Spice up your beer-drinking experience at these alternative breweries.
By Michael Quintero
Downtown Fullerton is not everyone’s idea of a good time. There are some who’d rather not have to deal with that drunk person barfing on the curb or the obvious pressure of engaging in the dating scene.
If you’re into upgrading your scene, it’s time you level up to a local brewery. The ambiance will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another decade and most are beer-only so you can avoid those uncomfortable conversations with drunks who still think ordering “Adios Motherf*cker” is cool.
Here are three breweries that are less than a five minute Uber or Lyft ride from campus.
The Bruery Terreux Tasting Room
Address: 1174 N. Grove St. Anaheim, CA
Hours: Sun – Thurs: 12 pm to 10 pm
Fri – Sat: 12 pm to 12 am
Website: www.thebruery.com/location/the-tasting-room-at-the-bruery
The Bruery has two locations: The Bruery Tasting Room where they brew their beer and the Terreux Tasting Room where they barrel their beer. Terreux is by far, the more laid-back scene.
What stood out at the Terreux Tasting Room besides their unique sours, was the environment itself. The Terreux gives patrons a feeling of Zen while committing to the quality of their craft brews.
Bartender Tasha Bogdanski says that they take a different approach to their beer and want to encourage a unique experience.
If you do not like sours, The Bruery’s Blackberry Sour will change your mind. While most sours leave a bitter aftertaste, theirs give you the perfect combination of sour, sweet and tart.
“As far as independent breweries go, we have the largest barrel-aging program in the country, comprised of 5000+ spirit & wine barrels full of beer,” said Ryan Dick, The Bruery Events Coordinator, via email.
Dick said The Bruery also thrives on experimenting with the culinary world, which has led them to brew beers that taste like horchata, apple pie filling, and Earl Grey tea latte.
The Bruery Terreux Tasting Room is a must-visit if you are in the mood for a splash of unique and rare flavors.
Phantom Ales
Address: 1211 N Las Brisas St, Anaheim, CA 92806
Hours: Sun – Wed 11 am to 9 pm
Thurs – Sat 11 am to 12 am
Website: phantomales.com/
This is a place you want to start your night off if you need to fill up on some food before embarking on a full night of drinking. This is one of the few breweries in OC that have a kitchen.
Phantoms can be a little overwhelming when first walking in. Expect the bar to be jam-packed during high volume times.
Start by ordering the Anaheim Phog hazy IPA and fish and chips, and you’ll understand why the crowd is so large by 6 pm.
The fish and chips start with a perfectly thin crisp crunch before breaking into a bright white filet, and their Phog hazy IPA perfectly complements the fish.
The crowd ranges from college kids to older folks. Phantoms has long high-top wood tables set up, making it possible that you may have to sit near another party. But don’t worry, the beer brings everyone together.
“We want to provide a welcoming place with good beer, good food, and good customer service,” said Jack Stimmler, Phantoms Ales general manager.
Besides their food, the IPAs are the highlight of Phantoms. Their mosaic hazy IPA has a smooth hoppy taste, but if you want to go full guns blazing then their 8.7 percent Juice Jockey double IPA will do the job.
Bottle Logic
Address: 1072 N. Armando St. Anaheim, CA 92806
Hours: Mon – Thu 4 pm to 10 pm
Fri – Sat 12 pm to 12 am
Sun 12 pm to 8 pm
Website: http://bottlelogic.com/
The smallest of the three, but their beer will speak for the size. When walking up, it’s clear that Bottle Logic has more of a party vibe. Expect tons of people in the patio talking over each other, and on the inside more locals with their dogs sitting by the bar.
Each beer is served in goblets which seems to stand out from the other breweries. Like many of the other breweries on this list, Bottle Logic’s IPAs were on point. What made Bottle Logic interesting aside from their beer was their set up.
Bottle Logic still has a bar-like, without the hard liquor or that person desperately trying to get everyone’s number.
As for food, they have a rotation of food trucks outside for each day of the week.
Right now is the perfect time to go, as Oktoberfest is alive and thriving at Bottle Logic. Oktoberfest inspired food will be served throughout the month along with inspired beers.
These are just a few to stand out from the rest. So, if Downtown Fullerton is not your scene, then take a ride and explore these different breweries closeby.
