Ahead of International Beer Day on 4th August, Anaheim – California’s City of Imagination – is celebrating its growing brewery and bar scene as Villains Brewing Co. becomes the latest addition to its craft beer scene. A concept created in pioneering California, International Beer Day has grown into a worldwide celebration across 80 countries and six continents, with Anaheim as one of the fastest growing craft beer scenes in the USA and more breweries than any other city in Orange County.
Anaheim’s top craft breweries to sip and savour:
Newly opened, Villains Brewing Company boasts a wide range of beer selections and food menus from rotating restaurants on the ‘Villain’s Layer’ patio, as well as quick bite options from Villains Food Hall, home to Birdhaus, Hotbox Burgers and BBQ, and One.Dope.Pizza. Visitors can cool down with a list of 10+ craft beer and seltzer options to sip by the onsite pool. Co-owned by Isaias Hernandez of the region’s growing food chain Smoke & Fire, and respected brewer, Brad Kominek, the tagline of Villains Brewing Co. is ‘brewed with Villainous intent.’ The craft beer list features regionally inspired options including double West Coast IPA called Brethren of Filth and a Mexican lager, Saca La Bolsita.
Golden Road Brewing is ideally situated across from Angels stadium, making it the ideal brew pub for game days, with more than 30 taps and new innovations crafted directly onsite. Boasting a large outdoor patio, the brewery is family and dog friendly, with yard games to enjoy in the sun and plenty of shaded seating. With tropical IPAs, Mango fruit beer, Boysenberry Wheat ales as well as hard seltzers, the menu offers plenty of refreshing pours.
With the word ‘heim’ meaning ‘home’, Brewheim’s ethos is all about family and welcomes visitors to its craft beer loving community with open arms. Located close to Angels stadium, the brewery currently has 15 beers on tap as well as home brewed seltzers. Its range of pours includes local references, such as Angels Red Ale; Pitch Clock is Too Damn Fast; California Streamin’ and Brew Berry.
Ballast Point Brewing Company in the Downtown Disney District serves award-winning creative craft brews and a locally inspired food menu with kid-friendly options for those who are seeking somewhere to enjoy a local beer after a day at Disney with the family. Starting in 1996 as a group of homebrewers, Ballast Point Brewing has expanded to three taprooms in their home city, San Diego, with Anaheim as one of three outposts in wider California. Watermelon Dorado and award winning Grapefruit Sculpin are two of the year-round fruit inspired beers, with limited edition options also available.
A short drive away from the main Anaheim area, the La Palma Beer Trail is one of the few places in Southern California where you can easily walk from brewery to brewery – highlights here include Brewery X and Bruery Terreux Tasting Room.
Must-visit Anaheim Bars:
If beer isn’t your preferred drink of choice, then Anaheim has plenty of other bars and speakeasy’s oozing with personality, and breathtaking views, where you can enjoy a tipple.
Strong Water: A hidden, award-winning Tiki bar blends elaborate design with cocktails served in skull shaped cups and a full Tiki experience from the moment you walk in. A host will explain Strong Water’s concept to you before taking you to your seat. You’re not entering a bar, but a sunken pirate ship full of treasure – in liquid form.
The Blind Rabbit: Once you’ve found the secret door in Anaheim’s Packing District, step down into this dimly lit rabbit hole, The Blind Rabbit, for a range of colourful and creative cocktails. Inspired by the Prohibition era, this speakeasy has a dedicated Absinthe section to its menu and libations can be paired with a mouthwatering food menu with highlights including Duck Confit Mac & Cheese and Croissant Bread Pudding.
Hammer Workshop and Bar: Within Anaheim’s Packing House, Hammer Workshop and Bar can be found within an insta-worthy tin shed setting, where hipsters can enjoy a delectable craft cocktail and beer menu with a casual dress code.
Drinks with a view: Anaheim’s leading original rooftop spot, The FIFTH Rooftop Bar, has welcomed a string of new and stylish rooftop bars and restaurants in the past few years. The ideal perch for viewing evening firework displays from Disneyland Park, or the coloured dancing fountains of Disney’s California Adventure Park’s World of Color – minus the crowds and with the addition of a cocktail in hand. Try Top of the V on the roof of The Viv Hotel for its signature Spanish inspired gin and tonic with some pintxos; The Parkestry Rooftop Bar at the brand new JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort is the tallest of the rooftops, exuding garden party vibes as soon as you step out of the elevator; and RISE Lounge atop The Westin Anaheim Resort has panoramic views of Disney’s California Adventure Park for the ultimate firework views.
Anaheim Pass
Anaheim’s Brew Pass is available for visitors to download for free and receive savings and deals across its breweries. Plus, if you’re visiting Anaheim soon, and are one of the first to attain 300 points on the Anaheim Brew Pass (which amounts to two brewery visits), you could also be heading home with a commemorative Anaheim beer stein as a bonus. But hurry, the offer is only valid for a limited time.
For more information about Anaheim, see www.visitanaheim.org.
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