Lodi’s Brewery Scene
Lodi's Brewery Scene: A Comprehensive Guide to Beer, Food, and Entertainment
Lodi, California, is world-famous for it’s wines, wineries, and tasting rooms. Lodi has become the San Joaquin Valley’s craft beer destination, boasting a diverse collection of breweries that offer unique experiences, blending exceptional beer with creative food options, live entertainment, and a distinctive local character. This historic agricultural town now boasts five active breweries plus several taprooms that showcase both traditional and innovative brewing styles[1].
Major Breweries and Their Specialties
Lodi Beer Company
Established in 2004, Lodi Beer Company serves as the flagship brewery in downtown Lodi[1]. This neighborhood restaurant and brewery pairs house-brewed beers with comfort food in an old-fashioned tavern setting[1]. Their beer portfolio includes an impressive range of styles:
Signature Beers:
West Coast IPA - Brewed with nearly 3 pounds of hops per barrel, this beer won 3rd place at the 2016 CA State Fair[3]
Imperial/Double IPA - Aggressively hopped with Chinook and Sicoe hops[3]
Hazy Rhapsody NEIPA - A west coast version of the New England "Hazy" IPA with special ale yeast and wheat additions[3]
Märzen - Munich malts and Saazs hops create a delicately balanced amber lager[3]
Porter - Dark brown with roasted malt sweetness[3]
Umna Hefeweizen - Brewed with nearly 50% malted wheat, featuring clove and banana flavors[3]
Orange Blossom Fruit Beer - Summer wheat enhanced with fresh California oranges[3]
Food Highlights:
American Kobe Beef burgers, including the popular New Orleans Cajun Burger and Bleu Burger[1]
Unique appetizers like their famous Cheese Loaf, Deep Fried Mac & Cheese, and Ahi Tuna Poke[1]
New Orleans-style baby back ribs and well-marbled ribeye steaks[1]
Fresh salads including Greek, Southwest Chicken, and Spinach Salmon varieties[1]
Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm[6]
Five Window Beer Company
Located at 9 W. Locust Street in downtown Lodi, Five Window Beer Co. embodies the perfect blend of craft beer culture and small-town charm. [7] This family-owned brewery has become a local favorite for its inviting atmosphere and creative brews[7].
Beer Selection:
Five Window offers rotating taps featuring hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental styles to suit every palate[7]. Their focus is on small-batch, locally crafted beers that reflect the community spirit[7].
Food Menu:
Wood-fired artisan pizzas made fresh in-house
SMASH burgers using 100% grass-fed beef sourced locally
Zero seed oils - they've eliminated all seed oils, using beef tallow fryers and housemade dressings for a cleaner dining experience[8]
Entertainment:
Regular live music including bands like Overydryve Band, The Blue Tones, and Gary Bohannon & The Bad Habits[8]
Weekly trivia nights every Tuesday[8]
Pet-friendly patio and family-friendly atmosphere[7]
Hours: Monday closed, Tuesday-Wednesday 3:00pm-9:00pm, Thursday 3:00pm-10:00pm, Friday 12:00pm-11:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm[7]
Side Hustle Brew Co
Positioned as more than just a brewery, Side Hustle Brew Co at 2441 S Stockton St celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and local pride[10]. This small-batch, locally owned brewery brings bold flavors and inventive brews to life[10]. The brewery started as a “side hustle” for Riaza Wines, which is still on-site and offers a full selection of Lodi-grown red wine, white wine, and blends.
Beer Portfolio:
Their "Big Board" rotating selection includes diverse styles:
Hop Water (0.0% ABV) - Non-alcoholic option[11]
Grapefruit Seltzer (5.2% ABV)
West Coast Session IPA (4.6% ABV, 51.9 IBUs)
West Coast IPA (6.1% and 6.4% ABV versions)
Juicy Pale Ale (5.7% ABV, 21.7 IBUs)
White Stout (5.7% ABV) - An innovative style[11]
Midwest IPA (5.4% ABV)
American Lager and Blonde Ale for lighter preferences[11]
Food and Events:
Rotating food trucks typically on Friday and Saturday nights and occasionally on Sunday[12]
“Beer College” - “A crash course in all things beer” - as scheduled and hosted by Rick Taylor
"The Chef Series" - Special dining events featuring stripped-down, unpretentious cuisine[11]
Modern taproom with laid-back atmosphere and outdoor patio[10]
Entertainment:
Regular live music on Saturday and Sunday including William Sconce, Gabrel Ojeda, Brandon Cline, US 4 Love & Wilkinson
Taproom Trivia every Thursday night
Pet-friendly and family-friendly [10]
Hours: Monday-Wednesday closed, Thursday 5:00pm-8:00pm, Friday-Saturday 1:00pm-9:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-6:00pm[10]
The Dancing Fox Winery, Brewery, Bakery & Restaurant
A unique family-run establishment at 203 S. School Street, The Dancing Fox combines three passions: beer, wine, and bread[13]. This multi-faceted venue represents a true farm-to-table experience in historic downtown Lodi[13].
Beer Selection:
The Dancing Fox brews small, handcrafted batches ranging from dark stouts to light pilsners, with excellent IPAs[14]. They feature 20 taps mixing their own beers with selections from across the nation[15].
Food Specialties:
Stone-milled breads made on-site using organic grains[13]
Wood-fired oven baking using a Spanish oven[14]
Natural yeast from estate grapes incorporated into bread-making[14]
Extensive menu featuring American classics like reubens, hamburgers, and fish and chips[13]
Sunday brunch buffet ($34 per person) with omelet bar, eggs benedict, sourdough waffles, and house-made sausages[16]
Unique Features:
On-site distillery in addition to brewing and winemaking[14]
Beautiful banquet room for private events[13]
Certified sustainable wines from estate-grown grapes[13]
Hours: Tuesday 11:30am-3:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday lunch 11:30am-4:45pm and dinner 5:00pm-8:45pm, Sunday brunch 10:00am-1:30pm and lunch 11:30am-3:00pm[16]
Idol Beer Works
Located at 100 S. Sacramento Street, Idol Beer Works operates from a renovated tire shop featuring massive windowed roll-up doors[17]. This brewery has transformed into a full brewery and great hangout spot[17].
Beer Characteristics:
Idol Beer Works offers a wide variety of beers, including several virtually gluten-free options[14]. They source ingredients from around the world to craft the most authentic beer possible. [14]
Entertainment and Food:
Squeeze Burger — adjacent with an interior door to the tap room
Frequent live bands on two stages[18]
Rotating food trucks ensuring variety[17]
5,000 square feet outdoor beer garden[17]
Punk rock concerts and flea markets with 8+ bands and vendors[18]
Vinyl record events with DJ sets and record vendors[18]
Hours: Monday closed, Tuesday-Wednesday 3:00pm-8:00pm, Thursday 3:00pm-9:00pm, Friday 12:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday 12:00pm-9:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm
Additional Taprooms and Beer Destinations
Brix and Hops (14 S. School Street) serves as a wine and craft beer tasting room featuring 24 rotating taps and four local wineries[19]. This downtown destination offers a relaxed atmosphere where customers can bring their own food while Brix provides the beverages[20].
Woodbridge Uncorked (18911 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Woodbridge) combines the best of Lodi's wine and craft beer scenes[21]. This vibrant gathering spot features curated local wines and rotating craft beer taps, with live music and outdoor seating[21].
Annual Events and Festivals
Lodi Craft Beer & Beyond
This major annual festival takes place at Lodi Lake's Northside Beach area, featuring:
Craft beers and spirits from regional and national breweries[22]
VIP experiences with covered seating, special glasses, and $15 food credits[23]
Live music by bands like The Sweet Taunts[24]
Food trucks representing the area's best mobile cuisine[23]
Tickets: $55 until August 1st ($65 after), VIP $75 ($85 after)[22]
Lodi Beer Fest & State BBQ Championship
An annual celebration featuring:
Up to 50 local and national breweries[25]
California State BBQ Championship sanctioned by Kansas City BBQ Society[25]
Multiple tasting sessions including VIP early access[25]
Unique Features and Local Character
Community Integration: Lodi's breweries are deeply integrated into the local community, with many serving as gathering spots for locals and visitors alike[7]. The breweries frequently host community events, live music, and special celebrations[1].
Agricultural Connection: Reflecting Lodi's agricultural heritage, many breweries emphasize the use of locally sourced ingredients, from organic grains to fresh produce. [13] Side Hustle offers beers brewed with California Hops and Lodi-grown fresh hops in September and October. The Dancing Fox even incorporates natural yeast from their estate vineyards into their brewing process[14].
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Most Lodi breweries maintain a family-friendly environment, welcoming children and pets while serving diverse menus that appeal to all ages. [7]
Award-Winning Quality: Led by brewers like Bill Wood at Lodi Beer Company, who has won 13 Great American Beer Festival medals and 4 World Beer Cup medals, Lodi's brewing scene maintains high quality standards[26].
Innovative Styles: From Side Hustle's White Stout to Five Window’s zero seed oil commitment, Lodi breweries embrace innovation while respecting traditional brewing methods[11].
Lodi's brewery scene offers an authentic taste of California's Central Valley, where agricultural traditions meet modern craft brewing innovation, creating a unique destination for beer enthusiasts seeking quality, community, and genuine local character.
Sources
[1] Lodi Beer Company Brewery and Restaurant in Lodi, CA https://www.lodibeercompany.com
[2] Breweries | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/breweries/
[3] Lodi Beer Company - Lodi, CA - Beers and Ratings | Untappd https://untappd.com/LodiBeer/beer
[4] Lodi Beer Company | Lodi, CA | Beers | BeerAdvocate https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/11466/
[5] LODI BEER CO - Updated July 2025 - 1228 Photos & 1382 Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/lodi-beer-co-lodi
[6] Contact Us - Lodi Beer Company https://www.lodibeercompany.com/contact-us
[7] Five Window Beer Company | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/brewery/five-window-beer-company/
[8] SCHEDULE | Fivewindow https://www.fivewindow.com/events-1
[9] Live Music @ Five Window Beer Co. | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/event/live-music-five-window-beer-co/
[10] Side Hustle Brew Co | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/brewery/side-hustle-brew-co/
[11] Side Hustle Brew Co https://www.sidehustlebrewco.com
[12] SIDE HUSTLE BREW - Updated June 2025 - 31 Photos & 22 Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/side-hustle-brew-lodi-2
[13] The Dancing Fox Winery, Brewery, Bakery & Restaurant - Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32640-d1891591-Reviews-The_Dancing_Fox_Winery_Brewery_Bakery_Restaurant-Lodi_California.html
[14] The Best Wineries and Breweries in Lodi, CA https://towerparkresort.com/blog/the-best-wineries-and-breweries-in-lodi-ca
[15] [PDF] Lodi Beer Trail Journey https://visitlodi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lodi_beer_trail_-_2022.pdf
[16] Restaurant - Dancing Fox https://www.dancingfoxlodi.com/page?pageid=206EA9C5-DA21-42D0-9ACA-5B10736BB4D6
[17] Tap Room — Idol Beerworks - Lodi https://www.idolbeerworks.com/tasting-room
[18] Upcoming Events — Idol Beerworks https://www.idolbeerworks.com/events
[19] Brix and Hops | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/brewery/brix-and-hops/
[20] BRIX AND HOPS - WINE & CRAFT BEER TASTING ROOM, Lodi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32640-d10264520-Reviews-Brix_and_Hops_Wine_Craft_Beer_Tasting_Room-Lodi_California.html
[21] Woodbridge Uncorked | Visit Lodi, California https://visitlodi.com/winery/woodbridge-uncorked/
[22] Lodi's Craft Beer & Beyond - Visit Stockton https://www.visitstockton.org/events/lodis-craft-beer-beyond/
[23] Lodi Craft Beer & Beyond - Lodi Tokay Rotary https://loditokayrotary.ticketsauce.com/e/lodi-craft-beer-beyond
[24] Craft Beer & Beyond | Craft Beer, Bourbon, Food, and Music at Lodi ... https://www.lodicraftbeerfestival.com
[25] Lodi Beer Fest & State BBQ Championship https://www.grapefestival.com/p/events/lodi-beer-fest--state-bbq-competition
[26] Family of award winning Lodi Craft Beer and the Brewer Bill Wood https://www.lodibeercompany.com/lodi-beer
[27] Idol Beer Works https://www.idolbeerworks.com
[28] TOP 10 BEST Breweries With Food in Lodi, CA - Updated 2025 - Yelp https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Breweries+With+Food&find_loc=Lodi%2C+CA
[29] [PDF] Appetizers Burgers - Dancing Fox https://www.dancingfoxlodi.com/assets/client/File/Menu.pdf
[30] Five Window Beer - Breweries - Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/five-window-beer-lodi
[31] Experience Craft Brews at Lodi Beer Company - Evendo https://evendo.com/locations/california/lodi/bar/lodi-beer-company
[32] LODI BEER CO - Updated June 2025 - 1228 Photos & 1382 Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/lodi-beer-co-lodi?start=40
[33] HIGH WATER BREWING - CLOSED - Updated July 2025 - Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/high-water-brewing-lodi-7
[34] High Water Brewing | Brewbound.com https://www.brewbound.com/breweries/high-water-brewing
[35] Woodbridge Uncorked - San Joaquin Magazine https://sanjoaquinmagazine.com/2017/10/woodbridge-uncorked/
[36] High Water Brewing - Lodi, CA - Untappd https://untappd.com/highwaterbrewing
[37] Woodbridge Uncorked - Visit Stockton https://www.visitstockton.org/directory/woodbridge-uncorked/
[38] HOME | Five Window Beer Co. https://www.fivewindow.com
[39] Brix and Hops | Fine Wine and Craft Beer http://brixandhops.com
[40] Five Window Beer Co. - Golf Simulator - 2 Hour - Lodi, CA - Tock https://www.exploretock.com/five-window-beer/experience/536013/golf-simulator-2-hour
[41] High Water Brewing (@highwaterbrewing) - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/highwaterbrewing/