Redlands Brewery Picks That Locals Love

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, enjoy the occasional pint, or simply love discovering local gathering places, Redlands' breweries offer more than just great drinks. While many younger generations are swapping happy hours for coffee shop meetups or embracing sober lifestyles, breweries continue to serve as community hubs where people connect, celebrate, and unwind.

From live music and food trucks to trivia nights and community events, these local staples bring people together in ways that go far beyond what's on tap. So grab a friend, pull up a chair, and join us as we explore some of the breweries helping shape Redlands' vibrant local culture.

Host: Owen & Steve

Highlights:

• Award-Winning Craft Beer – Enjoy a diverse lineup of expertly brewed beers, from crisp lagers and IPAs to bold specialties like the renowned Fat Hog barley wine.
• Authentic Brewing Tradition – Every beer is brewed with a deep respect for traditional brewing methods, combining craftsmanship, science, and attention to detail.
• Something for Everyone – Beyond beer, Ritual serves hop water, cider, and house-made sodas, making it a great stop for every member of your group.
• Community-Focused Taproom – Live music, yoga, line dancing, brewery tours, and special events create a welcoming place to gather year-round.
• Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff – Passionate beertenders are always happy to recommend a pour, answer questions, and help guests discover their next favorite beer.

Our brewery tour begins at a place that is especially close to my heart: Ritual Brewing Company. Years ago, I had the opportunity to work here. It was where I first gained a true appreciation for the craftsmanship, science, and tradition behind great beer.

What has always impressed me about Ritual is the respect they have for the brewing process. The owners and team don't just make beer, they honor the age-old traditions that have shaped brewing culture for generations. From recipe development to fermentation, every detail is approached with care and precision. It truly is brewing down to a science.

That commitment extends beyond the brewhouse. Ritual takes pride in educating both its staff and customers. Their knowledgeable beertenders are always happy to answer questions. Plus, brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how their award-winning beers come to life. Whether you're a longtime craft beer lover or brand new to the scene, there's always something to learn.

During our recent visit, we caught up with Owen behind the bar. When asked about his current favorite, he pointed to the Single Rye Crush before laughing and saying, "They're all my children, and I love them all equally."

One of the things that makes Ritual stand out is the incredible variety of beverages available. Their beer lineup ranges from light, crisp, and refreshing options perfect for a warm Redlands afternoon to bold, complex offerings like Fat Hog, their rich barley wine that showcases the creativity and depth of craft brewing. For those looking for something different, Ritual also serves crisp, hoppy hop water, cider, and house-made sodas, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The brewery itself offers a spacious and welcoming environment with plenty of room for community gatherings, private parties, celebrations, and special events. Throughout the year, guests can enjoy live music on weekends, Sunday yoga classes, line dancing nights, and a variety of local events that bring people together.

Their mission is simple: make great beer and deliver it with a smile.

That philosophy is evident in everything they do. Ritual doesn't filter its beer, allowing flavors and character to shine through in every pour. Guests can also take their favorites home in growlers or crowlers, making it easy to enjoy Ritual beyond the taproom.

If you're looking for an excuse to stop by, check out Pint Nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or wear your Ritual gear on Wednesdays for $5 pours.

Whether you're there for an award-winning beer, a refreshing hop water, a community event, or simply a chance to connect with friends, Ritual Brewing Company embodies what makes Redlands' brewery culture so special: great drinks, genuine hospitality, and a deep commitment to bringing people together.

Host: Ron & John

Highlights:

• Small-Batch, Handcrafted Beer – Every brew is made in three-barrel batches, allowing the owners to stay hands-on and prioritize quality over mass production.
• Creative, Locally Inspired Brews – Enjoy unique beers like Mentone Beach, Bearded Skunk IPA, and seasonal releases featuring locally sourced ingredients, including kumquats.
• Welcoming Community Atmosphere – Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and designed for conversation, the taproom offers a relaxed space to gather with friends.
• Something for Everyone – In addition to craft beer, Smudge Pot serves customizable flavored seltzers and non-alcoholic options for guests who want a mocktail-style experience.
• Fun Events & Private Gatherings – Comedy nights, running clubs, craft workshops, food trucks, and flexible event spaces make Smudge Pot a true neighborhood gathering place. 

While Ritual represents a longtime staple of Redlands' craft beer scene, our next stop takes us to one of the newest breweries in town. As the new kids on the block, Smudge Pot Brewing Company may be approaching its second anniversary, but they've already carved out a unique place within the local brewing community.

Like many great ideas, Smudge Pot began during the COVID era. What started as homebrewing sessions and backyard gatherings among friends eventually evolved into a brewery owned by three local couples with a shared passion for creating quality beer and bringing people together.

For co-owner Ron, opening a brewery was originally a retirement dream. Instead of waiting, the team decided to leap early, and Redlands is better for it.

What immediately stands out about Smudge Pot is its commitment to staying small. While many breweries focus on growth and production volume, Smudge Pot embraces a different philosophy.

"The bottom line is that I want to make quality beer, a quality product that is locally made and locally sold," Ron explained. "Not mass produced. Like a local bakery. We're going to be different, and that's the way it is."

That hands-on approach is evident throughout the brewing process. Brewing just three barrels at a time, about six kegs per batch,h keeps the team deeply involved in every recipe."I still have my hand in the beer and ingredients," Ron said. "I'm like a chef."

The result is a rotating lineup of handcrafted beers designed for enjoyment and conversation. As Ron puts it, "I like to create beer that I can have more than one of. It's a social experience."

Beer lovers will find everything from ultra-light offerings like a refreshing 3.8% brew perfect for a hot Inland Empire afternoon, to local favorites such as Mentone Beach and Tierra Roja. During our visit, John highlighted the Bearded Skunk IPA as one of his favorites, praising its balance and drinkability. Good news for IPA fans, the Bearded Skunk is currently making its return and can already be found fermenting behind the scenes.

The brewery is also known for its creativity. Upcoming releases include Quats of Steel, an American wheat beer brewed with locally sourced kumquats, and a Radler featuring Mentone Beach Ale blended with lemonade for a refreshing summer option.

For guests looking for alternatives to beer, Smudge Pot offers something equally unique. Their flavored seltzer program allows guests to customize sweetness and flavor combinations, with the Blackberry Mojito proving especially popular. Non-alcoholic flavored seltzers provide a mocktail-style experience, making the taproom welcoming to everyone.

The brewery's atmosphere reflects its small-batch philosophy. Located near Redlands' Orange Blossom Trail, the taproom offers a relaxed and intimate environment where conversation comes first. Families are welcome, dogs are encouraged, and a dedicated toy corner helps keep younger visitors entertained.

Rather than focusing on loud crowds, Smudge Pot has created a space where people can slow down and connect. Regular events include comedy nights, craft-focused "Sip and Sew" gatherings, Thursday evening running groups, and food trucks. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food, making it easy to settle in for an afternoon with friends.

One area where Smudge Pot continues to grow is private events. The brewery features flexible event spaces and regularly hosts celebrations, gatherings, and private parties. In fact, Fridays are often reserved for private events, highlighting the growing demand for unique community spaces that feel both local and personal.

Their motto says it best: "Great beer, great friends, great times."

From its Redlands-inspired name and décor to its commitment to handcrafted brewing, Smudge Pot embraces everything that makes local businesses special. It's not trying to be the biggest brewery around, and that's exactly the point. By staying small, staying local, and keeping quality at the center of everything they do, Smudge Pot has quickly become a gathering place worth discovering.

Host: Melissa

Highlights:

• Two Unique Redlands Locations – Choose between a classic brewery atmosphere or the Downtown Oasis, featuring a full kitchen, wood-fired pizza, and an expanded beverage menu.
• Drinks for Every Taste – In addition to craft beer, Escape offers cocktails on tap, kombucha, mocktails, gluten-free beverages, non-alcoholic beer, and house-made sodas.
• Dog-Friendly Destination – From Rescue Wednesdays and adoption events to the annual Halloweenie celebration, Escape is one of Redlands' most welcoming spots for dog lovers.
• Food, Events & Community – Enjoy wood-fired pizza, food trucks, watch parties, live events, crafting workshops, and nonprofit fundraisers throughout the year.
• Perfect for Groups & Gatherings – Spacious patios, flexible event spaces, catering options, and free group reservations make Escape an ideal venue for celebrations, meetings, and community events.

As our brewery tour continues, we arrive at a place that has evolved far beyond what many people imagine when they think of a brewery. With two unique locations in Redlands, Escape Craft Brewery has created not one, but two gathering spaces that bring people together through great drinks, good food, and community-focused events.

Of course, craft beer remains at the heart of the experience. During our visit, we sampled a flight featuring everything from the crisp  Light Rice Lager and refreshing Waternalone to the Juicy Slice Blackberry Sour, Civil Disturbance Citra IPA, Irish CrossFit Red, and the rich Midnight Express Coffee Stout. Guests can also create their own four-pack to take home and continue exploring their favorites.

But beer is only part of the story.

Escape has expanded its beverage program to include cocktails on tap, gluten-free options, house-made bitters, kombucha, sodas, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beers. Their Clearstate cocktails offer clean, refreshing flavors without the heaviness of traditional mixed drinks, and upcoming canned cocktail offerings will make it even easier to enjoy Escape beyond the taproom.

What impressed us most was the intentionality behind creating an inclusive space. Whether you're ordering a craft IPA, sipping a kombucha, enjoying a mocktail, or simply meeting friends for lunch, you'll find yourself just as much a part of the experience.

One of the things that makes Escape unique is that each of its two Redlands locations offers a distinct experience.

Their original location embraces the classic brewery atmosphere, regularly hosting local food vendors and food trucks that give guests the opportunity to support multiple small businesses in one visit. It's a laid-back gathering place where great beer, community events, and local partnerships come together.

Meanwhile, their downtown Oasis location expands the experience even further. In addition to Escape's extensive beverage menu, guests can enjoy a full kitchen featuring wood-fired pizzas fresh from their fire oven, along with a menu that includes gluten-free and vegan options. Whether you're meeting friends for dinner, grabbing lunch during Social Hours, or gathering before an event downtown, The Downtown Oasis offers something for nearly every dietary preference.

The brewery also proudly embraces another community: dogs.

In fact, Escape may very well be Redlands' dog brewery. From Rescue Wednesdays, where guests can meet adoptable dogs and "come get some love" to dog adoption events and the beloved annual Halloweenie celebration, four-legged friends are woven into the brewery's identity. The team focuses on creating dog-friendly experiences that encourage connection between pet lovers and local rescues. Plus you might also see a brewery dog wondering around in the back.

Community remains at the center of both locations. Spacious patios feature misters for warm summer days, projector screens for LA Galaxy matches and World Cup watch parties, and regular events ranging from crafting workshops and creative classes to nonprofit bingo events and local artist showcases.

The brewery has also become a popular gathering space for celebrations of all kinds. Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, rehearsal dinners, business meetings, and team events regularly fill the calendar. With flexible event spaces, a game room, free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and catering options, Escape has become a go-to destination for both personal and professional gatherings. Groups of up to 30 can reserve space at no cost, while larger events can take advantage of private patio rentals and customized food and beverage packages.

And if you're simply stopping by for a casual afternoon, their Social Hours lunch specials offer another reason to stay awhile.

Throughout our conversation, one message became clear: Escape isn't just serving drinks. It's creating opportunities for people to connect.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a dog lover, a remote worker, a soccer fan gathering for a watch party, or someone looking for a great mocktail and good company, Escape Craft Brewery has built a space where community comes first.

Sometimes the best escape is simply finding a place where everyone belongs.

Host: Colleen

Highlights:

• A Redlands Craft Beer Landmark – Founded in 2008, Hangar 24 has grown into a regional favorite while remaining deeply rooted in the Redlands community.
• More Than a Brewery – Enjoy a full restaurant menu featuring wood-fired favorites, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus house-made root beer and weekend slushies.
• Fun for the Whole Family – With spacious outdoor seating, live music, trivia, karaoke, sporting events, and kid-friendly menu options, there's something for every age.
• Great Beer & Refreshing Alternatives – Explore a rotating lineup of craft beers alongside hard seltzers, house-made sodas, non-alcoholic beers, and seasonal specialties.
• Community Gathering Place – From nonprofit fundraisers and private events to veteran discounts and an active calendar of entertainment, Hangar 24 is a place where Redlands comes together.

No brewery tour of Redlands would be complete without a stop at one of the city's most recognizable landmarks: Hangar 24 Craft Brewing.

Established in 2008, Hangar 24 has become much more than a brewery. What began as a family-owned business built around a passion for craft beer has grown into a regional success story, expanding from Redlands into Lake Havasu, Riverside, and Orange County. Yet despite that growth, its roots remain firmly planted right here in the city where it all began.

Walking into Hangar 24, you're immediately reminded of its aviation-inspired heritage. A homebrew kit sits atop the bar as a nod to the brewery's humble beginnings, serving as a reminder that every great brewery starts with a simple idea, a little curiosity, and a passion for creating something worth sharing.

Over the years, Hangar has become a destination for beer lovers of every kind. Their lineup continues to evolve, with new low-ABV offerings designed to deliver the flavor and body of a hazy beer while keeping alcohol content lower. Whether you're looking for something crisp and refreshing for a summer afternoon or a more hop-forward selection, there's always something new to discover.

When we asked about favorite warm-weather pours, two recommendations stood out: the Helles Lager and the refreshing Tahitian Tea. Guests can also explore a variety of seltzers, house-made sodas, non-alcoholic beers, and even root beer brewed on-site. On weekends, families can enjoy kid-friendly slushies, while adventurous beer fans can sample sour beer slushie creations.

Another thing that surprised us during our visit was just how much Hangar 24's food program has evolved. While many people still think of Hangar primarily as a brewery, it has grown into a true dining destination with a full menu that goes far beyond traditional taproom fare.

We were fortunate enough to sample several menu favorites, starting with their baseball-inspired stadium hot dog special that immediately brought back memories of summer nights at the ballpark. The Bavarian Pretzel Bites were another standout, served with a rich beer cheese dip made using Hangar's iconic Orange Wheat Ale, a perfect pairing of two brewery favorites.

For our main course, we dug into the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, featuring a 24-hour brined chicken breast tossed in a sweet and spicy Nashville-style oil rub. We also sampled tacos from the menu, which includes options ranging from al pastor chicken and carne asada to mahi mahi. Each dish showcased the same attention to detail that Hangar puts into its beer program. And because no meal is complete without something sweet, we wrapped up the experience with the Sugar Crash Landing Churros, warm churros filled with caramel, coated in cinnamon sugar, and served with chocolate dipping sauce.

Beyond what we sampled, the menu offers something for nearly everyone, including burgers, fresh salads, protein bowls, tacos, sandwiches, appetizers, vegetarian options, gluten-free selections, and even a Junior Pilot menu for younger guests. Pair that with house-brewed root beer floats, slushies on the weekends, and a rotating beverage selection, and it's easy to see why many visitors come for the beer but stay for the food.

One thing that makes Hangar 24 special is its ability to welcome everyone. Families gather around picnic tables, friends meet after work, sports fans catch games on the outdoor televisions, and visitors from out of town get their first taste of Redlands hospitality.

The brewery's outdoor space remains one of the most inviting in town. Complete with misters for hot summer days, heaters for cooler evenings, outdoor televisions, and a stage for live entertainment, it's easy to spend an entire afternoon relaxing beneath the Inland Empire sky.

And there's always something happening.

Trivia nights, karaoke, live music, watch parties, and major sporting events fill the calendar throughout the year. Upcoming events include performances from nationally touring acts, including Hawthorne Heights. The brewery has become a gathering place not only for beer enthusiasts but for anyone looking to enjoy great entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere.

That sense of community extends beyond the taproom. Through nonprofit partnership programs, local organizations can host fundraising events at the brewery and receive 20% of sales generated during their event. It's just one of the many ways Hangar 24 continues to invest in the community that helped it grow.

For those looking to celebrate a special occasion, the brewery's private Pilot's Lounge offers a unique event space complete with its own stage and customizable beverage options. Whether it's a birthday, company gathering, reunion, or private party, the space provides a memorable setting with the same laid-back Hangar atmosphere guests have come to love.

Of course, no visit is complete without a stop by the merchandise area or grabbing a variety pack to take home. Dedicated fans can even join the brewery's beer club for exclusive releases and special perks throughout the year.

Hangar 24 also proudly offers discounts for veterans, first responders, and local heroes, another reflection of its commitment to the people who make this community strong.

Nearly two decades after opening its doors, Hangar 24 remains a true Redlands staple. It's a place where families gather, friendships grow, and visitors discover why craft beer became such an important part of our city's culture.

For many Redlanders, Hangar 24 isn't just a brewery…it's a tradition.

Support Your Favorite Redlands Brewery

What’s another great way to support your favorite breweries near you? Tag them on social media when you visit! This list makes a great DIY Redlands brewery tour. As you sample and toast, make sure to share your experience on social media.

An @mention with a positive review plays a substantial role in helping small businesses get found. Plus, you can make your mention go even further by tagging About Redlands to get your post re-shared!

Have a local Redlands brewery we should add to the list? This curated collection of favorites was written by locals. We’re always looking for great recommendations. Send us yours to get it added to the list.