Whale Face Beer, a Los Angeles-based craft beer brand founded by Brendan Megowan, is getting ready to open its first brick-and-mortar in Long Beach at 2154 Pacific Avenue.
The company’s first storefront will move into the former home of Adrian’s Barber Shop, according to a recent liquor license application. Although it does not currently operate its brewery, Whale Face collaborates with Strand Brewing Company in Torrance to produce its beers. The company previously had plans to open a dedicated taproom on the ground floor of The Linden, a residential complex in downtown Los Angeles, but it appears the company has pivoted to opening in Long Beach. The project is still in development, and no official opening date has been announced.
Whale Face Beer’s new taproom will feature a rotating lineup of its core beers, including pale ales, IPAs, and seasonal or limited-run releases. Guests can order individual pours or try a variety with sampler flights. The team also plans to brew some small-batch beers exclusively for the taproom. For those not drinking alcohol, options like house-made sodas or seltzers are expected to be on the menu. Instead of running a full kitchen, Whale Face will likely team up with local food trucks and pop-ups to offer snacks and light bites.
This will be an excellent spot for Whale Face’s first storefront. It’s located in a walkable, mixed-use area with good foot traffic and plenty of neighboring small businesses. Since brewing will continue off-site in Torrance, this setup lets the company focus on building a welcoming space for customers. The street-front location makes it easy to draw in both locals and visitors. With residential neighborhoods nearby, the taproom has the potential to become a regular stop for people living in the area.