Look — Sacramento’s been on a craft beer bender for years now.
Every other block has a “taproom” or “nano-brewery” popping up, selling $9 pints and dreams.
But let’s be real:
Not all these places are worth your liver or your wallet.
If you’re tired of pretending that every hazy IPA is “amazing,” here’s the real list:
5 Sacramento breweries actually worth a damn.
(And a few honorable mentions if you feel like pushing your luck.)
1. Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse
Website: urbanrootsbrewing.com
The Vibe:
- Industrial, open space — but feels inviting, not like you’re drinking in a Costco.
- Actual food that doesn’t suck (BBQ that slaps, legit.)
What to Drink:
- Death and Taxes Black Lager
- Urban Roots IPA if you wanna stay classic
Why It’s Worth It:
They didn’t just slap “brewery” on a warehouse and pray.
Urban Roots actually cares about the beer — and you can taste it.
Bonus: you leave full, not just tipsy.
2. Bike Dog Brewing Co.
Website: bikedogbrewing.com
The Vibe:
- Chill, low-key, with actual dogs welcome.
- Feels like you’re just hanging in someone’s rad garage.
What to Drink:
- Mosaic Pale Ale (crushable but still interesting)
- Puppy Dog Pale if you want something lighter but not boring
Why It’s Worth It:
No fake “craft” vibes here.
These guys have been putting out consistent, clean, good beer for years.
Plus, dogs. Always dogs.
3. New Helvetia Brewing Company
Website: newhelvetiabrew.com
The Vibe:
- Neighborhood chill.
- Zero pretension.
- You might accidentally join trivia night after a few beers.
What to Drink:
- Buffalo Craft Lager (their OG flagship and still crushable)
- Mystery IPAs (they rotate — some are weird in the best way)
Why It’s Worth It:
They care about the neighborhood and the beer.
It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s trying to be good — and usually nails it.
4. Device Brewing Company
Website: devicebrewing.com
The Vibe:
- Cool without trying too hard.
- Different locations (like the Ice Blocks taproom) = different moods.
What to Drink:
- Integral IPA (seriously, if you’re into IPAs, it’s one of the best in Sac)
- Salted Caramel Porter when you’re feeling “dessert beer” energy
Why It’s Worth It:
Consistency, creativity, and one of the few places where the “flagship” beers are actually good year after year.
5. Alaro Craft Brewery
Website: alarobrewing.com
The Vibe:
- More “elevated” pub feel.
- Think: nice enough for a date without feeling like you need a reservation.
What to Drink:
- Castillo IPA (award-winning for a reason)
- Small-batch seasonal stuff — they love experimenting, and they’re good at it.
Why It’s Worth It:
Alaro isn’t a hype machine — it’s quality beer, Spanish-inspired food, and a good hang for when you want more than “just another flight board.”
Honorable Mentions If You’re Feeling Adventurous:
- Tower Brewing (towerbrewingcompany.com) – hit or miss, but when they hit, it’s nice.
- Oak Park Brewing Co. (opbrewco.com) – more of a community vibe. Good beers, better people.
Check out our midtown beer scene here!
So Grab your friends, hit up one of these breweries!
Cheers to good beer and even better company!
