In CA for a week

[polski]

Hey dudes, I'm in LA for work for about 10 days and i'm trying to drink my way through as many of these beers Justin and Doc always rave about on the show that i can't get back home. Already enjoyed some Russian River beers on tap (subsequently, I'll be smuggling back several 750's of damnation once i can get to a store).

Any other beer suggestions or good beer bars/liquor stores in Santa Monica? I've already hit my father's office and will most likely be heading back for a few more rounds and burgers.

Please help.

[polski]

I guess I'll just keep you all posted on my list as I check them off, but I enjoyed a few beers from Stone Brewing Co last night. I hear the brewery is a sight to see. On to the next one.

Also saw my first Bev Mo today...didn't seem all that special. Still need to track down my 750 of Damnation before i go.

[Sven]

If you are in Santa Monica and have gone to Fathers Office then you have already hit the high mark.

There is a nice English Pub on the corner of Second and Santa Monica, I think it's called Kings Head.

If you are mobile you can head down to the airport and go to the LAX Sheraton, better known as "the beer hotel". Lots of great Belgians and micros and a beer sommelier to pair your food and beverage.

Lastly, this is LA. No one walks in LA. Cause shit is just too damned far apart. If you are mobile I have more suggestions for you, but they will require some driving.

[codewritinfool]

I always wanted to try the Library Alehouse on Main between Ocean Park and Rose. Probably can't beat Father's Office, though.

Oooh, this isn't beer-related, but I'd visit the dumpy but great Ocean Park Cafe. Right across from the entrance to Santa Monica airport (Donald Douglas Loop N). I practically camped out there for a month and walked all over that neighborhood. The place is a hole but has cheap greasy food that is delicious.

Crazy story - I met a New Zealander there by the name of Tony Butcher that was part of a crew flying a WWII Catalina PB-Y from SMO to Hawaii then to New Zealand for a wartime museum. I commented that there was a PB-Y just like that one back at Smart Field in St. Louis. He said, "This is it, mate". Small world. I went aboard and looked around. The back of it was FULL of 55 gallon drums of fuel. I didn't understand how it could possibly even take off with the weight & balance like that. I later learned that it developed engine problems after leaving Hawaii and had to land in the ocean. It started taking on water and sank. That very plane had been used by Jacques Cousteau and also in the Bay of Pigs invasion. I told you it was crazy... I've seen lots of crazy things in my life...

[polski]

That is nuts. I was at the Hump last night at the Santa Monica airport and had the best sushi of my life. Amazing and would suggest it to anyone, but be prepared...it wasn't cheap.

Also, I have hit the king's head in the past, but not yet on this trip. Tonight I guess.

I am mobile, though i'm dragging a few people around with me so not as easy to get out on my own. Keep them coming. Food thoughts are good too.

[drewbage1847]

Go to Library

Go down to Redondo Beach, sit on the pier and drink at Naja's.

Go to Pasadena, have a beer at Lucky Baldwin's

If you're really in the mood for a good sandwich, fantastic beer and the oddest joint, go to the Stuffed Sandwich in San Gabriel.

[Sven]

Drew beat me to it.... Do what he said.



Lucky Bldwins does have a new location in Sierra Madre. Beautiful pub in a Norman Rockwell downtown, but it is close to nothing. On the upside though it doesn't have the "odour" of the Pasadena location.

If you are looking for odd or hard to get beer to drink on premises or take home with you definately do Stuffed Sandwich, just know that you need to either bring your own glass or buy one there, otherwise you will be drinking out of a Dixie Cup. Oh and don't let Sam give you too much shit.

[polski]

fantastic. thanks for the help.