The best breweries in Los Angeles in 2026 are Monkish Brewing and Smog City in Torrance, Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown, Arts District Brewing downtown, Beachwood in Long Beach and MacLeod Ale in Van Nuys for British-style cask ales. Torrance has the biggest cluster of taprooms, so it makes an easy brewery crawl.
LA's craft beer scene is centered on the South Bay, especially Torrance, with strong taprooms downtown, on the Eastside and in the Valley. Most are casual, family- and dog-friendly in the afternoon.
Hazy IPAs and Belgian-style ales with a cult following.
Monkish is a Torrance brewery famous for hazy IPAs and Belgian-inspired beers. Can releases draw lines.
The taproom is in an industrial park.
Good to know: Check the release schedule for new cans.
20311 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
Award-winning ales from a South Bay pioneer.
Smog City Brewing in Torrance makes a wide range of styles, from IPAs to barrel-aged sours and stouts.
It has a few taproom locations.
Good to know: Try a flight to taste across styles.
1901 Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
One of LA's most respected breweries, with a big Chinatown taproom.
Highland Park Brewery started in the back of a Highland Park bar and now brews at a large Chinatown space with a taproom and patio.
Its hoppy pale ales and lagers are among the best in the city.
Good to know: The Chinatown taproom is near the Gold Line station.
1220 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
A big taproom with skee-ball and pub food.
Arts District Brewing is a large brewery taproom in a former warehouse, with games including skee-ball and a kitchen.
It is a lively spot for groups.
Good to know: Weekends get busy; weekday afternoons are calmer.
828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
British-style cask ales in a Valley pub atmosphere.
MacLeod Ale specializes in traditional British-style ales, many served from casks at cellar temperature.
The taproom feels like a pub.
Good to know: Try a cask ale to taste the difference.
14741 Calvert St, Van Nuys, CA 91411
California common lagers in a Glendale warehouse.
Brewyard specializes in California common beers, a historic lager style fermented warm, served in a casual taproom.
It is a unique style to try.
Good to know: Ask for a taste of the California common.
906 Air Way, Glendale, CA 91201
An award-winning Long Beach brewery.
Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach is known for IPAs and award-winning beers, with a taproom downtown.
It is a key stop for beer fans in Long Beach.
Good to know: Check the taproom hours before visiting.
210 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802
Torrance in the South Bay has the biggest concentration, led by Monkish and Smog City. Highland Park Brewery is the top pick in central LA.
Many taprooms allow kids and dogs during the day. Check each brewery's policy.
A beer naturally carbonated and served from a cask without extra gas. MacLeod Ale in Van Nuys specializes in British-style cask ales.
Some have kitchens; others host food trucks. Check before you go hungry.
Arts District Brewing and Highland Park Brewery's Chinatown taproom are both within a few minutes of downtown.