Drinking in and around the Happiest Place on Earth

Sunsets + beer = happiness

While drinking inside Disneyland is limited to visits to the exclusive Club 33, it's neighbor Disney California Adventure has several options for partaking in tasty adult beverages. From outdoor carts, a bar with amazing sunset views, to a swanky lounge, there is something to suit nearly everyone's tastes.

My personal favorites are Carthay Circle Lounge, the Cove Bar and Sonoma Terrace.  Carthay Circle Lounge is a great place to hide away for a bit to either avoid the summer-time heat or crowds.  It is dark, quiet, and has several areas for both large and small groups to enjoy snacks and drinks.  Since the Cove Bar is going to be rethemed as the Lamplight Lounge, in conjunction with the transformation of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier, it will be interesting to see what changes will be made to this fan-favorite bar.   
The Sonoma Terrace focuses more on bottled beers and is usually far less crowded than both Carthay Circle Lounge and the Cove Bar.  The majority of all of the bars, lounges, and beer carts open at 11 a.m..  Flo's V8 Cafe is the exception to this, since they are open for breakfast.  So, you can have a beer with your breakfast while enjoying the scenic views of Radiator Racer Springs.

HippopotMai-Tai

Not only are there drinking establishments within the confines of Disney California Adventure, but there are also numerous options located in the on property hotels as well as various locations throughout Downtown Disney.  One of my favorite places to visit is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, located in the Disneyland Hotel area.  The drink menus at all of the bars both inside Disney California Adventure as well as the Disneyland Resort Hotels are generally the same.  One of the exceptions, though, is Trader Sam's.  Trader Sam's is a small, tropical indoor tiki bar.  The decor is fantastic, there are so many small details that are easily overlooked.  While sitting inside enjoying tiki drinks, it is easy to forget that you are surrounded by a massive hotel and two theme parks.

Cheers!

November Adventures!

The Red Trolley at Disney California Adventure is all decked out for Christmas!

To say that November has been a busy month would be a huge understatement!  I can't believe it's already coming to an end and that December will be here in a few days.  I've been lucky to hang out with some of my favorite friends, drink some amazing beers, gone to a couple of rad shows, and of course gone to some pretty cool places.  One of my favorite events during November is San Diego Beer Week, although it isn't just one event, but numberous events throughout the week.  I was so happy that I was able to attend both the World's Biggest Bottle Share, located at various locations along 30th Street in North Park, and Ballast Point's Victory at Sea event at Hamilton's Tavern.  

Snazzy booklet to go along with the Weezer show!

WEEZER!

Beachwood is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends!

     

Sharing Beach City Brewery's PCH at SDBW World's Biggest Bottle Share

One of the signature tastings at SDBW World's Biggest Bottle Share

SDBW World's Biggest Bottle Share, Polite Provisions

   

Mike Hess Brewing is RAD, so glad I finally got to visit!

  

One of my favorite SDBW events, Victory at Sea, Hamilton's Tavern

   

Viva Navidad at Disney California Adventure is SO much fun!

Sometimes, getting stuck on an attraction isn't such a bad thing.

I beat the bots and can't wait to see the Foo Fighters next year!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Disney California Adventure

  

One of my favorite beers, Pliny the Elder, Toronado, San Diego

A perfect beer for Thanksgiving, Ska Brewing's Euphoria!

Crystal Cove and Disneyland are great places for fall fun!!!

Sometimes, the best adventures happen in my own backyard.  Even though I've lived near the ocean nearly my entire life, there are still many nearby beaches that I have never visited.  This past week, I ventured to Crystal Cove to have breakfast at The Beachcomber Cafe.  Walking through the tunnel under the Pacific Coast Highway is like traveling back in time.  If you've never been to Crystal Cove, I highly recommend it!  Of course, I also visited my favorite neighbor, Disneyland.  This time of year is one of my favorite times to visit because of all of the decorations for Halloween.  Although the crowds seem to be more dense than during the summer, it's still a great time of year to take photos.

Crystal Cove

Clouds and waves at Crystal Cove

3, 2, 1, blast-off!!!

Matterhorn Mountain

Submarine Lagoon

Balloons and Sleeping Beauty Castle

Fall Fun!!! 9/29-10/13

With a post-season baseball game, visits to Disneyland, and hanging out at some of my favorite breweries, these past two weeks have been filled with lots of fun!  

Live music at Disneyland always puts a smile on my face!

The sun always seems to shine more brightly above Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Matterhorn

Cheers to the last game at the Big A until next year!

Lunch at Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach is always a great way to kick off a Saturday!

Cheers to Bottle Logic Brewing's GABF Gold Medal beer, Lagerithm!

Disneyland Fire Department

Cheers to Bootlegger's Brewery and their two GABF medals!

The Halloween Tree at Disneyland

Beach City Brewery's Dat :Lupe Doe DIPA is fantastic!

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!

Perfect way to end a weekend!

September Adventures 9/15-9/22

This past week, I visited Beachwood BBQ & Brewing, Disney California Adventure, a new brewery, celebrated LA Beer Week, and ended the week at Disneyland.

Dinner at Beachwood BBQ & Brewing is a perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening!

Balloons always put a smile on my face!

The Dudes' Brewing Company has a new tasting room!

Pizza Port Brewing had a tap takeover event at Naja's Place to celebrate LA Beer Week!

Sunday afternoon was Galliday, a gathering of Doctor Who fans at Disneyland!

Sunday Funday at Disneyland is a great way to end the weekend!

August Adventures, 8/11-8/18

This past week, I visited the Happiest Place on Earth, had some of my favorite beers at Disney California Adventure, and even helped make some pretzels that incorporated beer into the recipe!

Matterhorn peaking through the Mad Tea Party

Firestone Walker's Oaktoberfest, in bottles!

The jungle framing Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Firestone Walker DBA and Ballast Point Sculpin at Disney California Adventure

Is this room actually stretching?

Bootlegger's Brewery Knuckle Sandwich pretzels

August Adventures, 8/3-8/10

This past week I was able to visit a few of my favorite places, and of course, drink some yummy beers!  

A Very Merry Unbirthday to You!

Cheers to Mickey and his Fun Wheel!

Happy 45th birthday to the Haunted Mansion!

19 innings of baseball, thank goodness for beer and that the Angels won!

Mexican Logger is such a great beer for a hot summer day.