The 805's Quiet Rise as a Craft Beer Destination
While the 805 is perhaps better known for its wine country, the region has developed a thriving and genuinely exciting craft beer scene over the past decade. From hop-forward IPAs to Belgian-inspired ales and coastal lagers, local breweries across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are producing world-class beers in settings that are hard to beat.
Here's your guide to the breweries worth making a special trip for — and a few that deserve to be your new local.
Ventura County's Standout Breweries
Ventura County Brewing (Ventura)
Located in the heart of downtown Ventura, this brewery has become a cornerstone of the local scene. Their taproom is spacious, dog-friendly, and regularly hosts live music and community events. The beer lineup covers a wide range of styles, with rotating seasonal offerings that keep regulars coming back.
Surf Brewery (Ventura)
One of the pioneering craft breweries in Ventura County, Surf Brewery has been crafting approachable, surf-culture-inspired beers for years. Their taproom is relaxed and welcoming — the kind of place you can show up in sandy flip-flops after a session at the beach.
Institution Ale Company (Camarillo & Ventura)
With multiple locations across the region, Institution Ale Company has grown into one of the most recognizable brewery brands in the 805. Their beers are consistently well-made and range from easy-drinking pale ales to more adventurous barrel-aged releases.
Santa Barbara County's Brewing Scene
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (Multiple Locations)
Figueroa Mountain is arguably the flagship craft brewery of Santa Barbara County, with locations in Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos, and beyond. Their Davy Brown Ale and Figueroa Mountain IPA are regional staples. The Buellton brewpub is particularly worth a visit for its combination of great beer, solid food, and proximity to wine country — making it an ideal stopping point on a Santa Ynez Valley day trip.
Pure Order Brewing Company (Santa Barbara)
A newer addition to the Santa Barbara scene, Pure Order has quickly made a name for itself with technically precise, thoughtfully crafted beers. Their taproom has an urban, design-forward aesthetic that feels right at home in Santa Barbara's Arts District.