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Beach Brews
If you prefer hops to grapes, Santa Barbara has plenty on tap. The town's microbreweries are relatively young, but what they lack in age, they make up for in taste and creativity. There are five microbreweries within 15 minutes of the city, and one nestled in the heart of the valley. For all you beer lovers...here are some suggestions on great suds.
- Touring from south to north, you'll find the Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria, which crafts six brews, including the popular Island Blonde, a light Kolsch-style ale.
- There are four breweries in downtown Santa Barbara within about 10 blocks of each other. Visit the tasting room at Telegraph Brewing Company and sample four house beers and three seasonal blends; the crisp Golden Wheat Ale is a good bet all year long. Info: telegraphbrewing.com.
- Have lunch or dinner at the downtown Santa Barbara Brewing Company and wash down a juicy burger with State Street Stout, a dark-as night variety with mellow, creamy flavors. Info: sbbrewco.com.
- Situated just a short walk from Stearns Wharf downtown, the Brewhouse features upper-crust bar fare, live music, local artists' displays and 10 handcrafted brews on tap, as well as dozens of imports. Info: brewhousesb.com.
- Come for the burgers and stay for the beer at Hollister Brewing Company. It's one of Goleta's favorite restaurants thanks to its delicious microbrews like the sweet Orange Blossom Pilsner.
- Motor on over to the Taproom Restaurant at Firestone Walker Brewery & Tasting Room in the Santa Ynez Valley. Co-founded by Andrew Firestone (of "The Bachelor" fame, ladies), this award-winning beer maker is known for its pale ales, including the Pale 31, named "Best Pale in the World" by Men's Journal. Info: firestonewalker.com.
Author: Walker Kalan
