Mendocino's Favorite Beer: A Local's Perspective

Mendocino County is known for its beer, with a thriving craft beer scene and several award-winning microbreweries. The county is home to well-known breweries such as Anderson Valley Brewing Company, North Coast Brewing Company, and Overtime Brewing. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse range of beers, from light and crisp lagers to darker, more full-bodied stouts.

One popular spot for beer lovers in Mendocino is Patterson's Pub, a quaint Irish pub in Mendocino Village that serves up traditional pub grub and a wide range of craft beers. Another local favourite is Piaci Pub & Pizza, which offers one of the most diverse beer selections in the area, with a variety of options available on tap and in bottles. For those looking to enjoy a beer with a view, the Little River Inn offers a relaxed oceanfront bar, while the Silvers Wharf Restaurant provides stunning water views and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether you're a craft beer aficionado or simply looking to enjoy a refreshing drink, Mendocino has something for everyone.

Local favourites

Mendocino County is known for its beer, and locals love to drink, brew, and celebrate it. The county is home to several award-winning microbreweries, and its annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, held in April, draws brewers and beer enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival, now in its 25th year, features over 80 breweries, multiple musical acts, and local food and merchandise vendors. All proceeds go to local charities within Mendocino County.

One of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Mendocino is the North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg, which offers a range of beers, including the Pacific Magic IPA, Bourbon & Honey Beer, and Foggy Day IPA. The company also has a taproom, restaurant, and bar, where visitors can sample their award-winning beers.

Another popular brewery in Mendocino is Overtime Brewing, also located in Fort Bragg. They are known for their innovative brews, such as the Lemony Ginger Ale, Princess Oat Pale Ale, and Amarillo, a traditional American-style IPA.

For those looking for a unique experience, Hare in the Forest Brewing in Potter Valley offers small-batch, boutique beers, with custom brews available for special events.

The Ukiah Brewing Company in Ukiah is another local favourite, known for its organic beers, including the Ukiah Pilsner, Noyo Harbor NEIPA, and Palace Porter. The company also offers a range of sizes, from samplers to pitchers, and hosts live music events.

In addition to these breweries, Mendocino County is home to several pubs, cafes, and restaurants that serve a variety of local and regional craft beers. Some notable spots include Piaci Pub & Pizza in Fort Bragg, Sea Pal Cove in Noyo Harbor, and Patterson's Pub in Mendocino Village.

Where to find craft beer

Mendocino County is known for its 'liquid assets', and that includes beer. The county is home to several award-winning microbreweries and is a pilgrimage-worthy destination for craft beer aficionados.

• Anderson Valley Brewing Company – located in Boonville, this brewery has been around for almost 30 years and is known for its environmental commitment. It has an on-site disc golf course and taproom.
• North Coast Brewing Company – a pioneer in the craft beer movement, this Fort Bragg brewpub offers beer cocktails and a full bar, including its award-winning beers on tap. You can also enjoy a meal with your beer – make your own pizza or choose from a variety of signature entrees and daily lunch specials.
• Tall Guy Brewing – a new spot in Fort Bragg, open seven days a week, with a rotating beer menu, weekly events, and a casual atmosphere. Enjoy classic porters, Mexican-style lagers, hazy IPAs, hard seltzers, and more.
• Overtime Brewing – also in Fort Bragg, this brewery serves small-batch ales in a cozy, casual environment. Taps are open Tuesday through Sunday, and food is offered Tuesday through Saturday. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
• The New Museum Brewers + Blenders Brewery & Beer Café – located in Point Arena, this taproom is pet-friendly and serves up tasty beers, ranging from a light Pilsner to a Farmhouse Pale Ale to a fresh, hoppy IPA and more.
• Northspur Brewing – in Willits, this is the place to get a cold beer, with IPA, ales, stouts, and more, plus fantastic kitchen fare. Grab a beer from the tap, or get a four-pack or crowler to go.
• Ukiah Brewing Company – established in 2000 as the country's first certified organic brewpub, this Ukiah brewery has been a staple in the area. It offers a diverse selection of house-brewed craft beers, including Ukiah Pilsner, Cold IPA, Willits Wit, and Palace Porter. Visitors can enjoy hearty pub fare and live music while sipping on their favorite brews or cocktails.
• Patterson's Pub – a quaint Irish pub in Mendocino Village that serves up traditional pub grub and global craft beers. It has an eclectic drinks menu and ample seating.
• The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co. – this brewpub has a warm and welcoming ambiance with a stone hearth oven that bakes delicious pizzas. There is also a gift shop and outdoor seating.
• The Pub Sports Bar – a down-to-earth and welcoming bar in Ukiah, with a fully functional space offering lunch options and adult entertainment. It has a smoking room and multiple screens for game day.
• Kokkos Bar – an attractive venue in Fort Bragg, offering ample space, stunning aesthetics, and a dance area. It also provides late-night snacks.

Best pubs

Mendocino County is known for its beer, with several award-winning microbreweries and pubs serving a variety of craft beers. Here are some of the best pubs and breweries to visit in Mendocino:

North Coast Brewing Company

The North Coast Brewing Company, located in Fort Bragg, is a pioneer in the craft beer movement. They offer a wide range of beers, including their award-winning beers on tap and innovative beer cocktails. The pub has a handsome historical bar that has been refinished to perfection. You can also enjoy a scrumptious meal with your brew, making your own pizza or choosing from a variety of signature entrees and daily lunch specials. The Sequoia Room hosts jazz artists and other talented performers on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for dinner and drinks.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company

The Anderson Valley Brewing Company, located in Boonville, has been around for almost 30 years. This brewery stands out for its commitment to environmental sustainability in its brewing processes and product distribution. They offer a range of seasonal beers and year-round classics, and you can also enjoy a game of disc golf on their 18-hole course that meanders through oak groves and pastures.

Tall Guy Brewing

Tall Guy Brewing, a new addition to Fort Bragg, is open seven days a week. They offer a rotating beer menu, featuring classic porters, Mexican-style lagers, hazy IPAs, hard seltzers, and more. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the weekly events.

Overtime Brewing

Overtime Brewing, also in Fort Bragg, serves small-batch ales in a cozy and casual environment. They have a rotating selection of innovative brews, including their Lemony Ginger Ale and Princess Oat Pale Ale. Their pub menu features delicious dishes that pair perfectly with their beers. Dogs are welcome on their patio, making it a pet-friendly destination.

Patterson's Pub

Patterson's Pub brings a touch of Ireland to the Northern California Mendocino Coast. Dating back to 1866, this pub offers a unique atmosphere and a great selection of beer. It's a popular spot for sporting events, food, and libations, with a friendly and welcoming ambiance.

Little River Inn – Whale Watch Bar

The Whale Watch Bar at Little River Inn is a fantastic spot to mingle with the locals and enjoy stunning ocean views. They offer a full bar, including beer, wine, and cocktails. The award-winning chef in the elegant dining room provides a memorable dining experience. Don't miss their famous Champagne Brunch, served on Saturdays and Sundays.

Beer with a view

Mendocino County is known for its 'liquid assets', and that includes beer. The region is a pilgrimage-worthy destination for craft beer aficionados, with several award-winning microbreweries to its name. So, if you're a beer lover, read on for a guide to the best beer-drinking spots with a view in Mendocino.

North Coast Brewing Company

The North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg is a pioneer in the craft beer movement, offering innovative libations such as their Bourbon & Honey Beer and It's a Foggy Day cocktail. The historic bar in the pub has been refinished and offers a full bar, including their award-winning beers on tap. The Sequoia Room at the North Coast Brewing Co. Taproom, Restaurant & Bar features live music performances on Fridays and Saturdays.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company

The Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been brewing in Mendocino County since 1987. They offer a range of award-winning beers, from light tangy wheat beer to rich dark malty oatmeal stouts and outrageously hoppy IPAs. Their 30-acre, 18-hole disc golf course meanders through oak groves and pastures, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy a beer.

Boonville Beer Festival

The Legendary Boonville Beer Festival is an annual event that draws brewers and beer drinkers from around the world. The festival features over 80 breweries, multiple musical acts, local food, and merchandise vendors. The festival raises funds for local charities within Mendocino County and is a great opportunity to sample a variety of beers.

New Museum Brewers + Blenders

The New Museum Brewers + Blenders in Point Arena is a relatively new addition to the Mendocino beer scene, opening in 2022. It quickly became a favourite hangout among locals, offering Belgian ales, IPAs, and farmhouse ales brewed the "Old World" way in open-top squares. The brewery has a cool taproom and a small menu of tacos, salads, and ceviche, with occasional live music performances.

Ukiah Brewing Company

The Ukiah Brewing Company in Ukiah is the nation's first certified organic brewpub. They offer a range of beer sizes, from samplers to pitchers, and have an evolving food and live music menu. Their current offerings include a Ukiah Pilsner, Noyo Harbor NEIPA, and a Black Oak Coffee Oatmeal Stout, among others.

Beer and food pairings

Mendocino County is known for its 'liquid assets', including beer. The region is home to several award-winning microbreweries, and its annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival draws brewers and beer enthusiasts from all over the world. With such a diverse range of beers available, Mendocino offers excellent opportunities for beer and food pairings.

When it comes to beer and food pairings, there are a few guidelines to consider. Firstly, contrast is important. Look for a strong, dominant flavour in either the beer or the dish, such as sweet, rich, or oily. For example, oysters pair well with stout because the briny flavour of the oysters can stand up to the rich texture and chocolatey notes of the stout.

Another approach is to complement the flavours. Match rich foods with heavy and rich beers like stouts or porters, or pair light salads and fish with light beers or wheat beers. For instance, the light and refreshing taste of a wheat beer goes well with spicy dishes, while a stout's chocolatey notes complement the flavours of Mexican food.

Beer can also be used as a palate cleanser for dishes with bold or intense flavours. A light beer can wash down the heat of spicy food, while fatty foods like French fries can help balance the bitterness of an IPA.

It's important to avoid overpowering flavours. Medium and dark beers, with their rich and powerful flavours, can overwhelm certain dishes. For example, a strong-flavoured beer like Guinness would not be the best choice to pair with a delicate fish dish like salmon.

• Light lagers: Pair with spicy food, burgers, or salads.
• Wheat beers: Enjoy with spicy dishes and fruity desserts.
• India Pale Ales (IPAs): Complement steak, barbecue, and Mexican food.
• Amber ales: Match with pizza, fried food, or smoked pork.
• Dark lagers: Accompany with pizza, burgers, or hearty stews.
• Brown ales: Go well with sausage, sushi, or fish.
• Porters: Try with seafood, coffee-flavoured desserts, or game meats.
• Stouts: Perfect with chocolate desserts, shellfish, or Mexican food.

Frequently asked questions