Are you on the side of good or evil? Just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus, prove your alignment at Unsung Brewing Company or Villains Brewing Company, which offer a unique retreat for fans looking to quench their thirst after a day of fantasy, adventure, and heroics. Uniting comic book and Star Wars nerds, these spots are brewing not just a super array of craft beers, but also a metaphorical battle between the forces of good and evil where every sip tells a story.
Unsung Brewing Company
Less than a mile from Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, Unsung Brewing Company is an award-winning brewery in the quest for “Heroic Beer.” With a more laid back and communal feel, this superhero-themed bar gives Valhalla vibes — if Valhalla was full of nerds instead of warriors. As you step inside, you are met with walls adorning hero collectables from the popular comic book and Star Wars universes, while vintage hero mannequins and toys dangle from the ceiling, guarding the tales of countless adventures.
The real marvel (pun intended) lies in their beers, which they state are a blend of “Midwest heritage with West Coast progression to create flavors that pair well with food.” Buzzman, a Mutant American Ale, is a crisp and refreshing “Cream Ale” inspired by the “Lawnmower Beers” of the Midwest, narrating the tale of Joe “Buzz Man” Shears’ battle with an overgrown lawn turned beast. Another standout is Metaplex, a West Coast IPA, which tells the story of Ji-yoon Choi, an orphan with supernatural abilities, and offers a balanced burst of pineapple, floral, and papaya flavors. Additional themed beers like “King Pin” and “Tanalorr,” a Hazy IPA named after a Star Wars planet, further enrich the lineup.
While Unsung doesn’t actually serve food, the bar is next door to Jav’s BBQ Co and just across the street from the Anaheim Packing District, which serves an unrivaled selection of foodie options. Alternatively, you can choose to satiate your appetite at it’s competing venue—
Villains Brewing Company
Just down the street from Unsung, there’s a secretive nook that remains hidden from prying eyes – Villains Brewing Company. Larger, slightly more upscale, and brimming with a villainous allure, Villains Brewing whispers secrets of mischief and rebellion enhanced by portraits of villains from the Marvel, DC and Star Wars universes watching your every move. While Unsung is indoors under artificial light, Villains revels in its sprawling outdoor setting, under the canopy of the night.
Villains Brewing Company crafts their beers with “Villainous Intent,” offering unique and flavorful options. Brethren of Filth, a Double West Coast IPA, is a vibrant and full-bodied beer with notes of melty rocket pop and pineapple right-side-up cake, symbolizing indulgent 3 am adventures. Obligatron, a 7.7 ABV Hazy IPA, boasts a distinctive flavor profile, crafted with a mix of Citra, Mosaic, and Ekuinot hops, and is named after a brainy robot villain. The selection is further diversified with beers like “The Fiend,” a DDH Hazy DIPA, and “Peaches Peaches 🍑🍑🍑.. I Love Youu!” a Peach Pie Sour, inspired by Bowser’s song in the recent Super Mario Bros movie.
Setting itself apart from Unsung, Villains Brewing Company offers a diverse sit-down dining experience to accompany their unique brews. The menu features a variety of flavorful options, including tacos, chicken, burgers, and an array of vegan alternatives, catering to a range of preferences. To sweeten the experience, patrons can indulge in mouthwatering cookies and ice cream desserts, making Villains a great place to restore your energy after fighting (or causing) crime.
So whether you’ve sworn allegiance to good or feeling the allure of the dark side, Anaheim has brewed up a perfect post-Disneyland or Comic Con destination for fans. Both Unsung and Villains offer patrons more than just a drink – they promise an experience. So, the next time you’re in the vicinity, why not let your geek flag fly and dive into a world where heroes and villains share the limelight, one pint at a time? Cheers!