Judge Brewery

A Hoppy Place to Gather and Raise a Glass

by Dina Scaglione

Few things satisfy quite like an ice-cold beer on a warm summer day. Add in a friendly staff, the soft clink of pint glasses and the low hum of good conversation around high-top tables and every sip becomes just a little more enjoyable. Perched above Pico in San Clemente, Judge Brewery opened last fall and has quickly earned a loyal following—not just for its expertly crafted IPAs, but for creating a space where community and craft intersect.

After years of perfecting their signature ale for restaurant distribution, founders and homebrewing experts Chris and Ashley took things a step further. They enlisted a seasoned brewmaster to expand their original recipes and help bring their vision of an elevated, community-first brewery to life.

The result? A menu of cleverly named, small-batch beers that are as fun to drink as they are to order. The Lady Justice Kölsch is crisp and easy-drinking. The Under Oath IPA brings bold, West Coast flavor with zesty, woodsy notes, while Run! It’s the Hops! layers citrus and pine into a sharp pale ale. The Red Ale delivers smooth, toffee-toned depth. For those who like it light and tropical, Jury Juice IPA blends Mosaic, Zappa and Motueka hops with pineapple, mango and passionfruit. The Last-Straw-Kiwi Seltzer tastes like summer in a glass and the Bad Boyz, Bad Boyz Sour finishes with sweet-tart flair and a cheerful magenta hue.

Judge Brewery has also become a local go-to for community events. Pints & Pistons, held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., puts a craft beer twist on the classic cars-and-coffee meetup. With food trucks and a parade of hot rods, muscle cars, sportscars and vintage rides, it’s a social scene you won’t want to miss. The brewery is kid and pet-friendly and offers game nights every Thursday at 6 p.m., plus rotating events like cooking classes.

Judge Brewery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 8 p.m. On Pints & Pistons Saturdays, doors open early at 10:30 a.m. The open-concept space is also available for private events.

Whether you’re into hop-forward brews or just looking for a laid-back spot to hang, Judge Brewery makes its case clear. As their slogan says, “You be the Judge!”

Judge Brewery
924 Calle Negocio Ste C
San Clemente
949.361.5922
JudgeBrewery.com