Stopped in for a beer on a road trip. Staff were really friendly, a great spot to watch a game and try some local brews.

Amazing staff, beautiful beer garden!! They are so accommodating, on a slow cold evening they even opened up their outdoor seating area for us and our huge dog. We are just visiting but if we were locals, we'd be regulars here read more

Eel River Brewery, Fortuna, CA - August 28 2023 We arrived at Eel River Brewery just a little before noon on a Monday. A brewery open for lunch on a Monday! Not always the case. Of course we verified it ahead of time on their website. Yelp said they were open too, but we always like to double check. We always seem to land at Eel River Brewery when we're passing by. On this day, we were driving from Trinidad, California, on to Westport, California in our motorhome. I've never had a problem getting parking on the street right next to the brewery. The brewery parking lot itself is also pretty expansive. The brewery is housed in what I imagine was an early 1900s building that has been converted into its current state. Tall vaulted ceilings built from sturdy timbers. There are both indoor and covered outdoor seating. Indoors has a very lively and warm feel to it. Outdoors, the music creates a festive atmosphere. Most of the patrons seemed to be locals, and it seem like a lot of people knew each other. There was laughter and joy all about, even at noon. We were greeted immediately by two servers with a smile as we walked in. We got Laura, who proved to be a complete delight. We decided to sit indoors. We got menus and waters, and began to figure out what we wanted. Of course they have lots of great beers. I've always enjoyed their West Coast IPAs, of which they had a few, including the Triple Exultation 80 IBU IPA - 9.7% ABV, and the same beer, bourbon barrel-aged in 2015, same IBU, but 12.5% ABV. I'm wishing now I would have at least done a taste of those, but I knew I still had a two hour road trip in front of us with some pretty twisty, turny, up and down roads, so I think I instinctively knew not to at the time. I got the standard West Coast IPA, called organic IPA - 40 IBUs, 7.5% ABV, and my wife ordered a handcrafted Sequoia Sazerac. I ordered a small basket cheeseburger, which came with a side salad, and my wife ordered the bowl of clam chowder. The drinks and food were very tasty. They do have a nice selection of swag, shirts and the like. Needing more crowler cans for my collection, I ordered a crowler of the West Coast organic IPA! read more

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We asked for a larger table. The hostess told us that table is reserved for 6 person parties. Soon after we were seated, she seated a party of 2 at the 6 person table. Seriously... read more

My wife and I don't get to come this far north as often as we would like and the last time we were, we went to Eel River Brewing. I couldn't wait to come back and today we did. First, they had a Bloody Mary and it was AMAZING!!!!! We also had a great beer and my wife had a wonderful cider. All first class!! My wife got a pastrami Reuben and I had the clam chowder. The clam chowder is no joke-it's one of the best bowls I've had and my wife said her Reuben was great. Our server Chris was helpful, personable, and attentive. The restaurant is well kept and we ate outside and it was a nice spot for a lunch. I cannot wait to come back. This place is epic! read more

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Big hamburger, we split it and were so full. Perfectly cooked, very attentive waitress and good beverages!

I've been here dozens of times, but i swear this place gets better and better each visit. Not only does it get better but the fresh beer is soooo much better than from the store. if your passing by and need some lunch: the Redwood Philly with a side of au jus. Thank me later. great service when its slow before quitting time because it gets busy, ok service when its busy. dog friendly with outside seating. read more

Eel River Brewing - the redwood philly and emerald triangle IPA - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

We stopped here as we were passing through to go to Redwood National Park. The beer I got was okay, but I really enjoyed the fish and chips, and my wife was pleasantly surprised by the vegan chicken strips. The fries were really good! read more

Service, food and atmosphere were all fantastic!! The seltzers were so good I picked some up to take back to Washington to share with friends. Great parking for an RV. Easy to get to off 101. Beautiful outdoor patio seating and they let the pup come eat / drink with us. Chris and the other staff were so kind! Would 100% come back here again when I'm back visiting!! read more

Eel River Brewing - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

Accidentally stumbled on to this restaurant and what a great place! Food and service both excellent. Would highly recommend!

Food was pretty good; server was very nice and beer was pretty good, BUT the kitchen was VERY VERY SLOW!

Staff is always very friendly and welcoming here. Having great beer is a plus. Decent food makes for a perfect trifecta. read more

Eel River Brewing - Our first sampling: Emerald IPA, Chillax hazy, Trole Exultation barley wine, and Earth Thirst seasonal double IPA - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

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What's left of "the worx French fries" and the tri tip chili....omg! also! Best blonde beer I've ever had in my life! They're doing it right! read more

Eel River Brewing - What's left of "the worx French fries" and the tri tip chili....omg! also! Best blonde beer I've ever had in my life! - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

The biggest surprise of our trip to Ferndale! Very few restaurants in Ferndale are open Monday & Tuesday nights, so my wife and I decided to look at nearby towns. We were a little apprehensive about this pub -- particularly given the industrial neighborhood and the Super 8 Motel across the parking lot. More than half of the customers seemed to be just downing pints, there were peanut shells all over the floor, it was quite noisy... My wife decided to try the Thai chicken salad, and I went for the NorCal burger (1/2lb patty, bacon, Swiss cheese, avocado, tomato, greenleaf lettuce, and julienned red onions on a brioche bun), which comes with fries, a side salad, or pasta salad. Both entrees were excellent! The Thai dressing was ginger-based, spicy, and not too sweet. My wife said the veggies in the huge salad (spring mix, coarsely julienned carrots, and diced red and green peppers and tomatoes) were the best she's had so far on our trip, and the chicken was perfectly cooked. My burger was large and delicious, and accompanied by a side salad (spring mix, a modest amount of iceberg lettuce, the same carrots and tomatoes, and garbanzo beans) that was almost a meal in itself. The tomatoes on both my burger and in the salad didn't have much flavor, but everything else was perfect. Definitely "pub food", but of high quality and well-executed. Including a pint of their organic pilsner (a mere $5.50), our total without tip was under $50, and we left very full and happy. Our server was also excellent. As long as the atmosphere and pub-oriented menu doesn't throw you, I'll echo Leeanna C.'s assessment: delicious and memorable! read more

A recent visit to the area and Eel River was just down the street from where I was staying and within a short walking distance. There was a 25 minute wait upon my arrival for a table, I was told by the hostess or immediate seating at the bar, so the bar is where I headed... I found a stool on the end by as it turns out, next to one of the original long time locals. That played well to my afternoon and dining. Its a brewery so first things first, the brews - Eel River is known for Good beer and they also have pretty decent bar food too. I ordered a traditional style English ale, true to type and style it was a good brew. For my meal, the classic Pastrami Reuben with seasoned fries and a side of their house chili. This is a good sandwich and a very filing meal. The pastrami thin sliced, piled high on grilled marble rye with sour kraut and thousand island - a classic that was worth the effort for sure. After getting my lunch, I started to go check on my little buddy waiting outside for me in the car. My barmate informed me that, in fact, ERB was a "dog friendly" establishment and that he could join me outside in their interior courtyard area in certain areas out there. So, I retrieved my little buddy from his car post position and to the interior pup paradise we went. The interior courtyard area is very comfortable, spreadout and relaxing. I snagged a table area and my little friend had an entire area to himself while I finished my lunch and beer. Cold libations, decent pub food and dog friendly areas to enjoy both. Worth a visit and I would return if in the area. 3.5 Stars - rounded up for being "little old dog" friendly and letting my fur buddy hangout with me during my visit. 00756 read more

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A stellar brewery restaurant!! Of course, they have all their selections of beers, seltzers and ciders. They have burgers, bbq, desserts and etc. Beautiful backyard beer garden with sculptures, water fall and picnic tables. Lots of parking read more

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Right across from Our hotel. It was busy, but the service was fast and the food was good. Big ass portions!!!!would definitely stumble back in again read more

Service was friendly and the onion rings were delicious. But...I took my husband there for his birthday yesterday and the Tri-tip sandwich he ordered first was sent back for incorrect order and then was replaced with a sandwich that tasted weird and not good. Had a chemical, tanned leather like taste. Just horrible. And my chili was actually very tasty but served lukewarm, not hot at all. I will not return for any future meals unless all I want is onion rings. read more

Good food, good drinks, great banter! Bartender was spot on apart from his choice of car.... Danke schön! Arron. read more

This place is great. It was very busy but the staff did a great job taking care of everyone. Some truly great organic beers. All of this, plus they are dog friendly. read more

Have been here a few times it is very easy to get to close to hotels freeway and not far from beaches and trails. The food and vibes are outstanding. Tri tip, fish and chips, burgers and beer are all good. They have pizzas and sandwiches too. The outdoor patio is cute and comfortable. The staff is friendly and so are the people eating and drinking here everyone was having a good time! And the merch is cute too! Highly recommend! read more

Like I said before u can't go wrong with there fish and chip. I got the onion rings this time and they are so good and not over done read more

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We had a great evening at Eel River. The service and food were excellent. Sat outside with heater and great music . Food portions were excellent. read more

Melissa was wonderful great food will be back jameson is not watered down bartender is also wonderful read more

It's lackluster, for the most part. The food, in taste, was subpar and lacking in seasoning and presentation, the portions were all wack: either being too small or too big. The experience left much more to be desired and was very expensive for what we paid, especially as several add-ons were put on our tab unexpectedly as the waitress asked us and-so we expected them to be apart of the standard order. read more

Fish and chips kind of burnt. Maybe old oil or too high heat. Also chicken strips was in there! When we told waitress they made an excuse of they were cooked together and said sorry. That's it. Yuk, glad I didn't get the chicken cause it would taste like fish??!! Chicken wings were baked and not thoroughly cooked. Slimy. Yukk. Not crispy. No offer of making it up to us in any way until right when we were leaving after telling her a few times she offered to cook us more but we didn't want to wait. read more

We had a long wait due to the fact the restaurant was packed. A running race was taking place this weekend. So I respect the fact things take longer. The server was kind enough to move our table from outside seating to indoor seating due to the long wait. Good size portions, come hungry! Setting was enjoyable. Thank you! read more

Eel River Brewing - Looks great! - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

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We could not have chosen a better place to get together with family to celebrate our 50th anniversary.The food was abundant, fresh, and attractively presented on the outdoor patio. Lexi and her crew gave us awesome service, and our guests loved the venue. We had eaten many times at Eel River Brewery before choosing it for this occasion, and they did not disappoint! There has been talk about doing it again... read more

Be wary, 5 blonde ales is not the same as 5 coors lights. This kinda thought process will have you swaying on your way out the door. That being said, the menu here is top tier. Everything I ordered over the last month (I was part of a production team staying in the hotel across the street) was so damn good. From the burger basket to the surf and turf, I found no flaws. The tri tip chili is something that my brain will be wandering to in my dreams for years to come. Also the onion rings, holy shit, the onion rings... if I could eat those every day without physical consequence I absolutely would. Whoever is manning the grill deserves all of life's riches. read more

I don't know where to start, I love small local businesses, Eel River Brewing is a brewery and restaurant in Fortuna south of Eureka in Humboldt county. We went in for lunch with a reservation for a larger party. The weather outside was raining and cold. The staff completely ignored us when we walked in the door. After finally getting someone's attention they put us out on the patio under a large tent, with space heaters that were out of propane. We asked for the staff to change the tanks, they ignored us and left shivering out in the cold. We looked at the tent the locals were in, the propane heaters going strong with a nice warmth and even sides on the tent. This should have been our first clue to get up and walk out. This place has the vibe where they take care of their locals and completely ignore the visitors. All of us ordered beers, either IPA's or samplers. The sampler is generous, but also runs north of $18. We all ordered food from their pub style menu. Our party ordered: Burgers, Calamari, Onion Rings, Fish & Chips, Pastrami Sandwich, Clam Chowder x 2, Chicken Wings. The food was mediocre, with the burger coming out cold and without condiments. The salad came without dressing. It's laughable and sad that they up charged us for Mayonnaise for a burger that is listed as coming with mayo, they charged for Ranch when the menu lists the Onion Rings coming with Ranch. I hate businesses that Nickel and dime the customer on a total bill that was north of $300. Please do yourself a favor, keep driving north into Eureka where there are many better choices The beer was just okay, with the IPA's being better than the other beer types. The Seltzers were a little different, the Stout was decent. I usually like to let staff or management know when they fall short, in this case we were completely ignored by the staff and server after she gave herself an 18% tip on our check. Overall a thumbs down for this place located right off 101. I hope the local crew sustains them, because if they keep treating visitors this way, they won't have many... read more

Eel River Brewing - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

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Have the chowder, and don't make the same mistake I did by getting a cup. Get the bowl!!! The side of onion rings was enormous and so crispy! The French dip was really good, but not the best one I've had. If you ask for horseradish, be prepared that it is not prepared, just straight up! Caught me by surprise, but a delightful one! The crowd was great and lively there too! So many friends! They have outdoor seating under a tent that I believe is dog friendly. I had an amazing meal and a great time! read more

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Service was very friendly and the river walk nearby was very peaceful, with not a soul around. Ambiance was fun international flagged theme and felt like a cabin as well. Through the window you can see a magical light adorned beer garden After a long day of hiking in avenue of the giants, this was a close by spot and got the fish and chips with substitute of garbanzo bean and carrot salad but fish lacked a little flavor. Taco salad was a lot of lettuce and the tostada was not very crunchy. It did the job and we went on our way to explore the rest of the coast. read more

Eel River Brewing - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

We always love coming here while in Fortuna. Usually a hamburger or fish and chips. Their clam chowder is great. Today we had clam chowder and split a pulled pork sandwich. I will not order that again. The pork wasn't pulled, more like small slabs and not much in it. A hint of coleslaw and the sauce tasted and looked like ketchup. It was smothered in a mess of melted cheese which doesn't belong on that sandwich. It had a piece of bacon on it, why I don't know. read more

Eel River Brewing - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

The wait staff stated our party of 26 could only use up to 5 credit cards. She further stated and would not give us individual checks, (in a snoty attitude). My food was cold and had to be sent back, as well as another person. There were also several others with cold food, but they ate it anyway. I will NEVER come here to eat again nor will I recommend this place to anyone. read more

Good beer. Good food. Noisy. Fun. Good for celebrating. Good for take out. Good employees. read more

Good beer, good food and a nice crowd. I liked it. Oh, and within staggering distance from my campsite!

Stopped for lunch on our way home from a short vacation. Made the choice because I knew they offered organic beers and therefore would likely have some decent salad options for thr health-minded individual and after three days of road trip carb-and-grease loading, I needed something crisp and fresh, but also had a toddler demanding French fries in the back seat. The menu had wins for us all. :) I had a caesar salad with grilled chicken. The salad was crisp and cold and dressed perfectly. The chicken was underseasoned and dry, so next time I would skip it. Hubby had fish and chips and the portion wad HUGE!!!! Even the "Smaller Bites" chicken and fries we got our daughter could satiate a junior lumberjack! Both of those were average in taste, but a serious bang for your buck in volume. The beers we tried were delicious. We ordered samples of the blonde, organic IPA, Emerald Triangle IPA, Octoberfest, Mocha Stout (using local coffee and Dick Taylor chocolate). The first two were floral and perfumy which is hard to find these glory days of hazy, body-odor, "tropical" brews. The Emerald Triangle was more citrusy. The last two were roasty, malty, sweetness but not overwhelmingly so. All good. All I would order again. Service was friendly and fast, as well. The only criticism I would have is the place could be cleaner. There were a lot of flies near us and the tables and window sills had that sticky paint syndrome you find in older buildings that have a fryer. But the place had ample seating, inside and outside, and very laid back and friendly vibe. read more

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We went to the Eel River Brewing for an early dinner, on a recent trip to the coast with out pet (miniature pig). They have an outside patio area that is pet friendly, but you do have to bring your pet through the entire length of the restaurant to access it. Hamlet loved the attention, and everyone loved seeing him, he brings so much joy and happiness to everyone. The food was amazing, as was their beers. My partner ordered a flight of everything, and nothing disappointed. I really enjoyed this local produced hard cider. The service was prompt, efficient and friendly. The food was delicious and freshly prepared to order. read more

Eel River Brewing - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

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We're visiting from out of town and this place was so cool and the portions are AMAZING! Def coming back! read more

Eel River Brewing - Wow SO GOOD Mediterranean food - Pubs Near Me - Fortuna, California

Food was amazing, their bbq sauce on the wings is so good! Beer battered fries to die for! Service is just as amazing as the food. Quick to be seated and take our order, my glass was never empty. We sat outside in the beer garden area, great weather with the birds chirping. WILL BE COMING BACK read more