National Beer Day: Exploring Santa Barbara’s Breweries
“Good people drink good beer.”
M. Special Brewing Company, Photo by Graham Burwell
Today is National Beer Day, and here at Santa Barbara Wedding Style, we’re hopping into the spirit with a closer look at four of our local Santa Barbara breweries!
These locations are brewing up magic all over the city, offering diverse lineups of one-of-a-kind craft pints as well as delicious bites and even cocktails created by experienced mixologists. You can find ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts, porters, and more from companies committed to small batch brewing with a Santa Barbara twist.
Check out all four Santa Barbara beer hotspots below. Bottoms up!
Brass Bear Brewing
Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro's two locations stunningly capture Santa Barbara's charm—the perfect spot for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and intimate receptions. Our Funk Zone location, nestled in the heart of downtown, features a sprawling beer garden that accommodates up to 200 guests—an ideal setting for al fresco celebrations just steps from Santa Barbara’s top hotels and waterfront attractions.
For a more private experience, our Uptown location offers spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas with breathtaking mountain views and convenient on-site parking. Whether you’re envisioning a casual gathering or an elevated culinary experience, our team ensures every event is seamless and memorable.
Brass Bear goes beyond craft beer with a chef-driven catering menu and a refined cocktail program, featuring signature drinks curated by our in-house mixologists to specially celebrate our couples. Thoughtfully designed spaces, exceptional hospitality, and a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance make Brass Bear the choice for wedding celebrations in Santa Barbara.
Learn more HERE.
Photo 1: Andrea David | Photo 2: Angel Sheree | Photo 4 & 5: Jordan Gonzales | Photo 6: Rebecca Spiegelman
Lama Dog Tap Room
LAMA DOG TAP ROOM + BOTTLE SHOP in Santa Barbara, CA, has two locations. One, the OG, is in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, the other is uptown, in the San Roque neighborhood. Each has fantastic, rotating selections of craft beers on tap, wines on tap and a huge bottle shop with craft beer and wine. There is fantastic food at both places as well. Please swing by soon!
Learn more HERE.
M. Special Brew Co.
M.Special Brewing Company is a unique craft brewery committed to pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation. Located in the heart of the California coast, we pride ourselves on creating beers that reflect our love for the outdoors, adventure, and a deep respect for quality. What sets us apart is our dedication to small-batch brewing, allowing us to experiment with new ingredients, techniques, and styles that many larger breweries simply can't. Whether it’s our hop-forward IPAs, smooth stouts, or crisp lagers, each beer is crafted with passion and precision.
We also focus on sustainability, using local ingredients whenever possible, and minimizing our environmental impact by reducing waste and conserving resources. M.Special is more than just a brewery-it's a place where people can gather, share stories, and connect over exceptional beers. With a welcoming taproom and a focus on community, we offer an experience that extends beyond the glass. From our year-round favorites to our rotating limited releases, every pint we pour is a testament to our commitment to quality and creativity. Discover M.Special Brewing Company, where adventure and craftsmanship meet in every sip.
Learn more HERE.
Photos by Graham Burwell
Validation Ale
Validation’s two locations feature upscale facilities with a casual atmosphere, incredible food, and delicious craft beer; the perfect venue for any of the gatherings surrounding your wedding. In the heart of the lively Funk Zone, the headquarters showcases the craft beer production Brewery, providing a beautiful backdrop with ample outdoor space for games and mingling. In addition to VA’s craft beer and seltzer available at both locations, the headquarters features craft spirits made in house, 4 specialty cocktails, and plenty of your favorite spirit/mixer combos too.
The new second location, Validation Annex on De La Vina, adds NY-style pizza to the event menu and indoor golf simulators for a unique event experience.
We are a local, family-owned business that will be thrilled to help you host your next party. Choose to lean into the casual vibe or dress it up and get fancy. With unique opportunities to make the space yours, such as customized monitors behind the bar, built-in mic/speakers, and even a performance stage, the space can transform to meet your vision. Each location can accommodate semi-private events up to 55 guests or full private options for 150+ or more with our outdoor space.
Learn more HERE.
