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Ballast Point Brewing
Master Critic Review
Ballast Point Brewing
8.0
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Sprawling two-story harborside brewery with 60+ beers on tap overlooking Alamitos Bay. The award-winning San Diego-based operation serves American pub fare alongside their craft beers, featuring fire pits on outdoor patios for sunset viewing.
Must-Try Dishes:
BP Wings, Beer-Steamed Mussels, Baked Short Rib Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Waterfront brewery with panoramic bay views and extensive beer selection
Who should go: Beer lovers and families seeking waterfront dining experience
When to visit: Sunset dinner for harbor views, weekday lunch less crowded
What to order: Sculpin IPA, wings, mac and cheese, kids love pizza sticks
Insider tip: Kids menu includes coloring pages and puzzles built-in
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site with 100+ spaces, rarely fills except summer weekends. Street parking available on Marina Drive.
Dress code: Casual brewery attire - shorts and tees perfectly fine, it's a laid-back harbor spot
Noise level: Moderate to loud - buzzing brewery energy, better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak times (6-8pm), but bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins easily accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, and several appetizers like pretzels and hummus
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and veggie burger (request no bun/cheese), but primarily beer-focused
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free beer options available, kitchen can modify some dishes but cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd dates. Noise level makes deep conversation challenging, but sunset views from fire pit tables create great atmosphere for relaxed getting-to-know-you vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and off-peak hours. Weekend dinners get packed - arrive before 5:30pm or after 8pm to avoid waits. Bar and outdoor standing areas always first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - one of the best family breweries in Long Beach. Kids menu with activities, outdoor space to roam, and parents can enjoy craft beer. Popular with families ages 3-12.
Can I bring my dog? Yes - dogs welcome on outdoor patios with water bowls provided. Gets crowded on nice weekends, so earlier visits better for pups.
How long should I plan to stay? 1.5-2 hours typical. It's designed for lingering - fire pits and bay views encourage staying for multiple rounds, especially at sunset.
Best For
Better for: Beat other family breweries for: waterfront location, beer selection depth (60+ taps), and outdoor space. Superior bay views compared to any Long Beach brewery. Better family infrastructure than upscale harbor restaurants.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, upscale dining, or food-first experience. If beer isn't your thing, the harbor has better pure-dining options. Also skip if seeking craft cocktails - this is beer-focused.