restrooms/shared restrooms seem to be the most filthy/unkempt (to be honest). There is a port-a-potty available in the patio if there is a line going.Their shared parking lot is small so there might be issues finding parking during the weekend.There were other GABF medal winners in the LBC, so I would suggest doing a Long Beach beer crawl if you're up for it."

Unsung Brewing Company

★★★★★ 4.6 (362) • $$

"Me doing Yoga at 30. Who would have thought?But it is happening. I work in a quite "busy" finance department. CFO sudden departure, unfit hires to sudden government audit are some of the events we have to deal with. So, i start to prefer relaxing, recovering chill event for my down time. and 1 of my coworker started mentioning Yoga.Its February and Unsung brewing hosted a drink and yoga event. I am down. meditating , breathing exercise, stretching and drinking all in 1 go. I was impressed with the brewery. The staffs were cooperative. The beer was great. and i started my sunday with some relaxation."

Huntington Beach Beer Co.

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (766) • $$

"We decided after walking around to eat here and shared a pizza.We did the half half for $19 and picked the bbq and Thai chicken, it actually wasn't bad ! The pizza is thin crust but has so much on each slice, the pizza was delicious.It's a nice spot to hangout and sit near the window to people/ car watch since everyone has such interesting cars in Huntington Beach."

Two Coast Brewing

★★★★★ 4.9 (14)

"My wife and I finally stopped by the taproom for, Two Coast Brewing. We were very happy to taste some great beers, brewed in the traditional German style, along with a couple of American/German inspired beers. Our server, Joey was very friendly and extremely polite, helpful and knowledgeable about the beers during our visit. After our beers and conversation, we took home a mixed 4-pack for later. We highly recommend stopping by for some great beers and with a few sports televisions playing in the background for a game or two, or if you're lucky enough, Joey may play your favorite music over the sound system for your pleasure. Thanks to Joey for the wonderful hospitality and enjoyable conversation while we sampled the fantastic beers on tap. We look forward to visiting again soon. Cheers!!"

The Bruery

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"Good day to you, fine readers! I, Obadiah Thornwillow, born in 1784 and most curiously transported to your modern world, have had the rare pleasure of visiting one of your breweries. Though I feared I might encounter the soulless haste of many modern establishments, I was instead welcomed into an oasis of warmth and camaraderie, so reminiscent of my own time that I nearly wept into my tankard.The ale, oh, the ale! Strong and dark as the depths of a moonless forest, it bore a fire within that surely sprang from the cauldron of a demon. Each sip was a battle, yet a victory, leaving me emboldened and delightfully lightheaded. I daresay it rivaled even the finest brews of my own era, which were crafted with care and reverence for the art.The setting was nothing short of magical. Lights, strung like fireflies upon invisible threads, cast a golden glow across the open air. The wooden benches and tables seemed to invite both merriment and quiet reflection. The people, friendly and unhurried, sat in joyful company, seemingly untouched by the sorcery of their portable glowing devices. Their laughter rang clear, unbroken by the distractions I have so often observed in this age.For one evening, I felt at home in this foreign time--a place where the spirits are strong, the people kind, and the atmosphere alive with magic and fellowship. Five stars, for a taste of enchantment and a brief return to the warmth of an era long past!"

Absolution Brewing Company

★★★★☆ 4.3 (349) • $$

"Friendly vibes! Menu photo from 10.27.24. My bf & I got beer passports (fun activity to do) and this was our first stop. Wonder if they have events. Was decorated for Halloween. We will be back. I got the Purgatory Hefeweizen."

Bootlegger's Brewery

★★★★☆ 4.2 (924) • $$

"We come here a lot, lol. We live super close so it's always one of our go-to spots when we want good vibes, beer and food. Now that we have a baby, it's always one of our go to places that's baby friendly! Beer is good, food is good (although I do miss the chili cheese fries) and service is great. We come often enough that they know us here, which is amazing! Parking is easy and they have live music on Friday nights, which is when we usually go. :)"