Irvine, California boasts a thriving craft beer scene that rivals other Southern California hotspots. This Orange County gem offers beer enthusiasts a diverse array of local breweries, taprooms, and gastropubs to explore. From the hoppy IPAs at GameCraft Brewing to the innovative creations at Left Coast Brewing Co., Irvine’s craft beer selection caters to every palate.
Visitors and residents alike can embark on a flavorful journey through Irvine’s beer landscape. The city’s craft beer destinations not only serve up exceptional brews but also provide welcoming atmospheres for socializing and savoring artisanal beverages. Many establishments pair their craft beers with delicious food options, creating perfect spots for casual outings or special occasions.
As part of the broader Orange County beer culture, Irvine contributes unique flavors and brewing styles to the region’s reputation. Beer aficionados will find plenty to discover, from experimental small-batch brews to tried-and-true local favorites. This guide will help navigate Irvine’s best craft beer offerings, ensuring an unforgettable tasting experience in this Southern California city.
History of Irvine’s Craft Beer Scene
Irvine’s craft beer scene has evolved significantly over the years, mirroring the broader craft beer revolution in Southern California. The city’s proximity to Orange County’s brewing hotspots has played a crucial role in shaping its beer culture.
Early Beginnings and the Craft Beer Movement
Irvine’s craft beer journey began in the late 1990s as part of the wider Southern California beer renaissance. Local beer enthusiasts started exploring flavors beyond mass-produced lagers. Home brewing gained popularity, with garage-based experimentations leading to innovative recipes.
By the early 2000s, Irvine residents were traveling to neighboring cities like San Diego and Los Angeles to experience craft breweries. This exposure sparked interest in bringing quality craft beer closer to home.
The Rise of Local Breweries in Orange County
Orange County’s craft beer scene exploded in the 2010s, directly influencing Irvine. Pioneering breweries in nearby cities like Anaheim and Costa Mesa set the stage for Irvine’s own craft beer growth.
2014 marked a turning point with the opening of Left Coast Brewing Co. in Irvine. This brewery quickly became a local favorite, offering a range of styles from IPAs to stouts.
Other establishments like Hangar 24 Orange County soon followed, expanding Irvine’s craft beer options. By 2020, the city boasted several taprooms and bottle shops, cementing its place in Orange County’s thriving beer culture.
Notable Breweries in Irvine and Surrounding Areas
Irvine and its neighboring cities boast a thriving craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer diverse beer styles and innovative brewing techniques, attracting beer enthusiasts from across Southern California.
The Bruery and Its Unique Belgian-Style Beers
The Bruery, located in Placentia, has gained national recognition for its Belgian-inspired ales. Founded in 2008, this brewery specializes in barrel-aged and experimental beers.
Their flagship beer, Orchard White, is a witbier brewed with coriander, citrus peel, and lavender. The Bruery’s Black Tuesday, an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, has become a coveted annual release.
The brewery’s tasting room offers a rotating selection of draft beers, including limited releases and seasonal offerings. Visitors can also join The Bruery’s exclusive societies for access to rare and limited-edition brews.
Brewery X and Its Innovative Brews
Brewery X, situated in Anaheim, has quickly become a local favorite since its opening in 2019. The brewery is known for its wide range of beer styles and creative flavor combinations.
Their popular “Slap & Tickle” IPA series showcases different hop varieties in each release. Brewery X also excels in fruited sours, with flavors like passionfruit, guava, and blackberry.
The spacious taproom features 24 rotating taps and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Food trucks are often present, offering diverse culinary options to complement the beers.
Green Cheek Beer Co: A Modern Craft Beer Pioneer
Green Cheek Beer Co, with locations in Orange and Costa Mesa, has garnered attention for its hop-forward beers and lagers. Founded by former The Bruery brewmaster Evan Price, Green Cheek emphasizes quality and consistency.
Their West Coast IPAs, like “Bier” and “Happy Thoughts,” have become local staples. Green Cheek also produces excellent pilsners and mixed-fermentation ales.
The brewery’s taprooms offer a laid-back atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Green Cheek frequently collaborates with other respected breweries, resulting in unique limited-release beers.
Bootlegger’s Brewery: Blending Tradition and Creativity
Bootlegger’s Brewery, founded in Fullerton in 2008, has expanded with locations in Costa Mesa and Redlands. Known for their balanced approach to brewing, Bootlegger’s offers both traditional and experimental styles.
Their flagship “Rustic Rye IPA” combines spicy rye malt with citrusy hops. Bootlegger’s “Black Phoenix” chipotle coffee stout is another fan favorite, blending roasted malts with subtle heat.
The brewery’s tasting rooms feature a welcoming atmosphere and often host live music events. Bootlegger’s also distributes its core beers throughout Southern California, making them widely accessible to local craft beer enthusiasts.
Popular Craft Beer Styles and Selections
Irvine’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles catering to various palates. Local breweries and taprooms showcase innovative brews alongside classic favorites, reflecting the evolving tastes of beer enthusiasts in Orange County.
The Appeal of Hazy IPAs in Orange County
Hazy IPAs have taken Orange County by storm. These juicy, unfiltered beers boast intense tropical fruit flavors and a smooth mouthfeel. Local breweries like GameCraft Brewing and Left Coast Brewing Co. feature popular hazy offerings.
The style’s low bitterness and fruity character appeal to a wide audience, including those new to craft beer. Orange County brewers often use local citrus fruits to enhance the flavor profile, creating unique regional interpretations.
Hazy IPAs pair well with Irvine’s diverse culinary scene, complementing spicy dishes and fresh seafood. Many local taprooms offer flights, allowing patrons to sample different hazy variations side by side.
Embracing Sour Beers and Unique Flavors
Sour beers have gained a dedicated following in Irvine. These tart, complex brews offer a refreshing alternative to traditional beer styles. Local brewers experiment with fruit additions, barrel aging, and wild fermentation techniques.
Popular varieties include Berliner Weisse, Gose, and Flanders Red. Irvine’s craft beer bars often feature rotating taps of local and imported sours, catering to adventurous drinkers.
Sour beer tastings and pairing events have become common, educating consumers about this diverse category. The style’s acidity and fruity notes make it a hit during warm Orange County summers.
The Timeless Popularity of West Coast IPAs
West Coast IPAs remain a staple in Irvine’s craft beer landscape. Known for their bold hop bitterness and crisp finish, these beers embody the California brewing tradition.
Local breweries continue to innovate within the style, using new hop varieties and brewing techniques. Many Irvine taprooms offer both classic and modern interpretations of West Coast IPAs.
The style’s versatility shines in food pairings, complementing everything from burgers to spicy Asian cuisine. Beer enthusiasts appreciate the balance of malt sweetness and hop complexity in well-crafted West Coast IPAs.
Brew Pub Culture in Irvine
Irvine’s brew pub scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from casual counter-service spots to full-service eateries with extensive food menus. The city’s brewpubs combine craft beer expertise with culinary creativity.
From Counter Service to Full Eateries
Irvine’s brewpubs span a spectrum of service styles. Many started as simple tasting rooms with limited food options. Over time, they evolved to offer more substantial dining experiences.
Counter-service brewpubs remain popular for quick bites and flights. These casual spots often feature rotating food trucks or simple in-house menus.
Full-service brewpubs have gained traction in recent years. These establishments offer table service and expansive food menus to complement their beer selections.
Some notable full-service brewpubs in Irvine include Left Coast Brewing Co. and GameCraft Brewing. These venues provide comfortable seating and a more traditional restaurant atmosphere.
Highlighting Brewpubs with Exceptional Food Menus
Several Irvine brewpubs have garnered attention for their impressive food offerings. These establishments elevate the typical pub fare with creative dishes and high-quality ingredients.
Left Coast Brewing Co. stands out with its diverse menu. Options range from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet burgers and fresh salads. Their kitchen uses local ingredients when possible.
GameCraft Brewing pairs its beers with an eclectic menu. Popular items include Korean-inspired tacos and truffle fries. The venue also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Helmsman Ale House features a seafood-focused menu to complement its coastal-inspired brews. Fresh catches and shellfish dishes are menu highlights.
These brewpubs demonstrate that craft beer and fine dining can coexist harmoniously. They attract both beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Food Pairings and Craft Beer
Irvine’s craft beer scene offers exciting opportunities to explore flavor combinations with local cuisine. The right pairings can elevate both the beer and food experience, creating harmonious taste profiles that delight the palate.
Charcuterie Boards and Artisanal Brews
Charcuterie boards provide an ideal canvas for craft beer pairings. Rich, cured meats complement hoppy IPAs, while creamy cheeses pair well with malty brown ales. Hangar 24 Orange County offers a selection of artisanal brews that match perfectly with locally-sourced charcuterie plates.
Smoky salami enhances the roasted notes in porters, while prosciutto brings out the fruity esters in Belgian-style ales. Aged cheddar creates a delightful contrast with citrusy pale ales, balancing sharp and bright flavors.
For a sweet and savory combination, try pairing blue cheese with a honey-infused wheat beer. This unexpected duo creates a complex taste experience that showcases the versatility of craft brews.
Classic Burgers and Their Craft Beer Counterparts
Burgers and beer are a timeless pairing, and Irvine’s craft breweries elevate this classic combination. GameCraft Brewing serves juicy burgers alongside their house-brewed ales, creating perfect matches for every palate.
A robust porter complements a smoky bacon cheeseburger, enhancing the rich, savory flavors. For a lighter option, pair a crisp pilsner with a turkey burger topped with avocado. The beer’s clean finish cuts through the burger’s richness.
Spicy jalapeño burgers find their match in hoppy IPAs, with the beer’s bitterness balancing the heat. For a unique twist, try a fruity sour ale with a blue cheese-topped burger. The tang of both elements creates an exciting flavor profile.
Tacos and Beer: A Southern California Tradition
Tacos and craft beer embody Southern California’s culinary spirit, and Irvine embraces this tradition wholeheartedly. Puesto Park Place Irvine offers innovative tacos that pair beautifully with local brews.
Fish tacos topped with tangy slaw complement wheat beers, creating a refreshing combination perfect for warm days. Spicy chorizo tacos find balance in malty amber ales, which soothe the palate between bites.
For vegetarian options, pair roasted vegetable tacos with a crisp kolsch. The beer’s subtle fruitiness enhances the tacos’ grilled flavors. Carnitas tacos match well with brown ales, their caramel notes complementing the pork’s richness.
Experimental beer lovers can try pairing al pastor tacos with a pineapple-infused IPA, creating a tropical flavor explosion. This unexpected combination showcases the creativity of Irvine’s craft beer scene.
Craft Beer Accessibility in Irvine
Irvine boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries and venues offering a wide selection of artisanal brews. Residents and visitors can easily explore the city’s beer culture through brewery tours, tastings, and craft-focused dining establishments.
Local Breweries Offering Tours and Tastings
Several breweries in Irvine welcome beer enthusiasts for tours and tastings. Hangar 24 Orange County provides visitors with an inside look at their brewing process and a chance to sample their latest creations. Left Coast Brewing Co – Irvine offers guided tours of their facilities, allowing guests to learn about beer production firsthand.
GameCraft Brewing combines craft beer with a gaming atmosphere, offering tours that showcase their unique brewing techniques. These breweries typically require reservations for tours, which can be made through their websites or by phone.
Availability of Craft Beer in Local Dining Spots
Irvine’s restaurants and bars embrace the craft beer movement, featuring extensive beer menus with local and regional options. Bosscat Kitchen and Libations offers a curated selection of craft beers alongside their food menu. Matter of Craft Bottle Shop, Tap Room & Scratch Kitchen provides a rotating tap list and bottle selection for on-site consumption or takeaway.
Sessions West Coast Deli and The Stand – American Classics Redefined both pair their culinary offerings with a variety of craft beers. Many establishments in Irvine update their beer menus seasonally, ensuring patrons can always discover new and exciting brews.
Events and Festivals Celebrating Local Breweries
Irvine’s craft beer scene comes alive through exciting events and festivals. These gatherings showcase local breweries and provide opportunities for beer enthusiasts to sample unique offerings.
Annual Great American Beer Festival Participation
Irvine breweries regularly participate in the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado. This prestigious event attracts breweries from across the nation, including several from Southern California. Local brewers compete for medals and recognition in various beer categories.
Irvine’s craft beer makers often return with accolades, highlighting the quality of their brews on a national stage. The GABF serves as a platform for Irvine breweries to network with industry professionals and gain exposure to a wider audience.
Local Beer Festivals and Community Gatherings
Irvine hosts several beer festivals throughout the year, celebrating the city’s thriving craft beer culture. The OC Beer Festival brings together local and regional breweries, offering attendees a chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers. This event typically features live music and food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere.
The Brewers Mash Festival, held in October, showcases Orange County’s independent breweries. This Halloween-themed event includes costume contests and live entertainment. The Guilded Together Festival, planned for summer 2025, aims to celebrate craft beer and community spirit.
These local gatherings provide excellent opportunities for beer enthusiasts to discover new favorites and connect with brewers directly. Visitors to Southern California can experience Irvine’s beer scene firsthand at these lively events.
Exploring Beyond Irvine: Breweries in Neighboring Cities
Orange County’s craft beer scene extends well beyond Irvine’s borders. Neighboring cities offer a diverse array of breweries and taprooms, each with its own unique character and specialties.
Anaheim Brewing Hotspots: Anaheim Packing District and Beyond
The Anaheim Packing District has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. This renovated citrus packing plant houses several breweries and taprooms. Anaheim Brewery, located nearby, offers a taste of local history with its pre-Prohibition roots.
Bottle Logic Brewing, just a short drive away, is known for its innovative flavors and barrel-aged stouts. Their taproom features a rotating selection of experimental brews.
Noble Ale Works, situated near Angel Stadium, specializes in hop-forward IPAs and crisp lagers. Their award-winning beers have garnered national recognition.
The Rising Scene in North Orange County and Beyond
North Orange County has seen a surge in craft breweries. Tustin Brewing Co, established in 1996, remains a cornerstone of the local beer scene. Their Old Town IPA is a perennial favorite.
Placentia’s The Bruery specializes in barrel-aged and experimental beers. Their sour and wild ale program has gained a cult following among beer aficionados.
In Fullerton, Bootlegger’s Brewery offers a range of styles, from their popular Rustic Rye IPA to seasonal fruit-infused ales.
Sampling South Orange County’s Coastal Beer Offerings
South Orange County’s breweries often incorporate coastal influences in their offerings. In Dana Point, Station Craft Brewery serves up ocean-inspired brews with panoramic views.
Left Coast Brewing Co, with locations in both San Clemente and Irvine, combines traditional brewing techniques with innovative recipes. Their Trestles IPA pays homage to the famous surfing spot.
Laguna Beach Beer Company embraces the laid-back coastal vibe with refreshing ales and lagers. Their taproom offers a perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach.
