Best Beer Buying Options In California

California offers a variety of options for beer enthusiasts. From local breweries to online retailers, there are many ways to purchase beer in the Golden State. In recent years, California has relaxed its liquor laws, making it possible to order alcohol online. This has opened up new avenues for beer lovers to access their favorite drinks. Whether you're looking for a craft beer from a local brewery or a wide selection from online retailers, California has something for everyone. In this discussion, we will explore the different options available to consumers and provide insights into the evolving landscape of beer purchasing in California.

Beer delivery services in California

Beer delivery services are a convenient way to get your favourite beverage right to your doorstep. Here are some of the top beer delivery services operating in California:

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery is a well-known service that delivers wine, liquor, and beer to your door in as little as 30-60 minutes. They have thousands of products available, including well-known and local brands. You can easily browse and select your favourites from their website or app, and they serve many regions across California.

Drizly

Drizly offers a massive selection of spirits, beers, wines, and locally-inspired ingredients. With over 1,000 liquor store partners in California, you can find everything from White Claws to Dom Perignon, all on one convenient site. They have been in the business since 2012 and assure that alcohol delivery is perfectly legal in the areas they serve.

Craftshack

Craftshack offers a wide range of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, sour beers, and gluten-free options. They also have cocktail kits, spirits, and wine available for delivery. You can explore their website to find the perfect beverage to suit your taste and occasion.

These delivery services provide a convenient and efficient way for beer enthusiasts in California to enjoy their favourite drinks without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

Buying beer online in California

There are many options for buying beer online in California, from simple online marketplaces to subscription services and even beer apps.

Online marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as CraftShack, Total Wine and More, and Best Damn Beer Shop all offer a wide variety of craft beers for delivery in California. CraftShack has a small team of self-proclaimed beer nerds who work directly with small bottle shops to fulfil orders. Total Wine and More offers a range of beer styles, including IPA, American Pale Wheat Ale, and Hazy/New England-Style IPA. Best Damn Beer Shop is a brick-and-mortar store based in San Diego, so locals can order online and pick up on the same day. They also deliver to California and many other states.

Beer apps

Beer fans can also use apps such as Oznr and Untappd to buy beer online. Oznr allows users to sign up for brewery bottle societies and membership clubs, stay updated on discounts and deals, and pre-order beer for later pickup. Some breweries on the app also offer direct-to-door shipping. Untappd is a social media craft beer networking app with over 11 million fans worldwide. It recently launched its own e-commerce platform, Untappd Shop, which offers exclusive beer bundles in small quantities, as well as beer boxes with rare and highly-rated beers.

Subscription services

For those who like to experiment with beer, subscription services such as Tavour and Brewvana offer a great way to try new beers without leaving home. Tavour uses a subscription format, allowing customers to fill up a box over time before shipping it out. Brewvana is a beer box and homebrew supply retailer that sends its team out to find craft beer gems in different cities across America. Its subscription service, Brews Less Traveled Beer Club, visits a new American city each month and sends members a curated selection of local brews.

Beer in California's grocery/liquor stores

California's grocery and liquor stores offer a wide range of beer options for consumers. The state's laws permit the sale of beer in these stores from 6:00 am to 2:00 am, seven days a week. This extended timeframe provides convenience for those looking to purchase beer at various times throughout the week.

When visiting a grocery or liquor store in California, you'll find a diverse assortment of beer choices. These stores typically carry a variety of domestic and imported beers, catering to different tastes and preferences. You can expect to find popular brands, local craft beers, and even seasonal or limited-edition offerings. The selection varies from store to store, so exploring different establishments can be worthwhile to discover new options.

California's grocery and liquor stores often dedicate specific sections or aisles to beer displays. These areas usually feature a vast array of options, including different styles, flavours, and packaging sizes. You'll find beers organised by type, such as lagers, ales, stouts, IPAs, and more. The state is also known for its thriving craft beer culture, so keep an eye out for local breweries showcasing their unique and innovative brews.

In addition to the traditional grocery and liquor stores, California also offers specialty beer retailers. These stores focus specifically on beer and often have a more extensive selection. They may carry rare or hard-to-find beers, limited releases, and beers from smaller breweries. If you're a beer enthusiast, these specialty stores can be a great option to explore a broader range of choices and discover new favourites.

It's worth noting that California's alcohol laws include a unique provision regarding the display of alcohol in certain establishments. If a store also sells motor fuel, alcohol cannot be displayed within five feet of the cash register. This is an important consideration for grocery or liquor stores that share space with fuel dispensers.

Beer in bars and restaurants in California

If you're looking to enjoy a beer while dining out in California, you're in luck! California law permits the sale of beer in bars and restaurants, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something for everyone when it comes to the golden beverage.

When choosing a place to enjoy a beer, you can opt for well-known bar and restaurant chains or explore the unique offerings of independent establishments. Many bars and restaurants in California offer a wide range of beers, from domestic staples to local craft brews, ensuring that you can find the perfect drink to pair with your meal or simply enjoy on its own.

It's always a good idea to call ahead or check the website of your chosen venue to ensure they serve the type of beer you're looking for. While some places may have an extensive selection, others might specialise in specific varieties or brands. This is especially important if you're seeking a particular craft beer or a limited-edition brew.

Additionally, keep in mind that California has specific liquor laws that regulate the sale and display of alcohol. These laws can vary from those in other states, so it's worth familiarising yourself with them, especially if you're visiting from out of state. For example, alcohol cannot be displayed within five feet of the cash register if the establishment also sells motor fuel.

Whether you're in the mood for a crisp lager, a robust stout, or an experimental craft brew, California's bars and restaurants have something to tantalise your taste buds. So, go ahead and indulge in a refreshing beer with your next meal or during a night out on the town!

Beer in San Francisco, California

San Francisco has a lot to offer when it comes to beer. From local breweries to innovative craft beer, there is something for everyone.

If you're looking for a local brewery, San Francisco has many to choose from. Otherwise Brewing, located in North Beach, specializes in gluten-free beer and offers a taproom and gluten-free food options. Sushi Sato is a unique brewery located within a sushi restaurant, serving beer made in-house by brewmaster Dave McLean, paired with maki or sashimi. 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant, named for the repeal of Prohibition, offers seasonal beers in a can, like watermelon wheat, and is located near South Park in SoMa. Black Hammer Brewing in SoMa has a beer selection focused on American IPAs and classic German styles, with a sister spot called Wilkommen, a German-inspired beer garden in the Castro.

For those looking for something more innovative, San Francisco Brewing Co. & Restaurant is a craft brewery, bar, restaurant, and outdoor beer garden all in one. They offer handcrafted beers, such as their Fog City Hazy IPA, made with malted barley, wheat, and oats, and an easy-drinking light lager. They also have a fully-stocked bar with an ever-changing cocktail menu. Anchor Brewing Company, America's First Craft Brewery, is another option, located in San Francisco and offering a variety of craft beers.

With so many options, San Francisco is a great place to explore and enjoy a variety of beers, whether you're looking for a local brewery or something more innovative and experimental.

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