If atmosphere is equally important to you as service and quality of food and drinks, then there’s a place in Loomis you need to check out. High-Hand Brewing Co.—located inside the historic High-Hand Fruit Shed along Taylor Road, next to the beloved nursery and café—boasts a rustic, incredibly stylish setting that’s perfect for enjoying any of their impeccably brewed craft beers (everything from a Tangerine Kölsch and Blood Orange Gose to a Vanilla Porter), plus craft cocktails (I recommend the French Squeezed) and wine! As for food, there are ample options, from small bites to entrées. My friend and I split three plates, so we could savor all sorts of flavors. First up, the BBQ Pork Sliders—slow roasted pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw on top of fresh-baked rolls. In this foodie's opinion, nothing beats homemade bread, so these were clearly a favorite, so these were clearly a favorite! Also homemade were the potato chips that came alongside the sliders. Yum! Next, we “split” the Shrimp Tacos. The garlic marinated shrimp, red cabbage, avocado, and cilantro crema provided each bite with layers of fabulous flavor and textures. Truth be told, I wanted them all for myself, so sharing is not recommended. We also tried the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps served with a peanut dipping sauce that paired perfectly with the shrimp, crunchy vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, jicama), and creamy avocado. Pro tips: Ask for extra napkins, and maybe don’t order them if you’re on a first date. Good food? Good drinks? Good vibes? And weekly entertainment? High-Hand Brewing checks all the boxes, and more. I’ll be back! 

— by Bella Nolen
Check out some of our favorite breweries with on-site kitchens, so you can drink—and eat!

Auburn Alehouse
289 Washington Street, Auburn, 530-885-2537, auburnalehouse.com
MUST-TRY PAIRING: Cauliflower Wings & Gold Country Pilsner

 

Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery
5100 Virginiatown Road, Newcastle, hillenbrandbrewery.com
MUST-TRY PAIRING: Custom Bratwurst & Bunhaus Saison

 

Moonraker Millhouse
3501 Robin Lane, Cameron Park, 530-745-6816, moonrakerbrewing.com
MUST-TRY PAIRING: Millhouse Chicken Sandwich & Outrigger West Coast IPA

 

Mode Brewing
9110 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, 916-123-4567, modebrewing.com
MUST-TRY PAIRING: Carnitas Pasta & Jet Setter IPA

 

Moksa Barrel House
10007 Foothills Boulveard, Suite 180, Roseville, 916-783-1444, moksabarrelhouse.com
MUST-TRY PAIRING: Double Juicy Burger & Double Barrel Aged Pastry Mode