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San Diego’s Sudsy Secrets: The Top 10 Breweries You Must Visit
Jon Granston | August 16, 2023
Jon Granston | August 16, 2023
In the sun-drenched streets and the coastal alleys of San Diego, history is not just confined to missions and museums. Instead, it bubbles up in the frothy glasses served in its many renowned breweries. The city's maritime origins, its thriving agricultural prowess, and a culture that appreciates artisanal craftsmanship have paved the way for a bustling beer scene. With more than 150 craft breweries calling San Diego home, there's a lot to sip, savor, and discover. Let’s delve deep into the hoppy heart of San Diego with its top 10 breweries and the iconic beers they're known for.
Known For: Arrogant Bastard Ale and Stone IPA
Experience: Nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and koi ponds, Stone Brewery in Escondido offers an enchanting setting. Stone’s vast bistro and gardens invite guests to linger, with stone pathways guiding you through their verdant haven – making it as much a nature retreat as a brewery.
Our Favorite: Buenaveza Salt & Lime is an easy drinker perfect for the hot summer days.
Known For: Sculpin IPA and Victory at Sea Imperial Porter
Experience: Ballast Point's Little Italy location offers an elevated brewery experience. Overlooking the vibrant San Diego Bay, guests can enjoy their brews on the outdoor patio, soaking in waterfront views, and a nautical vibe that pays homage to San Diego's maritime history.
Our Favorite: Grapefruit Sculpin IPA on Nitro is possibly the best bear ever created.
Known For: Black House Stout and Fortunate Islands Wheat
Experience: Stepping into Modern Times is like entering a retro-futuristic realm. The décor boasts a collage of comic books, vintage furniture, and post-modern art. Their tasting rooms often double as coffeehouses, merging the best of the brew and bean worlds.
Our Favorite: The Fortunate Islands Tropical is a fantastic beer with lower ABV.
Known For: Speedway Stout and .394 Pale Ale
Experience: AleSmith's expansive tasting room, one of the largest in San Diego, is adorned with baseball memorabilia honoring San Diego's Tony Gwynn. There's a warmth and intimacy here, with communal tables fostering shared tales over shared ales.
Our Favorite: The .394 Pale Ale is the go to beer. It’s hoppy for everyone.
Known For: Peanut Butter Milk Stout and Phantom Bride IPA
Experience: Belching Beaver's North Park location has a laid-back, hip vibe, befitting its artsy neighborhood. The taproom's wooden accents and colorful artwork create a fun, cheerful setting – ideal for tasting their whimsical brews.
Our Favorite: As a tribute to The Rob Lehman…we agree that The Peanut Butter Stout is one delicious beer.
Known For: Devotion Ale and Red Barn Ale
Experience: Lost Abbey offers an ecclesiastical ambiance, inspired by the monastic brewing traditions of Europe. Vaulted ceilings, stained glass touches, and a rustic charm dominate the tasting room, making it feel like a divine beer sanctuary.
Our Favorite: The Devotional Ale is as good on the pallet as it is on the nose.
Known For: Fairies Wear Boots IPA and Yeast Bound an Brown Ale
Experience: Nestled on the edge of the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar, Viewpoint Brewery boasts sweeping views and an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying the California sun. With its inventive brews and farm-to-table fare, it is a scenic sanctuary where the beauty of nature complements the art of brewing.
Our Favorite: Any beer referencing Kenny Powers deserves the nod. The Yeast Bound an Brown Ale is one of the few fixtures on Viewpoints rotating brew menu.
Known For: Cali Creamin’ and Boo Koo IPA
Experience: At Mother Earth's Vista taproom, the ambiance is relaxed and earthy, with a touch of vintage charm. The spacious area, often adorned with local art, fosters community connections.
Our Favorite: The Cali Creamin’ is a one-of-a-kind brew, think creamsicle in a bear can.
Known For: The Pupil IPA and The Harlot Belgian Ale
Experience: Societe’s Kearny Mesa location emphasizes minimalist elegance. Dark wood tones, ornate chandeliers, and subdued lighting create an atmosphere that feels upscale yet inviting – making every sip feel like an occasion.
Our Favorite: Like the .394, the pupil is an easy to love IPA.
Known For: Amber Ale and Mosaic IPA
Experience: Culture Brewing Co. in Solana Beach offers an intimate beach-town vibe. Rustic wood, surfboards, and rotating local art installations capture the essence of coastal California living.
Our Favorite: They rarely have this, but without a doubt their Grapefruit IPA. The owner shared with us that they don’t consistently carry this because he’s unwilling to buy grapefruit juice, so they roast their own grapefruits and produce their own juice. As you can guess, this is very labor intensive. The other gem is their Peppermint Stout, which they only serve around the holidays. Tastes like Christmas.
While the top 10 breweries have captured the essence of San Diego's craft beer scene, there's a myriad of other breweries that equally resonate with the city's brewing prowess and passion. From the coastal pockets of Oceanside to the bustling urban hubs of Downtown and the serene landscapes of East County, every corner of San Diego County bubbles with brewing brilliance.
Amplified Ale Works, Pizza Port Brewery, Abnormal Brewery, and Duck Foot Brewing Company are just a few names that have been making waves with their innovative brews and engaging atmospheres. Whether you're a hop head, sour lover, or stout enthusiast, there's a brewery in San Diego waiting to serve your perfect pour.
Eager to plot your beer-soaked journey across San Diego County? Here is a link to our comprehensive Brewery Tour Map. Navigate your way through a tapestry of tastes, terrains, and tales as you experience the full breadth of what San Diego's beer scene has to offer. Cheers to endless exploration and exceptional brews!
