In southern California, there are two types of beer drinkers: those who drink Ballas Point beers, and those who make it a point not to. For those who don’t know, Ballast Point is often criticized for “selling out” to Constellation Brands Inc. for a billion dollars in 2015. Yes, that’s billion, with a “b.” Epitomizing the microbrew to macrobrew sell-out, many people have boycotted Ballast Point beers. However, Ballast Point also epitomizes the rare occasion where the quality hasn’t suffered as a result of growth. Ballast Point continues to innovate, frequently featuring “test beers” on their menu, many of which hold the promise of becoming regulars on their pretty stellar line-up.

We first visited Ballast Point when they opened their Long Beach location in 2016. A visually gorgeous and inviting space, BPLB consists of multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas. The most coveted hang-outs are the long white leather couches situated outside, or inside along the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the harbor. We went on a rare weekday off, and had the place to ourselves. On another visit, a Sunday at lunch time for Malty’s birthday weekend, we got the very last table. On a third visit, 6:00 PM on a Monday evening, it wasn’t nearly as busy. But the later in the week you go, the busier it is. The Long Beach water taxi is a fun way to get to there, and avoids the nightmarish parking lot.