Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere but I was planning on taking the train up to the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara for the long weekend. Are there any "must visit" breweries I should know about? I've heard good things about Third Window and I've tried a beer or two from Figueroa Mountain. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
We enjoyed Topa Topa last time we were in the Funk Zone. Good, clean beers from a former Stone brewer I believe. As a side note, it seems many dislike the whole idea/concept of the Funk Zone. Not quite sure why except maybe gentrification?
I hope it isn't this weekend, could be tough to get there. Institution is opening up a place there but that will be a couple months, or Captain Fatty's, but they are in Goleta. GO DAWGS!
If it’s beer only, then: - Third Window - Grab a bottle of OKO Bomb if they still have it, excellent non-BA stout. Location is a 1 min. Uber drive from the Funk Zone - Fig Mountain - Topa Topa - They had a really good BA stout in the fridge when I was there in October - Lama Dog - A great beer bar and drunk food that shares a wall with Topa Topa - Brewery Rex - Brews on Third Window’s rig, but doesn’t have a taproom. You might be able to find their stuff at Lama Dog - Telegraph Brewing - A couple of blocks (quick walk) from Third Window. Never been or had any of their beers, but it’s close. I went to school up there and the Funk Zone was just a bunch of useless run down warehouses with a couple of small businesses sprinkled in. Not a lot of foot traffic to those businesses either. The only thing interesting was SB Winery. Personally I like what they’ve done with the area. There wasn’t much housing to begin with in that area, and as I mentioned, most businesses weren’t really trafficked much, so no one got “pushed out” due to gentrification from what I can tell. Only issue is now is parking and crowds.
I'm alwyas surprised Third Window doesn't get more love; everything I've had there has been good to very good, including an chocolate-orange stout (Walkabout?) that kind of blew me away. Ask a bartender to tell you the story behind the name of the brewery . . . it's gruesome and fascinating.
Another vote for Third Window. I don't get up to Santa Barbara that often these days, but on the occasions I do I always try to stop at Third Window. Last time I was there (about 6 months ago) they had a pretty solid lineup of different styles.
Well the name itself is a turnoff. Although maybe there is a local story behind it that makes the name less hella lame. Have friends in Goleta, but didn't make it the Zone last time.
Third window - highly recommend. currently have a BBA porter on named after ummmmm ME, we had our wedding there Telegraph always has a solid line up including a few sours Topa topa and llama dog also good hits for staying in the area. Would hit captain fattys in goleta and brewLab in carp if you get the chance
Best to check if Amtrak is even getting there right now due to mudslides. Just saw that the 101 is closed both directions around Santa Barbara till Monday. Yeah, not likely gonna happen this weekend
