Trip Ideas

If Beer Makes You Hoppy Then Tour Breweries of Nevada County

After skiing the slopes of Palisades Tahoe, strolling the Buttermilk Bend trail in South Yuba River State Park or just taking in the bounty at our farmers markets you deserve a nice cold frosty print. Luckily, Nevada County is home to award-winning breweries filled with tried and true I.P.A.s to experimental concoctions.

Tips & Resources

Fill up your frosty pint after a day of skiing at the breweries, bars, and restaurants in Truckee.

Sample the Sierra foothills tasty brews and wines in downtown Grass Valley.

Three cheers for beer lovers in Nevada City and stop by Three Forks Bakery & Brewing as well as Ribald Brewery.

By Laura Petersen

Are you looking for a fun way to explore the vibe and unique tastes of Nevada County? After a day on the trail or on the snowy slopes, a pint (or two) from our local breweries is a relaxing way to connect with the locals, feel part of our eclectic community and celebrate the day. And don’t forget to fill up your growler so you can bring the taste of Nevada County home with you.

Local Tip: It’s not uncommon for brewmakers to be on-site at the pub. Don’t be afraid to say “hi” and tap into their wealth of knowledge as well as get their suggestions for in-the-know seasonal beer and food pairings!

How To Explore Nevada County’s Brew Scene

Take a self-guided beer tour of Nevada County by visiting some of our award-winning breweries! Sample high-quality local craft beers, find your new regional favorites and immerse yourself in the region’s rich brewing history. Can’t decide between a Kölsch, an unfiltered hazy IPA or a well-hopped dark porter? We say… go for a flight and try them all!

Nevada City

Image appears courtesy: Three Forks Bakery & Brewery

Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Company

Visit Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Website
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This is the community hub you’re looking for if you want a delicious and locally-sourced meal paired with craft beer. Enjoy organic wood-fired pizza, soup, salad, sandwiches and fresh drinks like kombucha and house-made shrubs. Three Forks strives to provide customers with fresh, simple, seasonal food that is sourced only from local and organic producers. This is a friendly place and it’s not uncommon for strangers to share tables and become fast friends by night’s end.

Ribald Brewing

Visit Ribald Brewing Website

Try something new and a little edgy at Ribald Brewing. Besides offering a mix of traditional and funky brew creations, this relatively new venue is known for its lineup of diverse live music shows from rock and roll to punk rock. The atmosphere is considered family-friendly and a gathering place to kick back and enjoy the good life.

Grass Valley

Image appears courtesy: Grass Valley Brewing

Thirsty Barrel

Visit Thirsty Barrel Website

Have you been looking for the perfect spot in downtown Grass Valley that offers craft beer, great food and a dog-friendly atmosphere? Look no further! Thirsty Barrel offers 30 taps of constantly rotating craft beers and great pub food like nachos, truffle fries, signature fried brussels sprouts along with taphouse main dish favs like mahi mahi tacos -(battered or grilled), mac n’ cheese and burgers for everyone. All this with a side of companionship alongside your furry friends on the patio.

Grass Valley Brewing Company

Visit GV Brewing Website
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Get ready for a fun night with great tunes and delicious beverages, Downtown Grass Valley style! Depending on what day of the week you pop in, entertainment ranges from Open Mic Night, Trivia Night, Karaoke and Jazz Jam all within a cozy atmosphere of a 15-barrel brewery. Plus, Grass Valley Brewing Company has a nice selection of wine and hard cider, hard kombucha and a full-service kitchen to get your favorite bites. It’ll be an evening you won’t forget!

Penn Valley

Bull Mastiff Brewing Company

Visit Bull Mastiff’s Brewing Company Website
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This small-town brewery seeks to bring a casual, dog-friendly and neighborly atmosphere to the rural community of Penn Valley. Not to mention, amazing beer made with locally-sourced ingredients. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Dave and Tina are passionate about food and beer and want the community to be proud of the brewery. Hungry? Try their unique Bull Mastiff Bites – from fried pickles to carnitas tacos – you won’t be disappointed!

Truckee

Image appears courtesy: The Good Wolf

The Good Wolf

Visit Good Wolf Website
Visit the Good Wolf Brewing Company on Facebook

Beer Drinkers! If you’re looking for an unforgettable mythical craft beer experience, look no further than The Good Wolf, a small-batch craft brewery located in the Tahoe National Forest specializing in hop-forward and “forest” beers. With creations like Dragon Slayer, Fever Dreams and Bracken, there’s no doubt you are in for a magical experience. Trivia nights and live music round out the event calendar. Curious? We thought so!

Fifty Fifty Brewing Company

Visit Fifty Fifty Brewing Website
Follow Fifty Fifty on Instagram

Whether you’re in the mood to hang out in jeans for a backyard keg and BBQ or feel like suiting up for a 5-course meal, 50-50 Brewing Company welcomes all. An extensive tap list caters to those craving a strong Belgian Tripel, a Barrel-Aged Stout or a perfect pilsner. With the clean lines of a big city rolled steel bar to the warm welcoming mountain town feel that is Truckee, this pub has the right balance. Not to mention a full pub menu and craft cocktails to win the hearts, bellies and thirsts of the masses.

Learn more about Truckee’s breweries and beer gardens on Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s Music, Breweries and Drinking page.

Laura-Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen has a passion for storytelling and for two decades has chronicled the people and places of Northern California. Fascinated by folk who make a rustic livelihood from the land, her writing examines the complexities of human relationships with nature through topics such as sustainability, food and farming, arts & culture and outdoor recreation. In 2018, she founded Hiking For Good and can regularly be found hiking on trails in Nevada County. Read her work at https://muckrack.com/lpetersenmedia and contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com

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