santa cruz (Santa Cruz, Capitola, Soquel)
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Santa Adairius has quickly made a national name for itself in just a few years. I was not disappointed when I visited. I drank a Wild Ale, a Saison and an IPA. They were all simply outstanding with lots of flavor. I got there right around the time they opened in the afternoon and there was a long line of people buying beer to-go. The line didn't ease up much while I was there. Well worth the visit. The second time I went, not much had changed. Lots of people grabbing beer to-go and a busy taproom. The thing I don't like is that dogs freely roam the brewery and taproom. Nothing against dogs, but the likelihood of beer contamination exists. Location: 103 Kennedy Drive, Capitola Updated Jan '17
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Tap List
Taproom
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Discretion Brewing
Discretion Brewing is located just off the Pacific Coast highway just south of Santa Cruz. Discretion uses only organic ingredients in their beer. The beer was good, but didn't justify the higher price. A small menu is available, which I assume is also organic. The food offered is only made with local ingredients. Location: 2703 41st Avenue, Soquel Updated Dec '15
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Discretion Brewing
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Seabright Brewery
Sitting just a few blocks off the coast, but unfortunately, the sea isn't visible form the brewery. Below average tasting beer. Should be last on your list of the places to visit in and near Santa Cruz. Standard pub fare. Kid friendly. Location: 519 Seabright Avenue #107, Santa Cruz Updated Dec '15
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Seabright
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Shanty Shack Brewing
Small nano brewery, just 3 barrels, pumping out some pretty good beer only 4 weeks after opening. They just opened in December 2016. There were 6 beers on tap pouring a variety of styles along with a small barrel-aging program. They are aging some stouts in oak barrels. The bar is relatively small, but there is a large garage door on the side which opens up to a patio during the summer. An occasional food truck stops by, otherwise, there is a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates available (popcorn too). Local art decorates the wall and it is for-sale. I had a nice conversation with the bartender and overall, it was a great beer experience. Location: 138 Fern Street, Santa Cruz Updated Jan '17
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Shanty Shack
Bar Area
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