Famously, Santa Cruz County locals have been comprised of surfers always in search of the ultimate wave, guitar-toting hippies with tie-dyed ‘Keep Santa Cruz Weird’ shirts, and tree-huggers of slightly scorched redwoods. But now, brewery fanatics can be added to that list!
This famous California County is home to one of the best up-and-coming brewery scenes in the state. The secret to their success? Keeping it local!
Stretching from the San Lorenzo River Valley to Watsonville, Santa Cruz County is, of course, known for its beaches and redwoods (and the possibility of vampires hiding around the Boardwalk), but people often forget about its abundant farmland. Berries make up a large percentage of crops grown, but there are also orchards, vineyards, and many vegetable fields that dot this section of California’s coast. Local breweries quickly learned that using these crops both strengthened the bonds of community, as well as the taste of their beers.
But, it doesn’t stop there. Many of these breweries have fully committed to their neighborhoods and feature local art on their walls, as well as musical acts. Often, many pair with a nearby restaurant or bakery to help support their brewery, or partner with the local food truck scene.
Truly, keeping it local is the name of the game (and of their success).
The Breweries
Shanty Shack Brewing
Location: 138 Fern Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes.
This long-beloved spot located (somewhat awkwardly) near the local Costco is a nano-brewery with an abundance of charm. Great care has clearly gone into both the beer and the decor, with local art displayed on the walls, and plants purposefully grown around the patio so as to reflect the ingredients used in the brews. Their beer is meant to explore, with tastes from around the world and unusual methods of brewing applied.
Shanty Shack is a bit of a hidden brewery for tourists, but it’s well-known to locals – with regional musicians playing on their patio and much-loved food trucks parked outside. Additionally, they host pop-ups chefs as well as art nights, open mics, and other fun activities for their customers.
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Location/s:
- Brewery and Taproom – 103 Kennedy Drive, Capitola, CA, 95010
- Santa Cruz Portal – 1315 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
- Oakland Arbor – 460 8th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes, at all locations.
With multiple locations to enjoy, Sante Adairius has quickly become a favorite local spot. Influenced by Belgian brewing traditions, their beer is barrel aged (typically in old wine barrels) and these barrels can be seen all throughout the locations, for decoration, for tables, and for aging beer, of course.
This brewery offers food, but it differs at each location. The Santa Cruz location showcases Bookies Pizza, which has been praised for its allergy inclusive menu. The Capitola location has a rotating selection of local eats on certain days, but otherwise allows outside food to be brought in. Finally, the Oakland location offers a small menu, but customers have been sure to mention the Belgian waffle as a highlight.
Buena Vista Brewing Co.
Location: 65 Hangar Way D, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes.
Although more than one brewery in Santa Cruz County could be considered to be a family-ran or family-owned business, Buena Vista Brewing Co. truly makes it part of their identity. But, it’s not just family that makes their company stand out, it’s the influence of their Mexican heritage. In their words, the mix of their heritage in their brews can be described as, “Distinct flavors with BOLD expressions.”
Due to their location, this brewery benefits from the surrounding farmland and uses all local suppliers. Also, like many of the breweries, they also partner with regional food trucks. With comfy couches and chairs, their taproom is a perfect place to grab a brew and watch a game with friends and family.
Discretion Brewing
Location: 2703 41st Ave Ste. A, Soquel, CA, 95073
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes.
This brewery is on a mission to see how they can making brewing beer as sustainable as possible. Ingredients are picked with care from farms that specifically use sustainable farming, the spent grain is sent to pig farms for their use, and the owners have decided to place a large emphasis on lowering water usage and investing in solar power.
But, Discretion Brewing is, of course, more than that. Carrying a much-loved food menu with distinct Italian influences (ran by Sugo Italian Restaurant), the space also holds its own library and is notable for a clear absence of televisions. Instead, they host live music, movie Mondays, trivia Tuesdays, and more – focusing on building bonds with their community.
Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Location/s:
- Humble Sea Brewing Co. – 820 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Humble Sea Brewing & Kitchen – 5560 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA, 94044
- Humble Sea Beer Garden at the Wharf – 45 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Humble Sea Brewing Co. – 2350 Saratoga St. #164, Alameda, CA, 94501
- The Tavern – 6256 CA-9, Felton, CA, 95018
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes at all locations. The Wharf location is ONLY outside.
Perhaps the most famous brewery in Santa Cruz County, Humble Sea has multiple locations, a subscription list, and an insane amount of merchandise – thus cementing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the craft beer scene. They pride themselves on being offbeat and weird ‘kooks,’ and their beer (and the names of their beer) reflects this.
However, Humble Sea is not just a brewery for fellow kooks, it’s also for those who are passionate about the environment. They have specifically stated that, “We like to think of our beer as a vehicle for change,” and, as such, they have raised money to support causes they’re passionate about (often revolving around the ocean). In addition to their beer and their causes, all of Humble Sea’s locations offer food, either in the form of a in-house restaurant or (more often) a secession of rotating food trucks.
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Location: 402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes, the majority is outdoor seating.
This unassuming little brewery is seemingly easy to pass over, due to its close proximity to the famous powerhouse that is the Humble Sea brewery as well as how it’s nestled in a group of other well-known eateries, wine bars, bakeries, and more – BUT, this brewery is not to be taken lightly. Yes, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery is small, but it feels intimate and cozy, with outdoor seating that boasts heaters and a casual, friendly attitude that every employee seems to carry.
Additionally, although the space is surrounded by popular restaurants and a savvy food truck, its own food menu (created through a partnership with Kelly’s Bakery) can be a highlight of your trip there. However, if you aren’t interested in what they’re offering, they do allow outside food to be brought in as well.
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
Location: 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes.
This cozy brewery is slightly newer on the Santa Cruz streets, but it has proven to be a hidden gem with a deep love and fascination with beer. Each small batch of craft beer reflects the company’s desire to constantly evolve and use their knowledge to expand the limits of what beer is capable of. But of course, beer is often paired best with food, and good food at that. Luckily, that’s where Sampa Brazilian Kitchen comes in.
Like many Santa Cruz breweries, Woodhouse Blending & Brewing also houses a heartfelt desire to showcase the beauty of their community – namely through local art displayed on the walls. But, they’ve recently also been able to fight for their right to play music and they now host regional musicians as well.
Corralitos Brewing Co.
Location: 2536 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Outdoor Area/Dog Friendly? Yes and yes.
If Humble Sea has the title of the most popular brewery in Santa Cruz County, Corralitos Brewing Co. certainly may have the title of the most well-regarded brewery. They’re the winner of the small brewpub brewer of the year and currently have 2 beers that were awarded gold and bronze at the Great American Beer Festival.
This spot, nestled snugly amongst orchards and farmland, is famous for experimentation and a focus on using local farmers for supplies. They use old wine barrels to age their beer and have experimented with growing some of their own hops, namely the McGrath hop, which had been grown on the lands previously. Additionally, they host pop-up food events and food trucks for their customers.
Honorable Mentions
Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House
Location: 2504 S Main St., Soquel, CA, 95073
Why Does This Not Count? It’s a pour house, not a brewery.
Why You Should Still Go: Although it has tricky parking, Beer Thirty is an exceptionally popular local meeting spot due to its beer garden (with heaters), outdoor area with games, 30 taps for trying, and over 300 bottles and cans for sale. The majority of the beer is also local, or at least made in California.
Santa Cruz Cider Company
Location: 65 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Why Does This Not Count? Cider houses are not technically considered to be breweries.
Why You Should Still Go: One of the only cider houses in the County, Santa Cruz Cider Company is a true family business – everything is made by the family, packaged by them, and even the apple are chosen by them (and found only in local orchards). The space is small, but it’s cozy and quirky with fun decorations and a free popcorn machine.
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Any questions? Comment below or contact me!