Huntington Beach Beer Company Handcrafts Brews

Brewpub Taps Historic Roots

Written By SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Tap into the historical roots of Huntington Beach at the Huntington Beach Beer Company (201 Main Street).

In the early 1900s, when Huntington Beach was just being developed, local farmers would sickle the grain grown nearby and cart the malt by horse-drawn carriages to the downtown breweries in Los Angeles.

Reflecting that era, the Huntington Beach Beer Company – a brewpub started in 1992 in an upstairs location overlooking Main – has kept the feel of that time…

with brick walls, stone floors, wood finishes, and malt sacks.

Climbing the stairs to the second floor, SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel could hear the sounds of laughter and conversation, which told us this was just the place to take a break from the sun.

On the way to our table we noticed the huge, gleaming beer tanks.

Starting with HBBC’s handcrafted, brewed-on- site ales and lagers, there’s an ever-changing lineup of craft beers from award-winning breweries.

For a true taste of the beach, try HBBC’s own HB Blonde Ale, Pier Pale Ale, or Brickshot Red Ale, available in pints or pitchers.

Or check the chalkboard to see what other beers brewmaster Brandon Blankenship has in store for you. There’s always something new to try.

Plus HBBC offers a wide range of burgers, soups and sandwiches, salads, appetizers, daily specials and more.

HBBC’s burgers are big and served with its trademark beer battered fries.

The house burger is made with a half-pound beef patty and your choice of cheese. Other burgers include a BBQ Hickory, Spicy Blonde Onion burger, turkey, ahi, veggie burger, and more.

For sandwiches, if you like pulled pork or jerk chicken, you’ve come to the right place. You can also get a classic Reuben, made with corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on rye.

And, for that ultimate comfort food sandwich, the grilled cheese, HBBC’s is served on sourdough with a choice of cheddar or provolone.

SurfWriter Girls liked the wood-fired, brick oven pizzas that are another of HBBC’s specialties.

 

If you’re looking for something different, try the Thai Chicken Pizza with spicy peanut sauce and cilantro or the Endless Summer Veggie Pizza that has “the entire garden” on it.

For entertainment, when you feel like kicking up your heels, stop by HBBC on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to dance along to the records the DJs are spinning.

Or go on sports nights to root for your favorite football, hockey and baseball teams while enjoying the food and beer specials - fish tacos, pizzas and chili cheese dogs, with HB pints.

Natalie and Jim Antista and son Josh told SurfWriter Girls they like to go to HBBC for fun family time. The food is great and they can see the shops on Main and walk on the beach.

Wednesday Beer Appreciation Nights (reservations required) are set aside for beer aficionados who want to sample the latest beers. 

    

HBBC is open daily with a Late Night Happy Hour on Sunday - Thursday from 10 p.m. to close. For more information about hours or events, phone 714-960-5343 or check the website: hbbeerco.com.   

Then the next time you’re looking for a brewpub where you can relax with friends, stop by the Huntington Beach Beer Company and grab a stool at the bar or a table on the patio overlooking the pier.

Cheers!

Patti & Sunny

 

SurfWriter Girls

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Ventura is Easy Beach Getaway

Warm Up Winter with Ventura Trip

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Now that the holidays are over this is a great time to hit the open road for a beach getaway to Ventura – 60 miles north of Los Angeles. 

Built around the Mission San Buenaventura, founded by Franciscan Father Juniper Serra in 1782, the City of Ventura is warm and welcoming with a beautiful coastline and city center perfect for strolling and browsing. 

During the winter you’ll find some of the best surfing conditions and it’s less crowded.

Surfers Point – where the locals go – is right next to the Ventura Pier…with good wave breaks and long rides.

SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel couldn’t believe all the things there were to see in Ventura and how friendly everyone was. Everything is in walking distance – from the beach to the town.

If you want to be in the middle of all the action, the Crowne Plaza (450 E. Harbor Blvd.) is an excellent choice.  

 Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the restaurant options seem endless with everything from burger joints to fine dining, American classics to ethnic.

 

For a traditional hamburger and French fries combo try The Habit (487 E. Thompson Blvd). The burgers are so good you’ll wish there was a restaurant closer to home.

And now, fortunately, there is since one just opened in Cypress (on Katella and Knott).

SurfWriter Girls checked out the ice cream choices and weren’t disappointed. We came across the Busy Bee Café and Diner (478 E. Main Street)…

 

a 50s style shake shop with homemade ice cream and juke boxes on the tables.

For window shoppers (and buyers) you’ll find clothing, home goods, and surf shops, gift and book stores galore.

For a special treasure or taste of Ventura, be sure to stop in the Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery (79 S. California Street).

The shop carries art, jewelry, clothing, food, and more, along with information on events and activities in Ventura.

Michael Mendelson, whose wife Angela owns the shop, told SurfWriter Girls that the merchandise is made by locals. So, when you’re browsing, you might even meet one of them when you’re in the shop. 

 

In the evening there’s no shortage of watering holes and sidewalk cafes to choose from.

After a day of surfing, sunning, shopping you can feel the city’s social vibe as music and laughter spill out from the various gathering spots.

Enjoying the mood, people easily move from one place to another.   

You can’t miss the eye-catching downtown Century Theatre (555 E. Main St.), which is notable for its art deco style.

This makes the theatre a perfect complement to the historic Watermark (598 E. Main St.), an upscale fine dining restaurant and nightclub.

When you visit the Watermark, be sure to look at all the architectural details from the building’s exterior and entry...

to the dining area’s vaulted, decorative ceiling. Its convivial atmosphere makes the Watermark a great place for a nightcap.

And, finally, when you’re ready to wind down…you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves breaking.

 SurfWriter Girls

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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.