Beyond the bustling and lively Gaslamp, our beautiful and eclectic beaches and the laid back friendly vibe lays a culture hidden to visitors that makes part of San Diego what it is: the ever growing local craft beer scene.
What is ‘Craft Beer?’ It’s not Budweiser, Coors or many other commercialized beers that many associate to be American favorites.
Craft beers are a traditionally made beer from smaller and local owned businesses. And to rest your conscience further, you can be sure your beer is full of a variety of fresh hops, barley, oats and when creativity strikes, coffee, hazelnuts, lemon, pumpkin, and even coriander.
Being an avid Craft Beer lover, I set out on a mission to taste every brewery in San Diego; that way I would truly know which I loved best! I did indeed create a challenge that would never end, as San Diego is home to over 150 independent craft breweries and new places with good reviews keep popping up all over the County.
After all of my extensive ‘research,’ (several hours and weekends of beer tasting with friends!) I present you, ‘A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide To San Diego’s Many Breweries’ and why you should take the time to make these places a stop along your journey.
1. Ballast Point Brewing
9045 Carroll Way San Diego
Ballast Point Brewing is one of the most famous and well know breweries in San Diego, and it didn’t disappoint.
Well done beer. Period. On a hot summer day try the Pale Ale, refreshing indeed. For something with a kick, try the Habanero Sculpin (IPA).
Beware, I love spicy foods but this beer is REALLY HOT, so you might want to wash it down with the Calico Amber Ale, another personal favorite.
I bought my first growler at Ballast Point – a growler is a jug-like glass container that comes in 2L volume for beer-to-go; that’s how we San Diegans roll.
2. Hess Brewing
Various Locations: Alpine, Imperial Beach, North Park, Ocean Beach, Seaport Village, Seaport Village – Taphouse and Walnut Creek.
Located in a seemingly awkward industrial complex, with a giant metal garage roll-up door, this tiny brewery has some of the best beers I have ever tasted.
They don’t have seats, and when asked for one, the guy working made me one out of an empty keg with a 50 lb. bag of hops on top of it. Cozy enough.
Go for the current seasonal Jucundus – fruity light and refreshing. Or try to catch their limited time beer, Aurum, a spicy light Belgian Ale. They also have year round brews that will satisfy your thirsty palate.
3. Societe Brewing
8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
Try: The Debutante, an apricot and peppery pale Belgian that will delight even the snobbiest of beer snobs. Single and ready to mingle? Sip on The Bachelor-Mosaic; it’s really hoppy and a bit bitter, but that doesn’t mean you will be.
4. The Lost Abbey
1313 J St, San Diego, CA 92101,
Their motto “Inspired beer for sinners and saints alike” should be reason enough to visit. Try a full taster flight here, I doubt you will be disappointed.
Get hooked on: Devotion Ale, your mom would be proud you were devoted to something right?! And I will be stocking up on Judgment Day in preparation for the Zombie Apocalypse. 10.5 % ABV will give you enough extra zest to shoot any walking dead in the head.
5. Rip Current Brewing North Park
4101 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Real rip currents = no fun. But this place makes some serious quality beer (although it could use a/c and is miles from a beach). All the locals know that summer in SD starts out with gray mornings that break into warm sunshine.
Beat the morning blues with: Marine Layer SD style Hefe, you can taste hints of banana and cloves. Hazardous Hazelnut Porter is for true Hazelnut lovers; it is smooth and bold. Feeling like a pro now? Try the Rotating Double Overhead Batch and try and name the notes on your own.
6. Stone Brewing Co.
I like to describe Stone as ‘The Disneyland of Craft Beers.’
Their property has running streams, rock formations, luscious green plants, a giant farm-to-table eatery and a brewery tour that includes a tasting for only $3 – a must.
Plus, with well defined brews sporting catchy names such as Arrogant Bastard and Sublimely Self-Righteous, you know you are going to drink something memorable.
Stone beers are not for the faint of heart, they are a bit on the heavier side, but well worth it. Try: Lucky Bastard (if you are lucky enough to get it on tap). Alternative favorite: Cali-Belgique, it’s insane trekkers.
All tasters run only $1-$2 for a 4oz. pour or come in flights of 4-8 beers for a set price. You can easily hit 3 breweries and eat at one of the local food trucks parked outside and still not spend more than $30.
Make sure to have a designated driver who you will bring a growler back for so that they can drink later.
Unfortunately the following breweries which made up my top 10 have since stop operating.
Green Flash
This brewery feels like you walk into a college frat party at times, but solid beers nonetheless.
Saison Diego I could sip all night at a BBQ, and Hop Head Red is a caramely IPA that pairs well with flip flops.
Go big or go home: finish your sesh with Palate Wrecker, just know you won’t be able to taste more beer after that.
Helm’s
Maybe I’m just partial to my years growing up sailing, but a ship wheel for a logo plus excellent beer means you are solid in my book.
Want to guide the ship? Drink the Captain’s Pale Ale. Forgot your morning coffee? Sailors drink Beeruccino instead.
I even got to relive my childhood of growing up on a farm with their specialty Farmhouse Style Ale.
• Since writing this guide Helm’s has now closed.
Alpine Beer Co.
There isn’t much to do in the Alpine area except drink beer and go to the new nearby Casino. Next door to Alpine Beer Co is a popular eatery that serves their brews. Go there to dine & drink while sitting on the back patio gazing at Pine Trees.
Must haves: Nelson – the hops are from New Zealand and blended with European rye, it’s a pleasurable culture mishmash. Pure Hoppiness – it’s a Double IPA, so be prepared to possibly hop out of your seat when you taste the madness.
Irish Red – nice and versatile to drink with your meal.
Indian Joe’s
These guys have been voted amongst the top 3 breweries in San Diego currently, and for good reason. The owner, Max, is a friendly and creative brewer. Get a flight and let your taste buds run wild.
There is a Pumpkin Ale and a Coconut Porter that make me feel like I’m at a family holiday, but without the chaos. The Apricot Peach Hefeweizen is a balancing sweet choice to wash down your spicy street tacos with.
There are so many reasons to visit San Diego, and although most people do visit due to the city being home to some of the beautiful beaches in the United States, there really are some amazing bars and breweries which need checking out.
Whether you are heading for a summer trip to San Diego or you live in the city/nearby and want to sample the local beers, hopefully out list has given you some ideas for the best places to go. For maps and specific locations search online.
Do you have any favourite breweries in San Diego or California? Let us know!
