Brewery Profile

Karl Strauss Brewing Co - Universal CityWalk

Amid the crowds, restaurants, shops, and theater marquees of Universal CityWalk, this Karl Strauss outpost gives visitors a craft-beer stop with roots that reach back to San Diego’s early modern brewing scene. Karl Strauss opened in 1989 and is often cited as San Diego’s original craft brewery, so the Universal CityWalk location brings a long-running Southern California beer name into one of the Los Angeles area’s busiest entertainment districts. The feel is more brewpub than neighborhood warehouse taproom: a place to sit down, regroup, and order from a familiar lineup after time at Universal Studios Hollywood, a movie, or an evening walk through CityWalk. Visitors can expect the setting to reflect its surroundings, with steady foot traffic, mixed groups, and a casual pace suited to travelers as much as local beer drinkers.

For many beer travelers in Southern California, the regional draw is still built around crisp, hop-forward ales, balanced amber beers, and approachable pub styles that match the climate and food culture. Karl Strauss fits that pattern with beers such as Red Trolley Ale, a longtime flagship known for its malt-forward character, and Tower X IPA, a more hop-driven option in line with West Coast IPA expectations. A stop here works especially well for visitors who want a recognizable California craft brewery experience without leaving the Universal City area. It also offers a useful contrast to smaller Los Angeles taprooms: rather than focusing on one experimental niche, the appeal is a broad, established lineup shaped by decades of brewing in a region where pale ales, IPAs, lagers, and amber ales remain common points of reference.

Because this location sits inside a major entertainment district, the visit is easiest to treat as part of a larger CityWalk plan rather than a destination requiring a separate beer crawl. Crowds can shift with park hours, showtimes, weekends, and holidays, so timing may affect the pace of service and the overall atmosphere. The taproom or bar is the place to confirm the day’s pours, seasonal releases, and any rotating selections beyond the best-known beers. Visitors interested in tasting across styles may want to ask what is pouring fresh and compare a flagship with a newer or more hop-forward beer. The brewpub format makes it practical for mixed groups, including people who are more focused on food, a break from walking, or a relaxed drink before continuing through Universal CityWalk.

As San Diego’s original craft brewery, Karl Strauss has been pioneering West Coast brewing since 1989, bringing decades of expertise to their vibrant Universal CityWalk location. Stop in for a taste of history with their celebrated lineup, featuring the crisp Red Trolley Ale and the hop-forward Tower X IPA, perfect fuel after a day exploring the park. This SoCal staple offers a relaxed brewpub experience right in the heart of the entertainment capital.

Website available

1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, California, 91608-1008

Phone: 8187532739

Website: http://www.karlstrauss.com

Hours: DAILY HAPPY HOUR: $6 KARL beers + $12 apps (3-5P) all brewpubs!