Green Cheek Beer Co.: What to Expect

Oct 10

IPAs are renowned for their bold hop flavors, often featuring notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruits. Known for their balanced bitterness and aromatic complexity, this popular style appeals to craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy a refreshing yet intense flavor profile.

In Orange County, California, there is arguably no better place to experience a top-tier IPA than Green Cheek Beer Company. What began as a humble operation in an industrial park in the city of Orange has since blossomed into a beloved brewery with multiple locations across the county. Known for their parakeet-themed branding and neighborhood-feel tasting rooms, Green Cheek has become a magnet for craft beer lovers, drawing visitors from all over the country who come to sip on their carefully crafted, award-winning brews. The brewery's dedication to quality and innovation has earned them a loyal following, with their IPAs often being hailed as some of the best in the country.

We had the opportunity to chat with Green Cheek co-founders Evan Price and Brian Rauso, two seasoned veterans of the Orange County craft beer scene. With decades of brewing experience under their belts, the duo decided to venture out on their own, driven by a shared passion for creating exceptional beer. Since launching Green Cheek, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of brewing, experimenting with hop varieties and techniques to produce beers that not only stand out in a crowded market but also win prestigious awards. In our conversation, Evan and Brian shared insights into what inspired them to take the leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges they've faced along the way, and the unique culture they've cultivated at each of their locations.

Read on to discover the story behind Green Cheek’s success, the philosophy that drives their brewing process, and how they’ve managed to expand while staying true to their roots. But first, a quick rundown of their Orange County locations:

Green Cheek Beer Co. Locations

Sunset Beach

This location is right off PCH and walking distance from Sunset Beach. It features an indoor seating area as well as a second story outdoor patio .

Orange

This is Green Cheek’s original location, tucked away an in industrial park. It has a warm, neighborhood feel with an up-close view of the brewing operation.

Costa Mesa

This is Green Cheek’s second location, featuring an large Biergarten style patio with plenty of bench seating. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of two popular retail spaces, The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP.

Meet Brian Rauso and Evan Price, Co-Founders

Tell us about your journey to opening Green Cheek!

Green Cheek Beer Company was founded in 2017 by two friends who shared a passion for craft beer and a desire to create a welcoming space. We met while working at another Orange County brewery and respected what each other’s talents were and wanted more for ourselves and the beer community in general. The concept was to have our guests feel as if they were on our front porch enjoying great food and beer, friendly conversation and a comfortable environment to relax and forget the world outside. With locations in Orange, Costa Mesa, Sunset Beach, and Oceanside, we keep striving to give the customer what they want.

People rave about your IPAs. Can you share what makes them stand out?

WE LOVE IPAS!!! We make a lot of them, too. They’re a huge part of our identity and we’re insanely meticulous about how we make them. Since IPA is a beer style that really shines best when drank as fresh as possible, we release a new one every week so that our customers can drink these beers when they’re vibrantly hoppy and delicious.

You were both a part of Orange County’s craft beer scene long before Green Cheek was established. How have things evolved from your perspective?

Having been part of Orange County’s craft beer scene for years, it’s incredible to see how much it has evolved. When we first started, the landscape seemed much larger. There were many breweries out there that were passionate about beer, but passion can only get you so far! The competition energized us to push the envelope of what the customer wanted. The name of the game is quality and creativity. We are just excited to be part of the vibrant Orange County beer community!

What do you like about being located in Orange County?

Orange County offers so many unique advantages! First and foremost, the community here is incredibly supportive of local businesses, especially craft breweries. There’s a strong culture of exploring and appreciating diverse flavors, which makes it a great environment for innovation.

The scenery doesn’t hurt either—beautiful beaches, mountains, and year-round pleasant weather create an ideal backdrop for enjoying craft beer and food. We love being able to host outdoor events and gatherings that bring people together in such a vibrant setting.

What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit to Green Cheek?

When visitors come to Green Cheek, we hope they leave with a sense of connection and inspiration. We want them to enjoy not just our food and beers, but also the atmosphere we've created—a space where people can relax, socialize, and celebrate life’s moments together.