Barely open a year, Malibu Brewing Company operates as a taproom and restaurant. There’s charm in every corner plus killer views with indoor and outdoor seating on a dog-friendly patio. Try one of the 20 beers on tap with wings, nachos, flatbreads, charcuterie boards, or the beer-braised short ribs over mac and cheese.

While not exactly located right along the beach, this Santa Monica staple still feels like a seaside hangout thanks to cool coastal breezes and a bright collection of beers made for easy drinking. Better still, the brewery is also now home to New York City’s Emmy Squared, one of the country’s most well-known craft pizza operations.

This boardwalk staple has helped shift the craft beer scene for all of Southern California, thanks to years of pulling in unique kegs from other breweries and throwing massive tasting parties that promoted the scene long before anyone else. It also helps to have views of Redondo Beach pier.

The woman-owned Three Weavers is poised to lead not only Inglewood, but all of Los Angeles into a fresh generation of breweries thanks to its collection of craft beers, collection of board games, and penchant for finding its way into the likes of SoFi Stadium.

North Hollywood’s Hop Merchants is the kind of neighborhood spot where locals meet after work, and the people-watchers will even catch some workday meetings in the large outside area in the back. Folks looking to grab a stool inside or a table outside can enjoy some of the 16 rotating beers on draft, and there are bottles and cans for beer fans who prefer their drinks to-go. The Lankershim Boulevard taproom even has rotating food vendors, and patrons are able to bring in outside food on days there are no food trucks or vendors popping up.

Common Space craft beer is a Hawthorne staple (one of several actually), turning out straightforward, delicious brews for consumption at bars and restaurants all over town, and on the company’s ample warehouse patio space.

This cult-favorite craft brewer has been cultivating long lines and deep fandom for years, and since the pandemic began has turned its Torrance brewery space into a semi-shaded, cozy outdoor hangout.

San Pedro’s own Brouwerij West is a modern-day craft success story, going from a small brewing operation into one of the area’s coolest places to hang out and sip beer. This massive warehouse can seat endless drinkers, and on weekends it bustles with food and lots of San Pedro and Long Beach locals.

With dozens of taps and a lot of hard-to-source beer, Glendale Tap has emerged as one of the city’s best beer bars over the past decade. The semi-hidden corner location also now welcomes a variety of food pop-ups.

The Arts District’s 17,000-square-foot playland of a brewery has it all with over 30 beers on tap, a full bar, dartboards, skee ball, cornhole sets, and a ping pong table. Say less, get there, and order burgers, sandwiches, salads, or quesadillas.

Homage is the type of brewery for those who like things a bit chill. This is an intimate spot on the northeast edge of Chinatown where bartenders draw the tap for hoppy and malty lagers or ales, saisons, and a small but excellent wine list. The kitchen serves small bites too at both this location and in Pomona.

MacLeod is a standard-bearer for the San Fernando Valley beer scene and opened in Highland Park in October 2022. The place specializes in traditional English styles and has continued to push boundaries with its food (including a big pizza focus) over the past few years, as well.

Beachwood Blendery has been pushing boundaries in Southern California craft beer for years, thanks to its prodigious barrel-aging program and funky, often fruity finished styles. This is the spot to take craft beer nerds after a day at the beach — or, really, anyone who enjoys a little sour, tartness, and funk in their brews.

Progress Brewing is a big deal for El Monte, the bedroom community east of Downtown Los Angeles. Crisp classics and unique newcomers (try the Sandia Loca, a blonde ale with watermelon and chamoy) play nicely here.