This Agoura Hills microbrewery, which bills itself as an alehouse and brasserie is nestled into an unsuspecting stripmall at the foot of Conejo Valley's Ladyface Mountain, just off Highway 101. Inside, country-pub charm gives way to French, Irish and German influence—an exposed ceiling, low hanging art nouveau light-fixtures illuminate walls adorned with posters, and thick solid wood tables and café chairs good for small groups and couples are scattered around a central communal table. Brewmaster David Griffiths works just 50 feet from the bar, often popping in an out of the production rooms to chat with guests and answer any questions during tours offered the first Monday of every month. Floor-to-ceiling stainless steel fermentation tanks take up a corner of the pub, offering a definitive reminder that the brews are made in-house.
Vitals
Good for: Angelenos living in the West Valley can call on this place for a serious craft brew fix and French-country pub fare in a family-friendly environment. Poutine is served with pulled pork and Gruyere cheese. Ladyface Sliders are offered in three styles: pulled pork, beef or salmon-patties, and a happy hour menu is offered daily from 3 to 6pm and after 10pm.
The scene: Even the patrons liken this pub to their own Cheers haven—regulars hold court over the bar, chatting it up with each other and the bartenders, while students and alums from nearby Pepperdine or Cal Lutheran gather in groups over a round of pints. Parents enjoy a pint over mouthwatering Bouillabaisse while kids nosh on mac and cheese with a salt and vinegar potato chip crust.
Drink this: Ladyface brews offer a range of French and Belgian-styles to hoppy California IPAs and cask-conditioned ales: all by the pint, pitcher or in a growler to-go. Start off with a few tastes of their flagship ales or a flight of eight brews. The La Blonde is a lighter-style Belgian-style brew showing clean citrus and malt, and for something more rustic the Dérailleur offers rich berry, malty and spice notes. They also offer rotating seasonal and special releases on tap. About 15 different bottled brews and ciders (6-$34) are available, while French and California wines are sold by the glass ($6-$10) or by the bottle (mostly mid-$20s to upper-$30s).