When we were invited to check out Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, I hesitated knowing how far it is.  For some reason, I had imagined Half Moon Bay miles further than Pacifica – in reality it took us 20 minutes to drive there from San Francisco.  An easy trip – and if you have never driven down there you should. It’s absolutely beautiful.  The short drive takes you along the cliffs over looking the water and winds through the hills.

The brewery itself sits close to where the famous Maverick waves take place every year (they are completely packed during that day). It’s an incredible building, a montage of a few older buildings and more recent architecture built from old wood from the train station. If you are driving down the coast, it’s a cute little place to pull over for fresh seafood and even fresher brew.  They’ve got their normal several brews and rotating seasonal - my favorite being a bold and delicious double IPA. The menu boasts tons of seafood and the house’s dishes – some even inspired by one of the owner’s (it’s a labor of love by several families) Portuguese heritage.

The brewery is very involved with the local community and gives back.  In fact, they’ve generated nearly half a million dollars in donations for scholarships and charities. The brewery also becomes a pub in its true sense.  They open up the Beer Tent for Brews and Views to chat politics – everything from the economy to more social issues.  They bring in speakers from government posts – including the former press secretary for Bill Clinton.  The Brews and View happen on the first Thursday of every month.