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PAGE 1: Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog
URL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/11/17/top-10-best-breweries-with-food-in-orange-county/
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stephzinger 2025, Orange County, Stephanie Metzinger November 17, 2025 7 Minutes by Stephanie Thara Metzinger Are you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. Long gone are those days where I would crush three beers before eating just to keep my “buzz” going. I am now a semi-responsible adult that prioritizes eating while drinking – and if the food is made by a yeast-master who knows all thing bread and beer, then count me in! Through my Babies & Brews Tour, I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. The breweries were ranked on Quality of beers; Variety of food options and taste; and Venue & Vibe Please note that this is a compilation of breweries with food—aka beer-forward spots that are very casual (not your typical “sit down” eateries that have a dedicated server) where brews are the main entree and food is the side dish. Below are the 10 top spots in Orange County for beers, food and ambiance. 1. Riip Beer Co 17216 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 | website Riip ranks as my #1 because it has the best-tasting beers and its wings are out of this world. If you asked me which brewery has the best beers in OC, Riip ranks as my top contender. Food: Riip’s menu includes pub food appetizers like truffle fries and dry-rubbed wings; gourmet pizza by the slice; and an epic smashburger. Beer: I’m always impressed at how innovative and delicious the tap list is. For example, the XPA (a cross between an IPA & pale ale) was unique and tasty! I have yet to taste a beer from Riip that I did not like. Vibe: The brewery is located right across from the ocean, so the ambiance in both the skateboard-themed taproom and outdoor patio are all chill vibes. What To Order: Food: Nashville Hot Dry Rub Wings; Criispy Brussels & Bacon Beer: Stratacaster IPA; Jetty Water Blonde Ale 2. Pizza Port Brewing Company 301 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website The pizza was good, but the beer is where Pizza Port really shines. I had a couple flights, so I was able to taste most of its beers—and every single one impressed. Food: The variety of pizzas is robust, and I love how each one has its own flare. Beer: It features a wide selection of incredibly delicious beers – everything from light to hoppy to dark. Hats off to their head brewer for achieving such a solid draft list! Vibe: Located a stone’s throw away from the beach, the surf-themed venue has an arcade upstairs, small outside patio and both a bar upstairs and downstairs. What To Order: Food: Pizza Lahaina and add jalapeños Beer: Beachside Reset IPA; California Honey Blonde Ale 3. Docent Brewing 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | website All the beers I tried at Docent were a 10 out of 10. If you asked me which brewery has a menu where every single beer was delicious, Docent would be it. It’s just a small bonus that there’s a food menu. Food: A selection of sandwiches, salads, bowls and a few Mexican food items. Beer: 16 beers on tap that covered it ALL – from lager, witbier, red ale, pale ale, DIPA, IPA, porter and my personal favorite, a belgian-style saison. Plus, cider, kombucha and wine. Vibe: Bright yet homey décor; comfy couch area for leisure seating; dining area for more formal seating; private upstairs; and two outside seating areas with your option of benches or cushy seats. What To Order: Food: Korean Reuben Beer: Gimme IPA; Self Titled Saison; Luna Belgian Witbier 4. Brewery X 3191 E La Palma Anaheim, CA 92806 | website A robust selection of pizzas and burgers from its standing Brewery X food trucks; an even better selection of beer; and a fun and spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden. Food: Though there’s no in-house kitchen, it has its own X Eats food trucks that have a permanent space in the patio area, serving pizza and burgers. The New York-style pizzas are really big and incredibly tasty. Beer: What I love most about Brewery X is how experimental it is with its beers. With a whopping 30 beers on tap, it has everything from a peach IPA to light lager with pickle. Vibe: Brewery X has one of the coolest vibes out there. Both its indoor and outdoor spaces (which are massive!) are artistically decorated and give it a fun vibe. What To Order: Food: Pepperoni Pizza Beer: Tangerine Shhh-Wheat; German Tootsie Roll Dunkelweizen 5. Golden Road Brewing 2210 E. Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806 | website Golden Road has the biggest beer AND food menu that I’ve seen yet. The variety is extensive and offers something for everyone. Food: Its menu features traditional items like burgers, tacos and pizzas to niche food items such as vegan pub pretzels, cauliflower wings and protein bowls. Beer: It sports ~30 beers and ~10 seltzers/wines on tap at any given time. Plus, you can make any beer a michelada, which is probably my favorite feature of Golden Road. Vibe: Both the taproom and outdoor area are HUGE. Hands down, it has the best outside patio of all the breweries in OC. The staff is great and the vibe is uplifting. This is my go-to brewery when anyone visits from out of town. What To Order: Food: Poke Nachos Beer: Spicy Mango Cart with chamoy and tajin rim dip; Hefeweizen 6. Green Cheek Beer Co. 2957 Randolph Ave, Unit B, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | website A memorable smashburger, nice outdoor seating area and hefty selection of brews makes Green Cheek Costa Mesa #6 on the list. Please note that the Sunset Beach location is equally good, but I’m a bit partial to the bigger patio at the Costa Mesa location. Food: The double smashburger with grilled onions and burger sauce is money. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, there’s also a selection of shareables, salads and sandwiches. Beer: Though its menu leans IPA heavy, its light beers tend to be crisp perfection. Vibe: There’s a nice outdoor patio and two areas for seating inside, but the line to order beers can get really long which is a bit daunting. What To Order: Food: Double Smashburger with fries (a bit better than the tots) Beer: Bier (Helles-Style Lager) 7. Left Coast Brewing 6652 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618 | website A brewery with a full BBQ menu? Yes, please! Left Coast’s Irvine location rocks a nice selection of beers and an even more diverse menu. Food: Kansas City-style barbecue, featuring everything from braised bratwurst (which is infused with its signature IPA) to brisket burnt ends which is smoked for 15 hours in house made BBQ sauce. Beer: All the beers are what I consider “poolside beers” — beers you can enjoy in succession without getting burned out. The drinkability of each beer is on point. Vibe: It’s in an industrial area, but through its cozy outside patio, surf decor and open-air taproom, the brewery achieves an “industrial meets rustic and surf” vibe. What To Order: Food: Mac N Cheese Beer: Una Mas Amber Lager; Orange County IPA 8. Bootleggers Brewery 130 S Highland Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 | website Bootleggers’ beers have always been on point! And in 2020, they launched a Bootlegger’s Concept Kitchen Food Truck to now offer a full menu. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: I don’t know how they do it, but though they have a massive selection of beers, each and every one is amazing. Vibe: The taproom is on the smaller side, but their big outdoor patio makes up for it. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Thai Tea Far Out IPA; Golden Chaos Belgian Style Ale 9. Hangar 24 Brewing 17877 Von Karman Ave Unit 110, Irvine, CA 92614 | website I love Hanger 24 for its massive and very kid-friendly outdoor space, but the brewery also offers a big menu and good tap list. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: Their claim to fame is the Orange Wheat and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s also a substantial selection of light to hoppy beers. Vibe: Offers an unmatched amount of open space and seating—with six different zones you can choose to sit in and multiple artificial grass areas. What To Order: Food: Sweet potato fries Beer: Firebreak Cold IPA; Orange Wheat 10. Los Molinos Beer Co 151 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website Los Molinos rocks the unique concept of being a brewery that serves brunch. While most breweries open at 11am or 12pm, Los Molinos caters to the brunch crowd and serves brunch from 10am-3pm on weekends. Food: The brewery has come to be known for its robust brunch menu and all-day Taco Tuesday that sports a menu way beyond just tacos. Beer: From a hoppy lager and Belgian blonde to a triple IPA and hard kombucha, it has something for everyone. Vibe: Cozy inside with a cute patio. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Coast Molinos West Coast IPA (the beer took home Silver at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival!) HONORABLE MENTIONS Though they didn’t make the top 10 list of breweries with food in Orange County, there were a handful of breweries that deserve a shout out: Divine Science Brewing (Tustin): a gluten-free brewery!! Divine Science has mastered the art of brewing with naturally gluten free grains and offers rotating gluten free beer options and gluten-free food like pretzels and paninis. Villains Brewing Company (Anaheim): It has an amazing venue and even better food (all burgers are made with wagyu!) but the beer menu is scarce and mediocre. Four Sons Brewing (Huntington Beach): a solid food menu and big selection of seltzers. For some pizza/flatbread, head to Laguna Beer Company (Laguna Beach), Ten Mile Brewing (Ladera Ranch) or GameCraft (Laguna Beach). Please know that my list of Top 10 Breweries with Food—as well as my lists of Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios or Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries—are not exhaustive. If you have a brewery that you think should be added, please let me know! Share below in the comment section or email us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! Until next time, prost! — Stephanie Instagram @stephzinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethara Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries in Orange County November 30, 2023 In "2023" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In "2024" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In "2024" Tagged 1 6 beer Bootleggers Brewery brewery Brewery X Craft Beer docent brewing food Golden Road Brewing Green Cheek Beer Hangar 24 Hazy IPA IPA Left Coast Brewing Orange County Breweries Pizza Port Riip Beer travel Villains Brewing Company Published November 17, 2025 Leave a comment
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PAGE 2: NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights – So Cal Craft Beer Blog
URL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/10/23/nyt-opinion-gabf-highlights/
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SCCB Blogger 2025, BeachRock Bill, Hazy IPA, L.A. County, Orange County, SCCB Blogger, Ventura County October 23, 2025 5 Minutes So Many Beers, So Little Time by Chauncey B, the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Last week a friend (and SCCBB reader) sent a link to a New York Times guest Opinion essay, “Wacky Labels and Silly Names are Killing Craft Beer.” The essay, by former Wall Street Journal reporter Mark Robichaux, makes some valid points, though the headline is terrible. I teach business writing at the University of Southern California, and Mr. Robichaux’s opening paragraph does exactly what I tell my students to do — grabs my attention and impresses me to keep me reading . Robichaux instantly evokes a parallel memory. “From that first stolen sip of my father’s Schlitz…” Yeah, that’s where I started, too. Original 1942 vintage magazine ad for Schlitz Beer, courtesy of attic paper.com Then Robichaux waxes philosophical in a way that resonated with me: “Beer has always been more than a drink. It’s a reward. A ritual. A refuge. But even I can admit: Beer has a problem.” Citing a December 2023 article from NBC News, Robichaux reports that beer consumption fell to its lowest level in decades. He cites demographic issues (fewer younger drinkers) and problems with its image as a “carb-heavy relic for dads and dullards.” He also claims that the drinking rate among Americans is at its lowest since the 1930s, according to an August 2025 Gallup pole. More alarming, perhaps, is Robichaux’s reporting that, “according to the Brewers Association, craft beer sales fell 4 percent last year,” and that, “for the first time in two decades, more breweries closed than opened.” Monkish Brewing in Torrance specializes in hazy IPAs, dank, juicy, and otherwise. Among Robichaux’s targets are the higher alcohol double, triple, hazy, juicy, and dank India Pale Ales (IPAs). “Beer isn’t bourbon,” Robichaux complains, “You don’t swirl it in a snifter and reflect on your childhood. You drink a few, with friends, and it’s supposed to refresh, not knock you out.” Best Pilsner in California: Berkeley’s Trumer It was at this point in the essay that I reflected on my own current tastes and predilections. I’m much more interested in drinking lower alcohol, well-crafted Mexican lagers, Pilsners, Kolsches, ambers, and stouts, paired with delicious food. I’m eating far fewer desserts than in my callow youth and I gave up colas and other sugary sodas years ago. So, often when I sip the latest “gotta have it” hazy, it just tastes so over-the-top sweet that it makes my teeth ache and wipes out half the taste buds in my palate. And then I wonder if I’m going to have to call someone to give me a lift home. But that’s just me. I wholeheartedly support people drinking beer that they like. And if it’s a bourbon-barrel-aged quadruple hazy stout, sour, or “other strong beer,” more power to you. Robichaux goes on to have some fun with absurd beer names and graphic design, which don’t really bother me as much as they bother him. He then closes his essay affirming that beer should be “the drink of moderation, laughter, and second rounds.” It’s a point of view. I would argue that there all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer out there (see below) in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. Reminds me of a tee-shirt I saw once (or twice): “So many beers, so little time!” One last pair of thoughts: the number of breweries closing versus those opening is strictly a function of the marketplace, not an indication of craft beer’s demise or lack of popularity. And sales might be falling because of an uptick in craft ciders and hard seltzers and even a resurgence of interest in cocktails on the part of the youth demographic. RR La Rose Noire Droptail, courtesy of Products Finishing And if we were talking about cars as opposed to craft beer, would you say that certain connoisseurs’ predilection for Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptails ($32M), Bugatti La Voiture Noires ($18.7M), or Pagani Zonda HP Barchettas ($17.5M) is threatening the Average Joe or Josephine’s enjoyment of his Subaru Crosstrek or her Ram 1500 pickup truck? Apples and oranges, if you ask me. What’s your take on this? Please comment, either by using the comment feature (which doesn’t work the way I’d like it to) or by emailing us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. Great American Beer Festival 2025 Photo © Brewers Association It’s great to peruse the list of GABF winners every year to see which breweries that we’ve covered have won awards, and which SoCal breweries that we HAVEN’T yet covered have taken home bronze, silver, or gold. Both Lawless in North Hollywood and Los Molinos in San Clemente are in this latter category, and are begging for a visit. Judges at GABF evaluate 108 styles of beer, many with multiple sub-categories. You’ve probably heard of a lot of them. But have you heard of Smoke Beer (Style 36, with six sub-categories, such as “Other Smoke Beer” and “Bamberg-Style Helles Rauchbier”) or “Swedish-Style Gotlandsdricke” in the Historical Beer category (Style 23, with eight sub-categories)? Neither have I. Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing, which took Silver in this year’s new category, “Vera Hop Beer.” “The hop is named for Vera Katherine Charles, one of three female mycologists employed by the USDA in the early decades of the twentieth century, as a tribute to the important contributions these women made to the long-term sustainability of the hop industry. Vera has a tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aroma profile and is pest and disease resistant with high yield potential.” Photo & quote © Brewers Association The average beers entered in each category is 71. The Top Five most-entered beer style categories are: Category 107: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (301 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Silver in this category Category 105: West Coast India Pale Ale (300 entries) San Clemente’s Los Molinos Beer Company took Silver in this category Note to self: time for a road trip to San Clemente Category 51: Dortmund or German-Style Oktoberfest (186 entries) Category 47: German-Style Pilsener (184 entries) Category 45: Hoppy Lager (171 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Bronze in this category The most-medaled breweries include: Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH (2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronze) UPP Liquids, Bend, OR (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Westbound and Down Brewing Company–Westbound Mill, Lafayette, CO (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Here’s a LINK to ALL THIS YEAR’S WINNERS And here’s a LINK TO ALL WINNERS IN CALIFORNIA. In this category, it’s nice to see some of our favorite SoCal breweries, like Radiant, ISM (scroll down to “March” on this link), Green Cheek, North Park, and Claremont. Courtesy San Fernando Brewing I was delighted to see that San Fernando Brewing’s O’Melveny Red Ale took Gold in the “Other Strong Beer” category. I just enjoyed a pint of O’Melveny with Eleanor and Boss Beer Blogger 93 KHJ at Truman Tavern in San Fernando a couple of weeks ago. O’Melveny & Myers is one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles. The beer is named after O’Melveny Park in the San Fernando Valley. The park is named after Henry W. O’Melveny, founder of the law firm, and also in 1927 one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission. As a side note, I once worked with some archivists and alumni historians at Polytechnic School (founded in 1907) in Pasadena, CA. They had a running joke about the “six degrees of O’Melveny,” which I think about every time I sip this beer. Another GABF surprise comes from a brewery we visited with BeachRock Bill many moons ago, on the Hop Highway in San Diego: BattleMage Brewing snagged a Silver for their “Summon Ifrit” in the American Amber/ Red Ale category. BeachRock Bill, an Ifrit if there ever was one, at BattleMage Brewing, San Diego, July 2018 Cheers! Until next time, — Chauncey B, aka the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Instagram and Threads: @socalcraftbeer Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/socalcraftbeer Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... GABF 2022 Medal Winners October 14, 2022 In "2022" We’re Tasting at We’re Pouring May 30, 2022 In "L.A. County" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In "2024" Tagged beer beer you can find at Trader Joe's brewery Craft Beer food GABF medal winning Hazy IPA IPA L.A. County Breweries NYT Guest Opinion Orange County Breweries San Diego Breweries San Gabriel Valley Breweries travel Published October 23, 2025 2 thoughts on “NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights” I really enjoyed your thoughts about the state of the brewery industry, in the response to the op-ed. Very interesting insight! And I echo your sentiments about Hazys. Not sure what the craze is but it leaves my mouth feeling too sweet. Like Reply Pingback: Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog Leave a comment
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PAGE 3: Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game – So Cal Craft Beer Blog
URL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/08/22/lazy-dog-beer-club-elevates-the-beer-marketing-game/
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stephzinger 2025, Orange County, Outside California, Stephanie Metzinger August 22, 2025 3 Minutes By Stephanie Thara Metzinger The four newly released beers from the Lazy Dog Beer Club’s “The Brewers Grimm” kit, along with a sampler of the restaurant’s house beers. Over the years, I’ve joined quite a few beer clubs – and the uniquely themed beer kits and flavorful small-batch releases of the Lazy Dog Beer Club places this one among the top. Last week, I was immediately transported into a dark fairy tale when I started to taste the newest Lazy Dog Beer Club kit: The Brewers Grimm. The Brothers Grimm-inspired kit included: Eight beers from craft breweries across the nation (two cans of four beer varieties); A Brewers Grimm-branded glass to enjoy your fairy tale brews in; and A beautifully designed booklet that profiles each beer while masterfully telling the story of how each enchanted brew was inspired by a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. My favorite aspect about the beer club is that the beers featured in the kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. Here are my thoughts on the four imaginative brews that brought classic fairy tales to life through hops and barley: Rumpleweizen – Dunkelweizen Ale (Lyons, IL): I love a good Dunkelweizen, and this Rumpelstiltskin-inspired one delivers. New flavors and notes came out with each sip, and the complexity was incredible. It’s the perfect beer to ring in fall, as it has the banana and clove spice of a Hef but with a more malty feel. Liquid Breadcrumbs – West Coast Pilsner (Brewery X in Anaheim, CA): A lightly hopped lager that would be delicate enough for the tastebuds of Hansel and Gretel (if they were of drinking age, of course!). It was crisp, clean and dry – and a sessionable beer that I could drink all day. Flavorful yet simple! O’ Brother Stag – Tangerine Kolsh-Style Ale (21st Amendment Brewery, CA): A singular note beer that’s light and refreshing, which is fitting for the Glass Coffin’s shiny ending. Deep Dark Woods – Spruce IPA (New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, CO): When drinking this very piney IPA, you truly feel like you are deep in the woods of Little Red Riding Hood. Mike Montes, assistant general manager of Lazy Dog in Cerritos, with the past two Lazy Dog Beer Club kits: The Brothers Grimm and Camp-Wanna-Beer-A Lazy Dog Beer Club comes out with a new kit each quarter and makes sure to select creative themes that match the season. This quarter’s theme was to play off Halloween. Last quarter was “Camp Wanna-Beer-A” to cleverly ring in summertime fun. Through this beer club, Lazy Dog has elevated the beer marketing game by seamlessly combining beer, art and creativity. In addition to the kit itself, Lazy Dog offers beer club members a whole host of discounts and offers throughout the year. This includes free draft upgrades, priority seating, 10% off takeout, a monthly draft beer sampler, discounts on to-go cans and a $39 dine-in credit. Courtesy of Lazy Dog Beer Club I would be remiss if I don’t speak about Lazy Dog’s house beers though. In addition to collaborating with different breweries for the beer kits, Lazy Dog has a suite of house beers available on tap at each location. The house beers, which are brewed by Melvin Brewing in Alpine, WY, range from a Huckleberry Haze IPA all the way to a Mexican-Style Lager. And if you haven’t had the Huckleberry Haze IPA, run—don’t walk—to your nearest Lazy Dog to grab one. The Huckleberry Haze defies all logic as it tastes like a light lager but in fact, packs a heavy 6.7% ABV. Dangerous, yet soooo tasty! The eight house beers on tap are on top of the 10 additional rotating beers Lazy Dog also has on draft, making a total of nearly 20 beers on draft available at all times. The Lazy Dog team selects one of the four beers included in the kit to be available on tap. New Belgium Brewing’s “Deep Dark Woods” Spruce IPA, shown above in the sampler glass, was selected this quarter. “We aren’t like normal restaurants that just serve Bud Light,” said Mike Montes, assistant general manager at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Cerritos, CA. “We listen to customers, refine our offerings and expand the varieties of beers we offer to meet our customers’ needs.” For more information about Lazy Dog and its imaginative beer club, visit: https://ldbeerclub.com/ Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In "2024" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In "2024" Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County November 17, 2025 In "2025" Tagged 21st Amendment Brewery beer Beer Clubs Brewers Grimm brewery Brewery X BuckleDown Brewing Craft Beer food Hazy IPA IPA Lazy Dog Beer Club New Belgium Brewing Orange County Breweries travel Published August 22, 2025 One thought on “Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game ” Great post! And I love this concept, with the themed beers, each quarter. The Brewers Grimm definitely sounds right up my alley. Cheers! 🍻 –BrewHead Ted Like Reply Leave a comment
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PAGE 4: So Cal Craft Beer Blog – Celebrating the Art and Craft of Beer
URL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/
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Are you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. There all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. "So many beers, so little time!" The beers featured in the Lazy Dog Beer Club kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. The beer experience in Monterey was wholly new to me, and I was eager to get to a few taprooms and brewpubs. Below, I report on Dust Bowl Brewing, Alvarado Street, the Salty Seal, and Hops & Frog. Well, Dear Readers, it's been awhile. Our last post was October 2024. Between then and now, a lot has happened. Which could be an understatement. With an impressive beer selection, captivating Oompah band and round-the-clock contests and entertainment, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is one of the best! The SCCBB interrupts his indolent summer sabbatical to share several discoveries and note the passing of a seminal L.A. craft brewery after 15 creative, innovative, and significant years. We've journeyed all over Orange County to compile a list of craft breweries with the top outdoor patios. We factored in size, quality, beer, food, activities and VIBE. We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. "We definitely wanted to spotlight the grain. We make our breads fresh in house. Everything -- from our bourbon to our beer to our breads -- starts with grain. We carry that through with everything we do."
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PAGE 5: SCCBB is Back! – So Cal Craft Beer Blog
URL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2022/02/21/sccbb-is-back/
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SCCB Blogger Uncategorized February 21, 2022 1 Minute That’s right! The SoCal Craft Beer Blog is back. Originally launched a decade ago to cover the exploding craft beer scene, the old site wasn’t able to do what we wanted it to, so we let it languish. We’ve now redesigned the site and added new editorial contributors. Check this space regularly to get photos and updates on cool beer, the evolution of the industry, and tips for unexpected things… We’ll fill things in gradually, so be patient. The SoCal Craft Beer Blogger, aka CC Hansen, is glad to be back, and he’s even happier to be joined by friends who are not only in the trenches, but mining the territory for craft beer gold! Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X SCCBB Archives-Ventura March 29, 2022 In "2022" Hello Autumn! Tying Up the Loose Ends of Summer September 26, 2023 In "2023" MadeWest, Six Years Later February 27, 2022 In "2022" Published February 21, 2022 Leave a comment
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PAGE 6: San Gabriel Valley Breweries – So Cal Craft Beer Blog
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There all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. "So many beers, so little time!" We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. Eleanor and Chauncey discover new breweries in new neighborhoods near water. by BrewHead Ted And Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the So Cal Craft Beer Blog! Every so often, I come upon a beer-related gem, not by word of mouth, nor by seeing an advertisement, but purely by chance. So it was, with Replicant. I was browsing the internet one day, searching for places … Continue reading Fill ‘Er Up, with Replicant Brewing Pasadena's Newest Brewery by Guest Boss Blogger, 93 KHJ Photo courtesy of Yelp reviewer Matthew M. My daughter, J.J., was in town visiting from Boston and we wanted to try a new brewery on our way to the Pasadena restaurant, Deluxe 1717 where my niece works. So, I pulled up my well-used Yelp app and … Continue reading Wild Parrot Brewing Southern California Breweries dominate at this year's Great American Beer Festival by BeachRock Bill and the SCCB Blogger Around the same time Munich's Oktoberfest is being held, here in the States there is a pretty impressive celebration of beer as well--the annual Great American Beer Festival weekend in Denver, Colorado--this year was the 40th Annual GABF. … Continue reading GABF 2022 Medal Winners The Haze Fades Into the Sunset by SCCB Blogger Welcome to our fourth and final Hazy September post. To recap, we started with BeachRock Bill's perspective and selections. He gave us his homebrewer's-eye-view of the key factors involved in producing the brew, including the pH or acidity level of your water (hazys have a lower … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 4 Of Cryo Hops and Cryptids... by BrewHead Ted I have long been a serious IPA fan. But, back when I first began my love affair with all things hoppy, I was decidedly NOT a fan of the New England style/hazy IPA. No, I much preferred the bitterness of the West Coast style, to the fruitiness … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 2 The mountains were beautiful to look at, on the way to Mt. Lowe Brewing. ...Or were the mountains looking at me? It is on my bucket list to visit all the breweries accessible from the Gold Line extension out to Azusa. I've already covered one of my favorites off of the Gold Line, Pacific Plate … Continue reading Raising My Glass High, at Mt. Lowe The past couple of years have changed a lot of our routines and caused us to miss out on the things we enjoyed, before the world shut down in March 2020. For me--and I think I speak for all of my fellow beer lovers--one of those things was going out for a pint. And you … Continue reading Musings on Brews in Lockdown
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"text": "Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County",
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"text": "NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights",
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"text": "Beer and Whiskey Harmonize at Webb’s Grainworks in Aliso Viejo",
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"url": "https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/11/17/top-10-best-breweries-with-food-in-orange-county/",
"page_name": "Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"title": "Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"content": "stephzinger 2025, Orange County, Stephanie Metzinger November 17, 2025 7 Minutes by Stephanie Thara Metzinger Are you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. Long gone are those days where I would crush three beers before eating just to keep my “buzz” going. I am now a semi-responsible adult that prioritizes eating while drinking – and if the food is made by a yeast-master who knows all thing bread and beer, then count me in! Through my Babies & Brews Tour, I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. The breweries were ranked on Quality of beers; Variety of food options and taste; and Venue & Vibe Please note that this is a compilation of breweries with food—aka beer-forward spots that are very casual (not your typical “sit down” eateries that have a dedicated server) where brews are the main entree and food is the side dish. Below are the 10 top spots in Orange County for beers, food and ambiance. 1. Riip Beer Co 17216 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 | website Riip ranks as my #1 because it has the best-tasting beers and its wings are out of this world. If you asked me which brewery has the best beers in OC, Riip ranks as my top contender. Food: Riip’s menu includes pub food appetizers like truffle fries and dry-rubbed wings; gourmet pizza by the slice; and an epic smashburger. Beer: I’m always impressed at how innovative and delicious the tap list is. For example, the XPA (a cross between an IPA & pale ale) was unique and tasty! I have yet to taste a beer from Riip that I did not like. Vibe: The brewery is located right across from the ocean, so the ambiance in both the skateboard-themed taproom and outdoor patio are all chill vibes. What To Order: Food: Nashville Hot Dry Rub Wings; Criispy Brussels & Bacon Beer: Stratacaster IPA; Jetty Water Blonde Ale 2. Pizza Port Brewing Company 301 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website The pizza was good, but the beer is where Pizza Port really shines. I had a couple flights, so I was able to taste most of its beers—and every single one impressed. Food: The variety of pizzas is robust, and I love how each one has its own flare. Beer: It features a wide selection of incredibly delicious beers – everything from light to hoppy to dark. Hats off to their head brewer for achieving such a solid draft list! Vibe: Located a stone’s throw away from the beach, the surf-themed venue has an arcade upstairs, small outside patio and both a bar upstairs and downstairs. What To Order: Food: Pizza Lahaina and add jalapeños Beer: Beachside Reset IPA; California Honey Blonde Ale 3. Docent Brewing 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | website All the beers I tried at Docent were a 10 out of 10. If you asked me which brewery has a menu where every single beer was delicious, Docent would be it. It’s just a small bonus that there’s a food menu. Food: A selection of sandwiches, salads, bowls and a few Mexican food items. Beer: 16 beers on tap that covered it ALL – from lager, witbier, red ale, pale ale, DIPA, IPA, porter and my personal favorite, a belgian-style saison. Plus, cider, kombucha and wine. Vibe: Bright yet homey décor; comfy couch area for leisure seating; dining area for more formal seating; private upstairs; and two outside seating areas with your option of benches or cushy seats. What To Order: Food: Korean Reuben Beer: Gimme IPA; Self Titled Saison; Luna Belgian Witbier 4. Brewery X 3191 E La Palma Anaheim, CA 92806 | website A robust selection of pizzas and burgers from its standing Brewery X food trucks; an even better selection of beer; and a fun and spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden. Food: Though there’s no in-house kitchen, it has its own X Eats food trucks that have a permanent space in the patio area, serving pizza and burgers. The New York-style pizzas are really big and incredibly tasty. Beer: What I love most about Brewery X is how experimental it is with its beers. With a whopping 30 beers on tap, it has everything from a peach IPA to light lager with pickle. Vibe: Brewery X has one of the coolest vibes out there. Both its indoor and outdoor spaces (which are massive!) are artistically decorated and give it a fun vibe. What To Order: Food: Pepperoni Pizza Beer: Tangerine Shhh-Wheat; German Tootsie Roll Dunkelweizen 5. Golden Road Brewing 2210 E. Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806 | website Golden Road has the biggest beer AND food menu that I’ve seen yet. The variety is extensive and offers something for everyone. Food: Its menu features traditional items like burgers, tacos and pizzas to niche food items such as vegan pub pretzels, cauliflower wings and protein bowls. Beer: It sports ~30 beers and ~10 seltzers/wines on tap at any given time. Plus, you can make any beer a michelada, which is probably my favorite feature of Golden Road. Vibe: Both the taproom and outdoor area are HUGE. Hands down, it has the best outside patio of all the breweries in OC. The staff is great and the vibe is uplifting. This is my go-to brewery when anyone visits from out of town. What To Order: Food: Poke Nachos Beer: Spicy Mango Cart with chamoy and tajin rim dip; Hefeweizen 6. Green Cheek Beer Co. 2957 Randolph Ave, Unit B, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | website A memorable smashburger, nice outdoor seating area and hefty selection of brews makes Green Cheek Costa Mesa #6 on the list. Please note that the Sunset Beach location is equally good, but I’m a bit partial to the bigger patio at the Costa Mesa location. Food: The double smashburger with grilled onions and burger sauce is money. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, there’s also a selection of shareables, salads and sandwiches. Beer: Though its menu leans IPA heavy, its light beers tend to be crisp perfection. Vibe: There’s a nice outdoor patio and two areas for seating inside, but the line to order beers can get really long which is a bit daunting. What To Order: Food: Double Smashburger with fries (a bit better than the tots) Beer: Bier (Helles-Style Lager) 7. Left Coast Brewing 6652 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618 | website A brewery with a full BBQ menu? Yes, please! Left Coast’s Irvine location rocks a nice selection of beers and an even more diverse menu. Food: Kansas City-style barbecue, featuring everything from braised bratwurst (which is infused with its signature IPA) to brisket burnt ends which is smoked for 15 hours in house made BBQ sauce. Beer: All the beers are what I consider “poolside beers” — beers you can enjoy in succession without getting burned out. The drinkability of each beer is on point. Vibe: It’s in an industrial area, but through its cozy outside patio, surf decor and open-air taproom, the brewery achieves an “industrial meets rustic and surf” vibe. What To Order: Food: Mac N Cheese Beer: Una Mas Amber Lager; Orange County IPA 8. Bootleggers Brewery 130 S Highland Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 | website Bootleggers’ beers have always been on point! And in 2020, they launched a Bootlegger’s Concept Kitchen Food Truck to now offer a full menu. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: I don’t know how they do it, but though they have a massive selection of beers, each and every one is amazing. Vibe: The taproom is on the smaller side, but their big outdoor patio makes up for it. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Thai Tea Far Out IPA; Golden Chaos Belgian Style Ale 9. Hangar 24 Brewing 17877 Von Karman Ave Unit 110, Irvine, CA 92614 | website I love Hanger 24 for its massive and very kid-friendly outdoor space, but the brewery also offers a big menu and good tap list. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: Their claim to fame is the Orange Wheat and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s also a substantial selection of light to hoppy beers. Vibe: Offers an unmatched amount of open space and seating—with six different zones you can choose to sit in and multiple artificial grass areas. What To Order: Food: Sweet potato fries Beer: Firebreak Cold IPA; Orange Wheat 10. Los Molinos Beer Co 151 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website Los Molinos rocks the unique concept of being a brewery that serves brunch. While most breweries open at 11am or 12pm, Los Molinos caters to the brunch crowd and serves brunch from 10am-3pm on weekends. Food: The brewery has come to be known for its robust brunch menu and all-day Taco Tuesday that sports a menu way beyond just tacos. Beer: From a hoppy lager and Belgian blonde to a triple IPA and hard kombucha, it has something for everyone. Vibe: Cozy inside with a cute patio. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Coast Molinos West Coast IPA (the beer took home Silver at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival!) HONORABLE MENTIONS Though they didn’t make the top 10 list of breweries with food in Orange County, there were a handful of breweries that deserve a shout out: Divine Science Brewing (Tustin): a gluten-free brewery!! Divine Science has mastered the art of brewing with naturally gluten free grains and offers rotating gluten free beer options and gluten-free food like pretzels and paninis. Villains Brewing Company (Anaheim): It has an amazing venue and even better food (all burgers are made with wagyu!) but the beer menu is scarce and mediocre. Four Sons Brewing (Huntington Beach): a solid food menu and big selection of seltzers. For some pizza/flatbread, head to Laguna Beer Company (Laguna Beach), Ten Mile Brewing (Ladera Ranch) or GameCraft (Laguna Beach). Please know that my list of Top 10 Breweries with Food—as well as my lists of Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios or Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries—are not exhaustive. If you have a brewery that you think should be added, please let me know! Share below in the comment section or email us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! Until next time, prost! — Stephanie Instagram @stephzinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethara Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries in Orange County November 30, 2023 In \"2023\" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In \"2024\" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Tagged 1 6 beer Bootleggers Brewery brewery Brewery X Craft Beer docent brewing food Golden Road Brewing Green Cheek Beer Hangar 24 Hazy IPA IPA Left Coast Brewing Orange County Breweries Pizza Port Riip Beer travel Villains Brewing Company Published November 17, 2025 Leave a comment",
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"url": "https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/10/23/nyt-opinion-gabf-highlights/",
"page_name": "NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"title": "NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"content": "SCCB Blogger 2025, BeachRock Bill, Hazy IPA, L.A. County, Orange County, SCCB Blogger, Ventura County October 23, 2025 5 Minutes So Many Beers, So Little Time by Chauncey B, the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Last week a friend (and SCCBB reader) sent a link to a New York Times guest Opinion essay, “Wacky Labels and Silly Names are Killing Craft Beer.” The essay, by former Wall Street Journal reporter Mark Robichaux, makes some valid points, though the headline is terrible. I teach business writing at the University of Southern California, and Mr. Robichaux’s opening paragraph does exactly what I tell my students to do — grabs my attention and impresses me to keep me reading . Robichaux instantly evokes a parallel memory. “From that first stolen sip of my father’s Schlitz…” Yeah, that’s where I started, too. Original 1942 vintage magazine ad for Schlitz Beer, courtesy of attic paper.com Then Robichaux waxes philosophical in a way that resonated with me: “Beer has always been more than a drink. It’s a reward. A ritual. A refuge. But even I can admit: Beer has a problem.” Citing a December 2023 article from NBC News, Robichaux reports that beer consumption fell to its lowest level in decades. He cites demographic issues (fewer younger drinkers) and problems with its image as a “carb-heavy relic for dads and dullards.” He also claims that the drinking rate among Americans is at its lowest since the 1930s, according to an August 2025 Gallup pole. More alarming, perhaps, is Robichaux’s reporting that, “according to the Brewers Association, craft beer sales fell 4 percent last year,” and that, “for the first time in two decades, more breweries closed than opened.” Monkish Brewing in Torrance specializes in hazy IPAs, dank, juicy, and otherwise. Among Robichaux’s targets are the higher alcohol double, triple, hazy, juicy, and dank India Pale Ales (IPAs). “Beer isn’t bourbon,” Robichaux complains, “You don’t swirl it in a snifter and reflect on your childhood. You drink a few, with friends, and it’s supposed to refresh, not knock you out.” Best Pilsner in California: Berkeley’s Trumer It was at this point in the essay that I reflected on my own current tastes and predilections. I’m much more interested in drinking lower alcohol, well-crafted Mexican lagers, Pilsners, Kolsches, ambers, and stouts, paired with delicious food. I’m eating far fewer desserts than in my callow youth and I gave up colas and other sugary sodas years ago. So, often when I sip the latest “gotta have it” hazy, it just tastes so over-the-top sweet that it makes my teeth ache and wipes out half the taste buds in my palate. And then I wonder if I’m going to have to call someone to give me a lift home. But that’s just me. I wholeheartedly support people drinking beer that they like. And if it’s a bourbon-barrel-aged quadruple hazy stout, sour, or “other strong beer,” more power to you. Robichaux goes on to have some fun with absurd beer names and graphic design, which don’t really bother me as much as they bother him. He then closes his essay affirming that beer should be “the drink of moderation, laughter, and second rounds.” It’s a point of view. I would argue that there all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer out there (see below) in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. Reminds me of a tee-shirt I saw once (or twice): “So many beers, so little time!” One last pair of thoughts: the number of breweries closing versus those opening is strictly a function of the marketplace, not an indication of craft beer’s demise or lack of popularity. And sales might be falling because of an uptick in craft ciders and hard seltzers and even a resurgence of interest in cocktails on the part of the youth demographic. RR La Rose Noire Droptail, courtesy of Products Finishing And if we were talking about cars as opposed to craft beer, would you say that certain connoisseurs’ predilection for Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptails ($32M), Bugatti La Voiture Noires ($18.7M), or Pagani Zonda HP Barchettas ($17.5M) is threatening the Average Joe or Josephine’s enjoyment of his Subaru Crosstrek or her Ram 1500 pickup truck? Apples and oranges, if you ask me. What’s your take on this? Please comment, either by using the comment feature (which doesn’t work the way I’d like it to) or by emailing us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. Great American Beer Festival 2025 Photo © Brewers Association It’s great to peruse the list of GABF winners every year to see which breweries that we’ve covered have won awards, and which SoCal breweries that we HAVEN’T yet covered have taken home bronze, silver, or gold. Both Lawless in North Hollywood and Los Molinos in San Clemente are in this latter category, and are begging for a visit. Judges at GABF evaluate 108 styles of beer, many with multiple sub-categories. You’ve probably heard of a lot of them. But have you heard of Smoke Beer (Style 36, with six sub-categories, such as “Other Smoke Beer” and “Bamberg-Style Helles Rauchbier”) or “Swedish-Style Gotlandsdricke” in the Historical Beer category (Style 23, with eight sub-categories)? Neither have I. Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing, which took Silver in this year’s new category, “Vera Hop Beer.” “The hop is named for Vera Katherine Charles, one of three female mycologists employed by the USDA in the early decades of the twentieth century, as a tribute to the important contributions these women made to the long-term sustainability of the hop industry. Vera has a tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aroma profile and is pest and disease resistant with high yield potential.” Photo & quote © Brewers Association The average beers entered in each category is 71. The Top Five most-entered beer style categories are: Category 107: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (301 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Silver in this category Category 105: West Coast India Pale Ale (300 entries) San Clemente’s Los Molinos Beer Company took Silver in this category Note to self: time for a road trip to San Clemente Category 51: Dortmund or German-Style Oktoberfest (186 entries) Category 47: German-Style Pilsener (184 entries) Category 45: Hoppy Lager (171 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Bronze in this category The most-medaled breweries include: Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH (2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronze) UPP Liquids, Bend, OR (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Westbound and Down Brewing Company–Westbound Mill, Lafayette, CO (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Here’s a LINK to ALL THIS YEAR’S WINNERS And here’s a LINK TO ALL WINNERS IN CALIFORNIA. In this category, it’s nice to see some of our favorite SoCal breweries, like Radiant, ISM (scroll down to “March” on this link), Green Cheek, North Park, and Claremont. Courtesy San Fernando Brewing I was delighted to see that San Fernando Brewing’s O’Melveny Red Ale took Gold in the “Other Strong Beer” category. I just enjoyed a pint of O’Melveny with Eleanor and Boss Beer Blogger 93 KHJ at Truman Tavern in San Fernando a couple of weeks ago. O’Melveny & Myers is one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles. The beer is named after O’Melveny Park in the San Fernando Valley. The park is named after Henry W. O’Melveny, founder of the law firm, and also in 1927 one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission. As a side note, I once worked with some archivists and alumni historians at Polytechnic School (founded in 1907) in Pasadena, CA. They had a running joke about the “six degrees of O’Melveny,” which I think about every time I sip this beer. Another GABF surprise comes from a brewery we visited with BeachRock Bill many moons ago, on the Hop Highway in San Diego: BattleMage Brewing snagged a Silver for their “Summon Ifrit” in the American Amber/ Red Ale category. BeachRock Bill, an Ifrit if there ever was one, at BattleMage Brewing, San Diego, July 2018 Cheers! Until next time, — Chauncey B, aka the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Instagram and Threads: @socalcraftbeer Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/socalcraftbeer Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... GABF 2022 Medal Winners October 14, 2022 In \"2022\" We’re Tasting at We’re Pouring May 30, 2022 In \"L.A. County\" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Tagged beer beer you can find at Trader Joe's brewery Craft Beer food GABF medal winning Hazy IPA IPA L.A. County Breweries NYT Guest Opinion Orange County Breweries San Diego Breweries San Gabriel Valley Breweries travel Published October 23, 2025 2 thoughts on “NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights” I really enjoyed your thoughts about the state of the brewery industry, in the response to the op-ed. Very interesting insight! And I echo your sentiments about Hazys. Not sure what the craze is but it leaves my mouth feeling too sweet. Like Reply Pingback: Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog Leave a comment",
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"url": "https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/08/22/lazy-dog-beer-club-elevates-the-beer-marketing-game/",
"page_name": "Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"title": "Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"content": "stephzinger 2025, Orange County, Outside California, Stephanie Metzinger August 22, 2025 3 Minutes By Stephanie Thara Metzinger The four newly released beers from the Lazy Dog Beer Club’s “The Brewers Grimm” kit, along with a sampler of the restaurant’s house beers. Over the years, I’ve joined quite a few beer clubs – and the uniquely themed beer kits and flavorful small-batch releases of the Lazy Dog Beer Club places this one among the top. Last week, I was immediately transported into a dark fairy tale when I started to taste the newest Lazy Dog Beer Club kit: The Brewers Grimm. The Brothers Grimm-inspired kit included: Eight beers from craft breweries across the nation (two cans of four beer varieties); A Brewers Grimm-branded glass to enjoy your fairy tale brews in; and A beautifully designed booklet that profiles each beer while masterfully telling the story of how each enchanted brew was inspired by a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. My favorite aspect about the beer club is that the beers featured in the kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. Here are my thoughts on the four imaginative brews that brought classic fairy tales to life through hops and barley: Rumpleweizen – Dunkelweizen Ale (Lyons, IL): I love a good Dunkelweizen, and this Rumpelstiltskin-inspired one delivers. New flavors and notes came out with each sip, and the complexity was incredible. It’s the perfect beer to ring in fall, as it has the banana and clove spice of a Hef but with a more malty feel. Liquid Breadcrumbs – West Coast Pilsner (Brewery X in Anaheim, CA): A lightly hopped lager that would be delicate enough for the tastebuds of Hansel and Gretel (if they were of drinking age, of course!). It was crisp, clean and dry – and a sessionable beer that I could drink all day. Flavorful yet simple! O’ Brother Stag – Tangerine Kolsh-Style Ale (21st Amendment Brewery, CA): A singular note beer that’s light and refreshing, which is fitting for the Glass Coffin’s shiny ending. Deep Dark Woods – Spruce IPA (New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, CO): When drinking this very piney IPA, you truly feel like you are deep in the woods of Little Red Riding Hood. Mike Montes, assistant general manager of Lazy Dog in Cerritos, with the past two Lazy Dog Beer Club kits: The Brothers Grimm and Camp-Wanna-Beer-A Lazy Dog Beer Club comes out with a new kit each quarter and makes sure to select creative themes that match the season. This quarter’s theme was to play off Halloween. Last quarter was “Camp Wanna-Beer-A” to cleverly ring in summertime fun. Through this beer club, Lazy Dog has elevated the beer marketing game by seamlessly combining beer, art and creativity. In addition to the kit itself, Lazy Dog offers beer club members a whole host of discounts and offers throughout the year. This includes free draft upgrades, priority seating, 10% off takeout, a monthly draft beer sampler, discounts on to-go cans and a $39 dine-in credit. Courtesy of Lazy Dog Beer Club I would be remiss if I don’t speak about Lazy Dog’s house beers though. In addition to collaborating with different breweries for the beer kits, Lazy Dog has a suite of house beers available on tap at each location. The house beers, which are brewed by Melvin Brewing in Alpine, WY, range from a Huckleberry Haze IPA all the way to a Mexican-Style Lager. And if you haven’t had the Huckleberry Haze IPA, run—don’t walk—to your nearest Lazy Dog to grab one. The Huckleberry Haze defies all logic as it tastes like a light lager but in fact, packs a heavy 6.7% ABV. Dangerous, yet soooo tasty! The eight house beers on tap are on top of the 10 additional rotating beers Lazy Dog also has on draft, making a total of nearly 20 beers on draft available at all times. The Lazy Dog team selects one of the four beers included in the kit to be available on tap. New Belgium Brewing’s “Deep Dark Woods” Spruce IPA, shown above in the sampler glass, was selected this quarter. “We aren’t like normal restaurants that just serve Bud Light,” said Mike Montes, assistant general manager at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Cerritos, CA. “We listen to customers, refine our offerings and expand the varieties of beers we offer to meet our customers’ needs.” For more information about Lazy Dog and its imaginative beer club, visit: https://ldbeerclub.com/ Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In \"2024\" Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County November 17, 2025 In \"2025\" Tagged 21st Amendment Brewery beer Beer Clubs Brewers Grimm brewery Brewery X BuckleDown Brewing Craft Beer food Hazy IPA IPA Lazy Dog Beer Club New Belgium Brewing Orange County Breweries travel Published August 22, 2025 One thought on “Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game ” Great post! And I love this concept, with the themed beers, each quarter. The Brewers Grimm definitely sounds right up my alley. Cheers! 🍻 –BrewHead Ted Like Reply Leave a comment",
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"page_name": "So Cal Craft Beer Blog – Celebrating the Art and Craft of Beer",
"title": "So Cal Craft Beer Blog – Celebrating the Art and Craft of Beer",
"content": "Are you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. There all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. \"So many beers, so little time!\" The beers featured in the Lazy Dog Beer Club kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. The beer experience in Monterey was wholly new to me, and I was eager to get to a few taprooms and brewpubs. Below, I report on Dust Bowl Brewing, Alvarado Street, the Salty Seal, and Hops & Frog. Well, Dear Readers, it's been awhile. Our last post was October 2024. Between then and now, a lot has happened. Which could be an understatement. With an impressive beer selection, captivating Oompah band and round-the-clock contests and entertainment, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is one of the best! The SCCBB interrupts his indolent summer sabbatical to share several discoveries and note the passing of a seminal L.A. craft brewery after 15 creative, innovative, and significant years. We've journeyed all over Orange County to compile a list of craft breweries with the top outdoor patios. We factored in size, quality, beer, food, activities and VIBE. We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. \"We definitely wanted to spotlight the grain. We make our breads fresh in house. Everything -- from our bourbon to our beer to our breads -- starts with grain. We carry that through with everything we do.\"",
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"url": "https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2022/02/21/sccbb-is-back/",
"page_name": "SCCBB is Back! – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"title": "SCCBB is Back! – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"content": "SCCB Blogger Uncategorized February 21, 2022 1 Minute That’s right! The SoCal Craft Beer Blog is back. Originally launched a decade ago to cover the exploding craft beer scene, the old site wasn’t able to do what we wanted it to, so we let it languish. We’ve now redesigned the site and added new editorial contributors. Check this space regularly to get photos and updates on cool beer, the evolution of the industry, and tips for unexpected things… We’ll fill things in gradually, so be patient. The SoCal Craft Beer Blogger, aka CC Hansen, is glad to be back, and he’s even happier to be joined by friends who are not only in the trenches, but mining the territory for craft beer gold! Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X SCCBB Archives-Ventura March 29, 2022 In \"2022\" Hello Autumn! Tying Up the Loose Ends of Summer September 26, 2023 In \"2023\" MadeWest, Six Years Later February 27, 2022 In \"2022\" Published February 21, 2022 Leave a comment",
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"url": "https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/tag/san-gabriel-valley-breweries/",
"page_name": "San Gabriel Valley Breweries – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"title": "San Gabriel Valley Breweries – So Cal Craft Beer Blog",
"content": "There all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. \"So many beers, so little time!\" We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. Eleanor and Chauncey discover new breweries in new neighborhoods near water. by BrewHead Ted And Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the So Cal Craft Beer Blog! Every so often, I come upon a beer-related gem, not by word of mouth, nor by seeing an advertisement, but purely by chance. So it was, with Replicant. I was browsing the internet one day, searching for places … Continue reading Fill ‘Er Up, with Replicant Brewing Pasadena's Newest Brewery by Guest Boss Blogger, 93 KHJ Photo courtesy of Yelp reviewer Matthew M. My daughter, J.J., was in town visiting from Boston and we wanted to try a new brewery on our way to the Pasadena restaurant, Deluxe 1717 where my niece works. So, I pulled up my well-used Yelp app and … Continue reading Wild Parrot Brewing Southern California Breweries dominate at this year's Great American Beer Festival by BeachRock Bill and the SCCB Blogger Around the same time Munich's Oktoberfest is being held, here in the States there is a pretty impressive celebration of beer as well--the annual Great American Beer Festival weekend in Denver, Colorado--this year was the 40th Annual GABF. … Continue reading GABF 2022 Medal Winners The Haze Fades Into the Sunset by SCCB Blogger Welcome to our fourth and final Hazy September post. To recap, we started with BeachRock Bill's perspective and selections. He gave us his homebrewer's-eye-view of the key factors involved in producing the brew, including the pH or acidity level of your water (hazys have a lower … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 4 Of Cryo Hops and Cryptids... by BrewHead Ted I have long been a serious IPA fan. But, back when I first began my love affair with all things hoppy, I was decidedly NOT a fan of the New England style/hazy IPA. No, I much preferred the bitterness of the West Coast style, to the fruitiness … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 2 The mountains were beautiful to look at, on the way to Mt. Lowe Brewing. ...Or were the mountains looking at me? It is on my bucket list to visit all the breweries accessible from the Gold Line extension out to Azusa. I've already covered one of my favorites off of the Gold Line, Pacific Plate … Continue reading Raising My Glass High, at Mt. Lowe The past couple of years have changed a lot of our routines and caused us to miss out on the things we enjoyed, before the world shut down in March 2020. For me--and I think I speak for all of my fellow beer lovers--one of those things was going out for a pint. And you … Continue reading Musings on Brews in Lockdown",
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"full_text": "================================================================================\nFULL TEXT EXTRACTION: SoCal Craft Beer – SGV Breweries\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/tag/san-gabriel-valley-breweries/\nExtracted: 2026-01-10T17:42:54.184707Z\n================================================================================\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 1: Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/11/17/top-10-best-breweries-with-food-in-orange-county/\nWords: 1,865\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nstephzinger 2025, Orange County, Stephanie Metzinger November 17, 2025 7 Minutes by Stephanie Thara Metzinger Are you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. Long gone are those days where I would crush three beers before eating just to keep my “buzz” going. I am now a semi-responsible adult that prioritizes eating while drinking – and if the food is made by a yeast-master who knows all thing bread and beer, then count me in! Through my Babies & Brews Tour, I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. The breweries were ranked on Quality of beers; Variety of food options and taste; and Venue & Vibe Please note that this is a compilation of breweries with food—aka beer-forward spots that are very casual (not your typical “sit down” eateries that have a dedicated server) where brews are the main entree and food is the side dish. Below are the 10 top spots in Orange County for beers, food and ambiance. 1. Riip Beer Co 17216 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 | website Riip ranks as my #1 because it has the best-tasting beers and its wings are out of this world. If you asked me which brewery has the best beers in OC, Riip ranks as my top contender. Food: Riip’s menu includes pub food appetizers like truffle fries and dry-rubbed wings; gourmet pizza by the slice; and an epic smashburger. Beer: I’m always impressed at how innovative and delicious the tap list is. For example, the XPA (a cross between an IPA & pale ale) was unique and tasty! I have yet to taste a beer from Riip that I did not like. Vibe: The brewery is located right across from the ocean, so the ambiance in both the skateboard-themed taproom and outdoor patio are all chill vibes. What To Order: Food: Nashville Hot Dry Rub Wings; Criispy Brussels & Bacon Beer: Stratacaster IPA; Jetty Water Blonde Ale 2. Pizza Port Brewing Company 301 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website The pizza was good, but the beer is where Pizza Port really shines. I had a couple flights, so I was able to taste most of its beers—and every single one impressed. Food: The variety of pizzas is robust, and I love how each one has its own flare. Beer: It features a wide selection of incredibly delicious beers – everything from light to hoppy to dark. Hats off to their head brewer for achieving such a solid draft list! Vibe: Located a stone’s throw away from the beach, the surf-themed venue has an arcade upstairs, small outside patio and both a bar upstairs and downstairs. What To Order: Food: Pizza Lahaina and add jalapeños Beer: Beachside Reset IPA; California Honey Blonde Ale 3. Docent Brewing 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | website All the beers I tried at Docent were a 10 out of 10. If you asked me which brewery has a menu where every single beer was delicious, Docent would be it. It’s just a small bonus that there’s a food menu. Food: A selection of sandwiches, salads, bowls and a few Mexican food items. Beer: 16 beers on tap that covered it ALL – from lager, witbier, red ale, pale ale, DIPA, IPA, porter and my personal favorite, a belgian-style saison. Plus, cider, kombucha and wine. Vibe: Bright yet homey décor; comfy couch area for leisure seating; dining area for more formal seating; private upstairs; and two outside seating areas with your option of benches or cushy seats. What To Order: Food: Korean Reuben Beer: Gimme IPA; Self Titled Saison; Luna Belgian Witbier 4. Brewery X 3191 E La Palma Anaheim, CA 92806 | website A robust selection of pizzas and burgers from its standing Brewery X food trucks; an even better selection of beer; and a fun and spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden. Food: Though there’s no in-house kitchen, it has its own X Eats food trucks that have a permanent space in the patio area, serving pizza and burgers. The New York-style pizzas are really big and incredibly tasty. Beer: What I love most about Brewery X is how experimental it is with its beers. With a whopping 30 beers on tap, it has everything from a peach IPA to light lager with pickle. Vibe: Brewery X has one of the coolest vibes out there. Both its indoor and outdoor spaces (which are massive!) are artistically decorated and give it a fun vibe. What To Order: Food: Pepperoni Pizza Beer: Tangerine Shhh-Wheat; German Tootsie Roll Dunkelweizen 5. Golden Road Brewing 2210 E. Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806 | website Golden Road has the biggest beer AND food menu that I’ve seen yet. The variety is extensive and offers something for everyone. Food: Its menu features traditional items like burgers, tacos and pizzas to niche food items such as vegan pub pretzels, cauliflower wings and protein bowls. Beer: It sports ~30 beers and ~10 seltzers/wines on tap at any given time. Plus, you can make any beer a michelada, which is probably my favorite feature of Golden Road. Vibe: Both the taproom and outdoor area are HUGE. Hands down, it has the best outside patio of all the breweries in OC. The staff is great and the vibe is uplifting. This is my go-to brewery when anyone visits from out of town. What To Order: Food: Poke Nachos Beer: Spicy Mango Cart with chamoy and tajin rim dip; Hefeweizen 6. Green Cheek Beer Co. 2957 Randolph Ave, Unit B, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | website A memorable smashburger, nice outdoor seating area and hefty selection of brews makes Green Cheek Costa Mesa #6 on the list. Please note that the Sunset Beach location is equally good, but I’m a bit partial to the bigger patio at the Costa Mesa location. Food: The double smashburger with grilled onions and burger sauce is money. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, there’s also a selection of shareables, salads and sandwiches. Beer: Though its menu leans IPA heavy, its light beers tend to be crisp perfection. Vibe: There’s a nice outdoor patio and two areas for seating inside, but the line to order beers can get really long which is a bit daunting. What To Order: Food: Double Smashburger with fries (a bit better than the tots) Beer: Bier (Helles-Style Lager) 7. Left Coast Brewing 6652 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618 | website A brewery with a full BBQ menu? Yes, please! Left Coast’s Irvine location rocks a nice selection of beers and an even more diverse menu. Food: Kansas City-style barbecue, featuring everything from braised bratwurst (which is infused with its signature IPA) to brisket burnt ends which is smoked for 15 hours in house made BBQ sauce. Beer: All the beers are what I consider “poolside beers” — beers you can enjoy in succession without getting burned out. The drinkability of each beer is on point. Vibe: It’s in an industrial area, but through its cozy outside patio, surf decor and open-air taproom, the brewery achieves an “industrial meets rustic and surf” vibe. What To Order: Food: Mac N Cheese Beer: Una Mas Amber Lager; Orange County IPA 8. Bootleggers Brewery 130 S Highland Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 | website Bootleggers’ beers have always been on point! And in 2020, they launched a Bootlegger’s Concept Kitchen Food Truck to now offer a full menu. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: I don’t know how they do it, but though they have a massive selection of beers, each and every one is amazing. Vibe: The taproom is on the smaller side, but their big outdoor patio makes up for it. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Thai Tea Far Out IPA; Golden Chaos Belgian Style Ale 9. Hangar 24 Brewing 17877 Von Karman Ave Unit 110, Irvine, CA 92614 | website I love Hanger 24 for its massive and very kid-friendly outdoor space, but the brewery also offers a big menu and good tap list. Food: Burgers, tacos, sandwiches – their huge menu has it all. Beer: Their claim to fame is the Orange Wheat and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s also a substantial selection of light to hoppy beers. Vibe: Offers an unmatched amount of open space and seating—with six different zones you can choose to sit in and multiple artificial grass areas. What To Order: Food: Sweet potato fries Beer: Firebreak Cold IPA; Orange Wheat 10. Los Molinos Beer Co 151 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672 | website Los Molinos rocks the unique concept of being a brewery that serves brunch. While most breweries open at 11am or 12pm, Los Molinos caters to the brunch crowd and serves brunch from 10am-3pm on weekends. Food: The brewery has come to be known for its robust brunch menu and all-day Taco Tuesday that sports a menu way beyond just tacos. Beer: From a hoppy lager and Belgian blonde to a triple IPA and hard kombucha, it has something for everyone. Vibe: Cozy inside with a cute patio. What To Order: Food: I personally had no favorite… Beer: Coast Molinos West Coast IPA (the beer took home Silver at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival!) HONORABLE MENTIONS Though they didn’t make the top 10 list of breweries with food in Orange County, there were a handful of breweries that deserve a shout out: Divine Science Brewing (Tustin): a gluten-free brewery!! Divine Science has mastered the art of brewing with naturally gluten free grains and offers rotating gluten free beer options and gluten-free food like pretzels and paninis. Villains Brewing Company (Anaheim): It has an amazing venue and even better food (all burgers are made with wagyu!) but the beer menu is scarce and mediocre. Four Sons Brewing (Huntington Beach): a solid food menu and big selection of seltzers. For some pizza/flatbread, head to Laguna Beer Company (Laguna Beach), Ten Mile Brewing (Ladera Ranch) or GameCraft (Laguna Beach). Please know that my list of Top 10 Breweries with Food—as well as my lists of Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios or Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries—are not exhaustive. If you have a brewery that you think should be added, please let me know! Share below in the comment section or email us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! Until next time, prost! — Stephanie Instagram @stephzinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethara Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Top 8 Kid-Friendly Breweries in Orange County November 30, 2023 In \"2023\" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In \"2024\" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Tagged 1 6 beer Bootleggers Brewery brewery Brewery X Craft Beer docent brewing food Golden Road Brewing Green Cheek Beer Hangar 24 Hazy IPA IPA Left Coast Brewing Orange County Breweries Pizza Port Riip Beer travel Villains Brewing Company Published November 17, 2025 Leave a comment\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 2: NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights – So Cal Craft Beer Blog\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/10/23/nyt-opinion-gabf-highlights/\nWords: 1,518\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nSCCB Blogger 2025, BeachRock Bill, Hazy IPA, L.A. County, Orange County, SCCB Blogger, Ventura County October 23, 2025 5 Minutes So Many Beers, So Little Time by Chauncey B, the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Last week a friend (and SCCBB reader) sent a link to a New York Times guest Opinion essay, “Wacky Labels and Silly Names are Killing Craft Beer.” The essay, by former Wall Street Journal reporter Mark Robichaux, makes some valid points, though the headline is terrible. I teach business writing at the University of Southern California, and Mr. Robichaux’s opening paragraph does exactly what I tell my students to do — grabs my attention and impresses me to keep me reading . Robichaux instantly evokes a parallel memory. “From that first stolen sip of my father’s Schlitz…” Yeah, that’s where I started, too. Original 1942 vintage magazine ad for Schlitz Beer, courtesy of attic paper.com Then Robichaux waxes philosophical in a way that resonated with me: “Beer has always been more than a drink. It’s a reward. A ritual. A refuge. But even I can admit: Beer has a problem.” Citing a December 2023 article from NBC News, Robichaux reports that beer consumption fell to its lowest level in decades. He cites demographic issues (fewer younger drinkers) and problems with its image as a “carb-heavy relic for dads and dullards.” He also claims that the drinking rate among Americans is at its lowest since the 1930s, according to an August 2025 Gallup pole. More alarming, perhaps, is Robichaux’s reporting that, “according to the Brewers Association, craft beer sales fell 4 percent last year,” and that, “for the first time in two decades, more breweries closed than opened.” Monkish Brewing in Torrance specializes in hazy IPAs, dank, juicy, and otherwise. Among Robichaux’s targets are the higher alcohol double, triple, hazy, juicy, and dank India Pale Ales (IPAs). “Beer isn’t bourbon,” Robichaux complains, “You don’t swirl it in a snifter and reflect on your childhood. You drink a few, with friends, and it’s supposed to refresh, not knock you out.” Best Pilsner in California: Berkeley’s Trumer It was at this point in the essay that I reflected on my own current tastes and predilections. I’m much more interested in drinking lower alcohol, well-crafted Mexican lagers, Pilsners, Kolsches, ambers, and stouts, paired with delicious food. I’m eating far fewer desserts than in my callow youth and I gave up colas and other sugary sodas years ago. So, often when I sip the latest “gotta have it” hazy, it just tastes so over-the-top sweet that it makes my teeth ache and wipes out half the taste buds in my palate. And then I wonder if I’m going to have to call someone to give me a lift home. But that’s just me. I wholeheartedly support people drinking beer that they like. And if it’s a bourbon-barrel-aged quadruple hazy stout, sour, or “other strong beer,” more power to you. Robichaux goes on to have some fun with absurd beer names and graphic design, which don’t really bother me as much as they bother him. He then closes his essay affirming that beer should be “the drink of moderation, laughter, and second rounds.” It’s a point of view. I would argue that there all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer out there (see below) in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. Reminds me of a tee-shirt I saw once (or twice): “So many beers, so little time!” One last pair of thoughts: the number of breweries closing versus those opening is strictly a function of the marketplace, not an indication of craft beer’s demise or lack of popularity. And sales might be falling because of an uptick in craft ciders and hard seltzers and even a resurgence of interest in cocktails on the part of the youth demographic. RR La Rose Noire Droptail, courtesy of Products Finishing And if we were talking about cars as opposed to craft beer, would you say that certain connoisseurs’ predilection for Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptails ($32M), Bugatti La Voiture Noires ($18.7M), or Pagani Zonda HP Barchettas ($17.5M) is threatening the Average Joe or Josephine’s enjoyment of his Subaru Crosstrek or her Ram 1500 pickup truck? Apples and oranges, if you ask me. What’s your take on this? Please comment, either by using the comment feature (which doesn’t work the way I’d like it to) or by emailing us at socalcraftbeer@gmail.com. Great American Beer Festival 2025 Photo © Brewers Association It’s great to peruse the list of GABF winners every year to see which breweries that we’ve covered have won awards, and which SoCal breweries that we HAVEN’T yet covered have taken home bronze, silver, or gold. Both Lawless in North Hollywood and Los Molinos in San Clemente are in this latter category, and are begging for a visit. Judges at GABF evaluate 108 styles of beer, many with multiple sub-categories. You’ve probably heard of a lot of them. But have you heard of Smoke Beer (Style 36, with six sub-categories, such as “Other Smoke Beer” and “Bamberg-Style Helles Rauchbier”) or “Swedish-Style Gotlandsdricke” in the Historical Beer category (Style 23, with eight sub-categories)? Neither have I. Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing, which took Silver in this year’s new category, “Vera Hop Beer.” “The hop is named for Vera Katherine Charles, one of three female mycologists employed by the USDA in the early decades of the twentieth century, as a tribute to the important contributions these women made to the long-term sustainability of the hop industry. Vera has a tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aroma profile and is pest and disease resistant with high yield potential.” Photo & quote © Brewers Association The average beers entered in each category is 71. The Top Five most-entered beer style categories are: Category 107: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (301 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Silver in this category Category 105: West Coast India Pale Ale (300 entries) San Clemente’s Los Molinos Beer Company took Silver in this category Note to self: time for a road trip to San Clemente Category 51: Dortmund or German-Style Oktoberfest (186 entries) Category 47: German-Style Pilsener (184 entries) Category 45: Hoppy Lager (171 entries) Ventura’s MadeWest Brewing took a Bronze in this category The most-medaled breweries include: Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH (2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronze) UPP Liquids, Bend, OR (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Westbound and Down Brewing Company–Westbound Mill, Lafayette, CO (2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) Here’s a LINK to ALL THIS YEAR’S WINNERS And here’s a LINK TO ALL WINNERS IN CALIFORNIA. In this category, it’s nice to see some of our favorite SoCal breweries, like Radiant, ISM (scroll down to “March” on this link), Green Cheek, North Park, and Claremont. Courtesy San Fernando Brewing I was delighted to see that San Fernando Brewing’s O’Melveny Red Ale took Gold in the “Other Strong Beer” category. I just enjoyed a pint of O’Melveny with Eleanor and Boss Beer Blogger 93 KHJ at Truman Tavern in San Fernando a couple of weeks ago. O’Melveny & Myers is one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles. The beer is named after O’Melveny Park in the San Fernando Valley. The park is named after Henry W. O’Melveny, founder of the law firm, and also in 1927 one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission. As a side note, I once worked with some archivists and alumni historians at Polytechnic School (founded in 1907) in Pasadena, CA. They had a running joke about the “six degrees of O’Melveny,” which I think about every time I sip this beer. Another GABF surprise comes from a brewery we visited with BeachRock Bill many moons ago, on the Hop Highway in San Diego: BattleMage Brewing snagged a Silver for their “Summon Ifrit” in the American Amber/ Red Ale category. BeachRock Bill, an Ifrit if there ever was one, at BattleMage Brewing, San Diego, July 2018 Cheers! Until next time, — Chauncey B, aka the So Cal Craft Beer Blogger Instagram and Threads: @socalcraftbeer Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/socalcraftbeer Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... GABF 2022 Medal Winners October 14, 2022 In \"2022\" We’re Tasting at We’re Pouring May 30, 2022 In \"L.A. County\" Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Tagged beer beer you can find at Trader Joe's brewery Craft Beer food GABF medal winning Hazy IPA IPA L.A. County Breweries NYT Guest Opinion Orange County Breweries San Diego Breweries San Gabriel Valley Breweries travel Published October 23, 2025 2 thoughts on “NYT Opinion & GABF Highlights” I really enjoyed your thoughts about the state of the brewery industry, in the response to the op-ed. Very interesting insight! And I echo your sentiments about Hazys. Not sure what the craze is but it leaves my mouth feeling too sweet. Like Reply Pingback: Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County – So Cal Craft Beer Blog Leave a comment\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 3: Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game – So Cal Craft Beer Blog\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2025/08/22/lazy-dog-beer-club-elevates-the-beer-marketing-game/\nWords: 905\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nstephzinger 2025, Orange County, Outside California, Stephanie Metzinger August 22, 2025 3 Minutes By Stephanie Thara Metzinger The four newly released beers from the Lazy Dog Beer Club’s “The Brewers Grimm” kit, along with a sampler of the restaurant’s house beers. Over the years, I’ve joined quite a few beer clubs – and the uniquely themed beer kits and flavorful small-batch releases of the Lazy Dog Beer Club places this one among the top. Last week, I was immediately transported into a dark fairy tale when I started to taste the newest Lazy Dog Beer Club kit: The Brewers Grimm. The Brothers Grimm-inspired kit included: Eight beers from craft breweries across the nation (two cans of four beer varieties); A Brewers Grimm-branded glass to enjoy your fairy tale brews in; and A beautifully designed booklet that profiles each beer while masterfully telling the story of how each enchanted brew was inspired by a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. My favorite aspect about the beer club is that the beers featured in the kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. Here are my thoughts on the four imaginative brews that brought classic fairy tales to life through hops and barley: Rumpleweizen – Dunkelweizen Ale (Lyons, IL): I love a good Dunkelweizen, and this Rumpelstiltskin-inspired one delivers. New flavors and notes came out with each sip, and the complexity was incredible. It’s the perfect beer to ring in fall, as it has the banana and clove spice of a Hef but with a more malty feel. Liquid Breadcrumbs – West Coast Pilsner (Brewery X in Anaheim, CA): A lightly hopped lager that would be delicate enough for the tastebuds of Hansel and Gretel (if they were of drinking age, of course!). It was crisp, clean and dry – and a sessionable beer that I could drink all day. Flavorful yet simple! O’ Brother Stag – Tangerine Kolsh-Style Ale (21st Amendment Brewery, CA): A singular note beer that’s light and refreshing, which is fitting for the Glass Coffin’s shiny ending. Deep Dark Woods – Spruce IPA (New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, CO): When drinking this very piney IPA, you truly feel like you are deep in the woods of Little Red Riding Hood. Mike Montes, assistant general manager of Lazy Dog in Cerritos, with the past two Lazy Dog Beer Club kits: The Brothers Grimm and Camp-Wanna-Beer-A Lazy Dog Beer Club comes out with a new kit each quarter and makes sure to select creative themes that match the season. This quarter’s theme was to play off Halloween. Last quarter was “Camp Wanna-Beer-A” to cleverly ring in summertime fun. Through this beer club, Lazy Dog has elevated the beer marketing game by seamlessly combining beer, art and creativity. In addition to the kit itself, Lazy Dog offers beer club members a whole host of discounts and offers throughout the year. This includes free draft upgrades, priority seating, 10% off takeout, a monthly draft beer sampler, discounts on to-go cans and a $39 dine-in credit. Courtesy of Lazy Dog Beer Club I would be remiss if I don’t speak about Lazy Dog’s house beers though. In addition to collaborating with different breweries for the beer kits, Lazy Dog has a suite of house beers available on tap at each location. The house beers, which are brewed by Melvin Brewing in Alpine, WY, range from a Huckleberry Haze IPA all the way to a Mexican-Style Lager. And if you haven’t had the Huckleberry Haze IPA, run—don’t walk—to your nearest Lazy Dog to grab one. The Huckleberry Haze defies all logic as it tastes like a light lager but in fact, packs a heavy 6.7% ABV. Dangerous, yet soooo tasty! The eight house beers on tap are on top of the 10 additional rotating beers Lazy Dog also has on draft, making a total of nearly 20 beers on draft available at all times. The Lazy Dog team selects one of the four beers included in the kit to be available on tap. New Belgium Brewing’s “Deep Dark Woods” Spruce IPA, shown above in the sampler glass, was selected this quarter. “We aren’t like normal restaurants that just serve Bud Light,” said Mike Montes, assistant general manager at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Cerritos, CA. “We listen to customers, refine our offerings and expand the varieties of beers we offer to meet our customers’ needs.” For more information about Lazy Dog and its imaginative beer club, visit: https://ldbeerclub.com/ Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X Loading... Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager January 13, 2024 In \"2024\" Top 10 Breweries with Best Outdoor Patios in Orange County June 20, 2024 In \"2024\" Top 10 Best Breweries with Food in Orange County November 17, 2025 In \"2025\" Tagged 21st Amendment Brewery beer Beer Clubs Brewers Grimm brewery Brewery X BuckleDown Brewing Craft Beer food Hazy IPA IPA Lazy Dog Beer Club New Belgium Brewing Orange County Breweries travel Published August 22, 2025 One thought on “Lazy Dog Beer Club Elevates the Beer Marketing Game ” Great post! And I love this concept, with the themed beers, each quarter. The Brewers Grimm definitely sounds right up my alley. Cheers! 🍻 –BrewHead Ted Like Reply Leave a comment\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 4: So Cal Craft Beer Blog – Celebrating the Art and Craft of Beer\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/\nWords: 377\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nAre you a craft beer aficionado yet also a foodie? Then this guide is for you. I have managed to visit nearly every brewery in Orange County and have compiled a list of breweries that offer the best beer and food. There all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. \"So many beers, so little time!\" The beers featured in the Lazy Dog Beer Club kit are brewed exclusively for the club by local breweries across the country. Lazy Dog, a national brand, is elevating and putting a spotlight on smaller operations – and when massive businesses elevate and uplift small businesses, a huge round of applause is needed. The beer experience in Monterey was wholly new to me, and I was eager to get to a few taprooms and brewpubs. Below, I report on Dust Bowl Brewing, Alvarado Street, the Salty Seal, and Hops & Frog. Well, Dear Readers, it's been awhile. Our last post was October 2024. Between then and now, a lot has happened. Which could be an understatement. With an impressive beer selection, captivating Oompah band and round-the-clock contests and entertainment, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is one of the best! The SCCBB interrupts his indolent summer sabbatical to share several discoveries and note the passing of a seminal L.A. craft brewery after 15 creative, innovative, and significant years. We've journeyed all over Orange County to compile a list of craft breweries with the top outdoor patios. We factored in size, quality, beer, food, activities and VIBE. We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. \"We definitely wanted to spotlight the grain. We make our breads fresh in house. Everything -- from our bourbon to our beer to our breads -- starts with grain. We carry that through with everything we do.\"\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 5: SCCBB is Back! – So Cal Craft Beer Blog\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/2022/02/21/sccbb-is-back/\nWords: 165\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nSCCB Blogger Uncategorized February 21, 2022 1 Minute That’s right! The SoCal Craft Beer Blog is back. Originally launched a decade ago to cover the exploding craft beer scene, the old site wasn’t able to do what we wanted it to, so we let it languish. We’ve now redesigned the site and added new editorial contributors. Check this space regularly to get photos and updates on cool beer, the evolution of the industry, and tips for unexpected things… We’ll fill things in gradually, so be patient. The SoCal Craft Beer Blogger, aka CC Hansen, is glad to be back, and he’s even happier to be joined by friends who are not only in the trenches, but mining the territory for craft beer gold! Share this: Facebook LinkedIn X SCCBB Archives-Ventura March 29, 2022 In \"2022\" Hello Autumn! Tying Up the Loose Ends of Summer September 26, 2023 In \"2023\" MadeWest, Six Years Later February 27, 2022 In \"2022\" Published February 21, 2022 Leave a comment\n\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nPAGE 6: San Gabriel Valley Breweries – So Cal Craft Beer Blog\nURL: https://socalcraftbeerblog.com/tag/san-gabriel-valley-breweries/\nWords: 554\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\n\nThere all kinds of ways to drink the myriad styles, brands, and versions of beer -- in moderation, definitely with laughter, and quite often with second rounds, or at the very least, tasters. \"So many beers, so little time!\" We should expect a solid variety of beer on tap. Sometimes I have an IPA moment, other times I have a Lager moment, while most of the time I have a Saison moment. When I visit a brewery, I expect to see beers that match the season (e.g., stouts during winter), specialty beers, and “go-to” beer types that match any and all moods I am in. Eleanor and Chauncey discover new breweries in new neighborhoods near water. by BrewHead Ted And Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the So Cal Craft Beer Blog! Every so often, I come upon a beer-related gem, not by word of mouth, nor by seeing an advertisement, but purely by chance. So it was, with Replicant. I was browsing the internet one day, searching for places … Continue reading Fill ‘Er Up, with Replicant Brewing Pasadena's Newest Brewery by Guest Boss Blogger, 93 KHJ Photo courtesy of Yelp reviewer Matthew M. My daughter, J.J., was in town visiting from Boston and we wanted to try a new brewery on our way to the Pasadena restaurant, Deluxe 1717 where my niece works. So, I pulled up my well-used Yelp app and … Continue reading Wild Parrot Brewing Southern California Breweries dominate at this year's Great American Beer Festival by BeachRock Bill and the SCCB Blogger Around the same time Munich's Oktoberfest is being held, here in the States there is a pretty impressive celebration of beer as well--the annual Great American Beer Festival weekend in Denver, Colorado--this year was the 40th Annual GABF. … Continue reading GABF 2022 Medal Winners The Haze Fades Into the Sunset by SCCB Blogger Welcome to our fourth and final Hazy September post. To recap, we started with BeachRock Bill's perspective and selections. He gave us his homebrewer's-eye-view of the key factors involved in producing the brew, including the pH or acidity level of your water (hazys have a lower … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 4 Of Cryo Hops and Cryptids... by BrewHead Ted I have long been a serious IPA fan. But, back when I first began my love affair with all things hoppy, I was decidedly NOT a fan of the New England style/hazy IPA. No, I much preferred the bitterness of the West Coast style, to the fruitiness … Continue reading Hazy September-Part 2 The mountains were beautiful to look at, on the way to Mt. Lowe Brewing. ...Or were the mountains looking at me? It is on my bucket list to visit all the breweries accessible from the Gold Line extension out to Azusa. I've already covered one of my favorites off of the Gold Line, Pacific Plate … Continue reading Raising My Glass High, at Mt. Lowe The past couple of years have changed a lot of our routines and caused us to miss out on the things we enjoyed, before the world shut down in March 2020. For me--and I think I speak for all of my fellow beer lovers--one of those things was going out for a pint. And you … Continue reading Musings on Brews in Lockdown\n\n",
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