Americaās Finest City is home to more than 150 operational breweries! They make good, bitter IPAs. Warming stouts. Creamy Pale Ales. There are so many tasty craft beers, and thereās one for everyone ā if you donāt like beer, you probably havenāt found your perfect match yet! Here are the best 10 spots for the perfect craft beer in San Diego.
2. Mujeres Brew House
Hereās another excellent brewery in Barrio Logan: Mujeres Brew House! It is San Diegoās first Latina-owned brewery, and its mission is to be a welcoming place for women to learn about craft beer, comfortably. The brewery has a behind-the-bar work experience program, and also a brewing program.
šLocation: 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego
2. Brewery X
With a great location that serves stunning waterfront views, Brewery X has tasty beers, a great menu, and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game. The vibe here is great, whether youāre looking for a sit-down meal or a casual hang-out session. We loved the āCitra loves seriesā, an amazing West Coast IPA ā not too bitter, not too light, just right. Keep an eye on their socials for special events, too, like St. Patrickās Day ā you donāt wanna miss the specials!
3. Modern Times Beer
Modern Times Beer + Coffee is a mix of brewers, coffee roasters, culinary enthusiasts, and beer-slingers. It all began as a 30bbl production brewery and tasting room in Point Loma, back in 2013. That location stands, but they also have a tasting room inĀ North Park, and a restaurant/tasting room inĀ Encinitas. Try the Radiant Glow if youāre into hazys, or their Black House Coffee stout if youād like to combine both of their specialties.
šLocation: multiple
4. Kairoa Brewing Company
Like many entries on this list, KairoaĀ is an ode to a foreign country ā in this case, New Zealand , known for its craft beer scene. The Kiwi owners have incorporated aspects from their rich culture to bring us spectacular beers in a beautifully designed space. We recommend their Sunny Nelson West Coast IPA. Enjoy it on their lovely rooftop bar!
šLocation: 4601 Park Blvd, San Diego
5. AleSmith Brewing Company
This very well known spot for craft lovers serves many delicious pintsā¦but theyāre world famous for one: its .394 Pale Ale, a tribute to San Diego legend Tony Gwynn. Founded in 1995, this brewery continue to bring home numerous awardsĀ from local, national and international competitions. AleSmith is also currently ranked 6 out of 33,000+ breweries worldwide. Oh, all while itās family owned! Need we give you more reasons to stop by?
šLocation:Ā 9990 AleSmith Ct, San Diego, CA 92126
6. Battlemage Brewing Company
Fan of Dungeon and Dragons? Well, if you are, then this Vista brewery is for you! Its name, Battlemage, was inspired by the iconic board game ā since its founders loved it so much. They have fantastic beers! Some are more traditional, like their Shroud of Mist, and others more adventurous, like Verses of Victory Brown Ale. Whatever you choose, canāt go wrong with this unique craft brewery in San Diego.
šLocation: 2870 Scott Street, 102, Vista
7. Viewpoint Brewing
Viewpoint Brewing in Del Mar has an unbelievable view, and that alone is worth the trip! It overlooks the San Dieguito Lagoon, which might be one of our favorite views in San Diego. They also have a fantastic outdoor patio, where you can enjoy their delicious Mosaic Pale Ale. Their food is another fabulous plus, and it all pairs great with their signature craft beers.
šLocation: 2201 San Dieguito Dr Suite D, Del Mar
8. Ballast Point
This brewery started through a small group of homebrewers, who simply wanted to make great beer. Theyāre home to the gold-medal winning Sculpin IPA, which originated as a challenge to combine George Cataulinās and Doug Duffieldās IPA recipes. Sculpin isĀ currently celebrating its 20 year anniversary!Ā Ballast Point says itās famous for āadding its touch and asking if thereās a better way.ā
šLocation: 2215 India St, San Diego
šLocation: 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego
9. Mike Hess Brewing
Mike Hess has a well-know brewery in North Park, a beautiful biergarten in Imperial Beach, and a 36,000 ftĀ² flagship brewery, restaurant, beer garden, and distillery in the works at West Harbor in San Pedro. All Mike Hess locations are dog-friendly, and are made to enjoy exceptional beer and inspired food. Check out their hazy IPA!
šLocation: multiple
10. Pure Project
The idea for Pure Project came to its creators on a hiking trip, while they lived in Costa Rica. And it did start in Costa Rica! But, as life and their experience moved on, so did the brewery ā to San Diego! However, they wanted to keep a couple of things from the āLa Pura Vidaāā¦including the name. They source local ingredients whenever possible, and give back. 1% of all sales (not just profits) is donated to environmental non-profits.
šLocation: multiple locations
