Cheers to LA’s Best Family-Friendly Breweries

Pitfire Pizza – North Hollywood

After a yearlong renovation, NoHo’s popular Pitfire outpost has re-opened and it’s better than ever. Go early on a Friday evening and it’s mostly families dining at the beer garden-style tables. While you nurse your drink (three words: rosé on tap), kids can run around playing ping pong and cornhole in the now fully enclosed space. (Previously, the restaurant’s yard was open, which meant little ones could take off towards busy Lankershim Blvd.) The menu’s still the same, with highlights including kids spaghetti and meatballs and (of course) pizza. And instead of crayons, kids get colorful clay with their order, which should occupy them when the ping pong tables are taken. 

5211 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood
Online: pitfirepizza.com

Golden Road – Atwater Village

A haven for busy families who are looking for a bite to eat, a cold beer, and a place where the kids can be themselves (loud and messy) without anyone batting an eye, Golden Road is the spot to try. It’s always packed and the clientele ranges the t-ball crowd to 20-something birthday parties. Try the giant pretzels with pimento dipping sauce or the fried avocado sandwich.

What Families Will Love: After you eat, head outside to let the kids play corn hole, foosball and more, while you finish up the last sips of your craft beer. And heads up trainspotters: This place is right next to the train tracks, so if you have a Thomas loving little on your hands, they’ll love seeing the train pass by during dinner.

5410 W San Fernando Rd.
Los Angeles
Online: goldenroad.la/beer

The Propagator – Venice

If you haven’t heard of this hot spot yet, you’ve definitely heard of the brewery behind it. The first, local restaurant from the Firestone Brewery, it’s got the hipster cred and craft brews of a gastropub, with a laid-back sports bar vibe complete with booths (which are made from old fermentation vessels) plus big screens to watch the games. The menu offers a wide selection that includes woodfire pizzas, burgers, and fish and chips, but the kids will especially love the dessert options, like churros and pie, that will give parents plenty of time for a second round.

What Families Will Love: Located just a few blocks from the beach, hit all the trappings of Venice first thing in the morning and then head here when everyone is sufficiently sandy and sunned-out.

3205 Washington Blvd.
Venice
Online: firestonebeer.com/visit/venice

Dog Haus Biergarten – Pasadena

Originating in Pasadena, this chain has rapidly expanded across LA for good reason(s): the food is tasty, the beer selection is awesome, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy it all with kids. From classic corn-dogs to the exotic bacon-wrapped street dog, Dog Haus has a brat selection that will please every palate—including those who prefer their meat vegan as they now serve the Impossible Burger and Beyond Sausage. While the kids slurp down milkshakes with their hot dogs and fries, parents can unwind over a pint from their rotating selection of craft beers on tap.

What Families Will Love: All of the locations serve up the same delicious options, but the shaded, outdoor patio and fun collection of board games make the original Pasadena Biergarten the best for brews with tots. Speaking of which, did we mention they have amazing cheesy tater tots the whole family will want to share?

93 E Green St.
Pasadena
Online: doghaus.com

Rock and Brews – El Segundo

See all those kids in soccer uniforms and t-ball jerseys? This is a popular post-game hang for parents. Discover hard to find beers on tap—there’s a list of over 39 draft beers and even more in bottles. Try local favorites like the rotating El Segundo brew or the Eagle Rock Manifesto. Share a pizza or a basket of cooked to order wings with the fam. Kid menu and crayons included.

What Families Will Love: Take in a professional game playing on the big screens while the kids run circles around your table or climb the toddler jungle gym and slide (with an attendant so you don’t have to…well attend it). We told you it was kid-friendly!

143 Main St.
El Segundo
Online: rockandbrews.com

Link n Hops – Multiple Locations

Atwater Village is known for its laid-back vibe and family-friendly atmosphere and Link n Hops is no different. There are dozens of beers on tap, and they change regularly based on season and availability so there’s always something new to try. Let the kids help you choose brats or bangers from the meat counter, then watch as your dogs are grilled to order.

What Families Will Love: Tons of high chairs, a kid’s menu that pleases everyone, plus a pretty impressive vegan menu—what more could you want?

Multiple locations (Atwater Village & Sunland)
Online: linknhops.com

Button Mash – Echo Park

Beer and video games. Need we say more? This Echo Park hot spot is kid-friendly until 8 p.m. every day of the week where you can button mash dozen of old school video games and partake in dozens of brews from the tap, bottles or cans. And leave your bag of quarters at home — a card system allows you to play video games until your heart’s content. The card keeps track of everything for you. We love anything from the Japanese fusion menu, especially the fried tofu balls and the five spice apple fritters.

What Families Will Love: Hand step stools make video games reachable for shorties so you can pass along your love of gaming to the next generation.

1391 Sunset Blvd.
Echo Park
Online: buttonmashla.com

Wurstküche – DTLA & Venice

If you’re in the mood for some of the juiciest brats, links, and dogs you’ve ever tasted, head to the German-inspired Wurstküche, purveyor of exotic grilled sausages. Be adventurous with a grilled rattlesnake and rabbit link, but get the old-fashioned brats or vegetarian links for the kiddos. With over 24 imported beers on tap, you’ll be able to find something you like, and trying to find that perfect pint is half the fun. The extra crispy Belgian fries with homemade dipping sauces are sure to please everyone. Family style tables are great for crowds.

What Families Will Love: Ask the bartender for a cup of crayons and the kids can make masterpieces on the brown paper covered tables while you wait for food or get lucky enough to enjoy a second round.

DTLA and Venice
Online: wurstkuche.com

EB’s Beer and Wine – Fairfax

There’s a reason EB’s Beer and Wine remains a staple at the Original Farmer’s Market. It’s a low key destination where you can grab a drink and plop down at one of the many tables and choose from a variety of food from around the world. With options from local food stalls like The Banana Leaf, The French Crepe Company, Charlie’s Coffee Shop and more, it’s a picky eater’s heaven since no one has to eat at the same place as everyone else.

What Families Will Love: Since the atmosphere is super casual, bring some board games and stay for a while, or show up on an evening during the weekend to soak in some live music. It’s also pet-friendly so you can bring your fur babies too as long as they are on a leash.

6333 W. 3rd St.
Fairfax
Online: fmbars.com