About Helmsman

Artfully Crafted

Helmsman Ale House is an independently owned and operated Newport Beach craft beer microbrewery and restaurant. With Head Brewer, Greg Suchland at the helm, we’re also the only craft beer brewery in Newport Beach, brewing daily within our 15-barrel exhibition brewhouse.

More than a brewery, Helmsman Ale House is a full service, family-friendly restaurant, proudly serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. In addition to our flagship and wide-ranging seasonal house beer, we offer a full bar with cocktails, wine, and curated list of guest brewery selections. Artfully inspired, the menu by Executive Chef, Thomas Verucchi, is a refreshing extension of classic pub fare with vibrant California and coastal flavors brought together at Helmsman Ale House restaurant in Newport Beach, California.

Dine and drink in full view of our brewhouse, while taking in the fragrant aroma of brewing hops from our locally-brewed Newport Beach craft beers. The casual atmosphere, replete with seafaring décor, is perfect for all occasions and celebrations with varied types of seating from comfy booths, communal tables and traditional high tops. There’s also not one, but two large bars to quench your thirst from on some of the best mixed-drinks, wine, and craft beer in the Newport Beach area. Rows of large screen TVs placed throughout ensure perfect game-time viewing. Or opt for an equally comfy spot on deck at our covered patio, which features relaxed booth and communal seating, as well as bar top style. The heated patio at our also features plenty of large screen TVs so you never miss the action.

All guests are seated upon a first come, first served basis so no reservations needed. Dining open to all ages.

Meet the Brewer

Greg Suchsland, Head Brewer

Greg Suchsland comes to Helmsman Ale House with an Intensive Brewing Sciences and Engineering technical certificate from The American Brewers Guild, as well as 13+ years working in the craft beer industry. “I love brewing because it balances out both sides of my brain. I get to be creative with recipe conception and creation while still needing to be technical and rigid during the actual brewing process”. It is this passion that has earned Greg 2 GABF gold medals, 2 World Beer Cup silver medals, 2 Festival of Barrel Aged Beer (FOBAB) Best in Shows, in his past position at Bottle Logic.

A native Californian with a love of food and sports, Greg’s beer inspo usually revolves around turning food into beer. “I have made beers after – some successful and some not so much – cocktails, desserts, candy bars, even tried a pastrami sandwich beer!” You can find Greg’s creations on our list of mainstays and weekly variants, all a perfect match to Helmsman’s elevated pub grub.