Besides the Big Trees, Humboldt County offers exceptional microbrewery experiences, as many adventuresome foodies have discovered
Here's a roundup of the best of the beer halls, which have won oodles of national awards and host happening happy hours, where locals and visitors alike are welcomed as old friends. They include the U.S.'s first certified organic brewery and one of the first female brewmasters.
Lost Coast Brewery
617 Fourth St
Eureka, CA
707-445-4480
This is the place with beer logos designed by the super-unusual/super-cool artist Duane Flatmo. They make the yummy Great White ale. Must be a great place to meet, eat and sip, as many are willing to dodge the giant, dangling spider that guards the front door. Free wi-fi.
Redwood Curtain Brewing
550 South G St., Unit 4 (Arcata) / 1595 Myrtle Avenue suite B (Eureka)
(707) 269-7143
There are 24 handcrafted beers on tap, free live music, shuffle board & board games, as well as special events-outdoor game activities on the weekends.
Eel River Brewing Company
1777 Alamar Way
Fortuna, CA
707-725-2739
Eel River Brewing Company in Fortuna is America's first certified organic brewery. Won a gold in the aged-beer category and silver in the old ale/strong ale category at the 2006 Great American Beer Festival. The Tap room and grill is located on the banks of the Eel River.
Mad River Brewing Co
195 Taylor Way
Blue Lake, CA
707-668-4151
The tap room is frequented by students at the nearby Dell'Arte Physical Comedy School, and regulars who enjoy the warm afternoons on the patio. Maker of Steelhead Fine Ales, the true expression of the British ale tradition representing classic hand crafted character at its very best. Named No. 1 Small Brewery in the nation at the 2010 Annual Great American Beer Festival.
Six Rivers Brewery
1300 Central Ave
McKinleyville, CA
707-839-7580
This is the Brew with a view and a very imaginative brew master. Come into Six Rivers brewery to taste traditional beers as well as a variety of more exotic brews like the chili pepper ale, Rosie's strawberry wheat ale or the raspberry lambic that's made with 480 lbs of whole raspberries in a seven barrel batch. Six Rivers Brewery is also a great place to watch a game, have a wing and relax.
Gyppo Ale Mill
1661 Upper Pacific Drive
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
(707) 986-7700
We fancy ourselves “California’s Most Remote Brewery” but we are that and much more. Award winning beers! Head Brewer, Jared Smith has a continuous rotation of delicious and quaffable beers. TWELVE beers on tap in the restaurant and FOUR on tap in BeerSTREAM, a converted Airstream trailer in our beer garden. And YES, our seasonal, sustainable sourced menu will having you coming back for more.
