Mendocino County is known for its ‘liquid assets’ – and that definitely includes beer. We love to drink it, brew it and celebrate it! This year in beer news, a third brewery is coming to Fort Bragg, North Coast Brewing is offering ‘beer cocktails’, and this year marks the 25th Annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival. So for beer lovers everywhere, we invite you to taste our liquid assets along the Mendocino County Beer Trail – and remember, it’s open year round!
Legend has it that the Boonville Beer Fest roots date back to the early 1990s when Barkley, the mythical half-bear, half-deer, decided to invite the entire beer world over to his pad for a few brews. The legend of the antlered bear and his springtime shindig grew and became what we now celebrate as the Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, drawing brewers and beer drinkers from around the world! Now in its 25th year, this year’s beer fest features over 80 breweries, multiple musical acts, plus local food and merchandise vendors. And best of all, the Boonville Beer Fest raises funds for local charities – all within Mendocino County! While the Legendary Boonville Beer Fest happens the last Saturday of April, you can stop by Anderson Valley Brewing Company anytime for a sampling of beers, 18-hole disc golf course and regular musical performances.
North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg – another pioneer in the craft beer movement has new offerings at their brewpub – beer cocktails! For a refreshing libation – try their Bourbon & Honey Beer – Bulleit Bourbon, Scrimshaw, honey, lemon and bitters. Another new concoction -It’s a Foggy Day, featuring NCB’s Foggy Day IPA, Beefeater Gin, Elderflower liquor and grapefruit juice; and for a twist on a classic cocktail, give North Rasputin a try. Blend some cream and Tito’s Vodka into their Russian Imperial Stout, Old Rasputin. Savor these new libations or stick with the standard stellar brews from North Coast Brewing, including their new Pacific Magic IPA. Every month you’ll find a special discount on their selected beer of the month, plus live music is back at The Pub.
With a loyal following, Overtime Brewing in Fort Bragg continues to create innovative brews. On the brewing front, their Lemony Ginger Ale is a new offering and perfect for summer sipping. They also have an honorary brew to the ladies at Princess Seafood with their Princess Oat Pale Ale. Stepping into headier beers finds a Super Centennial – a north west style IPA, and their best-selling Amarillo – a traditional American style IPA. Delving into the dark side offers a 2020 Shutbrown and Workin’ Lait Milk Stout along with other favorites. Pair your brews with their pub menu in this chill space on the north end of town.
Along the south coast, Pier Place Point Arena delights both locals and visitors with its unique charm. Nestled in the heart of the Mendocino Coast, Pier Place offers breathtaking views, from surfers braving the pounding waves to fishermen hauling in their daily catch. The highlight of this coastal gem is its hand-carved bar, imported from Bavaria and crafted in the 1800s, which exudes old-world elegance. It’s the perfect setting for raising a toast to guests of honor while savoring the cool ocean breeze. There’s no better place to create beautiful memories and enjoy the vibrant bar scene.
In Willits, Northspur Brewing is the place to get a cold one! With IPA, Ales, Stouts and more, plus fantastic kitchen fare, Northspur Brewing has become a locals hang-out. Grab your beer from the tap, or get a four-pack or crowler to go! Pub grub includes sliders, Cubanos, Reubens, John Ford hotdogs, BLTs, caprese sandwiches – there is no end to the delish – whether enjoying a pint or plate!
For a truly unique experience, make an appointment for a tasting at Hare in the Forest Brewing, a decidedly boutique small batch brewing company located in Potter Valley. Boasting modest 15-gallon batches, Hare in the Forest Brewing believes the best beer is the beer brewed from the heart, at home, and they offer customized brews for your special events.
Ukiah Brewing Company in Ukiah has a heady history starting with the Cooperrider Family in 2000. As the nation’s first certified organic brewpub, UBC ticks a lot of boxes, including multiple sizes of beer – samplers, half pints, pints, 22 oz pints, crowlers, growlers and pitchers. Owner Keith Feigin, co-founder of Black Oak Coffee, keeps the innovation alive with beers, an evolving food menu, and plenty of live music! Current beer offerings include a Ukiah Pilsner, Noyo Harbor NEIPA (New England style IPA), Palace Porter which is a rich English style porter, and of course, a Black Oak Coffee Oatmeal Stout to name but a few brews! Enjoy good beer, good food, good music, and an outstanding community hub!
In addition to the eight breweries spanning Mendocino County, fine ales, lagers, stouts and more can be found around nearly every turn in pubs, cafes, high-end restaurants and markets.
In the tiny hamlet of Hopland, great beer is easy to find at places like the Hopland Tap House, The Golden Pig Restaurant and even at The Golden Pig Wine Shop.
Up the road in Ukiah, Westside Renaissance Market has a great selection of beer, and for those with an axe to grind, may we suggest The Thirsty Axe in downtown Ukiah…just throw the axe before you enjoy an ale!
Heading north on Highway 101, take the Redwood Valley off ramp for the Coyote Valley 101 Tap House featuring what else…101 beers on tap!
And no beer trail is complete without a stop off at Shanachie Pub in Willits. Shanachie is probably the most authentic European style pub off the beaten path from Main Street in the heart of downtown.
Local favorite in Fort Bragg, Piaci Pub & Pizza has one of the most diverse beer offerings in bottles and on tap – and what goes better together than beer and a pizza pie?! In Noyo Harbor, Sea Pal Cove – the food shack where the locals go – boasts 18 beers on tap, an ideal thirst quencher while sitting dockside.
Patterson’s Pub is the place to hang out for sporting events, food, and libations, including a great selection of beer in the Mendocino Village. At the chic Café Beaujolais and their sister property, The Waiting Room, you’ll find a phenomenal selection of rare and hard to find brews and venturing further south on Highway 1, Little River Inn embraces the beer culture with some great local and regional craft beers.
Along the south coast of Mendocino County, Surf Market has an incredible selection of over 90 local beers plus regional craft brews and imports too!
Keep Exploring the Magic!
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