You’re scrolling through Instagram or Yelp, and you see them. Vibrant, industrial-chic shots of a massive space in Hawthorne or the newer, sleek spot in Culver City. Those Los Angeles Ale Works brewery & tasting room photos tell a story of a place that isn't just about the beer—though, let’s be real, the beer is the main character. It’s about the vibe. It’s that specific South Bay energy where aerospace history meets a modern, thirsty crowd. Honestly, if you haven't been there yet, the photos usually do a decent job, but they don't always capture the smell of the mash or the specific way the light hits the stainless steel tanks in the afternoon.
LA Ale Works (LAAW) isn't just another taproom. It was actually the first production brewery in Hawthorne. That's a big deal. When founders Andrew Tedford and Kristofor "Kip" Barnes finally opened the doors in 2017 after years of contract brewing, they didn't just want a bar. They wanted a community hub.
Why Los Angeles Ale Works Brewery & Tasting Room Photos Look So Different in Hawthorne
The Hawthorne location is a beast. Seriously. It’s tucked away in an industrial park, which sounds sketchy but is actually peak LA brewery culture. When you look at Los Angeles Ale Works brewery & tasting room photos from this original site, you’ll notice the scale. We’re talking about a 20-barrel brewhouse. The ceiling is high. The murals are loud.
One thing people often miss in the photos is the "Boardroom." It’s this private space that feels a bit more intimate than the main floor. The main tasting room is wide open, which is great for airflow but can get loud when the Friday night crowd hits. You’ll see a lot of wood accents—reclaimed stuff that gives it a bit of warmth against the cold concrete.
The outdoor patio is where the magic happens for photographers. It’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly, which basically means it's a chaotic, wonderful mix of Labradors and toddlers running around while adults sip on a "Bludso's Amber" or a "Palm Tree Pogo." The lighting out there around 4:00 PM is golden hour perfection. If you're trying to capture that perfect shot for your feed, that's the time.
The Culver City Ivy Station Shift
Then there's the Culver City spot. It’s different. Very different. If you compare Los Angeles Ale Works brewery & tasting room photos from Hawthorne to the Ivy Station location, you’ll see a massive shift in aesthetic. Ivy Station is polished. It’s right by the Metro E Line. It feels like "New LA."
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The Culver City tasting room is smaller but incredibly efficient. It has this wrap-around bar that looks like it belongs in a high-end design magazine. The color palette is brighter. You’ve got these massive windows that let in a ton of natural light, making it a dream for anyone trying to take high-quality photos without a professional flash kit. It feels more like a lounge and less like a warehouse.
The Beer Is the Visual Star
You can't talk about the photos without talking about the cans. LAAW is known for some of the best label art in the game. It’s retro-futuristic. Think 1950s space age mixed with 90s neon. When you see a flight of beers in a photo, the colors range from the deep, opaque gold of a hazy IPA to the dark, almost black richness of their stouts.
They do a lot of collaborations. One of the most famous—and most photographed—is the Bludso’s BBQ collab. Kevin Bludso is a legend in the BBQ world, and that partnership brought a lot of eyes (and cameras) to the brewery. The "Bludso’s Sweet Tea" beer? It looks like summer in a glass.
- Pilsners: Crisp, clear, and usually served in a tall glass that catches the light.
- Hazy IPAs: These are the "juice" shots everyone wants. They look like orange juice but pack a 7% ABV punch.
- Stouts: Often served in snifters, these provide that moody, dark contrast in a photo gallery.
What the Professional Photos Don't Show You
Let’s get real for a second. A professional photo of a tasting room is usually taken on a Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM when the floor is mopped and nobody is there. It looks pristine. But that’s not the real LAAW.
The real LAAW is the food trucks. Every day is a different truck. One day it might be tacos, the next it’s specialized grilled cheese or smash burgers. The steam coming off a hot plate of fries next to a cold pint of "Deadhead" IPA—that’s the shot.
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The noise is another thing. You can't photograph noise. In Hawthorne, the acoustics are... let's call them "lively." When there's a live band or a DJ, the place vibrates. It’s an energy you have to feel. Also, the parking in Hawthorne is surprisingly okay for LA, but in Culver City? Good luck. You’re better off taking the train, which, coincidentally, makes for a great "I’m on an adventure" photo.
Getting the Best Shots Yourself
If you’re heading down there specifically to snag some Los Angeles Ale Works brewery & tasting room photos for your own blog or social media, here’s the inside track.
First, go to the Hawthorne back area near the tanks. There’s something about the scale of the fermentation vessels that makes people look small and the beer look important. It’s very "industrial chic." Second, look for the murals. They have some incredible wall art that changes or gets updated, reflecting the local culture.
In Culver City, sit at the bar. The way the glasses are lined up and the taps are organized is visually satisfying. It’s symmetrical. It’s clean. Use the natural light from the large glass doors to your advantage.
The Community Element
A lot of the photos you see online focus on the hardware—the bar, the tanks, the beer. But LAAW is a "people" place. They host trivia nights, run clubs, and even yoga sessions. Capturing the community is harder than capturing a pint glass.
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You’ll see groups of engineers from SpaceX (which is just down the street in Hawthorne) grabbing a beer after a shift. You’ll see families. You’ll see artists. It’s a microcosm of the South Bay. If your photos don't have people in them, you're missing half the story of what makes this brewery special.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of the Space
The brewery is constantly evolving. They’ve experimented with different seating arrangements and new merch displays. Their merch, by the way, is top-tier. The hats and shirts often feature that same space-themed, retro aesthetic. Pro-tip: a photo of a fresh pour next to one of their corduroy hats is a classic "lifestyle" shot that always performs well.
They are also very active in the pink boots society and other industry groups, meaning you’ll often see special event photos that highlight women in brewing. This isn't just a "bros in a warehouse" vibe. It’s inclusive. It’s modern.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just go for the photos; go for the experience. But if you want the best of both worlds:
- Check the food truck schedule on their website before you go. A burger from a specific vendor might be the "prop" you need for your shot.
- Bring your dog to Hawthorne. The outdoor area is massive and perfect for pet photography.
- Try a flight. It’s the best way to see the range of colors and styles they offer in one frame.
- Wear layers. Hawthorne can get breezy when the roll-up doors are open, and Culver City's AC can be crisp.
- If you're at Ivy Station, take the Metro. It's literally right there, and it saves you $20 in parking and a lot of stress.
The reality is that Los Angeles Ale Works brewery & tasting room photos are just a teaser. You can see the colors and the layout, but you can't taste the "Kinda Blue" blueberry blonde ale or feel the vibration of the music. It’s a staple of the LA beer scene for a reason. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s one of those spots that actually lives up to the aesthetic you see online.
Go to the Hawthorne location if you want the "authentic brewery" feel with the smells of grain and the sound of canning lines. Go to Culver City if you want a polished, urban experience where you can people-watch while sipping something cold. Either way, you're getting a true taste of Los Angeles craft beer culture.
To get the most out of your visit, check their Instagram for the latest tap list, as they rotate beers almost weekly. If you're planning a photo shoot, weekday afternoons are your best bet for avoiding crowds while still getting that perfect natural light. Stick to the Hawthorne patio for sunset shots and the Culver City bar for that high-end, architectural look. Wherever you end up, make sure to grab a 4-pack on the way out; the label art alone is worth the price of admission.