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Toes in the sand, beer in your hand.
When visitors think of Ventura County Coast, they most likely imagine white-capped waves and palm trees swaying on a golden beach. But our beautiful communities are also known for their golden (and amber and brown) ales. Diehard craft beer lovers and those just looking for a refreshing experience will all love sipping brews in Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme. Below is just a sampling of what Ventura County Coast has to offer, broken down by city.
Camarillo
In Camarillo, it’s all about relationships. Both of the city’s beloved breweries are family owned and operated, at the locations offer a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Institution Ale Company
3841 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo
Started by two brothers, Institution Ale Company is a popular neighborhood hangout that has grown to a business with 45 employees and distribution routes to local restaurants. The brewery specializes in American ales in a variety of styles both modern and traditional.
Popular beer: Institution IPA, their flagship beer and namesake, is a West Coast Style IPA that’s “crisp, dry, bitter and bursting with hop flavor.”
Flat Fish Brewing Company
126 N. Wood Rd #100, Camarillo Camarillo
Flat Fish Brewing Company and Cantara Cellars make up Camarillo Barrelworks, a family-owned producer of premium wines and beer all under one roof. The brewery offers an eclectic assortment of beers, including pale ales and lagers, British and American brown ales, IPAs and more. The barrel room is popular for weddings and other events.
Popular beer: Devil Trout Stout, “a delicious, drinkable stout with “creamy coffee and chocolate flavors.”
Photo Credit: Flat Fish Brewing Company
Oxnard
Oxnard’s boutique breweries combine laid-back beach vibes and unique, specialty beers to create an enjoyable experience for couples, families, and friends.
Casa Agria Specialty Ales
701 N. Del Norte Blvd. #310, Oxnard
Feeling a little adventurous? Casa Agria is the place to go for farmhouse style ales, barrel aged wild ales, and yeast driven India pale ales. The tasting room is kid- and dog-friendly and offers dozens of beers, including draft and cellar selections
Popular beer: Huerta Farmhouse Ale Saison, which starts as the house saison, Pinot de la Casa, and is aged in freshly dumped Pinot Noir barrels for nearly a year.
Red Tandem Brewery
1009 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Red Tandem Brewery is named after the red, tandem bicycle belonging to the husband and wife owners. The self-proclaimed “nanobrewery” serves seven high-quality ales, ranging in style and color, brewed on-site and served in the tasting room.
Popular beer: Double C-Hag, an Imperial IPA, which “achieves excellent balance with its intense hops load.”
Ventura
Home to dozens of breweries, Ventura is a beer lover’s delight. An added bonus: Most of the breweries are located in clusters throughout town, making them great for tasting trips or crawls.
Made West Brewing Company
668 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura
Located atop the historic Ventura Pier, Made West is one of the most popular craft breweries for locals and visitors. Aside from having the best ocean views in town, the brewery hosts a nice selection of award winning beers.
Popular beer: American IPA, This West Coast IPA is loaded with a fresh tropical fruit character.
Topa Topa Brewing Company
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Topa Topa Brewing Company draws inspiration from the great outdoors (it’s named after the Topa Topa Mountain range) and quality ingredients. Some core draft offerings include an IPA, pale ale, hybrid lager, and nitro milk stout.
Popular beer: Chief Peak IPA, which has “tropical, dank, and grapefruit” notes.
Port Hueneme
This casual, cool beachside town is the perfect place to relax with a cold beer in hand. The only question is whether to pair your brew with a slice of pizza or a juicy burger…
Pizza Man Dan’s
307 E Port Hueneme Rd, Port Hueneme
Pizza and beer is a pair that withstands the test of time. Complement your slice with a refreshing Corona or enjoy wings, mozzarella sticks and the classic taste of an IPA.
Popular beer: 805 is a crisp, light beer that’s perfect for the chill California lifestyle.
Plan Your Trip
So where are you starting first? Take a trip to Ventura County Coast to stir up an unforgettable and delicious cocktail adventure.
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