12 Must-Visit Breweries and Taprooms in San Jose to Enjoy a Nice Pint

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.

If you plan to give one of your friends a pass to their favorite brewery, bar, or winery in San Jose, you should consider purchasing a virtual GiftYa card for them! These cards are completely customizable which makes it easier to send your loved one a personalized message along with their gift. Since the cards are completely virtual, you don’t have to worry about losing them. Go ahead and get one and treat your friend to some of these breweries in San Jose.

1. Camino Brewing Co. and Beer Garden

Enjoy a craft beer and a bite in this modern, outdoor beer garden!

How about a brewery with a taproom that is open 6 days a week? This is exactly what you find in Camino Brewing and Beer Garden. The amazing story of the inception of this brewery will blow your mind. The idea came to be in Spain after a 1,900-mile cycling trip along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail encouraged by the owners – Allen Korenstein and Nathan Poulos.

Camino takes their beer seriously with beer-to-go options and tap varieties. You can choose your brews from cans to 4 packs, 24 packs, crowlers, and 5 gal kegs. They also have a partnership with Chromatic Coffee for their Café Con Leche Stout. Swing by between Thursday and Sunday and enjoy beer slushies that come in orange flavor with whip cream.

They offer curbside pickup 6 days a week so you can order your favorite beer from wherever you are.

“Good beer and decent food inside but lots of food trucks around for more options. Definitely recommend for service and quality.”–Yelp Review

2. 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 to kids play and a relaxing vibe. Best parking is in the rear of the bar. Enjoy, Cheers, and Prost!”–Yelp Review

3. Hermitage Brewing Company

Relaxed neighborhood brewery and tasting room where you can get a wide selection of craft beers!

1627 S 7th St | San Jose | hermitagebrewing.com

When you take a trip to Hermitage Tap Room you will understand why they describe their beer as “A Retreat From the Ordinary.” They don’t copy, they create. When you sip your pint of fresh brew and enjoy the authentic atmosphere, you’ll be a direct witness of their specialty in brewing beers that are flavorful, aroma-driven, rich in character, and unique.

They brew several types of craft beers that represent their skill, creativity, and experience. The Maltopia, Hoptopia, and Ale of the Imp brands are a popular selection you will find here. You can sample them and other diverse varieties at their tasting room located within the brewery. Barrels are everywhere you look but not just for show. Each beer has a story behind it, and some of the brews are barrel-aged, a method that adds a unique flavor to the beer, depending on the barrel.

If you can’t find award-winning Hermitage beers in your local shop, simply ask for them. Visit their taprooms from Tuesday to Sunday to enjoy tasting a wide array of sours and other finely crafted, fresh, unique beers. Don’t worry, their staff will guide you through the different flavors until you find the right one that excites you.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Original Gravity Public House

Mellow beer garden offering unique craft beers, sandwiches, and other pub fares!

66 S 1st St | San Jose | originalgravitypub.com

Original Gravity or OG is another San Jose craft beer favorite bar and staple for anyone craving a cold beer and some pub fare! Located in the heart of Downtown San Jose, OG offers over 20 rotating taps of incredibly brewed beer and cider in addition to a wide selection of bottle and can selection. It’s a perfect place to hang out and try something new or just enjoy a favorite take on the menu.

Talking of the menu, it’s always updated with unique drinks to enjoy. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just trying out something new for the first time, you’re sure to find the options here exciting. Along with their unique rotating beer selections, they also have a kitchen where you can grab delicious takes such as classic American cheeseburger smashed and grilled all-beef patty, and the house famous duck fat French fries with a choice of dipping sauce.

It’s definitely a cool place that you should check out!

7. Uproar Brewing Company

Independent brewery and gastropub offering unique craft beer selections right in San Jose!

439 S 1st St | San Jose | uproarbrewing.com

Located in the SoFa district of Downtown San Jose is a modern brewery that offers a rotating selection of unique craft wines and other drink options. Inspired by the region’s rich farming culture, this brewery is among the best in the city. Enjoy selections such as hoppy sofa king good, the easy-to-drink Sai San Jose Farmhouse Ale –Saison, the dark and special treats like primary red ale and barrel-aged Saison, or the cans and bottle selection from daydream guava to white claw assorted flavors.

They also have plenty of space with a variety of cabinets, pinball, games, and tasty food just in case you come here with an appetite. Take a tour of their spacious taproom and enjoy only the best flight of beers and also enjoy the inviting ambiance of their microbrewery.

8. Floodcraft Brewing Co.

Brewing company right inside of a supermarket. 

2732 Augustine Dr | San Jose 

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 us a fun local gem! They have a nice variety of beer and wine and you can do flights. Literally a bit of something for everyone. You couldn't purchase food at the counter but you can buy it in the store and a all over. The ambience is nice and there is plenty of space to sit. Our server was also extremely friendly and kind.”–Yelp Review

9. 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! I've came in once before when drew and another bartender named "Q" were working, both of these guys make the vibe here at true brew! If you want a good time and the best recommendations from local breweries this is your spot!”–Yelp Review

10. S27 Alehouse & Brewery

A unique variation of beers in a great location. 

461 Perrymont Ave | San Jose | s27ales.com

S27 Alehouse & Brewery gives customers an opportunity to explore the taste and complexity of beer. They have dedicated their time to exploring all variations of beer. And the beers that they serve are truly unique. This is not where you will find the everyday beer, or a place just following beer trends, this brewery will give you a taste of something new with each new beer release. 

Their beers are unique in looks and flavor. Some of the flavors they currently offer are perfectly peach, three smoothies, Berlin love, margarita lager, and tartan export. You’ll be in for a surprise with each beer you choose to try!

“Their beers are great, they have a great selection. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating and LOVE how dog friendly they are! We love grabbing some bites from Taco Time and I love sipping on their sours. One of our favorite breweries in the Bay Area hands down!”–Yelp Review

11. 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

12. 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 30 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!). They also have a fridge with cans if that's more what you're going for. Sometimes when the market is busy, this place can get a good line, but the people behind the bar keep it moving pretty fast.”–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!