7 Breweries in San Diego That You Need to Visit

Did you know that San Diego houses over 150 breweries? If you’re a huge beer fan, then you’ll need to visit this bustling Southern Californian city at some point. Casual beer fans will also enjoy the top-rated breweries that call San Diego home. Not sure which brewery you want to visit? We’ll give you 7 to try out. Check out our top 7 brewery picks in San Diego now!

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1. Stone Brewing Company

Popular brewery offering an eclectic menu of global cuisine made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients

2816 Historic Decatur Rd, Suite 116 | Liberty Station, Loma Portal | stonebrewing.com

As the 9th largest craft brewer in the United States, the Stone Brewing Company is a top destination for enjoying craft beer and savory food. In addition to serving some of the best IPAs in the country, the Stone Brewing Company has also revolutionized the West Coast IPA and  introduced the first year-round bottled double IPA ever. 

The Liberty Station location features a spacious outdoor patio and a game area, making it perfect for kicking back and hanging out with loved ones. A full food menu filled with savory dishes like the Bulgogi Steamed Buns, Carne Asada Tacos, and more are also served at this popular and lively brewery. 

“This is one of the best breweries I have been to in a while and I don't even drink beer! The atmosphere is great and they have a ton of wine options for non-beer drinkers. I started off with a sparkling wine while the rest of the group got beer flights or their favorite IPA. We started off with the Bavarian pretzel and the Brussel sprouts. The pretzel was amazing.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Stone Brewing Company.

2. Ballast Point Brewing Company

Modern brewery offering 50+ beers on top as well as an extensive New American menu

9045 Carroll Way | San Diego | ballastpoint.com

Since its humble beginnings in 1996, the Ballast Point Brewing Company has dramatically surged in popularity among San Diego residents. From crystal-clear, dry IPAs like the Big Gus to the rich and malty Indra Kunindra, the Ballast Point Brewing Company offers a variety of beers suitable for a wide assortment of tastes and preferences. 

Outdoor dining is currently available, as are guided tours around the brewery. Tasting room events such as beer yoga and home brew mart classes are also available for guests who want to take their experience to the next level. 

“I love this place!!! Been going here for years, and their draft beers and sours are lovely. They have great and super delicious options for vegetarians (I recommend their buffalo cauliflower, impossible burger, and flatbreads.) Their covid measures are to create an online shopping experience to order drinks and food, super efficient and safe.” - Yelp Review

Get a GiftYa to Ballast Point Brewing.

3. AleSmith Brewing Company

Popular taproom in Northern San Diego conveniently located near a food truck

9990 AleSmith Ct | San Diego | alesmith.com

The AleSmith Brewing Company offers a contemporary, upscale experience for visitors. Over 30 beers are on-tap at this popular brewery. Handcrafted ales in a variety of styles are available, making AleSmith the perfect destination for a friend group with varying tastes and preferences. 

AleSmith also debuts new beers on a regular basis, making it the perfect spot for visitors who enjoy tasting and experimenting with new options. Along with a huge taproom, AleSmith also offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating. 

“Alesmith is such a legendary San Diego brewery and likely many people's favorites in the county. They have a huge taproom with plentiful parking and ample indoor + outdoor seating. Awesome variety in beers; the .394 is a classic IPA option with bright, citrus notes combined with the bitter “hopi-ness.” You also cannot go wrong with the rich and flavorful Brown Ale or the light, refreshing Sublime Mexican Ale. Cheers!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for AleSmith Brewing Company.

4. Abnormal Beer Company

San Diego’s first and only restaurant offering a full brewery and winery

16990 Via Tazon | Rancho Bernardo | abnormalbeer.co

Abnormal Beer Company is San Diego’s first and only restaurant that functions as a hybrid between a winery and brewery. The restaurant prides itself on pushing creative bounds through all of its drinks and dishes. Abnormal Beer Company does all of its production inside its 10,000 square foot warehouse located down the street from the main building. 

Attached to their tasting room is their full-service restaurant, The Cork and Craft. Wine, craft beer, and flights are all ready to serve alongside the restaurant’s delicious and savory food. 

“Came here twice with some friends and I would say that they have a great amount of beer selection. It was also quite astounding when I found out that this business also makes their own wine. However, we only got the chance to sample their beers. Maybe the next time we come back, we will try to sample their wines too.” - Yelp Review

5. Mission Brewery

World-renowned craft brewery that has 25 national and international awards

1441 L St. | East Village | missionbrewery.com

Located in the East Village, Mission Brewery is a dog-friendly and kid-friendly brewery that offers a wide selection of beers for different tastes and preferences. While the brewery does not offer food in-house, guests are more than welcome to bring outside food to accompany their beer tasting. 

Mission Brewery’s signature beer is the California Craft Lager, which is known for its light body and crisp finish. Other core beers like the Mission Blonde and Shipwrecked Imperial IPA are also available for your enjoyment. 

“Found this brewery on Groupon for a brewery tour for 2 and 2 pint glasses for $23. Decided to buy it why not, was going to San Diego for the weekend. Me and my boyfriend loved it! He's a beer person so he enjoyed it very much. They give you 4 beer tastings (delicious) throughout the hour tour. Our tour guide was so informative and gave us real life examples for those of us that don't know about measurements and beer. Had a great time.” - Yelp Review

6. Mikkeller Brewing Company

Prominent brewing club where you can sit back and relax with friends

9368 Cabot Dr | Miramar | mikkellersd.com/home

Mikkeller Brewing Company is a chic, vibrant brewery that offers 24 different draft beers for your enjoyment. Whether you want to treat yourself to a growler or just grab a can, you can find a wide variety of creative and interesting brews to try out. 

Mikkeller offers a sizable menu filled with great options, so you won’t have trouble pairing a savory dish with your beer. 

“It has been years now since I last came to Mikkeller and I would still say that it's my favorite brewery. I absolutely love the beer here (& shoot.. now Seltzers!) and it doesn't hurt that their can/bottle art is always super dope. I seriously look forward to every release and the art that's displayed on the cans and bottles.” - Yelp Review

7. Belching Beaver Brewery

Laid back brewery perfect for hanging out and relaxing with friends

4223 30th St | North Park | belchingbeaver.com

Located in the North Park neighborhood, Belching Beaver Brewery offers a chic, industrial atmosphere for guests. Many of its beers and hard seltzers are cultivated with the idea of creating a memorable and refreshing experience for guests. 

Guests can dine inside the brewery’s sleek warehouse or sit outside and enjoy some fresh air while trying the brewery’s housemade concoctions.

“Friendly staff and great beer! Due to COVID, we opted to pick up some growlers and beer to go! We enjoyed everything that we chose (typically not into peanut butter things but the stout was not bad at all!!). From the ten minutes that I was inside the brewery, I could tell that social distancing measures were in place. Tables were far apart and employees were wearing masks! Definitely will be back!” - Yelp Review

With over 150 breweries, San Diego is a beer lover’s paradise. What brewery do you plan to visit next? Let us know in the comments!