Posted: Thursday, Jun 26th, 2025
Local’s Guide to the Best Summer Taprooms in Ventura
Guest Blog by Andrew Montgomery, Ventura County Beer
If there’s something that Ventura does best, it’s embracing summertime. And nothing says summer vacation more than a cold drink in your hand as you watch the waves. A well known secret is that Ventura has two brewery / cidery epicenters at either end of the city. We’d like to share some excellent local taprooms that are within walking distance of each other. This is your day trip guide for the best places to get beer, cider, and cocktails in Ventura this summer.
Seaward Brewing
Located very close to the bustling shopping district near Main and Telephone on the East End of town, Seaward Brewing has a beautiful space with great outdoor seating. Head Brewer Brian Rogers has been working hard on their extensive tap list. They truly have something for everyone, whether it’s their light and refreshing Pilsner or roasty and flavorful Red Ale. Local michelada brand “805 Michi Mix” is always in stock, transforming any beer on the menu, if that suits your palate.
Bright Spark Brewing
Just two short blocks away from Seaward Brewing is the newest brewery in the area. Since they opened their doors in 2022, Bright Spark has been a go-to for beer and food. With plenty of space and a dynamic and changing menu, there are a lot of reasons to make a stop. There are both beers made on the premises and guest taps featuring other local and regional beers. Be sure to try some of their newer additions, available on draft and in cans, like their award-winning “Game Day” Light Lager or “Day Trip” Tropical Wheat Ale. With great bar snacks and pan pizzas, it’s easy to spend the evening in their vibrant, family-friendly space.
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Balcom Canyon Cider
Also within walking distance on the East End of Ventura is a local favorite cider maker. Balcom Canyon Cidery has been turning out incredible ciders in Ventura since 2022. They are open on the weekends for private tastings and for pick-up. The best part about visiting their cidery, is that you get to try all of their small-batch ciders that you can’t find at the market. All their ciders are very approachable, and span a variety of styles. From sweet to dry, and hoppy to spicy, there’s a fit for everyone’s palate. Canned options are available of their broadly distributed options like “Vin de Pomme” and “Gateway Session”, but there are always new bottle releases that showcase the fresh and delicious ingredients. With plans to expand their tasting room in the next coming months, Balcom Canyon will soon be one of the best local cider taprooms. The entire team is knowledgeable, and eager to share their love for cider.
Explore Ventura’s Breweries: Sip, Savor, and Stroll
Sunsets and suds. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a pint on the beach? Ventura is quickly becoming a craft beer haven. We’ll cheers to that!
Ventura Coast Brewing Company
About a 10 minute drive north is another group of great taprooms near Downtown Ventura. Start things off by finding parking near Main St. to be centrally located, and head to Ventura Coast Brewing Company on Santa Clara St. Light and refreshing beers that pair perfectly with Ventura’s beach vibe are always on tap. The taproom itself is spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space. The cabana bar outside opens up for larger events as well. You can count on a food truck to be parked right outside, making it easy to grab a quick bite.
Fluid State
Just up Main St., Fluid State is an aesthetic, California-focused bar, featuring some top-quality craft beer, wines and cocktails. If you’re looking for a wide variety of renowned beers from across the state, this is the place for you. Featuring tap handles you won’t see often in the greater SoCal area, there’s a beverage for everyone on their extensive menu. Freshly made sourdough pizza is a stand-out star as a food option. Add this stop to your trip to try some fresh beer from the Central Coast and beyond.
MadeWest Brewing Co (Pier)
From Main St., it’s not a long walk to the historic Ventura Pier to visit one of the most photogenic taprooms in the county, MadeWest Brewing Co. at the Ventura Pier. On the upper level, above a bustling seafood restaurant, the views are spectacular in the extensive indoor and outdoor space. This year, at the World Beer Cup (the biggest internationally recognized beer awards), MadeWest brought home an astounding four medals! A testament to the dedication to their craft, the winning beers were both one-off beers brewed this year, and also house options available year-round. Catch the sunset with a great pint, and be sure to get a picture.
We hope this guide to the best taprooms in Ventura gives you the information you need to plan your summer trip. These local, family-friendly taprooms are always rotating beer and food options, as well as hosting exciting events like trivia and art courses throughout the week. If you’d like to keep up with the latest releases and happenings in the local beer and cider scene, be sure to follow on Instagram.
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Andrew Montgomery covers the Ventura County beer and cider scene, showcasing releases and special events on Instagram (@ventura_county_beer). See what’s brewing in VC!
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