AAA Magazines

Create your own Oktoberfest with takeout from top Southern California craft breweries

Left Coast Brewing Company has two locations in Irvine and San Clemente. Left Coast Brewing Company has two locations, in Irvine and San Clemente. | Photo by 1360 Photo | Courtesy Left Coast Brewing

California lays claim as the birthplace of the American craft-beer brewing trend, and, according to the most recent count, the Golden State has more craft breweries—900-plus—than any other state. So it’s no surprise that Californians have high standards when it comes to their beer—and, of course, the food they enjoy with it.

Like everyone, craft brewers have had to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic, changing practices to comply with local and state ordinances. For now, nearly all have canceled brewery tours and indoor dining, but many of them offer outdoor seating and creative take-out and delivery options.

That means you can create a DIY Oktoberfest with special brews and tasty treats. These four establishments, from San Diego to Paso Robles, offer a delicious range of sips and eats to enjoy either on-site (if allowed) or at home.

1. The Original 40 Brewing Company

3117 University Avenue, San Diego; 619-255-7380.

Original 40 poutine fries

A serving of Original 40 poutine fries. | Photo by Jenny Mann Photography / Courtesy Alternative Strategies

The Original 40 Brewing Company is in the heart of San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, where craft brew options are abundant. Named for the original 1893 40-acre parcel of land that grew into the neighborhood, this brewpub offers a solid lineup of IPAs, lagers (the Mexican-style Los Cuerenta dark lager was a personal favorite), stouts, and refreshing, fruity hard seltzers to go in 32-ounce crowlers or 64-ounce growlers. The take-out menu features popular brewpub standbys—wings, ribs, chili, fries with beer cheese, and over-the-top poutine-style fries loaded with shredded short rib, beer cheese, and cheddar). Craving something lighter and brighter? They’ve got you covered with such options as pork belly bánh mì sandwiches or a seasonal grilled vegetable board with romesco, chimichurri, and other sauces.

You may also like: Best takeout restaurants in Southern California

2. Left Coast Brewing Company

Two locations: 6652 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949-387-5170 (beer and food available on the patio or for takeout/delivery); and 1251 Puerta del Sol, San Clemente, 949-276-2699 (beer and food available on the patio or for takeout/delivery).

Chicken sandwich

Chicken sandwich. | Photo by 1360 Photo / Courtesy Left Coast Brewing Company

Left Coast Brewing Company, one of Orange County’s oldest craft breweries,  has racked up plenty of accolades for its lineup of IPAs, lagers, and stouts (most available year-round, others seasonally). For takeout, choose from six-packs (Hop Juice Triple IPA, Trestles IPA, or Una Mas Amber Lager), crowlers, or kegs. Left Coast also distills spirits (gin, vodka, rum, and blanco agave), as well as house-made hand sanitizer. Just need brews? You can order those from its San Clemente location, which also offers refreshing hard seltzers, high-ABV imperial stout, and low-alcohol Nuclear Chi Chis SIPA (cheekily named in honor of a certain distinctive San Onofre landmark). Food options from its Irvine taproom and distillery, known for its smoky ’cue, include brisket or chicken sliders with fries; brisket, pulled pork, and chicken by the pound; and lighter options, such as smoked garbanzo bean and kale salad. Various visiting trucks provide the on-site nibbles in San Clemente.

You may also like: Speakeasies in Southern California

3. The Stalking Horse Brewery and Freehouse

10543 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles; 424-832-7511.

Fish and chips served with Stalking Horse craft brews. | Photo courtesy Stalking Horse Brewery and Freehousee

Fish and chips served with Stalking Horse craft brews. | Photo courtesy Stalking Horse Brewery and Freehouse

Stalking Horse brings a bit of Britain—specifically Cornwall—to West Los Angeles’ Rancho Park neighborhood. Its 10-barrel brewery cranks out rotating suds with an emphasis on English-style ales and bitters, along with nods to other brews of the British Isles, like a caramel-y Irish-style red ale or a prizewinning, high-alcohol Furry Walls “barleywine,” available to go in crowlers (mix and match any three for $20). All these pair beautifully with its take-out/delivery menu. The American Burger Kit, which features four Wagyu beef patties, is a popular item, as are the chicken tikka masala pasties (sold frozen so you can pop ’em in the oven when you’re ready to eat and sip), beer cheese dip, and classic ale-battered fish-and-chips.

You may also like: Where to find outstanding burgers in Southern California

4. Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Three locations: 620 McMurray Road, Buellton, 805-697-4777; 1400 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, 805-225-5913; and 3205 Washington Boulevard, Marina del Rey, 310-740-9060.

Craft brews and tacos at Firestone Walker Brewing Company. | Photo by Alison Ashton

Craft brews and tacos at Firestone Walker Brewing Company. | Photo by Alison Ashton

Firestone is one of the big guns in California’s craft-brewery scene, best known for its widely distributed, iconic 805 blonde ale. Beer selections vary slightly by location, but you’ll find a broad range at all three, including classics (805 and DBA British pale ale, the recommended pairing with its fish-and-chips), fruity Barrelworks wild ale (try the Zin Skin, ale fermented with zinfandel grapes), bottled vintage series (like the 2020 anniversary ale), and its newest Propagator brews (like the Märzen-style Oaktoberfest lager). Extensive to-go food options are similar at all of its locations, with goodies like crunchy Ahi Wonton Tacos and perfectly crisp tempura-battered fish-and-chips with house-made tartar sauce and garnished with grilled lemon that lends a pleasing smoky-tart note.

Alison Ashton is a Los Angeles–based food editor, writer, and photographer. Her previous articles for Westways include: 6 smokin’ barbecue spots in Southern California and Talking tacos with Los Angeles actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo.

You may also like: Where to find outstanding burgers in Southern California

Follow us on Instagram

Follow @AAAAutoClubEnterprises for the latest on what to see and do.

Read more articles

You'll find more of the articles you love to read at AAA Insider.

Travel offers and deals

" "

Hot travel deals

Get the latest offers from AAA Travel’s preferred partners.

" "

Travel with AAA

See how we can help you plan, book, and save on your next vacation.

" "

Entertainment savings

Save big with AAA discounts on tickets to your next adventure.

" "

Travel with confidence

Purchase travel insurance with Allianz Global Assistance.

back to top icon