Why Anaheim has a wild craft beer scene that's worth your time

Feb 1 2018, 1:56 am

Winter in Vancouver probably has you dreaming of warmer climates – and we don’t blame you. The destination? California’s Orange County playground, Anaheim.

Whether you’re planning to visit the city for a trip to Disneyland or to soak up some sunshine, you’ll want to check out the breweries that are making the destination the O.C’s craft beer capital.

Travelers from all around the world are flocking to the city to get a taste of the innovative craft brews on offer. And it’s a big deal since the very first brewery opened its doors downtown in the 1800s, but the Prohibition forced Anaheim to turn off all taps.

Now, there are more than a dozen breweries in action with five more coming this year; Ballast Point at Downtown Disney, Brewheim, Silo Brewing, Electrica Craft Brewery, and Leisuretown. Brace yourself – Leisuretown by Modern Times Beer is opening this summer and it’s going to have an outdoor garden, a vegan Mexican restaurant, and a swimming pool with poolside bar.

If you need any more convincing of where to ale-blaze this summer, here’s a look at 10 breweries that are already pouring the good stuff in Anaheim.

All American Ale Works

Where: 5120 East La Palma Avenue, Unit 103

If you’re looking for one of the most patriotic brewery experiences in the U.S., then you need to visit this brewhouse. After all, it began with a group of friends brewing in their garage. Stop by the tasting room at sample some of the 16 beers on tap – especially the craft soda.

Anaheim Brewery

Where: 336 South Anaheim Boulevard

Take a step back in time as you sip upon a copper-colored flagship Anaheim 1888 or fruity Anaheim Hefeweizen at this revived pre-Prohibition brewery in the Anaheim Packing District. FYI, it has a beer garden that makes an ideal spot for libations on a sunny day.

Asylum Brewing

Where: 2970 La Palma Avenue Suite D

This brewery and tasting room adopt a dark theme menu (to complement its name) with craft beers like the imperial stout ‘Casanova Frankenstein’ or the ‘Monsters We Breed’ dank IPA. Expect to find food trucks outside serving up delicious beer-paring fare on select dates this summer.

Backstreet Brewery

Where: 1884 South Santa Cruz Street

Hang with the locals and find out what their craft beer choice is at Backstreet Brewery. This micro-brewpub has been around since 1998 (with its Anaheim location opening in 2015) and has a long menu featuring everything from the single-hopped mosaic IPA, ‘Animation’, to the ‘Raspberry Sour’, wheat beer, and of course strong ales for those who like the extra strength. With the Anaheim location near Angel Stadium (for baseball fans) and the Honda Center (for hockey lovers), you’ll never be far from a good time.

Bottle Logic Brewery

Where: 1072 North Armando Street

Innovative craft beers are at the core of the bustling brewery scene in Anaheim and Bottle Logic is one of the best in town for experimental beers. Think New England style double IPA’s packed with soft, tropical, juicy fruit citrus character, and American IPAs. Bottle Logic is going to be doubling in size, adding an outdoor patio, expanding the size of its tasting room, and expanding its collection of bourbon barrels to triple production capacity of barrel-aged brews. You can check out a tour of the new space in mid-2018!

Bruery Terreux

Where1174 North Grove Street 

This brewery was developed to explore wild and sour beer fermentation. The tasting room is a must-visit where you can try some stored beers that are blended and aged to create some truly unique combinations. You’ll want to sample the ‘Frederick H’ – a Berlin-Style tart wheat beer aged in a 250 BBL oak foeder.

Golden Road Brewing

Where: 5410 West San Fernando Road, LA

Located across the street from Angel Stadium, Golden Road serves up house beers alongside globally-inspired food. It’s a must-visit since it has recently opened its massive expansion. Now you can explore the new 18,000 square foot facility which features both indoor and outdoor bars and beer garden, housing a total of 40 rotating taps.

Towne Park Brewery & Taproom

Where: 1566 West Lincoln Avenue

Step inside Anaheim’s newest craft brewery and experience the buzz of a central hub that brings everyone together under a common cause: their love of great beer. While you’re here, the toughest decision you’ll likely have to make is whether you want to order the smooth American Lager, the citrus-inspired India Pale Ale, or the sharp Amber Ale.

Unsung Brewing Co.

Where: 500 South Anaheim Boulevard

This trendy brewery was established by California transplant Mike Crea, who loves nothing more than a well-balanced San Diego style IPA. It’s worth your while stopping by Unsung to taste the refreshing and crisp ‘Buzz Man’ mutant ale and the fruit and aromatic IPA ‘Anthia,’ which will leave you with sensational notes of pineapple, mango, and banana.

Noble Ale Works

Where: 1621 South Sinclair Street, Suite B

Noble Ale Works is expanding their tasting room and adding 10,000 square feet to their beer production facility with a new 30-barrel brewhouse. Its central location within walking distance of Angel Stadium and Honda Center makes it an easy place to stop by when you’re thirsty. Noble Ale Works were awarded the Champion Brewery and Brewmaster award in the Small Brewing Company category; they also won the best American-Style IPA with their Noble’s I Love It! California IPA at the World Beer Cup. Who doesn’t love a champion?

But it doesn’t end there for craft beer in Anaheim. You can also add Phantom Ales & CellarHoparazzi Brewing Co.Karl Strauss Brewing Co., and Legends Craft Brewery to your craft brewery bucket list.

To find out more ahead of your next trip to the Orange County beer city, check out Visit Anaheim.

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