5 Great Breweries In Ventura For Amazing Local Beers
California is well known for its quality wine, but for beer lovers, Ventura is home to some of the best breweries on the Central Coast. These are the top breweries in Ventura where you’ll find carefully concocted craft beers to please a variety of tastes.
Each of these breweries has a unique approach to brewing and offers much more than just beer. Some of the following have a taproom on-site, all offer brewery tours, and the sheer choice of styles, types, and strengths of beer across these five breweries paint a great picture of the variety.
The California brewing industry is on a roll right now, so here’s a selection of the finest craft brewers in Ventura that you’ll want to visit!
1. Best For Creative Brews – Ventura Coast Brewing Company
Founded by beer lovers for beer lovers, the Ventura Coast Brewing Company (VCBC) has a strong loyal following. Boasting the renowned skills of Dan White as the head brewer you are spoilt for choice whether dropping into the taproom to sample a pint or visiting the shop to stock up for home (check out the opening times on the website as well as the brews currently on sale).
The friendly ambiance of VCBC gives it a modern vibe yet one that is steeped in the traditions of brewing. Using choice ingredients and not being afraid to experiment brings you the likes of Arctic Haze, a simply delectable 7.1% IPA that is tasty and as fresh as it gets.
One of the local favorites is the colossal Life Day, an Imperial Stout that is packed with flavor. Visit once and you’ll be hooked on this amazing brewery!
Location: 76 South Oak St. Ventura, CA93001
Instagram: @vcbcbeer
2. Best For Craft Delights – Topa Topa Brewing Co
If you’re looking for a craft beer brewery that is famed for delicious and often unusual flavors, the Topa Topa Brewing Co is one for your shortlist.
I love to take my dog to the Ventura taproom and sample whatever new brews they have, and I’ve never been disappointed. With a top team of highly experienced brewers, Topa Topa has a reputation for ingenuity that they like to keep on top of.
Chief Peak IPA is one of the core range of beers. With its delicious citrus notes and tropical flavors, this beautifully light-colored 7% craft beer hits right home with its hoppy overtones.
Whether buying from the shop or sampling a few, we recommend you take the brewery tour and get to know the location & charming crew more, as you’ll definitely be coming back!
Location: 4880 Colt St, Ventura, CA 93003
Website: Topatopa.beer
Instagram: @topatopabrewingco
3. Best For Community Spirit – Seaward Brewing
A calendar of regular events such as trivia nights, barbeques, and cheese & beer gatherings brings locals back to the wonderful Seaward Brewing Company. If there’s one brewery that does fun to the limit it’s these guys!
With a range of beers made from quality ingredients and by talented brewers, you’re guaranteed something special when they announce a new product here. Founded by a group of beer and fun-loving friends, the Seaward Brewing aims to be a community brewer that shines through.
Check out the friendly taproom for a revolving selection of top-quality beers currently including the delicious High Tide, a hazy double IPA that is big on hops and hits home at 8%. Or go to the shop for take-outs including the Seaward standard California Sun, a stunning dry-hopped pilsner like no other.
If you’re looking for a great time, I highly recommend Seaward as a place to visit for a fun evening.
Location: 1920 Goodyer Avenue, Venture, CA 93003
Website: Seawardbrewing.com
Instagram: @seawardbrewing
4. Best For European Style Beers – Transmission Brewing
Founded by lovers of German and European pilsners and lagers, Transmission Brewing expert team has created some of the best European-style beers you will find anywhere on the California coast.
Not only that, but they have a top-notch taproom which is big on welcome and comfort for those who wish to sample their latest products. Quality is a constant feature of Transmission beers!
If European is your thing, then this is the brewery for you. Among the favorites is 3rd Wheel, a lager based on traditional Viennese brewing methods with a gorgeous crisp sweetness and a light finish at 5.6%.
IPA fans will feel right at home here, and I recommend the 7 Speed Hazy IPA which simply bursts with citrus notes and is nicely balanced at 7%. There’s a lot to choose from and try at Transmission so be prepared to visit many times!
Location: 1098 E Front Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Website: Transmissionbrewing.com
Instagram: @transmissionbrewing
5. Best For Big Flavors – Poseidon Brewing Company
Founder and head brewer of the Poseidon Brewing Company, Brian Oliver, began studying brewing methods while stationed overseas with the US Navy. The fruits of his passion, and that of the expert team he has assembled, are to be seen in every aspect of Poseidon from the fun and informative brewery tours to the wonderfully informal tasting room, AKA ‘Davy Jones’ Locker.’
Poseidon is all about stunning beers with full-on flavors. Take the mighty Dirty Diver Double IPA with its 8% kick and hops to the fore, a traditional style of IPA with the Poseidon touch.
For something lighter you might try Ironclad Irish Red Ale, made as Irish ales always are, and with flavors that only red ales can give you. This is a brewery that welcomes you in with open arms and wants to keep you there and remains a firm local favorite.
Location: 5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q, Ventura, CA 93003
Website: Poseidonbrewingco.com
Instagram: @poseidonbrewingco
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One Comment
Ventura Coast Brewing Company
Great writeup! Thanks for taking the time to highlight Ventura’s robust beer culture. We’re happy you enjoyed your exploration.