Pomona, California has emerged as a hidden gem in Southern California’s craft beer scene. This vibrant city offers beer enthusiasts a diverse selection of local breweries and taprooms to explore. From innovative microbreweries to well-established craft beer bars, Pomona boasts a thriving beer culture that caters to various tastes and preferences.
Beer lovers visiting Pomona can discover unique flavor profiles and experimental brews at spots like Homage Brewing and Old Stump Brewing Co. These local establishments showcase the creativity and passion of Pomona’s brewers, often featuring rotating taps and seasonal offerings. The city’s craft beer landscape extends beyond breweries, with bars and restaurants like The Metro Restobar and Innovation Brew Works serving up impressive selections of local and regional craft beers.
Pomona’s proximity to other beer-centric communities in the area, such as Claremont, further enhances its appeal to craft beer aficionados. This guide will take you through some of the best places to enjoy craft beer in Pomona, highlighting the unique characteristics of each establishment and the must-try brews that define the local beer scene.
History of Craft Beer in Pomona
Pomona’s craft beer scene has evolved significantly over the years, with several key breweries shaping its landscape. These establishments have contributed unique flavors and experiences to the local beer community.
Old Stump Brewing Co – A Pioneer
Old Stump Brewing Co emerged as one of Pomona’s first craft breweries in 2013. Founded by John Macias and his family, it quickly became a cornerstone of the local beer scene. The brewery’s name pays homage to the area’s citrus-growing past.
Old Stump’s taproom offers a rotating selection of 16 beers on draft. Their most popular brews include the Lawn Mower Lager and the Pom-Ale, a nod to the city’s name. The brewery has won several awards for its craft beers, including a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival.
Community engagement has been central to Old Stump’s success. They regularly host events, food trucks, and live music, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Homage Brewing – Contemporary Craftsmanship
Homage Brewing opened its doors in 2016, bringing a modern approach to Pomona’s beer scene. Founded by Matt Garcia, the brewery focuses on small-batch, artisanal beers with a emphasis on mixed fermentation and barrel-aging techniques.
Located in downtown Pomona, Homage has gained recognition for its innovative brews. Their tap list features a diverse range of styles, from hazy IPAs to complex sours and farmhouse ales. The brewery’s commitment to quality and experimentation has earned it a dedicated following.
Homage’s taproom design reflects its contemporary ethos, with a minimalist aesthetic and rotating art displays. The brewery has collaborated with other craft beer makers, further enriching Pomona’s beer culture.
Luchador Brewing Company – The New Contender
Luchador Brewing Company entered Pomona’s craft beer scene in 2020, bringing a fresh perspective and luchador-inspired branding. Founded by Brent Arnold and Edgar Vargas, the brewery aims to celebrate Mexican-American culture through its beers.
Despite opening during challenging times, Luchador quickly gained traction among local beer enthusiasts. Their lineup includes creative takes on traditional styles, such as the “Mask Off” IPA and “El Santo” Mexican Lager.
The brewery’s taproom features luchador-themed decor and hosts events that blend beer appreciation with cultural elements. Luchador has also embraced community involvement, participating in local festivals and collaborating with area businesses.
The Pomona Craft Beer Scene
Pomona boasts a thriving craft beer scene with local breweries, beer bars, and community events. The city’s craft beer culture is characterized by unique offerings, support from local businesses, and a strong sense of community.
Rookery Alehouse and Its Offerings
The Rookery Alehouse stands out as a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Pomona. This establishment offers a diverse selection of craft beers on tap, featuring both local and regional brews. Visitors can expect to find a rotating lineup of IPAs, stouts, sours, and seasonal specialties.
The Rookery Alehouse also hosts regular events, such as tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer nights. These gatherings provide opportunities for patrons to sample new beers and learn about brewing techniques directly from industry professionals.
The venue’s knowledgeable staff can guide customers through their beer selection, offering recommendations based on individual preferences and tastes.
Local Businesses Support
Pomona’s craft beer scene benefits from strong support from local businesses. Many restaurants and bars in the area prioritize featuring craft beers from nearby breweries on their menus.
Some notable establishments include:
- The Metro Restobar: Offers a curated selection of craft beers alongside its food menu
- Innovation Brew Works: A brewery operated by Cal Poly Pomona, providing hands-on experience for students
- Homage Brewing: A local favorite known for its experimental and innovative brews
These businesses contribute to the growth of Pomona’s craft beer culture by providing diverse venues for beer enthusiasts to explore new flavors and styles.
Community Events and Craft Beer
Craft beer plays a significant role in Pomona’s community events. The city hosts several beer-centric gatherings throughout the year, bringing together locals and visitors alike.
Popular events include:
- Pomona Valley Craft Beer Festival: An annual celebration showcasing local breweries and their creations
- Beer and food pairing dinners: Collaborative events between restaurants and breweries
- Brewery tours: Organized excursions to multiple local breweries, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the brewing process
These events foster a sense of community among craft beer enthusiasts and provide opportunities for local breweries to showcase their products. They also contribute to the city’s tourism, attracting visitors interested in exploring Pomona’s unique craft beer offerings.
Guide to Pomona’s Top Breweries
Pomona boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several noteworthy breweries and taprooms. Beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of locally brewed options and find well-curated selections at specialty stores.
Exploring Taprooms and Gastropubs
Old Stump Brewing stands out as a popular destination for craft beer lovers in Pomona. Located at 2896 Metropolitan Place, this brewery offers a welcoming atmosphere and a rotating selection of house-made brews.
Homage Brewing, situated at 281 S Thomas St, Suite 101, specializes in saisons and sours. Their taproom provides a unique experience for those seeking innovative flavor profiles.
For a combination of craft beer and entertainment, The Paradox Arcade + Bar offers a nostalgic gaming experience alongside a curated beer menu.
La Verne Brewing Company, though technically in neighboring La Verne, is worth the short trip for Pomona residents seeking quality craft beer.
Beer Stores and Craft Beer Selections
Di Carlo Liquor is known for its extensive craft beer inventory, making it a go-to spot for those looking to purchase local and regional brews to enjoy at home.
La West Liquor and Super Stop Liquor also offer respectable craft beer selections, catering to various tastes and preferences.
For a broader selection, A & J Liquor stocks a range of craft beers from local breweries and beyond.
Beer enthusiasts can also find curated craft beer selections at specialty stores throughout Pomona, offering opportunities to discover new and unique brews from the region.
Craft Beer Tasting in Pomona
Pomona offers diverse craft beer tasting experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Local breweries and events showcase unique flavors and styles, allowing visitors to explore the art of beer appreciation.
The Art of Beer Tasting
Beer tasting involves engaging multiple senses to fully appreciate each brew. Tasters observe the beer’s color and clarity, inhale its aroma, and take small sips to analyze flavors and mouthfeel. Many Pomona breweries offer tasting flights, allowing patrons to sample several beers in smaller portions.
Some local favorites include Blonde Conniption, a light and crisp ale, and Fat Mosey, a robust stout with coffee notes. Tasting rooms often provide tasting notes and flavor wheels to guide participants through the experience.
Notable Beer Tasting Events
Pomona hosts several annual beer tasting events that draw crowds of craft beer enthusiasts. The Pomona Valley Homebrew Festival showcases local homebrewers’ creations, offering attendees a chance to taste unique, small-batch brews.
Old Stump Brewing and Homage Brewing frequently organize tasting events featuring limited-edition releases and seasonal specialties. These gatherings often include food pairings and live music, creating a festive atmosphere for beer exploration.
La Verne Brewing Company’s monthly tasting sessions introduce new experimental brews, allowing patrons to provide feedback and influence future beer recipes.
The Best Local Craft Beers
Pomona’s craft beer scene offers a diverse selection of handcrafted brews. Local favorites include options from Homage Brewing and Old Stump Brewing.
Homage Brewing produces innovative beers that push flavor boundaries. Their rotating taps feature unique combinations and experimental styles.
Old Stump Brewing focuses on traditional ales and lagers. Their flagship blonde ale provides a crisp, refreshing option for newcomers to craft beer.
The Rookery Alehouse and Grill boasts an extensive tap list. Beer enthusiasts can sample a wide range of local and regional craft offerings here.
For those seeking variety, Claremont Craft Ales offers flights. This allows patrons to taste multiple styles in one visit.
Innovation Brew Works, located nearby, crafts small-batch beers. Their creations often incorporate unexpected ingredients and flavor profiles.
When exploring Pomona’s craft beer options, be sure to ask about seasonal releases. Many local breweries produce limited-edition beers throughout the year.
Pomona’s Craft Beer and Live Music
Pomona offers a vibrant craft beer and live music scene for locals and visitors alike. Several venues combine expertly brewed beers with live entertainment, creating unique nightlife experiences.
Old Stump Brewing Co. stands out as a popular destination. This brewery features a spacious patio where patrons can enjoy finely crafted beers while listening to live bands and DJs. The relaxed outdoor atmosphere pairs well with food truck offerings and a variety of musical genres.
The Metro Restobar also attracts craft beer enthusiasts and music lovers. This establishment curates an impressive selection of local and regional brews alongside regular live music performances.
For those seeking a more intimate setting, Homage Brewing provides a cozy taproom experience. While primarily focused on their craft beers, they occasionally host acoustic sets and small musical acts.
Several other Pomona bars and breweries incorporate live music into their lineups, offering everything from jazz and blues to rock and indie performances. These venues create a synergy between craft beer culture and local musical talent, fostering a sense of community among patrons.
Visitors to Pomona can often find events that showcase both craft beer tastings and live music, particularly during weekends and special occasions. These gatherings highlight the city’s growing reputation as a destination for beer aficionados and music fans alike.
Services for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Pomona offers several services catering to craft beer lovers. Local bottle shops provide a wide selection of craft beers from regional and national breweries. These stores often feature knowledgeable staff who can offer recommendations based on individual tastes.
Many bars and restaurants in Pomona showcase rotating taps of craft beers. Some establishments host regular tasting events, allowing patrons to sample new and limited-edition brews.
Several breweries in the area offer tours and tastings. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample fresh beers directly from the source.
Craft beer clubs operate in Pomona, connecting enthusiasts and organizing meetups. These groups sometimes arrange brewery tours or beer pairing dinners.
Some specialty shops sell homebrewing equipment and ingredients for those interested in creating their own craft beers. Classes on homebrewing techniques are occasionally offered by local experts.
Beer delivery services have gained popularity, bringing a curated selection of craft beers directly to customers’ homes. This convenient option allows enthusiasts to try new brews without leaving their house.
Pomona’s craft beer scene also includes annual festivals and events celebrating local and regional breweries. These gatherings provide opportunities to taste a variety of beers and meet fellow enthusiasts.
