Historic preservation is a theme that underpins the nature of Old Town Torrance as its one way streets were originally designed to deter motorists from side-stepping highway traffic and using it as a short-cut. The pace of normal life slows down between Sartori & Cravens Avenue and without much notice, nightfall washes away lunchtime business and errands, bringing a simple quietness to Old Town that can be hard to recognize. At night, the street lights range from dim to very dim. The Red Car Brewery & Restaurant is also an homage to the past when Southern California traveled by electric trolley and cars were deemed a luxury item. The Red Car,a restaurant that brews its own beer on site, opened its doors & taps in 2000 which precedes the craft beer South Bay boom led by The Strand Brewery and El Segundo Brewing Co. It is one of the original South Bay brewpubs.
Arched window at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant in Old Town Torrance
To this day Red Car brews the same beer as it did during the early years with no pressure to experiment with new ingredients or styles. It is a British style pub where the majority of beer brewed use English hops, barley, and yeast strands. Owner and brewmaster Bob Brandt says, “Our artisan-style ales are made with quality English ingredients,” according to their website. Names of the beers on tap have largely stayed the same as well.
The South Bay IPA is a bit stronger than a typical English Ale with a 9% ABV that boasts a strong, hoppy taste with a little tang. Quite different than the other brews available is the Electra Lite golden ale that looks like a lager with an everyday flavor made for those who prefer less malt in their beer. The South Loop Porter is named after the bridge in Torrance that carried the red car and is packed with chocolate and roasted flavors. The Big Red Ale is a full bodied amber beer and so is the Motorman Reserve with additional hints of chocolate and roasted tones. Pay attention because Red Car does release seasonal brews like their Pumpkinhead Ale during the fall. Much bigger than the growlers sold at local craft breweries around the South Bay, Red Car offers a 64 oz growler for those who enjoy the nuances of fresh beer in higher volume.
64 oz growler by Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Inside Red Car attention to historic detail stays in touch with the large, arched windows facing Sartori Avenue that peer into a dining room with high ceilings and walls decorated with pictures from a time when the electric trolley car was prevalent during early 20th century Southern California. The steel brewing tanks are easily visible behind the long, sweeping granite like bar and are covered with wood to accent the brick walls behind them and complete a sense of nostalgia that permeates throughout Red Car.
The food is above average pub food with a wide range of pastas, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and appetizers. On the menu now is a Bavarian style soft pretzel that comes with a cheese sauce and mustard; it’s an outstanding complement to all the beers poured at Red Car. A family run business, like many in Torrance, the Red Car has steadied its tracks through the craft beer boom and maintained its personality by producing tasty English Ales paired with good grub all under one of the most authentic and original brewpubs in the South Bay.
Back patio at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant is located at 1266 Sartori Avenue in Torrance and is open daily from 11:30am to 9:00pm during the week but stays open later on the Friday and Saturday night. www.redcarbrewery.com