Brewery Spotlight

Top 20: The Best California Breweries for 2020

If there’s one thing California has down, it’s the fantastic breweries located within the Golden state. From the warm sunshine of southern California to the mountainous northern regions, beer enthusiasts can enjoy some of the best brews around.

We love our California breweries and wanted to share some of our absolute favorites with you. It’s time to kick your feet up, say “hi” to the locals, drink some delicious brew, and take a look at our top 20 California breweries list for 2020 below!

1. Black Market Brewing Co.

Location: 41740 Enterprise Circle North, Temecula, CA 92590

Black Market Brewing Co. was one of the first breweries in the area when it opened its doors in 2009. Through serving its bevy of 14 amazing beers, such as the Hush Hush wheat ale and Invasion red IPA, Black Market has truly made a name for itself with the locals. The availability of individual and group tastings, kegs on reserve, and cute picnic tables for patron seating make this a spot you won’t want to miss this summer.

2. Cellarmaker Brewing Co.

Location: 1150 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

The brewers at Cellarmaker Brewing Co. are true artisans within their trade. Only one beer is created at a time with this brewery, allowing for perfection to be met and a wide variety to always be available to patrons. Beers can be enjoyed in their tasting room or purchase by the can or bottle to bring home with you. Did we mention they also have a tasty pizza restaurant down the street? Yum!

3. El Segundo Brewing Co.

Location: 140 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

Never been to El Segundo Brewing Co. before? Now is the time! This place is quite literally hopping with its extremely hop-infused beers. Several different beers are always kept on tap at El Segundo, including their Mayberry IPA and No Comply West Coast IPA. The next time you’re in the area, stop in and cozy up with a brew.

4. The Bruery

Location: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870

Innovation is the name of the game with The Bruery. Since their opening in 2008, the staff here have been concocting some truly unique beverages inspired by various cuisines and natural sources. With beer names like Ruebarb, Goses Are Red, and Grapefruit and Salt, you definitely don’t want to pass up this gem hidden in Placentia.

5. The Rare Barrel

Location: 940 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94710

We would like to introduce one of northern California’s best breweries – The Rare Barrel! What’s interesting with this brewery is you can only purchase sour beer here. A great deal of care goes into the brewing of this company’s beer, including a stringent aging process spanning the course of three years. The next time you’re in the area, we recommend the Earl of Granate or Slay! Rose.

6. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Location: 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is one of the most well-known breweries in California. With the availability of their beer in many grocery stores, you may have already tried some of this brewing company’s amazing beer; but trust us, you definitely don’t want to miss experiencing Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in-person. With live music, brewery tours, gourmet food, and cold beer on tap, Sierra Nevada is definitely one of the best breweries in California.

7. Russian River Brewing Company

Location: 725 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Nestled in the heart of wine country lies a brewing company that gives local wineries a run for their money – Russian River Brewing Company. Stop in after a long day and sample some local cuisine and award-winning brews. They even have a wine-aged Irish stout for those that prefer heavier beers!

8. Aftershock Brewing Co.

Location: 28822 Old Town Front Street #108, Temecula, CA 92590

There are over 42 taps available for patrons to choose from at Aftershock Brewing Co. The owners of this unique brewery in Temecula have been brewing beer for over 25 years, giving them the knowledge to create such brews as Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ale and Paradisi Grapefruit IPA. Yum!

9. Knee Deep Brewing Co.

Location: 13395 New Airport Road, Auburn, CA 95602

When Knee Deep Brewing Co. was founded in 2020 by owner Jeremy Warren, locals knew this was going to be something special. Food trucks and live music are often found at this Auburn brewery, along with hoppy brews, such as Lupulin River and Hoptologist Dipa.

10. Moonraker Brewing Co.

Location: 12970 Earhart Ave. #100, Auburn, CA 95602

Moonraker Brewing Co. is another Auburn brewery darling. Opening on Earth Day in 2016, this brewery has become known for its seasonal brews and tasty local cuisine. Definitely don’t pass up the chance to visit this brewery when you can. How can you turn down a beer named Miss Conduct Blonde Ale, after all?

11. Alpine Beer Co.

Location: 2363 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, CA 91901

For over 20 years, Alpine Beer Co. has been serving up refreshing and original beers on tap. With over 30 beers available, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your party! Did we mention there’s smoked meat and tasty BBQ served here?

12. Monkish Brewing Co.

Location: 20311 S Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90501

If you’ve been looking for a pet-friendly brewery, you’ve found it with Torrance’s Monkish Brewing Co. Sublime beers like the Lyre and Rhyme Saison and Dream Within a Dream Farmhouse can be found here, but you can’t purchase them anywhere else outside off the brewery. You’re sure to fall in love with this small family-friendly brewery.

13. Eagle Rock Brewery

Location: 3056 Roswell St., Los Angeles, CA 90065

Eagle Rock formed an entire beer series based on elements of the surrounding area called the Day Trip series. In the unique set, you can sample such beers as 2 North, Summit Seeker, Mosaic Canyon, and Salvation Mountain; each beer truly offers its own unique flavor profile. Interestingly, prior to being a brewery open to the public in 2009, it was open for more than 60 years as a microbrewery.

14. Absolution Brewing Co.

Location: 2878 Columbia St., Torrance, CA 90503

Requiem Vienna, Holy Cow Milk Stout, and Absolution 405 IPA are all recommended when you visit the Absolution Brewing Co. in Torrance. And if those three beers aren’t your style, there are a total of 20 beers on tap. There’s even an Absolution-brewed root beer available for the kiddos or your designated driver.

15. Telegraph Brewing Co.

Location: 418 N Salsipuedes St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103

If you’re looking for a fun evening, Telegraph Brewing Co. is the place. Dartboards, video games, Tiki Toss, and more are available for patrons to enjoy while sampling delicious IPA’s, local coffees, and food truck offerings. There’s never a dull moment at the Telegraph Brewing Co.

16. The Brewing Lair

Location: 67007 CA-70, Blairsden, CA 96103

Feel like getting in a round of disc golf while enjoying some local brews? The Brewing Lair is the perfect place for some good ole fashioned fun and craft beer. There’s also a great self-guided tour available for those interested in a beer sampling flight and finding out more about the brewery’s brewing process.

17. Ritual Brewing Co.

Location: 1315 Research Dr., Redlands, CA 92374

Tucked into the Redlands area is the Ritual Brewing Co. This brewery allows patrons to choose from over 24 beers on tap, including the popular Monk’s Lunch Belgian ale and Honeybuzz Blonde Ale. There are also often seasonal offerings available.

18. Placerville Brewing Co.

Location: 155 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667

Placerville is one of those towns where you come for the beautiful mountain scenery and stay for the local shops, cuisine, wine, and beer. Placerville Brewing Co. is one of those breweries that will keep you coming back time and time again. You especially don’t want to miss the seasonal Pumpkin Ale!

19. Refuge Brewery

Location: 43040 Rancho Way, Temecula, CA 92590

Temecula definitely has some great breweries, but Refuge Brewery is something special. Don’t just pop into this brewery; stay a while, relax, and enjoy one of their award-winning Blood Orange Wit’s or delicious West Coast Red Ales. Pure perfection in a bottle is found at Refuge Brewery.

20. Heretic Brewing Company

Location: 1052 Horizon Drive, Fairfield, CA 94533

Last but not least on our list is the Heretic Brewing Company in Fairfield. The owners of this brewery definitely knew what they were doing when they began the business in 2011. Since then, beer enthusiasts from all over have enjoyed the CHP Chocolate Hazelnut Porter, the Evil Twin Red IPA, Bitter Truth English Pale Ale, and more! You can also bring your own food to this location.

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