Breweries and Taverns: Where Craft Meets Culture, One Pint at a Time
There is so much more to Plumas County than stunning landscapes, adventure, and recreation. It’s also home to a growing craft beverage scene. We’ve got brewing legends and newer breweries serving unique, flavorful brews; each place has its unique personality. Plumas County is the perfect place to explore and relax over a cold one.
Below are some of the best open breweries and taverns in and around Plumas County, which you won’t want to miss when you visit. If you’re going to turn your tasting trip into a prize-winning adventure, download the Plumas County Brew Pass through Bandwango! Check in at participating spots as you go, earn rewards, and let the built-in itinerary guide you through your next pint. It’s an easy and fun way to explore every pour, pint, and bottle.
Quintopia Brewing – Quincy
Quintopia Brewing isn’t just Quincy’s hometown brewery — it’s the kind of place where you walk in and the bartender already knows your favorite pour. It also just happens to be the oldest brewery in Quincy. The beer is brewed on-site, with a rotating tap list that keeps things fresh without straying too far from the local favorites. It is a local fan favorite, but what adds to the fun even more is its Thursday Night Trivia. And it only gets more interesting and fun as the evening progresses and more “tasting” continues.
But what makes Quintopia special is how much it’s woven into the fabric of the community. When a fire destroyed their production facility in 2020 and a couple of beloved local nonprofits, the brewery didn’t just rebuild. They rallied. Partnering with Truckee’s FiftyFifty Brewing, they launched a fundraiser beer called Trail or Fire to help recover what was lost. It’s the kind of resilience and togetherness that feels very Plumas.
What to Try: Their signature Quintopia IPA is a local favorite: bold, bright, and balanced with just the right bite of hops.
Need to Know: Open Wednesday through Saturday (closed Sunday–Tuesday). Hours may vary, so double-check before heading over.
The Greenhorn Ranch Tavern – Quincy
If you time it just right, you’ll watch a string of horses gallop past as you sip your beer on the porch — not staged, just another day at Greenhorn Ranch. Tucked into the hills outside Quincy, this working dude ranch offers a rustic tavern that’s open to the public, and it’s one of the most peaceful places to unwind with a drink.
Even though they do not brew their own beer, the tap list is stocked with local favorites, and the setting? Pure western Sierra magic. There’s a casual, down-to-earth energy— think boots by the bar, country tunes, and folks swapping stories after a long day of horseback riding on the trail, fly fishing on a challenging river or at the lake.
What to Try: Their rotating selection of craft beers, especially those from nearby breweries, pairs perfectly with the tavern’s delicious “ranch cuisine.”
Plumas Club – Quincy
You’ll find the Plumas Club right in the heart of downtown Quincy — steps away from quaint little shops, art galleries, and cafes. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. This is where locals go when they want a cold beer and familiar faces. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time in town, someone will start a conversation with you at the bar. There is never a stranger at the Plumas Club.
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with a selection of craft beers on tap (including a few from just down the road), plus all the classic “dive bar” charm you’d expect in an authentic mountain town at an actual mountain bar.
What to Try: For a true taste of the region, try a local brew from one of the nearby breweries.
Rich Bar Taproom – Quincy
Tucked just east of downtown Quincy, Rich Bar Taproom is where cold pours meet local rhythm. Known for its lively music nights every week and relaxed, welcoming vibe, it’s where the beer is good, the conversation is better, and the bands always bring the energy. Whether it’s bluegrass on a Friday night or an acoustic set while the sun sets over the trees, the taproom is a gathering space for music lovers and beer drinkers.
But the real gem? Their Mug Club—a beloved tradition with just a handful of spots left. For $100 a year, you’ll score a custom 20-oz mug (that’s 4 ounces more than your average pour), a birthday beer, invites to two exclusive parties, and happy hour specials just for members. Sundays from 12–4 PM, Mug Clubbers get $1 off their pour—just one more reason to make Rich Bar a weekly ritual.
The Taylorsville Tavern – Taylorsville
If you blink, you might miss Taylorsville — but don’t. This little pocket of Indian Valley is home to big skies, open meadows, and one of the most down-to-earth taverns in the region. The Taylorsville Tavern is as local as it gets: friendly folks, cold beer, your favorite cocktail at non-city prices, and the kind of conversation that makes you feel like you’ve lived here for years. Set near the rodeo grounds that host one of Plumas County’s most iconic events each summer, this bar feels like a natural gathering place. Hopefully, you are lucky enough to catch a rodeo or glimpse some professional roping. Come during a weekend event, or stop in on a quiet night and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of small-town life. Either way, the welcome’s the same.
What to Try: Ask what local beer they’ve got on tap and pair it with whatever event or conversation is happening that night.
Need to Know: Bring cash just in case, and keep your eyes out for deer in the fields on the way home.
Timber House Brewing – Chester
Just a few minutes from the sparkling shores of Lake Almanor, Timber House Brewing feels like one of those places you stumble upon and end up staying for hours. Set inside a beautiful log structure that echoes the charm of old-school mountain lodges, it offers that perfect blend of warm hospitality and delicious beer.
Everything here is brewed onsite with a focus on quality and local ingredients—you can taste the care in every pour. Their 12-tap lineup ranges from bold, hop-forward IPAs to smooth, velvety stouts, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’ve spent the day out on the lake, hiking through Lassen, or just taking it slow, Timber House is the kind of place that welcomes you in and makes you feel like you belong.
Got hunger? Timber House Lodge Restaurant offers an excellent menu of five-star food that can be paired with a cocktail or one of their brewed beers. And if the evening stretches on (as it tends to here), you’re in luck—the Timber House Lodge is right next door. Select one of their nine themed rooms, settle in, and let the quiet of Chester nights—complete with starlit skies and pine-scented air—do the rest.
What to Try: Their hazy IPA is a local favorite, but don’t miss their seasonal brews, which rotate throughout the year and always bring something new to the table.
Need to Know: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check current hours before heading over.
Waganupa Brewing – Lake Almanor Peninsula
Tucked into the quiet pine-lined peninsula of Lake Almanor, Waganupa Brewing is more than just a place to grab a beer—it’s a tribute to this land and its deep roots. Now under new ownership and lovingly reinvigorated, the brewery takes its name from the Yahi people, who called this area Wa ganu p’a—the “Center of the World.” Once you’re here, it’s easy to understand why.
There’s something special in the air, even more so in the water: Waganupa brews with pure, untreated snowmelt straight from the volcano. That crisp mountain water blends with USA-grown malts, Pacific Northwest hops, and carefully selected yeast strains from around the globe. The result? Each pint is a little taste of the Sierra—earthy, refreshing, and full of intention.
Waganupa isn’t just a brewery—it’s a local hub and a genuinely fun place. They regularly host events like paint and sip nights, where creativity flows as freely as the beer and bunco, which benefits the Chester Children’s Park. Locals also get a chance to become part of the brewing process by sampling unreleased batches and suggesting names—how cool is that? Only the best suggestions win the naming competitions, so bring your thinking cap! You can often catch live sports games on the big screen, making it a go-to spot for chill afternoons and spirited evenings with friends.
What to Try: Start with their flagship pale ale or ask what’s fresh on tap—seasonal pours rotate often and highlight the region’s unique character.
Need to Know: Waganupa Brewing is open Friday & Saturday from 3–8 PM and Sunday from 12–5 PM, with expanded summer hours coming soon. Bottled beers, local collaborations, and private event hosting are all in the works. Don’t forget to check in on your Brew Pass while you’re here to start earning rewards toward exclusive Plumas County prizes!
Lassen Club- Chester
Right on Main Street in Chester, locals gather for a cold drink, a bite of food, and good company. It’s got a classic small-town feel, where the bartender will remember your name and your order, and the game is always on. The vibe is laid-back but lively, with occasional live music and a rotating lineup of beers and cocktails.
If you’re passing through Chester or staying near Lake Almanor, Lassen Club is a must for a no-frills, genuinely local experience. Pull up a barstool, grab a burger, and settle in—you’ll feel like a regular in no time. If you’re brave enough, you can grab the mic and take on karaoke—just be ready for some good-natured cheering (or heckling) from the regulars.
The Brewing Lair – Blairsden
In the heart of the Sierra, just outside the tiny town of Blairsden, you’ll find The Brewing Lair — a spot that feels more like someone’s forest hideaway than a brewery. Set on 15 wooded acres, it’s where you can grab a bold IPA, let your kids (or your dog) run wild, and wander a trail while your beer stays cold in hand. It’s not just a drink stop — it’s part of the adventure.
But there’s more than just beer here — this is where mountain life and local flavor meet. The 2025 Music in the Meadow series is happening through summer with live music from 6–8ish PM every Saturday night until August 30th. Picture brews in hand, unique non-alcoholic drinks for everyone in the crew, dinner from rotating food vendors, and good tunes echoing through the trees. It’s classic Sierra Nevada summer — relaxed, beautiful, and full of connection.
There are picnic tables under the pines, slacklines strung between trees, and room to breathe in that crisp alpine air. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a competitive game of cornhole. This is Plumas County life at its best: relaxed, rooted in nature, and better with a good beer in hand.
What to Try: Sample a flight of their seasonal ales, then kick back with a cold one in the mountain sunshine.
Need to Know: Hours can vary, especially seasonally—be sure to call ahead for the latest info.
Looking for a Place to Stop?
One of the best parts of embarking on a brewery tour through Plumas County is everything you’ll discover in between pints. Each small town along the way isn’t just home to great beer—it’s packed with local gems, stories, and scenery worth slowing down for.
Start in Quincy, where small-town charm runs deep and you’ll be surrounded by pine trees. After grabbing a cold one at Plumas Club or the Greenhorn Ranch Tavern (especially if you catch the daily horse run), stroll through downtown’s shops or the Plumas County Museum to look at Gold Rush history and Maidu heritage.
Heading north to Indian Valley? Make time for a Barn Quilt Tour—colorful quilt squares mounted on historic barns tell the story of the valley’s agricultural roots—or dive deeper with “An Ancient Trail – A Maidu Automobile Tour.” This 67-mile scenic drive connects Quincy, Indian Valley, and Susanville along a trail known to the Mountain Maidu as Worldmaker’s Trail. With 15 stops and storytelling passed down for generations, it’s a powerful way to see the landscape through a different lens. Brochures are free at any chamber office in the county.
In Chester, after visiting Timber House Brewing or Waganupa Brewing, stretch your legs along the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, which hugs the shoreline with views of the water and Mount Lassen in the distance. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a short drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park—a real gem and worldwide destination, where you can hike among steaming vents, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. You’ll be able to connect with travelers from all over the world at one of the most beautiful National Parks.
Every stop has its unique story, and every stretch of road comes with views that remind you that you’re in Plumas County and probably won’t want to leave. The pace is slower, the people wave, and the scenery is unmatched.
Want to Plan an Extra Day to Hit More Breweries? Here’s Where to Stay
Honestly, one evening of stargazing and local brews usually turns into, “Let’s stay another night.” And in Plumas County, it’s easy to do just that. There’s no traffic here, no fast food restaurants or chains— just locally run lodges, cozy cabins, and hosts that’ll probably give you the inside scoop on their favorite eatery or swimming hole.
Timberhouse Lodge 
The Variel House at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy 
