Best of 24 breweries in San Diego
San Diego is a thriving hub for craft breweries, known for its diverse and innovative beer scene. Boasting a high concentration of breweries in San Diego, the city offers an impressive variety of styles and flavors for beer enthusiasts to explore. From IPAs to stouts, the breweries in San Diego continue to push the boundaries of brewing, making it a must-visit destination for any beer lover.
- 1. Ballast Point Brewing
- 2. Modern Times Beer
- 3. East Village Brewing Company
- 4. AleSmith Brewing Company
- 5. Stone Brewing
- 6. Deft Brewing
- 7. Stone Brewing Tap Room - Kettner
- 8. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
- 9. Coronado Brewing Company San Diego Tasting Room
- 10. Fall Brewing Company
- 11. Societe Brewing Company
- 12. White Labs Brewing Co - San Diego
- 13. Bay City Brewing Co
- 14. California Wild Ales
- 15. Bolt Brewery - Little Italy
- 16. Border X Brewing
- 17. North Park Beer Company
- 18. Resident Brewing
- 19. Mission Brewery
- 20. Knotty Brewing Co.
- 21. Pure Project Balboa Park
- 22. San Diego Brewing Company
- 23. New English Brewing - San Diego Brewery
- 24. Pure Project
1. Ballast Point Brewing
Offers tastings, tours, and a full restaurant menu

Ballast Point, located in Little Italy, offers an extensive selection of beers with 72 taps. The menu of beers changes every Friday, providing a constantly fresh and exciting variety. During our visit, we opted for flights of beers that were new to us, which were served with a generous bowl of delicious sweet potato fries. The experience was both enjoyable and refreshing.
Although I typically do not enjoy IPAs, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed the IPAs served at Ballast Point. In fact, I found that I enjoyed all of the beers that I tried during our visit. This demonstrates the high quality of the beers offered at Ballast Point, and their ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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2. Modern Times Beer
They offer self-guided brewery tours, a rotating food truck schedule, and an on-site coffee roastery.

Modern Times Beer is a well-known brewery in San Diego, recognized for its excellent selection of IPAs and stouts. The knowledgeable and amiable staff contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for socializing.
This brewery's diverse beer offerings and energetic ambiance have earned it a reputation as one of the best in San Diego. With a focus on modern and innovative brewing techniques, Modern Times Beer consistently delivers high-quality and delicious brews.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
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3. East Village Brewing Company
Featuring an industrial-chic interior with communal tables and TVs.

San Diego is home to a great brewery, known for its unique and delicious beer, as well as knowledgeable staff. The venue is spacious, providing an excellent location for parties and watching football games. It also boasts a beautiful outdoor space. This brewery stands out as one of the best on the west coast, with a consistent quality of beer that is impressive, given their frequent new releases.
The owners of this brewery are particularly welcoming, often engaging with customers in discussions about their beers. The selection is constantly changing, with a new beer released every week, yet the quality remains exceptional. Despite visiting many breweries along the west coast, this establishment is a clear favorite, as the beer is consistently excellent and the owners are passionate about their craft.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Dinner
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4. AleSmith Brewing Company
Family-owned, dog-friendly taproom, sustainability practices

AleSmith Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. The company offers a wide selection of delicious beers and a welcoming atmosphere. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the overall brewery experience, making it an enjoyable and educational visit.
The tasting room at AleSmith Brewing Company is spacious, providing a comfortable environment for patrons to enjoy their drinks. Among the many beer options, the Speedway Stout is a standout recommendation, known for its rich and bold flavor. Overall, AleSmith Brewing Company is a top-notch brewery that offers an excellent beer selection and a great tasting room experience.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
5. Stone Brewing
Eco-friendly brewing processes, beer garden with ocean views

My wife and I had some time to spare before our flight, so we decided to check in early and find something to eat. We were pleasantly surprised to find a great selection of food at the airport. The quality of the food was better than we had expected, and it left us both feeling satisfied and content as we made our way to our flight.
If you find yourself in San Diego and looking for a place to relax and grab a bite to eat, the airport is a great option. Not only is there a wide variety of food to choose from, but you can also taste some of the city's famous craft beer. Whether you're a beer lover or just looking for a way to de-stress before your flight, the airport in San Diego is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Deft Brewing
Family-owned brewery with community focus

Deft Brewing is known for its diverse selection of traditional European beer styles, hailing from various countries such as Germany, England, Belgium, and Ireland. What sets them apart is their unique approach to each style, creating a one-of-a-kind taste for their customers. They offer more than just IPAs, ensuring there's something for everyone. Their Belgian and British beers, in particular, are highly acclaimed.
At Deft Brewing, customers can explore a broad menu of European beer styles, each with its own distinctive flavor profile. While they do offer IPAs, their real strength lies in their traditional Belgian and British beers. With a commitment to quality and variety, Deft Brewing has something to satisfy every beer enthusiast, making them a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
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7. Stone Brewing Tap Room - Kettner
Features an outdoor patio, dog-friendly, and offers growler fills

Stone Brewing Tap Room - Kettner is a notable brewery located in San Diego, distinguished by its exceptional selection of beers and friendly staff. This tap room is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts, offering a unique range of beers that are sure to impress. The variety of beers, particularly the IPAs, are simply outstanding, making it an ideal destination for beer lovers.
The atmosphere at Stone Brewing Tap Room - Kettner is perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink after visiting other breweries in the area. The tap room itself is welcoming and comfortable, providing a relaxing environment to savor the top-notch beers. This location stands out as a favorite among the various breweries in San Diego, offering a memorable experience for all who visit.
TOPICS
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
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8. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
Spacious garden setting with fire pits, bocce ball courts, and a stunning view of the San Diego skyline.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of 40 unique craft beers on tap, providing a diverse range of options for beer enthusiasts. In addition to the tap selection, the restaurant also features an impressive bottle collection. This includes year-round and special release beers from Stone Brewing Co., known for their high-quality and innovative brews. The bottle collection also features exceptional craft and specialty beers from other breweries, expanding the variety of flavors and styles available.
The restaurant's bar boasts 40 distinct taps and many more in bottles, ensuring a vast selection for patrons. Standouts among the offerings are the year-round and limited release brews from Stone Brewing Co. The extensive bottle list features not only Stone's offerings but also other craft and specialty brews, enhancing the selection and catering to a wide range of tastes. Both the tap and bottle options provide unique and flavorful beer experiences for guests to enjoy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
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9. Coronado Brewing Company San Diego Tasting Room
Indoor/outdoor bar, Games and televisions, Known for their stouts

Coronado Brewing Company, located in San Diego, is a highly-rated brewery and brewpub that welcomes pets. With an impressive rating of 4.5 stars, it has received great reviews from 221 visitors. The brewery is well-known for its quality and diverse selection of beers. A popular choice among visitors is the flight of 4 beers, which is priced the same as a large beer, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors.
Visitors to Coronado Brewing Company rave about the beer, praising its quality and variety. For those who want to try a few different options, the brewery offers a flight of 4 beers for the same price as a large beer. This is a great way to get a taste of the different styles and flavors that the brewery has to offer. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a great spot to relax with friends, Coronado Brewing Company is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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10. Fall Brewing Company
Family-owned brewery with focus on sustainability

Beer is highly regarded for its quality and diverse selection. One standout option is the smoothie beer, which features a pleasant fusion of fruitiness and creamy textures. The establishment's dog-friendly atmosphere is an additional bonus, making it an inclusive environment for all to enjoy.
An impressive characteristic of this place is their extensive tap list, constantly evolving to incorporate a wide variety of IPAs. Furthermore, the food trucks that frequently accompany the establishment add to its appeal, offering a delectable range of dining options to complement the beer selection.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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11. Societe Brewing Company
In-house mastered barrel-aging program, Rotating food trucks

Societe Brewing Company is known for their diverse selection of beers, including highly-rated seasonal and occasional options. One of their most popular beers is the Pupil IPA. A recent visitor described the brewery as a great place with great staff, who particularly enjoyed their IPA on tap. Although they are not usually a fan of Belgian beers, they found the IPA to be exceptional.
Societe Brewing Company is a well-regarded brewery offering a wide range of beer, including highly-rated seasonal and occasional options. Among their most popular offerings is the Pupil IPA, which was enjoyed by a recent visitor who described the establishment as a great place with excellent staff. Despite not typically being a fan of Belgian beers, the visitor found the IPA to be outstanding. This highlights Societe's skill in crafting high-quality beer that can appeal to a wide range of palates.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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12. White Labs Brewing Co - San Diego
In-house brewery with rotating taps, science-themed decor, industrial ambiance

The brewery is known for its unique approach to beer, focusing on highlighting the impact of yeast in their brews. They create their drinks with the goal of showcasing different yeast strains, making it a great place for those who appreciate the science behind beer making.
Our hero recommends this brewery to anyone who wants to learn more about the process or simply enjoy a beer that has been crafted with care and attention to detail. With a focus on showcasing the role of yeast, this brewery offers a one-of-a-kind experience for beer lovers and science enthusiasts alike.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. Bay City Brewing Co
Spacious outdoor patio, dog-friendly, offers brewery tours

Bay City Brewing Co. is known for its diverse assortment of flavors and profiles. A commitment to excellence and consistency is at the forefront of their values. The brewery, conveniently located between the Sports Arena and I-8 on a one-way frontage road, boasts an impressive selection of tasty offerings. My personal preferences in beer are quite varied, but I tend to appreciate all styles if they're brewed well. Fortunately, Bay City Brewing Co.'s beers did not disappoint.
The brewery's beers are brewed right every time, with a focus on quality and consistency. The location is yet another advantage, as it's easily accessible for beer enthusiasts looking to discover new flavors. Regardless of your specific taste preferences, you're likely to find a beer that suits your palate at Bay City Brewing Co. Their commitment to brewing excellence ensures that each beer is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a final product that is both enjoyable and satisfying.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
14. California Wild Ales
Sustainably-focused with a commitment to reducing waste

California Wild Ales is a highly-rated brewery in San Diego, renowned for its exceptional sour beers. The establishment boasts a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a popular destination for beer enthusiasts.
The brewery offers a distinctive selection of wild ales, setting it apart from other breweries. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft, ensuring an excellent experience for visitors.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
15. Bolt Brewery - Little Italy
Brews beer on-site in Little Italy neighborhood

Bolt Brewery in Little Italy, San Diego, is a popular brewery with a rating of 4.1 based on 537 reviews. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including Dan Stout, Orange Ale, Citra Pale Ale, Loca Lemon, Tropic Thunder IPA, and Brown Ale. Customers have praised the knowledgeable and friendly staff, with many highlighting conversations with Conor. Patrons have also appreciated the flexible walk-in policy and the option for takeout. The brewery is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, except for Fridays and Saturdays when it stays open until 1:00 am the following day.
Bolt Brewery is a family-friendly establishment, situated at 1971 India St, San Diego, CA 92101. The business prides itself on its community involvement and customer service. The brewery is open to all ages at its Little Italy location, making it an ideal spot for families to grab a drink and a bite. For those interested in the beer selection, the brewery offers a membership program, with any inquiries best directed to Kacey at kacey@boltbrewery.com. Other amenities include takeout options, and the brewery welcomes walk-ins. The business has addressed consumer questions, such as the availability of a kid-friendly environment, with a clear and welcoming response.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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16. Border X Brewing
Features local artists' work and supports the community

The beers at this establishment are exceptional, offering unique and delicious flavors. One standout option is the Horchata Golden Stout, which has a high alcohol content of 9.5% ABV and features Mexican horchata flavors. Another recommendation is the Pepino Sour Michelada, a refreshing drink that combines the tartness of a sour beer with the savory taste of a michelada.
Many of the beers also have distinctive Mexican flavor additions, making them even more enjoyable. The Horchata Golden Stout is a prime example of this, as it combines the rich and creamy taste of horchata with the robust flavor of a stout. Visitors are sure to appreciate the creativity and attention to detail that goes into crafting these exceptional beers.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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17. North Park Beer Company
Features a rotating selection of food trucks

The service at this establishment appears to be a mixed bag, with some guests reporting exceptional and friendly service, while others describe it as dreadful and awful. It is unclear what is causing this inconsistency, but it is worth noting as it may significantly impact a guest's dining experience.
On the other hand, there is a general consensus when it comes to the quality of the beer. Guests seem to agree that the beer is excellent, with a special mention of the IPA as being particularly noteworthy. This is a positive aspect of the establishment that can be built upon to enhance the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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18. Resident Brewing
Rotating selection of food trucks and live music events

Resident Brewing, located at 1065 Fourth Ave in San Diego, has received positive reviews, photos, and ratings. The brewery is known for its high-quality offerings, which can be traced back to the Brewmaster's dedication to excellence starting in their own backyard.
Resident Brewing has maintained a tireless commitment to quality since its inception. This dedication to excellence is a reflection of the Brewmaster's original passion for brewing, which started in their own backyard. The brewery has earned positive reviews, photos, and ratings, making it a popular destination in San Diego.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
19. Mission Brewery
Indoor/outdoor seating, growler fills, tours available

This microbrewery, situated in the Downtown area, is conveniently near Petco Park. Although food is not provided at the location, customers have the option of bringing their own or getting it delivered. The microbrewery produces a range of high-quality beers, providing an ideal spot for beer enthusiasts to tour and understand the brewing process or merely unwind with a drink.
The microbrewery is a great place for beer lovers, particularly with its prime location in the Downtown area near Petco Park. While they do not serve food, customers can still enjoy their own food or have it delivered. This microbrewery's specialty is its selection of fine beers, offering both tours and explanations of the brewing process and a comfortable space to savor your chosen beverage.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
20. Knotty Brewing Co.
Featuring a dog-friendly patio and a vintage arcade game room

The reviewer is currently on vacation from Palm Springs and visited Knotty Brewing for the first time. They were impressed with the great selection of beer and highly recommend trying the Clay IPA and Banana Pancakes beer. The service was also outstanding and they were so pleased that they are considering making the two-hour drive back just to visit the brewery again.
During their visit, the reviewer received personalized attention and enjoyed great beer while snacks from the neighboring establishment were delivered to them at the bar. Overall, the reviewer had an amazing experience at Knotty Brewing and was extremely satisfied with their visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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21. Pure Project Balboa Park
Set in the beautiful Balboa Park, pet-friendly with outdoor seating

The service at this establishment is widely complimented by guests, who often note the friendliness and exceptional quality of the staff. Many guests mention that the service contributed to an overall positive experience during their visit.
The beer offerings at this location have received particular praise from guests. The unique and delicious flavors of the beer have been a hit among visitors. Fruity beers have been a standout favorite among the selection. The staff is also highlighted for their knowledge of the beer offerings, providing guests with informed recommendations and insights.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Late Night
22. San Diego Brewing Company
Has been awarded for their delicious craft beers

San Diego Brewing Company is an excellent spot to enjoy a sports event while savoring delicious food. The chicken nachos, grilled chicken sandwich, and hamburger stood out as particularly tasty options. The chicken sandwich, specifically, was cooked to perfection and packed a flavorful punch. With plans to return for another football game, there's no denying that the menu's offerings left a lasting impression.
This venue features up to 50 unique draft beers straight from the tap in a laid-back restaurant and tasting room environment. As you relish your San Diego brews, you can choose to observe the on-site brewing facility or watch the excitement unfold on multiple flat-screen TVs. No matter your preference, you're in for a treat with the fantastic selection of local brews at your fingertips.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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23. New English Brewing - San Diego Brewery
Rotating selection of unique brews, Large outdoor patio

New English Brewing Co. is a leading brewery in San Diego, known for producing exceptional craft beers. The brewery's offerings cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Its outdoor space is perfect for casual gatherings, making it a great spot to enjoy their terrific beer.
San Diego is home to many breweries, but New English Brewing Co. stands out as one of the best. They consistently produce high-quality brews that are loved by locals and visitors alike. The brewery's commitment to excellence is evident in every sip, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in the area.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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24. Pure Project
Featuring a rotating selection of innovative and experimental beers, and a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The business features a variety of food vendors on certain days, providing customers with plenty of dining options. There is ample seating available, making it a great place to gather with friends and family. The selection of food trucks is regularly updated, and customers can check the company's website for a list of upcoming vendors.
The beer selection at the establishment is notably tasty and unique. It offers a wide range of flavors that are sure to satisfy any palate. Patrons have praised the originality of the beer offerings, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems