The 12 Best Breweries in San Diego

San Diego, a vibrant city in Southern California, is renowned for its idyllic climate, stunning beaches, and dynamic cultural landscape. This sun-soaked metropolis, often celebrated for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle, has also emerged as a nexus of the craft beer revolution.

The city’s brewing scene is characterized by its innovation, diversity, and a strong sense of community among brewers and beer enthusiasts alike. From experimental ales to time-honored lagers, San Diego’s breweries reflect a rich tapestry of flavors and styles, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for craft beer aficionados.

This thriving beer culture not only enhances the city’s culinary offerings but also contributes significantly to its local economy and cultural identity.

Best Breweries in San Diego

Ballast Point Brewing Company

Founded in 1996, Ballast Point Brewing Company began its journey in the backroom of Home Brew Mart, a supply store established by founder Jack White in 1992.

This San Diego-based brewery is a story of humble beginnings and impressive growth, evolving from a small homebrewing operation into one of the most significant players in the city’s craft beer scene.

The brewery, named after a historically significant site in Point Loma, San Diego Bay, is known for its innovative approach to brewing, as seen in its iconic Sculpin IPA, a gold-medal winner and a testament to Ballast Point’s experimental spirit.

The brewery has expanded its operations over the years, including a large production facility in Miramar and a research and development brewery in Little Italy. Ballast Point has also ventured into distilling, becoming the first microdistillery in San Diego since Prohibition.

Despite changes in ownership, including a high-profile acquisition by Constellation Brands and a later purchase by Chicago-based Kings and Convicts, Ballast Point has maintained its dedication to quality and innovation, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of San Diego’s brewing culture.

AleSmith Brewing Company

AleSmith Brewing Company, established in 1995 in the Miramar district of San Diego, is a testament to the craft of artisanal brewing. Founded by Skip Virgilio and Ted Newcomb, and later acquired by Peter Zien in 2002, AleSmith quickly rose to prominence within the brewing community.

Zien, a highly respected BJCP “Grand Master level 1” beer judge, has guided AleSmith to numerous accolades. The brewery is celebrated for its diverse range of handcrafted ales, inspired by British and Belgian brewing styles.

AleSmith’s brewing journey has been marked by significant milestones. Their first barrel-aged release, the Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout, is a standout example of their innovative approach.

The brewery’s expansion in 2015 to a 100,000 sq.ft. facility not only increased production but also introduced the largest beer tasting room in San Diego County. This move solidified AleSmith’s position as a major player in the craft beer world, enabling a ten-fold increase in brewing capacity.

AleSmith’s reputation is bolstered by its extensive collection of awards, including being named “Small Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year” at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival and earning numerous World Beer Cup medals.

Their beers, including the Speedway Stout and various seasonal and barrel-aged brews, have consistently been recognized as some of the best globally. The company has also contributed to the community through initiatives like the Anvil of Hope charity, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility alongside brewing excellence.

Stone Brewing

Stone Brewing, established in 1996, is one of the most well-known and respected breweries in San Diego and the United States. Renowned for its bold and hop-centric beers, Stone has been a pioneer in the craft beer movement, particularly with its iconic Stone IPA.

The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its diverse range of beers, which often push the boundaries of traditional brewing. Stone’s influence extends beyond its beer, with a focus on sustainability and community involvement.

Their large-scale brewing operations, multiple locations, and international distribution make Stone Brewing a significant force in the craft beer world.

Belching Beaver Brewery

Founded in 2012, Belching Beaver Brewery is a notable name in San Diego’s craft beer scene, known for its playful spirit and quality brews. The brewery was established by Thomas Vogel, Dave Mobley, and brewmaster Troy Smith.

Their innovative approach is best exemplified by their Peanut Butter Milk Stout, a unique creation that quickly put them on the map.

This brewery has achieved significant milestones, including being recognized in the “top 100 list” of craft breweries by sales in the United States and winning awards like the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2018, a rare feat for a brewpub.

Their beer range includes notable names like the Deftones Phantom Bride IPA and Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout. They have also established multiple locations, including a Tavern & Grill, emphasizing their commitment to creating a fun and engaging beer experience.

North Park Beer Company

North Park Beer Company, founded by Kelsey McNair, has evolved from a passionate homebrewing project in a garage to a widely recognized and award-winning craft brewery. McNair, who initially moved to San Diego to design video games, found his true calling in the craft beer world, particularly after his Hop-Fu! IPA became one of the most awarded homebrew recipes in history.

The brewery officially opened its doors in 2016 in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood and has since become a hub for high-quality beers and community engagement. Their commitment to crafting exceptional beers is evident in their accolades, including the prestigious Brewery of the Year award and several medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

The brewery has expanded beyond its original location, opening a satellite taproom in Bankers Hill and planning to open a new location with a pizza restaurant in Pacific Beach, demonstrating their continued growth and popularity in the San Diego craft beer scene​

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company, established in 1989, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving brewery in San Diego County. It was founded by Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, who were inspired to invigorate the San Diego beer scene, which at the time was virtually nonexistent.

They enlisted the help of Cramer’s cousin, Karl Strauss, an experienced brewer, to realize this vision. The company opened its first brewpub, Karl Strauss Old Columbia Brewery and Grille, in downtown San Diego, making it the city’s first brewery since 1953 and the first-ever brewpub in San Diego.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s brewpub model was innovative at the time, offering a unique combination of food and freshly brewed beer. Over the years, they have expanded, opening multiple brewpub locations across Southern California, including a primary brewing facility in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

The brewery is known for a variety of beer styles, innovating with more than 140 different beers brewed in 2020 alone. Their flagship beers, like Red Trolley Ale, have received numerous awards, contributing to their reputation for excellence.

Karl Strauss has been recognized for its contributions to the craft beer industry, including being named Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewer of the Year at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival.

Pure Project

Pure Project, a San Diego brewery, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients, which are evident in its diverse range of craft beers. Born with a vision to blend the art of brewing with an awareness of environmental impact, Pure Project has created a unique identity in the local craft beer scene.

Their offerings include gluten-reduced options and hard kombuchas, catering to a wide range of preferences. Each of their locations, such as the Balboa Park Taproom, provides a unique experience with features like sun-drenched outdoor patios, cozy furniture, and a rotating selection of fresh beers.

Pure Project’s dedication to creating top-quality beers while maintaining an eco-conscious approach has made it a standout in the bustling San Diego brewing community.

Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer, founded in 2013 in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, has rapidly established itself as a prominent figure in the craft beer scene. It’s not just a brewery but also a coffee roastery, showcasing their passion for both crafts.

Modern Times is known for its innovative spirit, reflected in their diverse beer offerings and artistic approach. They operate in various locations, including a tasting room in North Park and a restaurant/tasting room in Encinitas.

Their dedication to quality is evident in every aspect, from the meticulously sourced coffee beans to the wide array of unique beer styles. The team’s commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in every sip of their brews, which are distributed across several states, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and Texas.

Societe Brewing Company

Societe Brewing Company, founded in 2012, has become a well-regarded member of San Diego’s craft beer community. Created by Doug Constantiner and brewmaster Travis Smith, the brewery is known for its diverse beer selection, including gold medal-winning brews at prestigious competitions like the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.

The brewery, initially led by Smith, later saw Teddy Gowan take over as lead brewer. Gowan, with extensive experience in the brewing industry, continues Societe’s tradition of excellence.

The company’s growth led to the opening of their first satellite tasting room in San Diego’s historic Old Town area, expanding their reach and solidifying their reputation as a key player in the local craft beer scene.

Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey

Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey, renowned in the San Diego brewing scene, stands out for its unique approach to craft brewing. It’s known for producing a wide range of beers, from traditional West Coast IPAs to innovative Belgian-inspired ales.

The brewery, located in San Marcos, has a distinct split personality, with Port Brewing focusing on American styles and The Lost Abbey on European traditions. Their tasting room offers a diverse selection of beers, showcasing their mastery in both areas.

Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere, where the passion for brewing is palpable and the quality of the beer is exceptional. The brewery has garnered acclaim for its creative and high-quality brews, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in San Diego.

Alpine Beer Company

Alpine Beer Company, nestled in the small town of Alpine, California, is celebrated for its exceptional array of craft beers. Founded in 1999, this brewery has earned its reputation as the “Home of Pure Hoppiness.”

It’s particularly renowned for its heavily-hopped beers, with offerings like Pure Hoppiness and Exponential Hoppiness gaining a loyal following. Alpine Beer Company’s beers, including its sours, have been recognized as part of a refreshing new wave of American sour beers.

The brewery has been honored with multiple awards, including three Great American Beer Festival medals and eight World Beer Cup medals. Their dedication to quality and flavor has made Alpine Beer Company a standout in the San Diego beer scene, attracting beer lovers from far and wide​​​​​​.

Harland Brewing Company

Harland Brewing Company, a relatively newer addition to San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene, has quickly made a name for itself with its diverse range of high-quality beers. Their offerings span from classic styles to more experimental brews, catering to a wide spectrum of palates.

The brewery emphasizes a balance of tradition and innovation, ensuring each beer is both familiar and exciting. Harland’s tasting room is a reflection of their approach to brewing – modern, welcoming, and focused on the community.

This brewery is not just about the beer; it’s about creating a space where people can come together, enjoy good drinks, and make lasting memories. For anyone exploring the best breweries in San Diego, Harland Brewing Company is a notable destination for its excellent beers and inviting atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

San Diego’s craft beer scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, innovation, and passion, as exemplified by the breweries above.

Each brewery brings its unique flair and dedication to the art of beer-making, offering an array of choices for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

From the traditional to the experimental, these breweries not only serve great beer but also foster a sense of community and adventure.