Full disclosure, I looked up first 5 pages of the Pacific threads for anything LA-related and I couldn't find answers to this specific question so I'll shoot: In San Francisco/Bay Area, we have a number of beer bars that have 25 - 50 taps, where those taps have a mix of lagers, hoppy, darks, sours and barrel-aged. (Basically the entire gamut.) I know LA and surrounding SoCal areas have tons of breweries... but when I google beer bars in LA and then look at their taplists... I find them rather lacking in variety, locality and quantity. Is there anything in LA like a Toronado in terms of beer selection? At Toronado SF, you'll find beers from some of the best local breweries most of the time (Cellarmaker, Fieldwork, Rare Barrel, Russian River, Sante Adairius) but I don't know if the LA scene has a semi-equivalent.
Although not quite a beer bar, Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach has one of the best local and out of state selections for the LA area. Yes they do serve some great bbq food but when they first opened they were a craft beer bar. http://beachwoodbbq.com/hopcam.html I’m sure some of the OC/LA area BA’s on here have other places to share. Glendale Tap House comes to mind. They have 50+ taps and a wide selection. Naja’s is another place with 70+ taps I believe. For me I like a place with 10-25 taps. I know when a fresh keg is on.
The Glendale Tap is somewhat like Toronado, both in selection and vibe, The Daily Pint on the West side might suit you, as well. Both update their taplists online regularly. And, like @dcgunman said, you can't go wrong at Beachwood.
Thinking about a true beer bar in the LA area, I would have to say Naja’s in Redondo Beach pier would probably be LA’s old school bar. San Fran has Toronado. Sun Diego has O’Brien’s Pub. What would be LA’s signature pub? Naja’s? Maybe Library AleHouse? If we go further to the Orange Curtain.....I would say Goat Hill Tavern and Hollingheads Deli. I would say Toronado or Zeitgeist would be my go to bars when I’m in San Francisco.
In addition to the bars mentioned above Tony's Darts Away, 38 Degrees, and Far Bar fit your description. Barbara's has a great selection of locals but "only" 18 taps. Then there are spots like Blue Palms, Surly Goat, Verdugo, Library, Father's Office, Lucky Baldwin's, Congregation, and Slater's which I would put in the second tier.
The Stout locations each have 25+ taps, strong on local stuff but also with interesting selections from around the world.
I would argue Tony's Darts away to be the closest thing to a classic Toronado-esque beer bar in LA. I am not a fan of Mohawk Bend.
why not? just curious. it's very similar to Tony's as far as beer lists etc.. to me Barbara's is the quintessential beer bar for LA. they may not have quite as many taps as others, but they always have a great list and the atmosphere is great. it says a lot that that's where lots of the local brewers go to drink
Mohawk Bend always has a huge list but I feel like I'm usually underwhelmed by most of the choices. I can usually find something I want to try though. I don't really like their food much, which is one of my main issues. Last time I was there I tried to order a beer and they said they were out of it, so I tried to order another and they said they were out of it. This happened six times in a row before I just ordered some dumb garbage. I still like the place all right. I'd rather go to Glendale Tap though.
Naja's and their 88 taps is probably the closest to Toronado. Often gruff bartenders, decent-to-bad food options, great views, excellent people watching, and the best selection of rare kegs that I have found. Paddleboarding around the harbor for an hour or two and then spending some time at Naja's is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
Used to ride over in the beach cruiser and park it right up front with all the other cruisers. Good times
I find it absolutely nothing like Tony's, but maybe I need to revisit. It has been several years since I was at Mohawk Bend. The few times I have been they had a shitload of Golden Road on tap. Pass.
I mean, they are owned by the same person. To me their beer lists and food menu have always been very similar. Plus they use the same glassware, serving styles etc.. I don't actually go to Mohawk much any more, but that's only because my girlfriend doesn't like the food so I'm of stuck. We live pretty close to there Not a bad list though (looks like they do have one Golden Road beer, which is sad) http://mohawk.la/beer-wine/ Here's Tony's http://www.tonysda.com/beer-on-tap/
I'm surprised no one mentioned Sunset Beer Co. in Echo Park. They usually have about nine different taps going on. They're also a bottle shop so if nothing tickles your fancy you can always grab something from the fridge to drink there.
