Our criteria for today’s list of top breweries is great beer, food, and activities to experience during your visit. Today, the options are endless when it comes to craft beer— the more you try, the more favorites you discover. If you are close to any of these locations on the West Coast, check their activity calendar, take a tour, eat at the brewpub, and grab a beer – you might discover a new favorite!!
Bolt Brewery
With two locations in San Diego, La Mesa and Little Italy, Bolt Brewery is credited as the first craft brewer in San Diego County. All the beer is brewed at the La Mesa location, and it’s worth a visit if you enjoy the beer garden atmosphere, live music, and weekly events. There is a rotating calendar of bands and food trucks.
Bolt Brewery
8179 Center Street
La Mesa, CA 91942
Boulder Beer Company
Colorado’s first craft brewery, Boulder Beer Company has been offering bold beers and entertaining guests since the late 70’s. They offer behind-the-scenes tours to get a look at the hand-crafted brewing process. As you learn the art of brewing, it’s amazing to think that there were only 42 other craft breweries in the country when they started. The Pub of the Wilderness is open for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Our advice is to take the free public brewery tour and then enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio with amazing views of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons.
Boulder Beer Company
2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder CO 80301
Deschutes Brewery
In 1988, the original Deschutes Public House was founded in downtown Bend, Oregon. Today, the Bend location has 19 taps and a menu featuring fresh ingredients, many sourced from local farmers, foragers and ranchers. Tours depart daily from the Tasting Room, and give an up close and personal look at the brewing process. If you won’t be in central Oregon soon, you can find a range of their beers in 29 States.
Deschutes Brewery
1044 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97703
Pyramid Brewing Co.
Started in 1984, Pyramid Brewing Co., is a fixture near Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. Whether there’s a home game or you are just looking for a hoppy beer, the Alehouse offers a selection of year-round beers, rotating seasonals, and features from their sister brewery, the Portland Brewing Company. Our advice is to order a Pyramid Sampler, choose your new favorite Pyramid Beer, and then check out the menu for some classic brew house cuisine.
Pyramid Brewing Co.
1201 First Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
Russian River Brewing Company
The original Russian River brewpub is in downtown Santa Rosa, California. The second location was opened in October 2018 in Windsor, California. Visit either location to enjoy their year-round, Belgian-inspired, barrel aged, and limited release offerings. Our recommendation is to make a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night at the downtown location for dinner and great beers. Or, for a fun afternoon, visit the new 85,000 square foot brewery, brewpub, outdoor beer garden, gift shop, and tasting room in Windsor. Take a tour of the new Windsor production facility, enjoy a pint in the beer garden and make some new friends with common interests— great beer!!
Russian River Brewing Company
725 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 700 Mitchell Ln
Windsor, CA 95492
