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Altar Society Brewing
Master Critic Review
Altar Society Brewing
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Historic 1903 Masonic Temple transformed into craft brewpub and coffee roaster with pizza menu. Award-winning lagers and IPAs paired with straightforward pies in prohibition-era setting with dark walnut tables and custom chandeliers overlooking brewing kettles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Craft brewery in converted 1903 Masonic Temple with visible brew kettles
Who should go: Beer enthusiasts seeking food with their brews
When to visit: Afternoon for coffee or evening for craft beers
What to order: Award-winning IPA, any classic pizza, coffee drinks
Insider tip: Historic architecture makes this more destination brewery than pizzeria
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm. Public parking garage at 115 Pine Ave ($3-8). Easiest to find spots after 7pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual brewery attire - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all fine. Downtown crowd skews slightly more put-together than typical brewpub.
Noise level: Moderately loud - high ceilings amplify conversation buzz, especially weekends. Better for groups than intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait Friday/Saturday evenings without reservation, peak hours 7-9pm
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, walk-ins welcome. Coffee service moves quickly during morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas available, can customize any pizza. Salads and appetizers also accommodate.
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizzas without cheese, some salads. Not a primary focus of menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pizza crust. Cross-contamination risk given shared kitchen equipment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a second or third date spot. Noise level makes deep conversation challenging, but the impressive historic space and quality beer selection create a relaxed, unpretentious vibe that takes pressure off. Good for active daters who prefer activity over intense eye contact.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and early weekend afternoons (before 6pm). Friday/Saturday dinner requires reservation or 30-45 min wait. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and moves faster - good backup option if dining room is full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening (before 7pm). High chairs available, pizza appeals to kids, and brewery vibe is family-friendly until evening crowd arrives. Transitions to 21+ sports bar atmosphere after 8pm on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Combining quality craft beer with solid pizza in a historically significant space. Go here when the drink selection matters as much as the food - this is a brewery first, pizzeria second. The 1903 architecture and visible brewing operation create an experience beyond just eating pizza.
Skip if: You're seeking authentic Neapolitan or New York-style pizza excellence, need quiet conversation space, require extensive gluten-free options, or aren't interested in beer. For pizza-focused experiences, dedicated pizzerias in Long Beach will outperform.