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MadHopper · 12-21-2011, 05:43 PM

A friend of mine is doing a San Francisco to Los Angeles road-trip soon and was looking for suggestions for craft breweries/brewpubs to visit. I told him Russian River was a must. Was also going to suggest Anchor, Central Coast Brewing Co. and Creekside Brewing (last two in San Luis Opisbo). Also Toronado in San Francisco for good tap selection.

Anything else? Not too familiar with breweries around LA.

BryceL · 12-21-2011, 05:56 PM

I would say Firestone Walker in Paso Robles (just north of SLO) is a must, they have some great beers. If he happens to make it a little further south there is a small brewery in Fullerton that I like to go to, Bootleggers Brewery. If he ventures further south into San Diego he will of course be in the beer mecca of SoCal with breweries like Stone, Ballast Point, etc.

MadHopper · 12-21-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryceL

I would say Firestone Walker in Paso Robles (just north of SLO) is a must, they have some great beers. If he happens to make it a little further south there is a small brewery in Fullerton that I like to go to, Bootleggers Brewery. If he ventures further south into San Diego he will of course be in the beer mecca of SoCal with breweries like Stone, Ballast Point, etc.

Damn! How did I forget Firestone Walker, having been to their brewery myself!

I am from San Diego, and have been trying to get him to drive a little further south to visit this beer oasis. Apparently he has some schedule he needs to follow. Pfft.

BryceL · 12-21-2011, 07:31 PM

Pfft is right...good beer should override the "schedule". I wish I lived in SD. I try to at least make it down to Stone every so often.

MadHopper · 12-21-2011, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryceL

I try to at least make it down to Stone every so often.

Next time you should drive a little further south and try Alesmith, Hess, GreenFlash and Ballast. All within a ~10mi radius. Also Lightning which is somewhat on the way to these places.

**helibrewer** · 12-21-2011, 07:37 PM

If he is going to get up this way to go to Russian River, he might as well hit Lagunitas too (Petaluma)...and there are a couple in Marin County also who's names escape me at the moment.

BryceL · 12-21-2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadHopper

Next time you should drive a little further south and try Alesmith, Hess, GreenFlash and Ballast. All within a ~10mi radius. Also Lightning which is somewhat on the way to these places.

I friend of mine (and his wife) just got stationed down at Miramar, so I figure I can use that as a good excuse to say to my wife "hey lets go visit". All the above breweries of course are on the list to hit!

dougdecinces · 12-21-2011, 07:53 PM

I-5 or 101? That will color my answer.

But in both of those towns, SF Speakeasy would be a good choice. In L.A. it may be worth it to hit the Bruery.

**arturo7** · 12-21-2011, 08:17 PM

Kern River Brewing is in central Cal. They make an IPA is as good as anything in the state.

And yes, that is saying a lot.

**scottland** · 12-21-2011, 08:29 PM

Firestone walker is definitely a must. You'll be hard pressed to find a better brewery. I've heard great things about Kern, Never been. Russian River is quite a bit north of SFO, not sure if he's planning to head that direction.

If he's willing to head down to San Diego.... Good lord, where to start: Stone, Lost Abbey/Port (love their beers), Alesmith, Ballast Point, Green Flash, Pizza Port, the list goes on.....