Simi Valley’s craft beer scene has blossomed in recent years, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of California’s renowned brewing culture. The city’s first brewery, Mad Era Brewing, opened its doors in the fall of 2018, marking the beginning of a new era for beer enthusiasts in this Southern California community. Since then, Simi Valley has seen a surge in craft beer establishments, with several breweries and pubs now calling the city home.
Beer lovers can explore a variety of options, from the Golden Nugget Pub, known for its extensive selection of craft beers on tap, to newer additions like Pedals & Pints Brewing and Angry Ferret Brewing. These venues not only serve up delicious brews but also contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for quality craft beer.
The local craft beer guide for Simi Valley reveals a thriving community of brewers and beer aficionados. Visitors can expect to find a range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, all crafted with care and attention to detail. With events and tastings regularly held at various locations, there’s always something new to discover in Simi Valley’s evolving craft beer landscape.
History of Craft Brewing in Simi Valley
Simi Valley’s craft beer scene is relatively young compared to other California cities. The local craft brewing industry only truly began in 2018 with the opening of Mad Era Brewing.
This pioneering establishment marked a significant milestone for Simi Valley. Mad Era Brewing took over a space previously occupied by a popular diner, signaling a shift in the local business landscape.
Prior to 2018, Simi Valley residents had to travel to neighboring cities to experience craft breweries firsthand. The opening of Mad Era Brewing brought the craft beer experience closer to home for local enthusiasts.
Since then, the craft brewing scene in Simi Valley has slowly expanded. New breweries have emerged, each contributing to the growing local beer culture.
These local craft breweries have helped put Simi Valley on the map for beer aficionados. They offer a variety of styles and flavors, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
The growth of craft brewing in Simi Valley reflects a broader trend across California. The state has seen a significant increase in craft breweries over the past decade, with legislation supporting their development and distribution.
The Local Craft Breweries Scene
Simi Valley’s craft beer scene has blossomed in recent years, offering a variety of unique brews and welcoming atmospheres. Local establishments have emerged as destinations for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Spotlight on Mad Era Brewing Co
Mad Era Brewing Co. opened in fall 2018, becoming Simi Valley’s first local brewery. Located at 20 W Cochran St, it transformed a former diner space into a craft beer hub. The brewery quickly established itself as a pioneer in the city’s growing beer culture.
Mad Era offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers, catering to diverse tastes. Their taproom provides a casual, inviting environment for patrons to sample new flavors and enjoy tried-and-true favorites.
The brewery hosts regular events, fostering a sense of community among local beer enthusiasts. Its success has paved the way for other craft breweries in Simi Valley.
Discovering the Golden Nugget Pub and Tavern
The Golden Nugget Pub and Tavern stands out as a premier destination for craft beer lovers in Simi Valley. It boasts the largest selection of craft beers on tap in the city, making it a must-visit spot for those exploring the local beer scene.
With its saloon-style ambiance, the Golden Nugget offers a unique drinking experience. Beer enthusiasts can sample a wide range of local and regional brews, while newcomers can discover new favorites with guidance from knowledgeable staff.
The pub’s weekly events add entertainment value to the craft beer experience. These gatherings create opportunities for patrons to socialize and engage with the local beer community.
The Dugout Sports Bar: A Destination for Beer Aficionados
The Dugout Sports Bar has carved out its niche in Simi Valley’s craft beer landscape. Combining a love for sports with an appreciation for quality brews, it attracts a diverse crowd of beer enthusiasts.
The bar features a curated selection of craft beers, including local offerings and popular regional choices. Its rotating tap list ensures regular patrons always have new flavors to explore.
With multiple screens displaying various sports events, The Dugout creates a lively atmosphere for enjoying craft beers. The bar’s commitment to quality brews and sports entertainment has solidified its place as a key player in Simi Valley’s growing craft beer culture.
Annual Beer Events and Festivals
Simi Valley hosts exciting beer-focused events throughout the year. These gatherings showcase local craft breweries and bring the community together to celebrate beer culture.
Simi Valley Endless Beer Fest
The Simi Valley Endless Beer Fest stands out as the premier annual beer event in the area. Scheduled for August 24th, 2024, from 5pm to 9pm, this festival brings together 24 local craft breweries.
Attendees can sample over 50 different beers, ciders, and seltzers. The event offers unlimited tastings, allowing guests to explore a wide range of flavors and styles.
Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, creating an enjoyable backdrop for beer enthusiasts. Local food trucks provide delicious options to complement the brews.
Rotary Club of Simi Sunset’s Beer Celebrations
The Rotary Club of Simi Sunset organizes beer-centric events throughout the year. Their flagship event is the Simi Valley Endless Beer Fest, now in its 5th year.
This Rotary After Dark (#RAD) event has become a local tradition. It has inspired other beer festivals in the area, cementing its status as the original Simi Valley beer fest.
The Rotary Club’s focus on local breweries helps showcase the region’s craft beer talent. Their events foster community spirit while supporting local businesses and charitable causes.
Live Music and Entertainment
Simi Valley’s craft beer scene pairs perfectly with live music and entertainment options. Local venues host talented performers and exciting events throughout the year.
Concerts at Local Craft Breweries
Mad Era Brewing leads the way in combining craft beer with live music. The brewery hosts weekly concerts featuring local bands and solo artists. Genres range from rock and blues to acoustic folk.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy fresh pints while taking in performances in Mad Era’s cozy taproom. The venue’s intimate setting allows for an up-close musical experience.
Several other Simi Valley breweries have followed suit, adding live music to their offerings. Patrons can often find acoustic sets during happy hours or full bands on weekend nights.
Nightlife Events at Golden Nugget Pub
Golden Nugget Pub stands out as a hub for nightlife and entertainment in Simi Valley. The venue hosts live music multiple nights per week, featuring both local and touring acts.
Rock bands dominate the lineup, but country, pop, and alternative artists also grace the stage. Golden Nugget’s spacious layout provides ample room for dancing and socializing.
The pub complements its music schedule with other events like trivia nights and karaoke. Craft beer enthusiasts will find a solid selection of local brews on tap to enjoy during performances.
Food Pairings and Culinary Experiences
Simi Valley’s craft beer scene offers diverse culinary experiences to complement its brews. Local establishments provide thoughtfully curated food pairings, gourmet menus, and collaborations with food trucks to enhance the beer-drinking experience.
Cuisine at Mad Era Brewing Co
Mad Era Brewing Co, Simi Valley’s first brewery, focuses on creating a harmonious blend of craft beer and food. Their menu features beer-infused dishes that highlight the flavors of their brews. Popular options include:
- Beer-battered fish and chips
- Stout-braised short ribs
- IPA-marinated chicken wings
The brewery also offers beer and food pairing flights, allowing patrons to explore complementary flavor profiles. These pairings are carefully selected by their in-house chef to enhance both the beer and food experience.
Mad Era occasionally hosts special events featuring guest chefs and seasonal menus to showcase the versatility of their beers in culinary applications.
The Dugout Sports Bar’s Menu
The Dugout Sports Bar in Simi Valley boasts an impressive selection of 22 craft beers alongside a diverse food menu. Their culinary offerings are designed to pair well with various beer styles. Standout menu items include:
- Gourmet burgers with unique toppings
- Crisp salads for lighter fare
- Smoked meats for robust flavor pairings
The bar’s chefs recommend specific beer pairings for each dish, helping customers make informed choices. The Dugout also features daily specials that incorporate seasonal ingredients and match well with rotating beer taps.
Local Food Trucks and Craft Beer
Simi Valley’s craft breweries often collaborate with local food trucks to provide diverse dining options. This partnership allows patrons to enjoy a variety of cuisines alongside their favorite brews. Popular food truck offerings include:
- Gourmet tacos and burritos
- Artisanal pizzas
- Fusion cuisine combining different culinary traditions
Breweries like Naughty Pine and Enegren host regular food truck nights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for beer and food enthusiasts. These events often feature rotating trucks, ensuring a fresh culinary experience with each visit.
Some breweries also organize special pairing events, where food truck chefs create custom menus designed to complement specific beer releases or styles.
Exploring Simi Valley Attractions
Simi Valley offers diverse attractions for visitors and locals alike. The city blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, providing ample opportunities to explore between brewery visits.
Visiting Rancho Simi Community Park
Rancho Simi Community Park stands out as a central attraction in Simi Valley. This 141-acre park features lush green spaces and recreational facilities for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The park’s walking trails offer scenic views and opportunities for light exercise.
A notable feature is the park’s amphitheater, which hosts community events and concerts throughout the year. The on-site Rancho Simi Pool provides a refreshing spot during warmer months.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s native plant garden, showcasing local flora. The park also houses a skate plaza, popular among local youth and skateboarding enthusiasts.
Combining Sightseeing with Local Brews
Simi Valley’s attractions pair well with its burgeoning craft beer scene. Many local breweries offer tasting rooms with views of nearby landmarks.
Visitors can plan their brewery tours around the city’s key sights. Some breweries feature outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a cold beer after exploring attractions.
Local tour companies often combine brewery visits with trips to popular Simi Valley destinations. This allows visitors to experience the best of both worlds – sightseeing and craft beer tasting.
Some breweries collaborate with local attractions for special events. These might include beer gardens at community festivals or themed brews inspired by Simi Valley landmarks.
For those preferring a self-guided experience, many breweries offer take-away options. This allows visitors to enjoy local craft beers while picnicking at scenic spots around Simi Valley.
Visitor Information
Simi Valley offers beer enthusiasts a welcoming environment with diverse craft beer options and comfortable lodging choices. The city’s layout and accommodations cater to both short-term visitors and those planning extended stays.
Navigating Simi Valley
Simi Valley’s compact size makes it easy to explore. Major roads like Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road connect key areas. Public transit options include Simi Valley Transit buses, covering main routes and attractions.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. Many craft breweries are within walking distance of each other in the central business district. Renting a car can be convenient for visiting outlying breweries or exploring nearby natural areas.
Accommodations and Stays
Simi Valley provides a range of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets. Hotels near the 118 Freeway offer easy access to local attractions and breweries. Popular chains like Best Western and Grand Vista Hotel provide comfortable stays with amenities.
For longer visits, vacation rentals and Airbnb options are available in residential areas. These can offer a more home-like experience and often include kitchen facilities. Some rentals are within walking distance of craft beer spots.
Camping enthusiasts can find sites at nearby Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, combining outdoor recreation with proximity to urban amenities and craft breweries.
