In July 2000, several Half Moon Bay families saw a void in their quaint coastal town and envisioned a brewery pub with drop-dead ocean views, live music and dancing, great food, and even better beer. Thus the Half Moon Bay (HMB) Brewing Company was born.

The family-friendly restaurant has since become a Peninsula favorite, reeling in regulars with nine tasty house-brewed beers on tap, including a seasonal Pumpkin Ale, and their best seller, the robust Mavericks® Amber Ale. The restaurant’s wide-ranging menu also features dishes that are cooked with beer, such as fried calamari, onion rings, and artichoke hearts battered with Mavericks® Amber Ale, and linguine with shellfish infused with the Harbor Light Ale and saffron sauce. Kids have plenty of options, including macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, peanut butter-and-jelly, and grilled cheese sandwiches. According to Wayne Meyer, director of salesand marketing at HMB Brewing Co., customers can’t seem to get enough of the Mavericks Brewery Burger, beer-battered Fish ’n’ Chips, and New England Clam Chowder.

Diners can enjoy their meal inside the cozy rustic-themed restaurant or on the patio overlooking the picturesque Pacific. Pets on their best behavior are welcome.“It’s very relaxed,” Meyer says. “Folks can intermingle with locals and just enjoy the unique coastal lifestyle.” From Tuesdays thru Sundays, the restaurant kicks things up a notch with live entertainment and dancing in the evenings, whether it be rock ’n’ roll, jazz, reggae, Latin, acoustic or the blues. With a banquet room and a private beer garden that boasts ocean views and accommodates up to 50, the HMB Brewing Co. has also become a popular venue for special events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, and conferences. But the best part is that the brewery pub’s great tasting beer is available to go. Customers can get a 5-gallon keg for $50 or a 4-pint refillable growler for just $17. Refills with an existing growler are only $13.

On top of ensuring a fun experience for customers, The HMB Brewing Co. also believes in doing their bit for the community. Every Wednesday night, a portion of profits from food sales is donated to a coastside nonprofit. “We have a unique community,” Meyer says. “It’s economically diverse, and because of the diversities and large agrarian industry, most folks aren’t paid well. We try to look for the most significant service to help.”