Im going to be in the LA area in a few weeks. I'm looking for recommendations of a place to celebrate my homebrewer hubby's birthday along with our 2 kiddos. We're staying in Long Beach but are willing to travel a bit. The kids are really well behaved and as long as its a place that kids would not be completely out of place we can make it work. Food beyond pub grub would only plus the day. Thanks in advance!
It sounds like you're looking for Beachwood BBQ in downtown LB. Best draft list in SoCal, really good quality BBQ and kid friendly.
Thanks Karros279! Our friends in the area reccomended Beachwood too. That is definitely on our Must Do list. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated!
You can simply search this site and find dozens of places in the greater Long Beach/Orange County/Los Angeles area. One thing about SoCal...you've got to be willing to drive! Stay away from driving during rush hours (about 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and about 3:30 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m.) and you may be able to get around without too much trouble. The Bruery in Placentia has a new tasting room that's fun if you're from out of town and don't get a lot of Bruery things. There are dozens of very good beer bars all over the southland (just investigate on BeerAdvocate and you'll find dozens). However, and while there are lots of good restaurants with great tap lists, I'm a big fan of Boneyard Bistro in the San Fernando Valley. World class BBQ; very good bistro fare, as well (and all from a classically trained chef!) and about 40+ taps of all first class craft beer. There is no "filler" or common brews and I'm sure that you and your husband will have a great time and the kids will be welcome at all hours. (You might also be lucky enough to see a few celebraties (sp?) who frequent the place with regularity). All in all you're sure to have a good time but it will take you about 45 minutes from Long Beach. Otherwise, look for the highly rated places on this site. Most of the people who review actually know what they're doing and do a great job. Of course, if you drive down to San Diego area.....that's another world for beer!
May I recommend the Seal Beach Beachwood location as opposed to Long Beach (only because I'm a sucker for their bottle list-and I imagine your husband will be as well). They are pretty close to one another (especially by LA standards), so you could easily hit Long Beach and Seal Beach in the same day. Seal Beach won't have as many Beachwood beers on tap, but they'll have a few.
If you want to stay in that area, both Beachwood locations are far and away your best bets. if you're traveling, then pizza port is also an awesome spot. If you head up to LA that opens up a whole different can of delicious worms, from Mohawk Bend and Golden Road to Golden State, Library Alehouse, and more.
+1 for beachwood. great tap, stellar food, & super kid friendly, it's a triple threat combo hit. also if you swing by provisions there's haven gastropub across the street as well as other food options around the orange circle with lots of fun stores to pop into for a look, cheers!
Long Beach and it's neighbors are becoming world class craft destinations. As noted LB branch of BW is a must, consecration ale house is great, in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, hit up Zimmzys, Tavern on 2, and Quinns. All are walking distance from each other and have great taps and very good to excellent food. Seal Beach branch of Beechwood is less than 5 minutes from Belmont Shore, it's the original location and still my fave, as noted insane tap list and world class BBQ. Cheers......
About 20-25 minutes south in Santa Ana is a new-ish restaurant called The Playground. They have 15 rotating micro beers on tap - all of which are California beers. Also, their menu changes daily and is usually spectacular. Here is their website: http://playgrounddtsa.com/
+1 for Beachwood Seal Beach +1 for Bruery Tap Room and the Bruery Provisions in the Orange Circle. http://www.brueryprovisions.com/ One benefit for hitting up the Bruery in the Orange Circle is that you can go to Hollingshead also. Only open during the week though. http://hollingsheadsdeli.com/Home.html Another very good place to go for a great bottle and tap list is the Crow Bar in Corona Del Mar. A bit of a drive down south, but it is on PCH and you will already be on PCHish area if you are staying in Long Beach plus you get to see all the great cities along the way. http://thecrowbarcdm.com/
BEACHWOOD BBQ in Seal Beach BEACHWOOD BREWING & BBQ in Long Beach If you go to the Long Beach Beachwood you also have Congregational Ale House 100 feet over. If you hit up the Seal Beach location then drive the 3 extra minutes to Whole Foods on PCH and hit up Josh for some great beer selection to take back with you. But any of the Beachwood is highly recommended.
