Don’t let the industrial park locations fool you. There is some serious beer-making happening in Torrance.

Sure, people are making great beer all over Southern California. But there is something special going on in Torrance now, with three very good craft brewing operations getting a lot of attention.

It’s a destination that might seem odd, but with its location not far from Orange County and Long Beach, Torrance is a good place to make beer these days. And, for those who like to try new brews, it’s a terrific place to drink beer these days.

Three places with tasting rooms welcome visitors each weekend: Monkish, Smog City and Strand brewing companies.

Grab a designated driver and hit all three in a day, or visit Monkish and Smog City on Saturday, take a load off at a local hotel for the evening, then after a leisurely morning, swing by Strand when it opens Sunday at noon.

Want beer to go? Click here for some information on growlers

Whatever your plan, expect to have a good time because the people are friendly and there is something for every beer-drinking taste.

Smog City Brewing Co.

Smog City, which was started by Jonathan Porter, formerly of Tustin Brewing Co., is the newest taproom to open in Torrance. Porter started brewing his Smog City label in 2011 out of TBC. It opened to the public in the Torrance space in May and almost instantly became a popular spot for the after-work crowd and beer aficionados.

Porter’s wife, Laurie, runs the sales side of the business and can be found behind the bar, offering suggestions of what beers to try.

Smog City has a large selection that ranges from pilsners to the award-winning Groundwork Coffee Porter, which took gold at the 2012 Great American Beerfest. There also are some experimental beers that Porter is still fine-tuning.

The tasting room is in a warehouse space with a view of the whole operation. With the warehouse doors open on either side, the place floods with light in the afternoon, making the golds, ambers and browns of the beers glow invitingly.

The website mentions that it is a family-run place, and the vibe is instantly welcoming. And while it is not a playground, Laurie Porter did mention that children are welcome. There’s even a popcorn machine on hand so the little ones can have a snack.

Outside food is welcome. Table seating is limited, but while I was there, a small group that included a couple kids was enjoying dinner at a table in the taproom.

Smog City Brewing Co., 1901 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance

310-320-7764

Taproom hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays

Growlers available

Monkish Brewing Co.

Just around the corner from Smog City, Monkish Brewing Co. is tucked into a business park on Western Avenue.

Monkish is family run and operated. You will often see owner/brewer Henry Nguyen behind the bar. Sometimes it is his wife, Adriana, pouring the beer. On a recent visit, Henry was busy in the back, so he said his sister could help me in the taproom.

This is the kind of place people get to 10 minutes early. There were several cars in the lot with people waiting in or around them for the taproom door to open at 4 on a recent Friday afternoon. As soon as the doors opened, the place was full of people lining up to get their pints and tasters of the Belgian-style beers that Nguyen brews on the other side of the glass from the front tasting area.

The beer list includes tripels and ales and saisons infused with things like rose hips, pink peppercorns and chamomile. The selection is good here, and they offer tasting portions, which is a fun way to try several new things.

The taproom is modern and spare but still inviting, with tables and a small bar. Big windows let in a good amount of light. In the back, just past those beautiful vats emblazoned with the motto “Beer. Hope. Love.” is another seating area. This area gets light and air from the opening of a big, warehouse door.

Outside food is welcome, as are kids. Though I like Nguyen’s idea for food better: On most Fridays and Saturdays, later in the afternoon and into the evening, there is a food truck or maybe someone selling pizza from a portable wood-fired oven right outside that big warehouse door.

Monkish Brewing Co., 20311 S. Western Ave., Torrance

310-295-2157

Taproom hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Sundays

Growlers available

Strand Brewing Co.

Maybe the most well-known of the Torrance breweries is Strand Brewing, about 4 miles from Smog City and Monkish. In 2010, a couple friends decided they wanted to make beer. In the short time since, Strand has developed a following outside the South Bay and recently started bottling its beers for sale at the taproom, as well as in some grocery stores and bottle shops.

A business/industrial park is the setting. And those big warehouse doors open to a taproom that is friendly and inviting. The copper-top bar is often crowded with people on weekend afternoons. They get their beers and migrate to other parts of the room for conversation. When their glasses need refilling, they amble back to the bar.

Strand probably has the shortest beer list, but there are options for varying tastes.

The Beach House Amber seems to always be a popular choice, as is the 24th Street Pale Ale.

There is not much seating in the taproom, but there are some large barrels to serve as tables with some barstools clustered around them. Outside food and kids are welcome.

The mood is convivial, as strangers strike up conversation about the beer here and at the other places in the area. And really, with a good beer in hand, why wouldn’t people be friendly?

Strand Brewing Co., 23520 Telo Ave., Torrance

310-517-0900

Taproom hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays

Growlers and bottled beers available

Contact the writer: jreed@ocregister.com