By VP’s Alex Stowell

But where to do said task, one might ask.

Let’s have a look, shall we!   Moving from the south (the Marina)  to the north  we will stop at some of  best places to get a brew in Venice.

Tony P’s Dockside Grill is beer heaven.  They have 40 beers on draft and another 70 in bottles and cans.  They offer hop head flights, Belgian flights and even have Peanut Butter Milk Stout on draft with nitrogen.  There is something here for everyone and the Tavern has a cool relaxed vibe, great food and every sports happening imaginable.  If you have not been to Tony P’s, you should go!

17 taps of ice cold sudsy goodness at this iconic neighborhood Irish pub. And they have pool, games, a giant  outdoor patio complete with a bean bag toss, turtle races and live music to go with your beer!  Marvelous!

Simmzy’s is RAD!  They bring 26 taps of A game beer, including their own signature line brewed in Burbank! They really know the craft, rotating their handles with the best  of the best of So. Cal breweries.  Stack that with fantastic food, a  ripping happy hour, and monthly tap take overs, and your have the essence of this favorite local, steps from the sand spot.

Canal Club has a it going on in the beer department!  They rotate their handles regularly, with Dog Town Duck, brewed by their very own John Binder of Venice Duck Brewery, being a mainstay.  And, they have a huge selection of bottles and cans, Ballast Point Sculpin, Firestone Walker and Fat Tire to name a few.  Get down there at 5:00 p.m for their 7 day a week happy hour and pair your brew with some of their legendary cuisine!

James Beach has a whole lot of beer goodness, Dog Town Duck, Three Weavers,  and Stone IPA on draft to name three.  But there is way more!  22 oz. Arrogant Bastards and Santa Monica XPA are just the tip of the iceberg.  Get down there and see for yourself!  As well, this place goes off at night!  Want to skip the line outside to get in?  Go across the street and buy a drink at the Canal Club and get a wrist band that let’s you skip the line.

Barlo Kitchen and Cocktail/High Rooftop Lounge:  These places, housed in Hotel Erwin, are great.  As an environmentally forward businesses, they strive to have locally produced items on their menus.  This means a whole lot of California beer.  And, everyone knows Californians make the best beer there is.  They have Three Weavers Expat IPA, and Old Rasputin, to name a few. And, you can chill at the street level in Barlo or crack your brew 7 stories above the ocean at High rooftop lounge.

Surfside:  Grapefruit Sculpin and Old Rasputin, two of the finest beers ever made are just the start at Surfside.  Add 13 taps, including the legendary Ruination from Stone Brewing, and a $5 happy hour, and you have beer drinkers paradise. Rock!

The Sidewalk Cafe – 13 taps, with my choice being L.A. based Golden Road Brewery’s Point The Way IPA. As well, they have a full bar and a super deep menu.   And, if you did not know, they have $5 all you can eat tacos on Tues., and one of the best boardwalk people watching patios around.

If you like Japanese beer, check out Hama Sushi on Windward Circle. They have a wide selection of brew from the land of the rising sun on draft and in bottles.