San Diego, California is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and of course, its breweries. With over 150 breweries in San Diego, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. In this article, we will explore the best of San Diego’s breweries and what makes them stand out.
Ballast Point Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing Company has been a favorite among San Diego locals for over 20 years. Located in Miramar, the brewery offers a variety of brews from their famous Sculpin IPA to their flavorful Fathom IPA. One of the unique features of Ballast Point is their homebrew mart, which allows customers to buy equipment and ingredients to make their own beer at home.
Stone Brewing
Located in Escondido, Stone Brewing is known for its bold and hoppy IPA’s. Their rustic and industrial decor gives the brewery a unique atmosphere, and their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold brew on a sunny day. Stone offers a variety of beers, including their famous Arrogant Bastard Ale and their refreshing Tropic of Thunder Lager.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is one of San Diego’s oldest and most beloved breweries. With locations scattered across San Diego, Karl Strauss is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious brews. Their Red Trolley Ale is a crowd favorite, as well as their Pintail Pale Ale. Karl Strauss also offers a delicious menu of pub-style food to pair with your beer.
Green Flash Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co. offers a wide variety of brews, from their hoppy West Coast IPA to their smooth silky Black Currant Sour. Located in Mira Mesa, the brewery has a spacious outdoor patio with a fire pit, making it the perfect spot to hang out with friends and enjoy a cold beer. Green Flash also offers tours of their brewery, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
Modern Times
Modern Times is a trendy brewery located in Point Loma. With its vibrant decor and modern art, the brewery has a unique vibe that sets it apart from the rest. Modern Times offers a variety of tasty brews, including their delicious Fortunate Islands IPA and their flavorful Blazing World Amber. They also have a vegan cafe on-site, offering a menu of plant-based food to pair with your beer.
AleSmith Brewing Company
AleSmith Brewing Company is located in Miramar and has been a staple in the San Diego brewery scene for over 20 years. AleSmith offers a variety of flavorful brews, including their famous Speedway Stout and their crisp San Diego Pale Ale. The brewery also has a spacious outdoor patio with a variety of games to play while enjoying a cold brew.
Lost Abbey
Lost Abbey is a unique brewery located in San Marcos, offering a variety of Belgian-inspired beers. Their tasting room has a medieval vibe, with a cozy fireplace and stained glass windows. One of Lost Abbey’s most popular brews is their Carnevale, a farmhouse-style ale with a crisp and refreshing taste.
Conclusion
San Diego’s brewery scene offers something for everyone, from hoppy IPAs to flavorful stouts. The breweries mentioned above are just a few of the many amazing breweries located in San Diego, each with their unique atmosphere and tasty brews. So whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to explore the best of San Diego’s breweries.