Craft Beer Infiltrates Koreatown

Craft beerCraft beer enthusiasts are getting their frothy fill all over Los Angeles: at Eagle Rock Brewery and Golden Road Brewing on the east side, at Golden State in Mid-City, at City Tavern and Library Alehouse on the west side. But one of L.A.’s most unlikely neighborhoods is quickly turning craft: Koreatown. Yes, American beers are slowly infiltrating an area dominated by Hite beer and barbecued meats. Here’s just a taste of where the bubbly action is at.

Opened in 2011 by two young newlyweds, Beer Belly brings Koreatown first-rate craft beer and food. Featuring local beers rotating on tap, the owners’ aim is to spread the word of small-batch beer and top-quality food around the neighborhood. And they don’t take education lightly. The staff at Beer Belly was trained by the former beer sommelier of Father’s Office. The menu here is just as revolutionary to the neighborhood—expect tofu salads, authentic German brats, and duck fat fries. The menu changes weekly, so come often and eat well.

For craft beer with a more fusion twist, Biergarten is really slapping K-town with something new. Expect anything here: kimchi pancakes, Korean tacos, or beer can chicken—all meant to down with any of the 25-ish rotating craft beers. This place takes an even more surprising turn by turning into a sports bar for American games—flat screen TVs and a very enthusiastic crowd make this your most unexpected sports bar in L.A. If that’s not enough, here’s a tip to get you in the door: On Sundays, you can get a full pitcher of Hite beer for a single penny with any entrée. Bottoms up.