San Diego tops the list as the best city in the U.S. for craft beer. It’s no wonder, as about 150 breweries are located in the region known as the “Capital of Craft.”
The city’s craft brewing industry generates about $1.2 billion in economic impact, growing each year and outpacing growth in the industry nationwide. Why San Diego? Could be that San Diego is an amazing city with gorgeous weather, which goes great with a cold brew. The area is also home to several military installations and has a growing engineering sector.
California was among the first states to make homebrewing legal – way back in 1978. The state also allowed brewpubs to operate, starting in 1982. Karl Strauss’ Old Columbia Brewery & Grill opened in San Diego in 1989, kicking off the craft beer boom.
With so many award-winning brews to sample, it will be tough to get to them all. But we’ll try.
Since we already mentioned Karl Strauss Brewing Company, let’s start there. Karl Strauss has locations in downtown, Sorrento Mesa, Carlsbad and La Jolla, which is opened daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Try one of its award-winning IPAs like Mosaic Session or Aurora Hoppyalis with a burger or wings by the pound.
Another brewery near La Jolla is Bitter Brothers Brewing Company, open Thursdays through Sundays just east of Interstate 5. This is a friendly, neighborhood brewery offering a great selection of craft beers. Order a flight to get a sample of some of its 15 carefully crafted brews.
If you’re staying in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach, head to PB Ale House to enjoy an award-winning brew on one of three patios opened for dining. PB Ale House offers season variations of numerous craft beers along with a full menu.
Amplified Ale Works offers an outdoor beer garden at its Pacific Beach rooftop patio, which overlooks the ocean. They rotate 20 plus house beers, including their Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout, Punkdemic Pilsner and Electric Mud Hazy IPA. Their menu offers vegan-friendly Mediterranean/California fusion options. Reservations are recommended.
Coronado Brewing Company has a Bay Park location just off I-5 at Mission Bay, where food and beverages are available for patio dine-in. They offer nine beers including Idiot IPA, Salty Crew blonde ale and Stupid Stout.
Pure Project has three locations in the area, including Balboa Park, Carlsbad and Miramar. The thrillest.com recommended their Murklands Murky Pale Ale, Madeline Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Saison or Fingers of Gold Murky IPA.
In the Ocean Beach or Sunset Cliffs area, grab some grog and grub at Pizza Port Brewing Company, which offered its first craft-brewed beers in 1992. Its Ocean Beach location is one of five in the San Diego area. Kick back with a Swami’s IPA, Ponto Session IPA or Kook DIPA.
At OB Brewery, enjoy a cold brew at its rooftop deck that offers a panoramic view of the ocean. Housed in a historic building, OB Brewery has a downstairs taproom. The second floor offers classic games shuffleboard and foosball and a balcony with those beautiful beach views. Try the Staring at the Clock dark classic or the Rooftop Saison with its refreshing white pepper and coriander dry finish.
Other recommended craft brewers include Ballast Point Home Brew Mart, Bay City Brewing, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens Liberty Station, Viewpoint Brewing in Del Mar, Resident Brewing in downtown and North Park Beer Co., in North Park.
October is a great time for a brewpub tasting tour during your San Diego getaway. Come on down. We will make you feel at home.
