LA's Best Bars With Locally-Brewed Liquor
Micro-brews might not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of all that Los Angeles has to offer. We're well known for our celebrities, entertainment industry and scenic beaches, but a lesser known claim to fame for the City of Angels is the amazing craft beer and local liquor we have to offer. In LA, we make movies, we make beach bonfires and we make our own beer. Nearly every neighborhood of this great city has some essential watering holes for patrons to enjoy throwing back some local flavor.
El Segundo Brewing Company
140 Main St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 529-3882
www.elsegundobrewing.com
If you're looking for an authentic, old fashioned brewery in LA County, be sure to check out El Segundo Brewing Company. Though the tasting room is small, the hops are big. There's no shortage of flavors here, and the locals can't get enough of these finely crafted brews. Many of LA's hottest restaurants and bars serve beers brewed in El Segundo, including "Top Chef" runner-up Brooke Williamson's restaurant, Hudson House. Every craft beer fanatic knows brews are best when fresh, so why not get it straight from the source? It's located fairly close to LAX, so consider grabbing a pint on your way in or out of town.
Related: Best Sangria In Los Angeles
Abigaile Restaurant and Ocean Bar
1301 Manhattan Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 798-8227
www.abigailerestaurant.com
Calling LA's South Bay home, Abigaile is a fabulous restaurant with unique flavors and its very own house-brewed beer. Head upstairs to check out Ocean Bar, a venue of a different name. It is just above Abigaile and features the same menu and selections. Ocean Bar is a bit louder than the relaxing vibes of Abigaile, with a DJ and unbeatable ocean views. The happy hour menu is available weekdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., which includes the chef's "tasting" selections for $6.88 and house brews for only $4. Some examples of beer currently brewing at Abigaile include "Not A Wit" Belgian Wheat, Analog Amber Ale and Black Mass Porter, among others.
LA Brewing Company
750 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-0500
www.labrewingco.com
Located right in Downtown LA, LA Brewing Company has something for everyone, literally. With more than 100 beers on tap, it can take a while to work your way through this impressive list of must-tries. One huge perk to this establishment is that it is a full restaurant with a menu featuring foods from salads to steaks and even seafood. Come for lunch, dinner, late night or weekend brunch and try something new each time. LA Brewing Company has future plans to craft beers on-site. For now, house beers are locally crafted in nearby Paso Robles. There are also plenty of TVs to catch any major sporting event. You can enjoy favorites from other areas, like Alagash White from Maine, but the list of brews from all over sunny California is too impressive to pass up.
Bigfoot West
10939 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 287-2200
www.bigfootwest.com
If you're into bluegrass music, whiskey or both, Bigfoot West is perhaps the best place in all of LA for you to check out. Step into this lodge-like atmosphere and be entertained with live bluegrass bands and signature cocktails boasting ingredients from Culver City's own Farmer's Market. Bigfoot is about as local as it gets. Its claim to fame? Whiskey - lots of whiskey. With a bar featuring more than 100 whiskeys, more than half of them are local bourbons. Score a sweet deal on Whiskey Lovers Mondays.
Golden Road Brewing
5410 W. San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(213) 373-4677
www.goldenroad.la
Head to Golden Road on a sunny California day and enjoy some local flavor. This family-friendly establishment has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as lawn seating with picnic tables and shade. Bring the kids in the stroller and even the family dog is welcome to relax outdoors with you as you throw back a cold one. The food here is incredible and very vegan and vegetarian friendly. The veggie burger is delicious and the perfect accompaniment to your favorite beer. Golden Road, similar to El Segundo Brewing Company, brews and cans beers that are served at many LA hot spots - but once again, fresh from the source is always the best taste.
Nicole DiCicco enjoys dancing, movies and live music. She writes about all the nightlife Los Angeles has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
