If you are planning that dream vacation to sunny California, then you will definitely want to check out some of the hottest pubs and hang outs to test out some of the greatest beers in California. California is simply a place like no other; from movie stars to turquoise seas and wondrous architecture, the sight seeing will exhaust you. So the best thing to do in the evenings is to relax and enjoy a brewsky, California style! Let’s take a look a few hot spots and beers that California has to brag about.
First and foremost is the California Beer Festival takes place in gorgeous Ventura, California. You can soak up the sun and drink all the beer you like from over 60 of the best brews from around the country. Local food and access to art vendors from Ventura County are just a footstep away and will be quite enjoyable for the beer enthusiast. The event takes place annually in September and all proceeds actually go to DARC, Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center, a low profit organization that funds programs for low income/at risk youth with learning and attention disabilities. The tickets are actually affordable which will include your tickets for beer sampling 60 brews along with live entertainment from 3 local bands and a comedian! Who can pass this up? For more information please visit www.californiabeerfestival. com
The cultural revolution of taste of beers is changing ever so quickly in California. Recently savvy and modern bartenders at venues have added new addition to their menus. The Blue Palms Brewhouse in Hollywood, Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park, 3rd Stop in Los Angeles, Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona del Mar and even a vegan restaurant in Melrose are convincing the “calorie-phobic” young women to try sophisticated beers infused with ginger and sage flavoring. I think this is rather interesting and really is a great way to introduce new beers to new audiences as well.
Next on my list is Gyu-Kaku, restaurant located in Beverly Hills 163 North La Cienega. I know what you must be thinking, oh its Beverly Hills, full of rich kids with high-dollar clothes and cars, so the beer is probably expensive too. Actually this restaurant is quite affordable with a casual dining atmosphere, you can expect to pay 30 dollars and up for a nice, decent meal under the Beverly Hills stars. The cuisine consist of Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas and small plates. You can enjoy your meal with Japanese Sake, Shochu and frosty cold beers. The restaurant also does small parties and accommodations for banquets also. Please visit www.gyu-kaku.com for more information and a full menu and to make reservations.
If you are headed to Malibu then a highly recommended beach bar is Dukes Malibu. The view has been reviewed to better than Seaworld (you can actually see the dolphins!) as you enjoy your lunch or dinner. It really has a relaxing and casual atmosphere while reminding you that you are still on vacation! You can enjoy plenty of beer or mai-tais while watching the sunset with that special someone. It is affordable as well and will memorable, its Malibu!
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Finally if you are headed a little further north than Malibu, I found an interesting place in San Diego, California. Shakespeare Pub and Grille boast of full calender events including all televised soccer matches. The beer list consist of plenty of Scottish and British beers, including Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale and Tennent’s Lager. The current beer special is Shock Top which is a Belgian White style beer which is a brewed wheat beer with orange peel and coriander. The beer is perfect for a hot night in San Diego! Please visit www.shakespearepub.com/menu for a full size menu.
I hope all of the hot spots sunny California has to offer will be on your list if you are headed out. I think that if I were to go to California I would need a personal jet to take me from city to city to enjoy all of the interesting and local pubs and events, with so many to choose from, I think that these few places are trendy and have kept up well with customer service and provide beers that are old and classic and beers that are new and invigorating!
