Best 11 Breweries in Orange County CA: Top Places for Craft Beer Fans
Orange County, California is home to some of the best breweries in the state. With a thriving craft beer scene, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of unique and flavorful beers produced by local breweries. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there is something for every beer lover in Orange County.
Whether you are a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Orange County’s breweries offer a diverse selection of beers. Some of the most popular breweries in the area include Bottle Logic Brewing, Left Coast Brewing Co, and Unsung Brewing. Each brewery offers its own unique atmosphere and selection of beers, making it easy to find your new favorite brew.
The History of Breweries in Orange County
Orange County’s brewing history dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants brought their beer-making traditions to the region. The first brewery in Orange County was established in Anaheim in 1870 by a German immigrant named George Hansen. The brewery was named Anaheim Brewery and was located on Broadway Street.
In the early 20th century, the county’s brewing industry saw a decline due to the rise of Prohibition. The production and sale of alcohol were banned in the United States from 1920 to 1933, which led to the closure of many breweries.
After Prohibition was repealed, the brewing industry slowly began to recover in Orange County. In the 1980s, a few microbreweries opened in the county, including the now-famous The Bruery in Placentia. The Bruery was founded in 2008 by Patrick Rue, who had a passion for brewing beer. The brewery quickly gained popularity and became one of the most respected breweries in the United States.
Today, Orange County has a thriving brewing scene with over 70 breweries, making it one of the top beer destinations in Southern California. Some of the most popular breweries in the county include Green Cheek Beer Company in Orange, Artifex Brewing Company in San Clemente, Stereo Brewing in Placentia, and Unsung Brewing Company in Anaheim.
Top Breweries in Orange County
Orange County is home to some of the best breweries in California. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun night out with friends, you’re sure to find a brewery that suits your taste. Here are some of the top breweries in Orange County:
Bottle Logic Brewing
Bottle Logic Brewing is a must-visit brewery for anyone who loves craft beer. This award-winning brewery is known for its innovative and experimental brews, as well as its classic styles. Some of their most popular beers include the Fundamental Observation, which is a barrel-aged imperial stout, and the Darkstar November, which is a barrel-aged imperial porter.
Website: http://bottlelogic.com/
Address: 1072 N Armando St, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Unsung Brewing
Unsung Brewing is a superhero-themed brewery that offers a wide variety of beers. Their taproom is decorated with comic book art, and their beers have names like “Propeller Head” and “Buzzman.” They also offer food from local food trucks, making it a great spot for a casual night out.
Website: http://unsungbrewing.com/
Address: 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Noble Ale Works
Noble Ale Works is a popular brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They have a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for groups. Some of their most popular beers include the Naughty Sauce, which is a blonde ale with coffee, and the Nobility, which is an imperial IPA.
Website: https://noblebeertogo.square.site/
Address: 1621 Sinclair St B, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Bootlegger’s Brewery
Bootlegger’s Brewery is a family-owned brewery that has been around since 2008. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, and they often have live music and food trucks on the weekends.
Website: http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/
Address: 696 Randolph Av ste b, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
Left Coast Brewing Co
Left Coast Brewing Co is a popular brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They have a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for groups. Some of their most popular beers include the Hop Juice Double IPA and the Trestles IPA.
Website: http://www.leftcoastbrewing.com/
Address: 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, CA 92673, United States
Radiant Beer Co
Radiant Beer Co is a relatively new brewery that has quickly gained popularity in Orange County. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. Their taproom is modern and stylish, and they often have food trucks on site.
Website: http://www.radiantbeer.com/
Address: 1566 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA
Riip Beer Co
Riip Beer Co is a small brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They have a cozy taproom with a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. Some of their most popular beers include the Super Cali IPA and the Riizzo Coffee Stout.
Website: https://riip.beer/
Address: 17214 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, USA
Chapman Crafted Beer
Chapman Crafted Beer is a family-owned brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They have a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for groups. Some of their most popular beers include the Slow Riser IPA and the California Common Lager.
Website: http://www.chapmancrafted.beer/
Address: 123 N Cypress St, Orange, CA 92866, USA
Stereo Brewing
Stereo Brewing is a small brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They have a cozy taproom with a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. Some of their most popular beers include the Wall of Sound IPA and the Summer Sun Sour.
Website: http://www.stereobrewing.com/
Address: 950 S Vía Rodeo, Placentia, CA 92870, USA
Lost Winds Brewing
Lost Winds Brewing is a beach-themed brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their taproom is decorated with surfboards and beach chairs, giving it a fun and relaxed vibe. Some of their most popular beers include the Foggy Window Hazy IPA and the Beach Cruiser Blonde Ale.
Website: https://lostwindsbrewing.com/
Address: 924 Calle Negocio Ste C, San Clemente, CA 92673, USA
Tustin Brewing Company
Tustin Brewing Company is a popular brewery that has been around since 1996. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, and they often have live music and food trucks on the weekends. Some of their most popular beers include the Blimp Hangar Porter and the Old Town IPA.
Website: http://www.tustinbrewery.com/
Address: 13011 Newport Ave #100, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
Types of Beers Offered
Orange County has a diverse range of breweries that offer different types of beers. From classic ales to Belgian-style beers, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types of beers offered in Orange County:
IPAs
IPAs or India Pale Ales are one of the most popular types of beers in Orange County. These beers are known for their hoppy flavor and are available in a variety of styles, including West Coast IPAs. Some of the most popular IPAs in Orange County include the Community Garden Shandy from Unsung Brewing Company and the Passion Fruit Mango Fuego Seltzer from Everywhere.
Stouts
Stouts are a type of beer that is dark, rich, and full-bodied. They are often brewed with roasted malt or barley and have a slightly bitter taste. Some of the most popular stouts in Orange County include the Coffee Stout from Brewery X and the Milk Stout from Bottle Logic Brewing.
Ales
Ales are a type of beer that is brewed with a warm fermentation process. They are often fruity and have a sweet taste. Some of the most popular ales in Orange County include the Red Ale from Chapman Crafted Beer and the Blonde Ale from Golden Road Huntington Beach Brewery and Pub.
Lagers
Lagers are a type of beer that is brewed with a cold fermentation process. They are often light and crisp and have a clean taste. Some of the most popular lagers in Orange County include the Pilsner from GameCraft Brewing and the Mexican Lager from The Bruery.
Belgian-Style Beers
Belgian-style beers are a type of beer that is brewed with a yeast strain that is unique to Belgium. They are often fruity and spicy and have a complex flavor. Some of the most popular Belgian-style beers in Orange County include the Tripel from Left Coast Brewing Co and the Saison from Unsung Brewing Company.
Food and Entertainment Options
Orange County’s breweries offer more than just great beer. Many of the breweries also have food and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to hang out with friends, Orange County’s breweries have something for everyone.
Some breweries have food trucks on-site, providing a rotating selection of tasty options. For example, Unsung Brewing Company in Anaheim has food trucks every weekend, featuring a variety of cuisines such as tacos, burgers, and sushi. Visitors can enjoy their food while sipping on one of Unsung’s many delicious beers.
Other breweries have their own kitchens and offer a full menu of food options. The Bruery Terreux in Anaheim has a gastropub-style menu with items like sliders, flatbreads, and charcuterie boards. The food is designed to pair perfectly with their beers, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
For those looking for a more casual atmosphere, many breweries have taprooms or tasting rooms with board games and other entertainment options. Green Cheek Beer Company in Orange has a laid-back taproom with board games and a rotating selection of food trucks. Visitors can enjoy a game of Jenga while sipping on one of their many IPAs.
The Craft Beer Scene in Southern California
Southern California is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, with a plethora of breweries scattered throughout the region. From San Diego to Los Angeles, beer enthusiasts can find a wide range of styles and flavors to suit their tastes.
San Diego, in particular, has gained a reputation as a craft beer mecca, with over 150 breweries in the county alone. Some of the most well-known breweries in the area include Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and Modern Times. These breweries have gained national recognition for their innovative and high-quality brews.
Los Angeles has also seen a surge in craft breweries in recent years, with over 100 breweries in the county. Some of the most popular breweries in the area include Angel City Brewery, Golden Road Brewing, and Highland Park Brewery. These breweries offer a variety of styles, from classic IPAs to experimental sours.
In Orange County, beer enthusiasts can find a diverse range of breweries, from established favorites like The Bruery and Bottle Logic to up-and-coming breweries like Green Cheek Beer Company and Brewery X. These breweries offer a variety of styles and flavors, from traditional German lagers to hazy IPAs.