Institution Ale Co.

Institution Ale Company's State Street taproom brings a Camarillo-born brewery to downtown Santa Barbara, pouring house beers in a relaxed space with an outdoor beer garden at its center. Live music takes over the garden every Thursday, with additional shows on some Fridays and Saturdays, and admission is always free. Most sets are intimate acoustic performances, though full bands and DJs appear from time to time. When the weather turns, the music simply moves inside. The crowd is a mix of downtown workers, State Street wanderers, and craft beer regulars looking for an easygoing night. It suits solo and duo acts who enjoy an unpretentious, open-air room.