Broken Timbers Brewing Company

The inspiration

Broken Timbers Brewing Company set out to brew high quality craft beer from fine ingredients while creating a positive, inclusive space where guests feel welcome every visit¹ . Owner Heide Mahnke wanted a room where people could drink good beer and meet new friends, and her love of ghost towns and the Old West shaped both locations, with the Placentia tasting room designed to feel like an old hotel lobby² . The brewery also aims to give back by supporting local businesses, events, and charities¹ .

Who's behind it

Heide Mahnke, who co-owns the brewery and runs operations, did much of the woodwork herself^2,3 . The Placentia Chamber of Commerce lists the business as woman-owned, with Lawrence Wright serving as head brewer and owner .

What to order

• Rotating taps: roughly ten beers spanning IPA, Belgian Blonde, stout, and hard seltzer, so there is something for nearly everyone, including those who do not drink beer .³
• Flagships and seasonals: the menu keeps several staple beers alongside rotating ones for regulars who want variety .²

What people are saying

Diners keep returning to the welcoming atmosphere and personal service, something Heide says customers tell her they cannot find elsewhere² . Reviewers and guests alike single out the seltzers, with the brewery's own pages quoting guests who call them creative and unique^1,2 . The Old West decor and friendly vibe are themes that come up across the brewery's own accounts and press coverage^2,3 .

Why you should try it

Between trivia nights, charcuterie classes, and community events, it is an easy spot to settle in for conversation or a quiet drink^3,4 .