Checked this place out a while back with some coworkers after shift; just looking to unwind. A chef we work with recommended the Thai Tea IPA, and I'll admit that I was extremely skeptical; but trusted the chef's recommendation and was surprisingly stoked on it!! It was so tasty I bought a pack to take home for later enjoyment!!! 10/10 recommend for that beer alone!!! read more

When arriving to the brewery, I enjoyed the look and atmosphere. Very wide open and plenty of seating, the string lights helped create a nice inviting atmosphere. But I was caught off guard by the lack of music and overall how quiet the whole place was. I went on a Friday and there weren't many people there, which isn't bad just something I had noticed. Very stark comparison to the other breweries in the area, which were much more lively. The beers itself were decent; however, there were no prices posted anywhere on the chalk menu, or the paper menu from what I saw. I ordered 2 drinks, one of which needed to have the keg replaced. When the attendant returned she said they were actually completely out, but the drink I had ordered was a double IPA, and without any prices posted or itemized receipt, I wasn't sure what I was able to get instead. The attendant then tells me "if you get something cheaper, I won't change the price" which confused me. A double IPA is typically more expensive than a regular beer or seltzer and she didn't even offer a refund to compensate for the fact that it was sold out and I had already paid for it. This could have been mitigated if the prices were available or she offered me an itemized receipt. For 2 beers I paid $20 before tipping. As a customer I'd like to be informed of what I'm getting charged for, and if I'm charged for something more and given less, I'd like a partial refund. In the end I got my beers and sat down. The brewery itself doesn't serve food, so it was nice being able to bring my own food and est what I want. Again, up until 30 minutes of being there, no music was playing, so very off putting vibe. Overall, I did not enjoy my experience here and don't recommend anyone coming here when other breweries are in tbe area and much more clear with pricing and have a more lively vibe. read more

Overall, this is my favorite brewery in this area where there's quite a few breweries! I was a bit disappointed recently as they took a lot of beers off their menu and have such a short list right now. I liked how much variety they used to have and they make good beers which is why I'd always come! I really enjoy that they have an indoor and outdoor area. The people working here are usually nice and helpful. I love that they have TV's so my boyfriend can watch sports & they even have a whole shelf of games to play too! read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Golden Chaos - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Totally enjoyed game time with my son, his gf, and his friends! They have sports and random video playing on a couple of tv screens. There are indoor high tables and outdoor bench tables under a lighted tent. Ample seating, metal chairs. Nice women's restroom (FYI the faucet on the left doesn't turn off. I turned it off each time I went to the restroom and I don't know how long it had been running.) They don't serve food, but you can bring in your own. They have a bunch of games for you to borrow, enjoy, and return. They have a pretty fun collection of beers, some with interesting names; plus some non alcoholic ones (such as Athletic). They provide the alcohol content for each and you can taste before ordering. Alas, two of us were there for the fellowship and don't like beer. For us, there was a refrigerator with a variety of sodas, a mineral water, and an apple juice. There's also a water dispenser with cups if you prefer. Sorry, no ice, but if you grab a can or bottled beverage, you can ask for a glass, and the cashier found a straw for me as well. read more

Great neighborhood brewery. Been a fan of this company since my college days in Fullerton. Literally since 2011 / 2012. Really fun times especially at the OG spot. I know a lot about this place has changed and the bangers like knuckle Sammie and some other legendary hoppy offerings are no longer her what they once were it's still a cool spot with solid offerings. The Costa Mesa location is ideal surrounded by a bunch of cool other shops and restaurants. I'm actually pretty surprised it's not as lively or busy during the weekdays as of late . Cheers read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - American Pilsner - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My friends and I visited Bootlegger's Brewery as stop #1 of an OC Brewery tour we did with OC Brew Tours. I had a delightful flight here that I really enjoyed. The beer samples were served in little mason jars. They have an indoor/outdoor setting and you can sit inside, outside or do like we did and sit inside, but right next to one of the rolled up garage doors. If you have a dog, this is one of the more dog friendly breweries. If you're out running errands or headed to bark park with your pup this is the perfect place to stop in for a liesurely refreshment break as part of your daily stops. The Bootlegger's website also notes that they have trivia and bingo on weeknights. read more

There is no pricing listed for a good reason: HALF pours are now the price of what used to be full pours. Now a 16oz here cost the same or more than a beer at a restaurant, or almost the price of a 6pack. For a brewery, this is extremely pricey. :( Ambiance is nice though-there's a big patio in the front to hang out. You can order food from the LAB and eat here as well. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - HALF pours are $5.5+ depending on the ABV; pricey for a brewery - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Great little brewery near John Wayne Airport! Nice selection of brews on tap to choose fun, many options "food wise" nearby to choose from. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon, indoor/outdoor seating. Nice ambiance and great service! read more

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I'm really not a huge fan of beer, but I am a huge fan of breweries ;) Not sure why it took me so long to find this place, but it's definitely a great place to go when you want to hang, drink, and eat with your friends! We asked the man in the front for any recommendations that's sweet. He suggested, so I got the What The Huck (Huckleberry Cream Ale). It was pretty bearable for my boyfriend and I, and I actually came to like it (only a little). It was sweet and the aftertaste wasn't like a bitterness I'm used to having. There's an indoor seating area and an outdoor patio with seating. Wasn't hectic the day I went so it's perfect if you needed a place to hang out. I'd have to come back to switch it up from my usual Brewery X. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - What The Huck - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Beer selection is interesting. I love they have a patio area where you can enjoy the outdoors. Service is friendly and our barkeeper's knowledge of the different selection of beer is very helpful. Also, I love being able to sample beer before you get your pour. You can get food from the stalls that are nearby. It's a place I would come back, the challenge with coming to bootleggers is the parking, not there fault but "The Lab" is popular and parking is always a challenge. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. Great location. Easy to get to. Lots of options. Beers and seltzers. Food able to be brought in. Pet friendly. Bartender was super nice. Lots of options for seating. Small or big groups. Highly recommend for a brewery. read more

Great selection! This place always hits the spot love that they have a patio area too. And the staff is so welcoming with wanting to suggest whatever you're craving!! Emily, especially! Super friendly! We're gonna bit the Fullerton location next. And soon. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Been here many times! Much more relaxed than the other breweries/bars in the area. We never leave disappointed! Many beers to choose from. You can also sample them before ordering. The workers are very polite and helpful. Each time we visit there is something different.. food trucks, games, etc. The place is dog friendly!!! We usually go late at night so not sure how it is during the day, but so far no bad experiences & parking is always available. read more

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We enjoyed stopping here on a Monday afternoon on the way to drop someone off at the airport. There was plenty of street parking and outdoor seating, a good beer selection and service. We got there soon after it opened so were about the only ones here. read more

Friendly service, awesome open atmosphere, and a wide variety of beers on tap! Another fun spot to chill at with friends in The Lab. I'm an IPA lover -- I wanted to try the Knuckle Sandwich but they ran out (which is a good sign! So I'll come back to try that one) so I had the Thai Tea IPA and it was delicious! They have indoor and outdoor seating and they have games and trivia night! Looking forward to visiting Bootlegger's again! read more

This brewery is down towards the end of the Lab in Costa Mesa. The art on the walls is so cool! They have a large selection of brews to choose from and you can order food from the resturant sharing a parking lot. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - a glass of beer - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I absolutely love Bootlegger's! This place is small but has such a cute vibe and great outdoor space. The workers are all very nice and the beer/beverage options are great! They even have cute merch (one of my all-time favorite shirts is from here). I only have great things to say about this place! read more

visited this place while i was in the oc area and i must say its a super cute spot in a really nice shopping center. staff is super friendly and the drinks are pretty bomb. hella pricey but understandable for the location. definitely would come back to see how the vibe is at night. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Nice spot to hang out, catch up, and order food to be delivered. But in terms of their beers, I was not too impressed... tried most of their IPA's, all of which tasted very light with little to no hop.. Staff is friendly, outdoor area has plenty of tables, and there was live music too. Nice spot to check out in the area but not a fan of the beers here. read more

First time here and really enjoyed the atmosphere! Drinks: We got a michelada and sampler beer flight. The michelada was probably one of the best I've ever had and I'm a huge fan. The beer flight was a little underwhelming, didn't really enjoy any of the ones we tried and they didn't seem different from other places. Nothing unique on the beers from this experience. Ambience: We went on a Friday night and it was packed! There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with nice lighting that adds to the ambience. Music is playing but doesn't overpower conversations which is nice. Service: Very friendly servers! They are happy to let you sample a few to decide what you like. You sample, order, and pay at the counter and then can take your drink to the seating area. There are also games available while you are there! Parking: There is a small parking lot for the Lab nearby, but the brewery also has it's own small parking area in the back. During busy times it may be difficult as spots are limited. Restrooms are located right next to the brewery, on the way to the parking lot. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Michelada & Beer Flight - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Our favorite brewery in the area. Very dog friendly, lots of indoor/outdoor seating, multiple tv's to catch the game, great staff, and bring your own food friendly. They even have their own designated parking, but it's about 5 spots and mostly full on busy days. Their tap list always has a great variety which will cater to all the different beer lovers in your group. They also offer flights if you want to try a few. Trivia night is on Wednesday and it gets crowded. My favorite beer that is normally on tap: Thai Tea, Huckleberry, and Knuckle Sandwich. Can't go wrong with either of those. The downfall is that parking at the lab does suck. The parking lot has teeny tiny spots and a lot of cars don't fit in there. You'll probably do a few circles on a busy night before finding a spot where you fit. If you love your car, the parking lot may not be your best friend. Other than that, plenty of food options to pick up and bring over Bootleggers. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Cans to go - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Always solid beer and the location and patio is nice. Also good place to watch football.

This is cool brewery to hang out with friends after work. Good tunes and nice staff. I only had a chance to try the Far Out IPA, which is pretty good. $9 for an IPA seems high but given the likely rent in this complex, I assume that is the reason. Will be back to try more. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Far Out IPA - pretty good - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I'm actually a regular here. I just have to say it but someone needs to clean up the bathroom!! I love the drinks. Good vibes and my place to just chill. But the bathrooms need to be cleaned! 3 stars because the bathrooms are disgusting. read more

Spent credits on the jukebox they have and they stopped playing my song 3 seconds in. Don't use the jukebox there. It wasn't anything explicit I wanted to play Alan Walker read more

This place has many great beers and seltzer's. Theirs employees are friendly here. The atmosphere is great here and also some other places to go to walking distance. They provide board games to play. The El Chango lager is delicious here read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Nice spot to grab a drink and watch some sports. Came here on a Thursday afternoon and it was pretty empty. I wasn't a fan of the seltzer. It tasted very watery. But my friend got one of the IPAs and he said it was good. They don't serve food but I like how the pizza place in the anti-mall will deliver. Overall not a bad spot. read more

**Bootlegger's Brewery at the Lab Anti-Mall - Costa Mesa** So, I recently hit up Bootlegger's Brewery at the Lab Anti-Mall with some friends, and let me tell you, it was a beer lover's paradise! We went all in with the sample flight because, why not taste all the things? I picked the O.C. Crusher, Vista Hazy, Nelson Far Out, and Tai Chi Far Out, and each one was a little adventure in a glass. Let's break it down: - **O.C. Crusher**: This one was like summer in a glass--crisp, refreshing, and just a little citrusy kick that makes you want to sip it by the beach (or, you know, in a cool anti-mall). - **Vista Hazy**: Imagine a cloud of deliciousness. It was smooth, hazy, and had that juicy, fruity vibe going on. Perfect for anyone who loves their beer with a side of mystery. - **Nelson Far Out**: Bold and a little bit out there, just like its name. This one had a punch of hoppy goodness with a nice balance of bitterness and tropical notes. It's like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. - **Tai Chi Far Out**: A zen moment in a glass--smooth and balanced with a touch of exotic flavor. It's the kind of beer that makes you want to sit back and contemplate life's big questions, like, "Why didn't I order another one?" The vibe at Bootlegger's is awesome--laid-back and super social. The place was packed with people having a great time, and the energy was contagious. We didn't order any food, so can't speak to that, but the drinks were definitely the stars of the show. Service was no-fuss and efficient--order, get your drinks, and then you're left to enjoy the evening. It was all about the great beer and even better company. If you're looking for a spot with fantastic brews and a friendly, chill atmosphere, Bootlegger's Brewery is definitely worth a visit. Can't wait to go back and try more of their wild and wonderful creations! read more

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The ambiance is great! There are string lights and gas lamps outside in the patio. Bathrooms are clean; staff is nice; my friend enjoyed their drink. Overall, it was a vibe. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Vibes 10/10 - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

An awesome, casual place to hang out with both indoor & outdoor tables. It's dog-friendly and the staff is super nice & welcoming! Beer selection is also good - ranging from IPA (Knuckle Sandwich is my favorite), pale ales, stouts, seltzers. If you're unsure, ask a staff member for recommendations & a tasting. They don't serve food but they do allow outside food and there are plenty of spots nearby to pick up something quick to eat. Trivia Night on Wednesdays is really fun and it's a cool way to meet other locals. Parking can be hard to find in that area, but there is plenty of street parking right outside of the mall lot. read more

Casual outdoor brewery at The Lab with tasty sample flights of craft beer. Food: The restaurant does not serve food, but there are plenty of local restaurants around the block. They let you bring in outside food to enjoy with your beer. A new pizza spot named Kuro just opened around the corner, and they were handing out menus and taking orders at the brewery when I went. Drink (4/5 Stars): Their flights are great for sampling their unique selection of beer on tap. We enjoyed the Carnelian Cool Sour and El Chango Lager. Service (5/5 Stars): The staff are super friendly and happy to give recommendations and samples of the beer. Atmosphere (4/5 Stars): Casual open-air (dog friendly!) atmosphere. They have a variety of board games to play while you're there (i.e. Connect Four, Uno, Guess). Indoor seating with TVs and high-tops that opens up into the outdoor patio with picnic tables and heat lamps. Plenty of parking near The Lab and in the back of the brewery. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - a shot of beer in a bootlegger's glass - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My husband and I used to go to the Fullerton location pretty often when we lived over that way. When we moved, we decided to check out this location. They have a great variety of beers and even some seltzers. If you come here on a weekend, it's normally busy but they have a good amount of seating (both indoor and outdoor). My only gripe is that there's no food at this location. I think every now and then they have a food truck, but I really wish there was a kitchen! Other than that, this is a great brewery and the staff is awesome! read more

Amazing assortment of beers and the best customer service on the planet. So why are they letting the security guards hang out here consistently on their breaks, at a bar no less? - I was told today by an employee that the security hang out here all the time. I'm not a fan of this because I don't want to be harassed by a mall cop while drinks beer. And I'm sure the other customers here, myself and another party included don't want to be harassed because we brought dogs. I thought this was a dog friendly establishment but apparently it's not when the malls cops are here. Never had a bad experience until today June 6 at 6pm. The dude in the pic was giving a hard time to people outside and inside about their dogs. Time to look for a new spot. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Stop harassing my dog lab mall cops - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I couldn't have enjoyed this place more! Lots of outdoor seating, great brews to choose from, excellent service and suggestions from the bartender including ordering food (from pizza place Kuro) and they deliver to the table. Lovely afternoon. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Patio and brews - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Absolutely love Bootleggers! Their outdoor patio is perfect for hanging out with friends. They have a great selection to choose from and give suggestions as well. Parking can be a little tough at this location but it's worth it! read more

Costa Mesa is blessed with a slew of capable local breweries and I have to say that Bootlegger's is one of the better ones. Located in the back parking lot of the anti-mall, they serve up a pretty impressive range of brews from light saisons and blondes to dark stouts and double IPAs. This variety is perfect for those that come in a group or those that just like to try something new. I'm the type of guy who'll drink porters and stouts all day, but I enjoyed their Tropical Thunder so much that I ordered two of them. They don't serve food at the brewery itself, but they have menu's laying around from a few local eateries that will deliver food quickly to your table. The space is pretty small but inviting with the roll up doors creating a nice open feel. There are worse things in life than enjoying a brisket sandwich here over a few choice beers, while catching a game on the tube. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This was my first time to Bootleggers, and I was highly impressed by the wide array of brews on tap. I tried the huckleberry cream ale, and my beer had rich, fruity flavor and a smooth, creamy finish with just the right amount of sweetness. My dad tried a lager, and he was quite happy with his beer as well. Bootleggers is a great addition to the SoBeCa neighborhood, and I can hardly wait to try more craft beers here soon. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Funfest Lager - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I love a good brewery...who doesn't? Bootlegger's consistently has great beer, friendly service, and is always a good time. I visited recently and they are operating outdoors only and outside food is permitted. Their outdoor patio is dog friendly and kid friendly. We ordered: 1. El Chango with Sea Salt and Lime - Light, smooth, and refreshing 2. Old World Hefe - Traditional German style hefe. Easy to drink and full of flavor 3. Peach Kviek - This is their best selling beer. It is a Mexican lager with notes of cereal and bread. Yes, cereal! We kicked back a few beers, shared some laughs, and had a great Saturday afternoon under the sun. Bootlegger's is located in The Lab in Costa Mesa across from Habana. There's a few other breweries within walking distance, so it's a great spot to spend a few hours. read more

New spot - check it out! On the outskirts of the Lab and open till 1am on weekends. Dog friendly. Be sure to ask for samples before you make your beer choice. They have a large selection and beers are served in mason jars. Reasonable prices, but not insane value by any means. Around $15 for two beers. Lots of TVs, music and board games to keep you entertained! We played connect 4, guess who and checkers. read more

Bootlegger's Brewery - Costa Mesa - Harder to think strategically when inebriated - Breweries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Beers: Huge variety! Beer 1: Far Out IPA with Thai tea: IPA up front with Thai tea taste in the back with a slightly mild sweetness. ($7.42) Beer 2: Far Out FOG IPA: Hazy IPA with a juicy, citrus flavor ($7.42) The joint: Bootlegger's: Costa Mesa is locatwd behind THE LAB. Not as big as the original Bootleggers in Fullerton, but there is still a little patio out front and about 10 parking spots out front. Over the weekend we ended up here for a bday celebration with about 15 people. The staff was super accommodating when we asked them if tables could be re-arranged to fit everyone. Brook, our beertender was a superstar. She made sure our tables were clear of glasses and even helped bus our tables of food. Brook even brought out a beer shot for our bday boy! Gypsy Den and LA brisket deliver we here if you're in need of the munchies! read more

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