Thursday, August 5, 2010

International Beer Day!

As if you needed another excuse to drink beer, August 5th has apparently been designated International Beer Day.




In honor of this ever so durable and delicious intoxicating beverage, I give you a list of the best beer bars in LA.  The fact that such a list can even be compiled here is a testament to the rapid growth of craft beer culture in these parts. Over half of the places on this list have opened their doors in the last five years.

1. Blue Palms Brewhouse, Hollywood *
2. The Surly Goat, West Hollywood
3. Verdugo Bar, Glassell Park
4. Father's Office, Culver City & Santa Monica*
5. Tony's Darts Away, Burbank*
6. The Daily Pint, Santa Monica
7. Lucky Baldwin's, Pasadena*
8. Wurstkuche, Little Tokyo/Arts District*
9. Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach*
10. Laurel Tavern, Sherman Oaks*

Blue Palms nabs the top spot both for quality and proximity (I can walk there), but every one on this list merits repeat visits.  Locations marked with a star also serve excellent food, which is also what makes Beachwood worth the drive.    Verdugo often has food trucks parked outside the premises and has a great backyard patio.  Blue Palms and Verdugo also get extra points for their beer fridges, which are stocked with excellent bottles to go.

Prost!