America’s 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 there’s one for everyone – if you don’t like beer, you probably haven’t found your perfect match yet! Here are the best 10 spots for the perfect craft beer in San Diego.
1. Border X Brewing
Border x Brewing is San Diego’s first Latino-owned and operated brewery. This family business was founded by brothers David and Marcelino Favela, and Marcelino’s two sons. Rather than imitate European beers, Border X Brewing has dedicated itself to making delicious and unique Mexican Craft beer. Try some of their best, like Abullitas Chocolate Stout, Horchata Golden, and Blood Saison.
Later edit: Border X Brewing has permanently closed – but you can still enjoy their beers at the next spot on this list: Mujeres Brew House!
2. Mujeres Brew House
Here’s another excellent brewery in Barrio Logan: Mujeres Brew House! It is San Diego’s 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.
đź“ŤLocation: 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego
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 in North Park, and a restaurant/tasting room in Encinitas. Try the Radiant Glow if you’re into hazys, or their Black House Coffee stout if you’d like to combine both of their specialties.
đź“ŤLocation: multiple
4. Kairoa Brewing Company
Like many entries on this list, Kairoa is an ode to a foreign country – 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!
đź“ŤLocation: 4601 Park Blvd, San Diego
5. AleSmith Brewing Company
This very well known spot for craft lovers serves many delicious pints…but they’re 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 awards from local, national and international competitions. AleSmith is also currently ranked 6 out of 33,000+ breweries worldwide. Oh, all while it’s family owned! Need we give you more reasons to stop by?
đź“ŤLocation: 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 – 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, can’t go wrong with this unique craft brewery in San Diego.
đź“ŤLocation: 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.
đź“ŤLocation: 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. They’re home to the gold-medal winning Sculpin IPA, which originated as a challenge to combine George Cataulin’s and Doug Duffield’s IPA recipes. Sculpin is currently celebrating its 20 year anniversary! Ballast Point says it’s famous for “adding its touch and asking if there’s a better way.”
đź“ŤLocation: 2215 India St, San Diego
đź“ŤLocation: 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 ft² 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!
đź“ŤLocation: 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 – to San Diego! However, they wanted to keep a couple of things from the “La Pura Vida”…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.
đź“ŤLocation: multiple locations