Craftheads rejoice…

SC Ale works 1 Santa Cruz Ale Works

Located at the base of the UCSC trails and a short jaunt north of downtown. Perfect place for a post ride fine crafted brew and some house made delectable deli.  –  “I’ve been brewing either in class or as a working brewer for over 12 years. That being almost a third of my time on this quaint, little rock probably constitutes a way of life…..We are all about the proliferation of good beer.” – Marc, founder/head brewer

lupulo-logoLupulo Tap House and Kitchen

Fun and lively tap house featuring a wide array of unique taps and delicious tapas style food. Located near the heart of downtown, it’s a great place to kick off a great evening or make it a destination itself.  –  “Throughout our many years in the beer community we have cultivated relationships with brewers near and far. As a result we are able to offer a thoughtful and constant rotation of hard-to-get beers.” 

pour-taproom-logo-red

Pour Taproom

Right in the heart of downtown with a great selection of local unique brews, delicious food and even wines on tap from an intuitive self-serve system. Sip, taste, have a full pint or two….it’s all up to you! Lively community table style atmosphere and perfect for bringing little ones as well.  –  “Although our tap list ranges the world, we love our Santa Cruz craft scene. That’s why we locally source many of our beers, wines, and ciders…….we raise our glasses to the marriage of craft tradition and innovation.”

HumbleSea Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Not far from the Santa Cruz Bicycles headquarters on the westside of SC will you find this little gem to satisfy your inner beer nerd. Born from three young local amigos, featuring thoughtful and artfully crafted delicious brews ranging from Saison’s, West Coast IPA’s to the Verve Coffee Breakfast Stout! Come enjoy the evening sun on their outdoor patio and sail off into the sunset….  –  “A brewery that gives a shit…In 2009, Humble Sea Brewery began in the side yard of a seedy dwelling. Nick regularly brewed, using his friends as a testing ground. Seven years later, Nick’s dream sprung forward like a weed with just enough sunlight.”

scm-brewing-neonSanta Cruz Mountain Brewing

Calling all beer loving hippies! This classic long-time staple of the Santa Cruz craft scene has been brewing fine organic ales for over 13 years. Just a stones throw from West End Tap & Kitchen and around the corner from Humble Sea. Park the bikes next to the outdoor beer garden, grab $5 happy hour pints noon-1pm or 5-6pm and try some tasty $2 tacos on Tuesdays.  –  “Brewed in the traditional fashion by our family owned and operated brewery, these ales are not filtered, not pasteurized, not radiated, and not brewed with any genetically modified ingredients. Yes, our beer is organic, but don’t be afraid.”

NUBONew Bohemia Brewing Co.

If you’re out on the eastside enjoying the Pleasure Point area, NuBo is a must stop! Specializing in European-style craft brews, their head brewer Dan Satterthwaite comes with some serious brewing pedigree. Honing his craft, studying and interning through Chicago, Munich and working professionally for Trumer Pils and Gordon Biersch. Situated just down the road from the famous pleasure point surf spot. With a wide range of styles, Nubo is sure to capture the hearts of the craft fanatic and the casual punter alike.  –  “A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure.” -Czech proverb

discretion-brewing-logoDiscretion Brewing

Becoming a local favorite over the past several years. Family owned and operated, Discretion offers exquisitely crafted organic beers, harvesting sustainable solar energy to power the brewing operations. Not only are the beers thoughtfully crafted and delicious, their food is notable in its own right. Not being satisfied with your average pub fair, the Discretion family forged a perfect compliment to their organic beer. Shortly after opening, the chef-inspired Kitchen at Discretion was born, featuring a seasonally changing farm-to-table organic menu.  –  “When science and art are skillfully wedded, delicious consistency, clean balance, exciting flavors and aromas result.”