San Diego county is home to one of the most dynamic beer scenes in America and arguably the world. With more than 35 local breweries, our city has more craft brewers than any other city in the country. Fanatically innovative brewers around the globe are creating new beers with unorthodox ingredients and techniques. Skip the bland international lagers sold everywhere on earth, seek out small-batch, artisan-made beers in their native habitats and drink them!
The list of San Diego brewers is long, colorful and filled with passionate brew masters whose enthusiasm and exuberance are downright intoxicating. Here are just a few.
San Diego Breweries
Stone Brewing Company’s new $13 million facility is a must for those who worship the golden nectar. Their World Bistro & Gardens, which specializes in delicious and creative preparations of locally grown, organic produce and natural meats, is a fantastic place to soak in the sun and learn the ins and outs of pairing award-winning beer with great food. Don’t miss the Arrogant Bastard Ale Onion Rings.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company was the first brewery to reintroduce San Diego to locally brewed, handcrafted beer since brewpubs were banned during Prohibition. Twenty years later, their Brewery Restaurants serve 10 handcrafted beers on tap, including their original Amber Lager.
AleSmith Brewing Company - #5 on BeerAdvocate’s, “Best on the Planet,” list is an unassuming, artisan brewer that’s deeply rooted in the homebrewing community. Award-winning creations include their incarnation of a Belgian Strong Ale playfully named Horny Devil, and their special edition Speedway Stout, a jet-black Imperial Stout filled with dark chocolate and strong coffee flavors. A tasting room is open Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Ballast Point Brewing Company’s Yellow Tail Pale Ale is a local staple for thirsty San Diegans. Started as Home Brew Mart in 1992, this craft brewery has become a local favorite and an international gold medal winner.
Alpine Beer Company opened its doors in the fall of 2002. Years before, an interest in craft brewing developed into an actual goal for the future. There were years of home brew competitions, brew science classes, and extended beer runs thinly disguised as vacations. Drink Alpine Ale or go to bed.
Beer-Centric Bars and Restaurants
San Diego also offers a diverse range of bars and restaurants that truly specialize in rare beers from local brewers and around the globe.
Neighborhood, located in downtown San Diego’s East Village, offers more than 27 local craft brews on tap and a creative, upscale take on classic American dishes like burgers. Tasting flights of San Diego beers and international selections are available.
Toronado San Diego, located in the North Park neighborhood, is a sibling of San Francisco’s famous beer outpost. At Toronado San Diego, the focus is clearly on craft beer with 50 beers on tap featuring the best from local, domestic and international breweries. Bottled offerings number more than 230 and focus on Belgian, French, German and English brews.
Hamilton’s Tavern, located in the historic South Park area near downtown San Diego, is the oldest beer and wine licensed establishment in San Diego, with over 75 years of service. Hamilton’s offers the highest quality ales and craft beers from around the world and boasts one of the most diverse bottle selections in San Diego.
