Concord, California boasts a thriving craft beer scene that beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss. With over 35 local brewing spots, tap houses, and bottle shops, this East Bay city offers a diverse selection of quality brews from the Pacific coast and beyond.
Visitors and locals alike can embark on an exciting brewery tour, experiencing the best of Concord’s craft beer culture. From community-focused taprooms to innovative breweries, there’s something for every palate. The Concord Tap House, for instance, serves as a popular gathering place with 24 rotating taps featuring unique craft beers and ciders.
For those looking to explore beyond Concord’s borders, the Contra Costa County Beer Map provides a comprehensive guide to breweries and tap houses throughout the region. This vibrant beer landscape reflects California’s reputation for exceptional craft brews, making Concord a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
Exploring the Local Brewery Scene
Concord’s craft beer scene offers unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. Two standout breweries showcase the area’s brewing talent and flavors.
Epidemic Ales
Epidemic Ales, Concord’s only brewery, brings an apocalyptic theme to life. Open since 2015, it has expanded its tap system with a wide range of house-made beers.
Visitors can sample the full spectrum of styles through yardstick-length flights. This allows tasting multiple offerings before selecting a favorite pint.
The taproom welcomes both kids and dogs, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Food trucks parked outside provide tasty options to pair with the beers.
Epidemic Ales embraces creativity in their brewing, offering inventive flavors alongside classic styles. Their unique theme sets them apart in the local beer landscape.
Calicraft Brewing
Calicraft Brewing celebrates California’s agricultural bounty through their beers. They focus on using local ingredients to create distinctly West Coast flavors.
Their taproom offers a rotating selection of fresh brews on draft. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights to explore Calicraft’s range of styles.
Calicraft’s beers often incorporate fruits, herbs, and other California-grown ingredients. This approach results in unique flavor profiles that showcase the region.
The brewery’s outdoor beer garden provides a relaxed setting to enjoy their creations. It’s an ideal spot for craft beer lovers to gather and appreciate locally-made brews.
Calicraft’s innovative approach has earned them recognition in the competitive Northern California beer scene. Their beers offer a true taste of the Mt. Diablo region.
The Contra Costa Beer Trail
The Contra Costa Beer Trail offers craft beer enthusiasts a diverse array of breweries, taphouses, and beer bars across the county. This curated experience showcases the region’s thriving local beer culture and provides opportunities to sample unique brews.
Beer Trail Map
The Beer Trail Map guides visitors through 35+ locations in Contra Costa County. It includes breweries, tap houses, bottle shops, and beer bar restaurants. The map is accessible via a mobile passport, making it easy for beer lovers to navigate the trail.
Participants can use the passport to discover new venues and sample different beers. The trail encourages exploration of the county’s craft beer scene, from Concord to Martinez and beyond.
Craft Breweries
Contra Costa County boasts a growing number of craft breweries, each with its own specialties. Epidemic Ales in Concord focuses on experimental beers, particularly stouts and porters. They open at 3 pm on weekdays.
Other breweries in the area offer a range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers. Many feature rotating taps, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Some breweries host food trucks and special events, adding to the experience.
Concord Beer Trail
Concord, a key stop on the Contra Costa Beer Trail, has developed its own vibrant craft beer community. The city’s breweries and alehouses contribute significantly to the local beer culture.
Visitors can explore Concord’s beer scene through the #CcCountyBeerTrail. This part of the trail showcases the city’s unique offerings, from locally brewed craft beers to curated selections at specialty taphouses.
The Concord Beer Trail provides a more focused experience within the larger Contra Costa Beer Trail, highlighting the city’s contributions to the county’s craft beer landscape.
Seasonal Brews and Events
Concord’s craft beer scene comes alive with seasonal offerings and exciting events throughout the year. Local breweries showcase their creativity and brewing expertise, delighting beer enthusiasts with unique flavors and festive gatherings.
Spring Brews Festival
The Spring Brews Festival kicks off the beer season in Concord. Held annually in March, this event brings together over 20 local breweries to showcase their latest spring-inspired creations. Attendees can sample refreshing wheat beers, fruity saisons, and crisp lagers perfect for warmer weather.
Local favorites like Epidemic Ales and Calicraft Brewing often debut new seasonal releases at the festival. Food trucks and live music add to the festive atmosphere. The event typically takes place at Todos Santos Plaza, providing a picturesque backdrop for beer tasting and socializing.
American Craft Beer Week
Concord embraces American Craft Beer Week each May with enthusiasm. Local breweries and tap houses offer special promotions, limited-edition brews, and educational events throughout the week-long celebration.
Participating venues like The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottleshop host beer and food pairings, showcasing the versatility of craft beer. Breweries such as Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden often organize brewery tours and meet-the-brewer sessions, giving beer lovers a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
Many establishments feature tap takeovers, highlighting beers from regional craft breweries. This week provides an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors to explore Concord’s diverse beer scene and support independent brewers.
Tasting Experiences at Tap Houses and Bars
Concord offers diverse craft beer tasting experiences at local tap houses and beer bar restaurants. These venues provide opportunities to sample a wide variety of brews in welcoming atmospheres.
Concord Tap House
Concord Tap House serves as a popular community gathering spot in midtown. The venue boasts 24 rotating taps featuring unique craft beers and ciders, with an emphasis on local and Pacific coast breweries.
Beer enthusiasts can explore different flavors through flight options. This allows indecisive patrons to sample multiple brews in smaller portions.
The tap house pairs its extensive beer selection with a menu of pub fare. Dishes incorporate global flavors to complement the diverse beer offerings.
Located at 3513 Clayton Road, Concord Tap House provides a laid-back atmosphere for beer tasting. The funky decor adds to its appeal as a casual spot for craft beer exploration.
Beer Bar Restaurants
Several Concord establishments combine quality craft beer selections with full-service dining experiences. These venues offer the opportunity to pair beers with meals.
Eureka! features a rotating selection of craft beers on tap alongside its gourmet burger menu. The restaurant aims to highlight local and regional brews.
Yard House boasts an extensive draft beer selection, with over 100 taps available. Their menu includes a variety of cuisines to pair with different beer styles.
EJ Phair Alehouse & Pub in nearby Alamo offers house-brewed beers alongside guest taps. The pub atmosphere allows patrons to enjoy craft beers with classic bar fare.
These beer bar restaurants provide comfortable settings for leisurely tastings. Knowledgeable staff often offer recommendations for beer and food pairings.
Shopping for Craft Beer
Concord offers excellent options for craft beer enthusiasts to purchase and enjoy their favorite brews. From well-stocked bottle shops to relaxing beer gardens, the city caters to diverse preferences.
Bottle Shops
Monument Wine & Spirits stands out as a top destination for craft beer shopping in Concord. This store boasts an impressive selection of local and international craft beers. Knowledgeable staff members provide expert recommendations to help customers find their perfect brew.
Don’s Market & Liquor is another popular spot for craft beer aficionados. It carries a wide range of craft beers from California breweries and beyond. The shop frequently updates its inventory to include new and seasonal releases.
S & S Fast & Easy Liquor offers a convenient option for those seeking craft beer. Despite its name, the store maintains a respectable collection of craft beers alongside other alcoholic beverages.
Beer Garden
Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden provides a welcoming outdoor space for craft beer lovers. Visitors can sample a variety of house-brewed beers while enjoying the pleasant California weather. The beer garden often hosts food trucks, adding to the overall experience.
Epidemic Ales, a local favorite, features an inviting beer garden where patrons can savor their unique craft brews. Founded by three couples with a passion for beer, Epidemic Ales offers a rotating selection of innovative and classic beer styles.
Beyond Beer: Concord’s Proximity to Wine Country
Concord offers beer enthusiasts a unique advantage: its close proximity to California’s renowned Wine Country. Located just a short drive from world-class vineyards, the city serves as an ideal base for exploring both craft beer and fine wines.
Wine lovers can easily venture to nearby Napa and Sonoma valleys. These regions boast hundreds of wineries, ranging from small family-owned estates to large-scale operations. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and scenic vineyard views.
For those preferring to stay local, Concord itself has options for wine enthusiasts. Several tasting rooms and wine bars in the city showcase selections from regional wineries. This allows guests to sample Wine Country offerings without leaving town.
The #VisitConcord initiative promotes this dual appeal. It highlights Concord’s position as a gateway to both beer and wine experiences. Visitors can craft itineraries combining brewery tours with winery excursions, maximizing their tasting opportunities.
Concord’s location also makes it an attractive option for overnight stays. Accommodation prices are often more affordable than in Wine Country proper. This can be especially beneficial during peak tourist seasons.
Key Wine Regions Near Concord:
- Napa Valley (40 miles)
- Sonoma County (50 miles)
- Livermore Valley (30 miles)
