Story and photos by Vince Burns
On a recent summer day my friend and I set out with a lofty goal in mind: a tour — nay, a pilgrimage — through Ventura’s mighty constellation of brewpubs. The mode of transportation: a rickety bike. The ride would be a chance to clear the head between sudsy stops.
Prior to our departure, we decided to set a few ground rules. Each pub we visited must brew and sell its own beer in the city of Ventura. We also set out to sample each brewery’s “flagship” brew and (alas) limit consumption to a mere half-pint per stop. To keep things moving, we resisted the temptation to sample any pub food…although we did make one brief stop for a burrito break.
Our pre-tour research turned up 10 pubs that met our criteria. A clutch of six are located between the Avenue and Sanjon, three more are east of Telephone and south of the 101. Rincon Brewery is next to Ventura College. Because of scheduling challenges and concerns regarding the cumulative intake of copious amounts of beer while biking, we divided the project into West and East tours over two days.
West Ventura
A four-hour, six-pub, eight-mile Sunday ride through Ventura’s downtown, which was pleasant and, happily, aligned with tremendous weather.
We left our home base near Ventura Harbor, arriving at MadeWest Brewing Company’s taproom on the Ventura Pier about 15 minutes later. Our half-pints of the Hazy IPA were $6 each. We didn’t eat, but food is available from the adjacent restaurant, Beach House Fish (formerly Eric Ericsson’s). Highlight: What a view! Especially of the newly repaired (it only took 18 months) Ventura Pier.
About 45 minutes later, we found ourselves at Stop No. 2: Topa Topa Brewing Company at 104 Thompson Boulevard. Like MadeWest, it’s been brewing since 2015, with its “flagship” beer the Chief Peak IPA ($6/half-pint). Rotating food trucks are close by for those in need of sustenance. What we liked about Topa Topa was its unique celebration of both the Los Padres National Forest backcountry and gourmet brewing.
Ventura Coast Brewing Company (76 S. Oak Street) was next. The Wavefront West Coast IPA was a little cheaper, at just $5 for a half-pint. Just up the street is BellRinger Brew Co., which in 2023 took over the 472 East Main Street space formerly occupied by Anacapa. In addition to a wide selection of beers….including our Trippin’ Bells American IPA ($5)…BellRinger offers a full menu.
Then it was back to Thompson Boulevard (585 East, to be exact) for Leashless Brewing, in business since 2017. The distinctive synthesis of Belgian and West Coast brewing traditions has created something special here. The taproom has a lively vibe, too, and frequently features live music. This was our fifth stop, and it packed a punch. The Tri Fin Tripel ($5.50), a strong pale ale, has a whopping 8.7% ABV. Barrelhouse 101 and food trucks are nearby if you get hungry.
After a much-needed burrito break (Corrales on Thompson) we pedaled to Transmission Brewing at 1098 East Front Street. We sipped the Dyna IPA while enjoying the great view from the top brew deck, high above the brewery’s reclaimed automotive space.
After an exhilarating ride home (the downhill on Sanjon Road to the bike path never disappoints), it was time for a nap!
East Ventura
A one-hour, three-pub, nine-mile afternoon ride to investigate the fermenting delights at Ventura’s eastside business park breweries. Alas, we couldn’t fit the granddaddy of them all, Rincon Brewery, into either of our rides; it’s just too far from our home base. We’ll add it to the next beer tour but include its coordinates here.
From home to Poseidon Brewing Company (5777 Olivas Park Drive) was a 23 minute ride. We refreshed ourselves with a longtime favorite: the Grapefruit IPA. And just $4.50 per half-pint; the best deal so far.
It was another 15 minutes or so to Seaward Brewing at 1920 Goodyear Avenue and the tasty Wind Shift IPA. Not far away was Bright Spark Brewing (4561 Market), where we enjoyed the Shine West Coast IPA. Bright Spark’s bright spot just might be its extensive food menu, which includes pub grub mixed with Mediterranean specialties.
Rincon Brewery (4100 Telephone Road) wasn’t on this itinerary, but we’re fans. The company started in Carpinteria in 2014 and opened its location near Ventura College in 2018. The Merrick Lager (a partnership with Channel Islands Surfboard Company) is the current top seller. Rincon also offers a full menu with lunch and happy hour specials. A fun celebration of good beer, good food and the 805’s surfing tradition.
Two tours, many worthy pubs patronized, several ounces of locally made beer consumed. A good time was had by all! Pedaling Olivas Park Drive and Telephone Road are not for the faint of heart; we may have to wait for a few more bike paths (or a better route) to enjoy all these pubs comfortably by bicycle in a single go. Overall, however, the quality of the beer was tremendous. Every offering we enjoyed was clean, well fermented and a delight in every way. We hope we’ve encouraged you to explore Ventura’s treasure trove of craft beer, by bike or otherwise. “Brews by Bike” — sounds like a great monthly event, no?
Vince Burns and Stephen Bates have written “the” photographic history of Rincon Point, available locally and online at amazon.com/dp/1467108707.
