12 Top Must-Visit Breweries and Taprooms in San Jose to Catch a Buzz

Main image courtesy of SJ Today.

Yes! I know most of us are foodies, so naturally, we are always on the hunt to eat at the best spots and enjoy some cold brew along with the meal. So if you’re in the US, just know that the craft beer movement has taken over the city, and San Jose has been swept along with it. Here, there is a wide range of beer varieties pouring everything from hoppy to classic steam lagers and hazy West Coast IPAs.

Many of the breweries in San Jose also run taprooms alongside the brewing operation to ensure guests can sample their latest concoctions. If you have been in San Jose, it can get pretty hot, so what better way to cool off than sipping an ice-cold brew.

Here are the top breweries and beer gardens in San Jose to try this time!

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1. Hapa's Brewing Company

New kids on the block offering cold and warm craft beers with a taproom!

📍 460 Lincoln Ave #90 | San Jose | hapasbrewing.com

Large, vibrant brewery with friendly staff, customers, and of course delicious beer! That’s what Hapa’s Brewery Company is all about. Hapa is the Hawaiian word that means “mixed.” Just like the world of beer brewing which involves a whole lot of mixing, so does the journey for Hapa’s Brewing Company.

Nestled in a beautiful warehouse space in downtown Willow Glen, this beer powerhouse is a major attraction for locals looking to hang out and sip into the best brews in the city. Their Barbie’s Blonde and Hungry Dog IPA pair nicely with the warm weather here. Come in for the craft beers, but stay a little longer for the fun conversations and live music.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to order your favorite dish from the food truck with options such as Bavarian warm pretzel, chicken melt, fancy grilled cheese with chips, sausage sandwiches, Chinese chicken salad, and more. They also offer a selection of merchandise like caps, sweatshirts, and gift cards for guests.

“Brooklyn style pizzeria truck outside to pair with tasty beer selections including seltzers and slushies. Great location and fun for families including your favorite four legged fur babies. They have games for kids to play and a relaxing vibe. Best parking is in the rear of the bar. Enjoy, Cheers, and Prost!” – Yelp Review

2. Strike Brewing Co. & Warehouse Taproom

Enjoy some fine craft beer and taproom options at this San Jose brewery!

📍 2099 S 10th St #30 | San Jose | strikebrewingco.com

A mandatory stop on the San Jose beer tour is what you need any time you are in town. Make sure you visit Strike Brewing and Warehouse Taproom for some classic Dot Blond Ale, the colossus of Clout Irish Red, the American brown ale Lumber Bluster, and of course a session collaboration with Santa Cruz, a popular skateboarding company.

Located close to a baseball stadium in San Jose, Strikes’s beers are best and freshest with its year-round and seasonal options. The year-round beers include Double IPA, Triple Play Triple IPA, and Two Seam APA. In addition, they have to-go beer varieties of Hefe Weizen, blonde ale, and tropical lager, not to mention the popular collaboration with other breweries that see them create even better and unique selections.

Food trucks are common at the taproom especially on Fridays and Saturdays for any guests coming with an appetite.

“Dog friendly brewery in a warehouse. Friendly place. Kids welcome. Games & picnic tables & nachos from a vendor. Beer is good ... interesting hops. Glad we stopped here!” – Yelp Review

3. Clandestine Brewing

Enjoy unique selections from the taproom on selected days at this modern Brewing!

📍 980 S 1st St Ste B | San Jose | clandestinebrewing.com

If you’re looking for a cool spot where you can enjoy the best-flavored brews in town, then you should head down to Clandestine. They have a wide selection of beers brewed with only the best and fresh ingredients in the area.

When you come here, try unique selections such as the Acoustic Kitty – an IPA with a combination of citrus-forward hops such as Citra, Centennial, Rakau, and Galaxy, or the popular Boycott made with Scottish Golden Promise malt, dark crystal malt, with additions of American Centennial hops, and UK Goldings.

On the tap, you can get options such as half-a-Weizen, milky way stout, triple agent – a smooth option with aromatics akin to candy and fruit, and more. The beers on the tap have different style variations of IPA, milk stout, and Scotch Ale. With such extensive beer selections, there is no doubt that you will have something to enjoy here!

“Friendly staff, Great beer. Taco truck smacks! Got to bring our furry friend too which is always a great thing.” – Yelp Review

4. Floodcraft Brewing Co.

Brewing company right inside of a supermarket!

📍 2732 Augustine Dr | San Jose | wholefoodsmarket.com

To enjoy a brew after a productive grocery shopping trip, you can visit Floodcraft Brewing Co. This brewing company is located right inside of a Whole Foods, so you can do your shopping and pick up some brews in one place. You can always grab food from Whole Foods and eat it right at the bar, or you can order from the taproom menu. They have a great selection of foods that you can enjoy along with excellent bartenders!

“This taproom is a fun local gem! They have a nice variety of beer and wine and you can do flights. The ambience is nice and there is plenty of space to sit. Our server was also extremely friendly and kind.” – Yelp Review

5. True Brew San Jose

Brew house with a large variety of beers on tap!

📍 787 The Alameda Ste 10 | San Jose 

True Brew San Jose has 99 beers on tap! If you’re someone who likes having options, this brewery is where you belong on your next night out. The large selection of beers come from various different regions, so you’ll get to try beer from all around the world. You get to make this order on a screen at the bar for easier access to images and descriptions of all the drinks. 

And beer is not the only place you will find a variety of options, the food menu is also extensive, especially since it changes on the regular! So not only do you get to have many choices of beer, there’s a chance you could have different food menu options every time you enter. You are also guaranteed to get great service on top of everything else. 

“Definitely recommend this place, it has the best bartender named Drew who made it feel like home when I came in for a beer and made some of the best layered beer concoctions I've ever had! If you want a good time and the best recommendations from local breweries this is your spot!” – Yelp Review

6. Narrative Fermentation

Great beer alongside a variety of food vendors!

📍 101 E Alma Ave | San Jose | narrativefermentations.com

Narrative Fermentations is a brewery that makes sure their guests have a great time. The place is dog friendly, offers board games, wide screen TVs, and various food vendors. While you enjoy some beer, you can order a number of different foods, and you will receive everything with top notch service. 

All the unique beer options on the menu will have you excited to try more. Some of the unique flavors you will find are slushy tiki froot, glazed over, the claw, and sunshine is fine. All of them have unique names and designs, and include flavors like boysenberry and vanilla, ginger and key lime, and red roses. You can even get yourself some cool store merchandise before you go!

“We love this spot! They have live music on Tuesdays, great band. Air conditioned during the summer, different food vendors from pizza to beer. Sweet spot close to freeway, intimate, yummy beers!” – Yelp Review

7. Market Beer Company

Over a hundred different beers in a fun environment!

📍 100 N Almaden Ave | San Jose | marketbeercompany.com

Market Beer Company is a modern taproom and retail shop. This place is all about beer in a casual and fun environment. They have thirty craft beers on tap and 130 bottled options of beer that are hard to find anywhere else. Any beer lover will have a great time with all these options available. They even add new selections each week! 

Some of the options you will find on tap are hard kombucha, lavender black currant, aloha vibes, ice-cream castles, and silver lining. They have a mix of offerings from local family-owned breweries as well as all your favorite big brands. 

“Market Beer Company was a game changer addition to SPSM for me. They have a ton of options, and the options change out frequently enough to always try something new (and good!).” – Yelp Review

8. DTSJ Brewing Co.

An open-air setting with good beer and rotating food trucks is all anyone needs!

📍 370 S 22nd St Ste A | San Jose | dtsjbrewing.com 

Visiting downtown San Jose is an exciting time, especially with how lively it is with so much going on 24/7. If you’re interested in checking out a brewery in the city, DTSJ Brewing Company is a popular option. This brewing company is known for making tons of lagers, hazy IPAs, wheat beer, and tons of other options that use fresh, local ingredients to support the community. 

DTSJ Brewing Company is also a great time because they switch up the music choices to play a little bit of everything, such as an 80s night, hard rock, and other choices to appeal to everyone and keep you coming back for more.

“The bartenders were awesome. They're personable and fun and know their beers. One of the owners even took the time to explain to me the difference in taste and brewing process for kettle sours and regular sours.” - Yelp Review

9. Fox Tale Fermentation Project

A popular brewing rooted deeply in the community in a friendly environment with great beer!

📍 30 E Santa Clara Street | San Jose | foxtalefermentationproject.com

It can be hard to choose the right brewery for you with so many to choose from, especially in San Jose, California. One that has sprung up for its values and connection with the community is Fox Tale Fermentation Project, which is known for their incredible beer, cocktails, and an extensive food menu with a restaurant inside. 

They also offer an outdoor patio with seating, and you can even bring your dog with you too. There are also many live bands or comedians that perform if you’re looking to get out of the house and enjoy a good laugh, or music with friends and family.

“This place is exceptional! Everything we tried was amazing and full of flavor. The Caesar salad is definitely the best in California! I'm giving it an 11/10 and can't wait to return and sample the entire menu. A must-visit!” - Yelp Review

10. Blast & Brew 

Stop by for a good beer, plus some chicken wings, pizza, or even some french fries!

📍 55 River Oaks Pl Ste 60 | San Jose | blastandbrew.com

There are many breweries in San Jose, California to check out, but there are none that are quite like Blast & Brew. This is a popular brewery that features tons of different types of beers in flavors that are unique and will keep you coming back, plus they feature a restaurant with American classics, such as chicken wings, pizza, burgers, and much more to fill up on.

Blast & Brew also offers a unique experience, such as happy hour specials, sports on the TV, vegan options for food and drinks, indoor or outdoor seating, and it is also locally owned and operated too.

“The food is delicious. From the pizzas, to the tacos, salads and plates it's all good. Great for lunch or for a happy hour & dinner.” - Yelp Review

11. Yard House

This restaurant and brewery is a popular option around the country with a location in San Jose!

Text a Yard House gift card

📍 300 Santana Row Ste 101 | San Jose | yardhouse.com

Pairing food with craft beer is always a great option to choose, especially when catching up with friends or family. A popular option with many locations around the country is Yard House that features an energetic vibe playing good rock music, plus the best American craft beer out there.

Yard House is the perfect option to go to whenever you’re looking for good food and a beer to pair with it. They feature a New American food menu with classics like pastas, pizzas, burgers, and even fried appetizers to fill up on with hundreds of American craft beer on tap. 

“Solid dinner spot that never does me wrong. I always love coming here, they have such a wide variety on their menu and never disappoints! I love taking people here when they're new to town. 10/10.” - Yelp Review

Text a Yard House gift card

12. Birre by Pour Decisions

San Jose’s favorite beer garden featuring a good pint of beer and food to try out!

📍 320 W St. John St | San Jose 

For many, choosing a cold and refreshing craft beer is the perfect way to spend any Friday or Saturday night, and Birre by Pour Decisions is a hotspot in San Jose, California. This is a family-friendly space where they have an extensive beer list that always has something to quench your thirst.

Birre by Pour Decisions also has a ton to offer in terms of food. Having a couple beers can definitely work up an appetite, and there are many burgers, fries, and especially pizza options to select since it is located around Little Italy in San Jose.

“I love their draft beers as well as food. I always get a slice of truffle mushroom pizza. I haven't tried their sandwiches yet, next time for sure.” - Yelp Review 

When you’re looking for that cold one, look beyond the big beer producers and try something distinctly from San Jose. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy with friends or a cold one to pass the evening, San Jose has something for everyone. What breweries on this list caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!