The best breweries in San Diego

This San Diego fave uses its in-house coffee roasting to provide specialty coffee-flavored brews. They also feature diverse flavors like Fruitlands Goose with passionfruit and guava and India Pale ale with grapefruit. Visit them at their Far West Lounge in Encinitas or one of their tasting rooms in North Park or Point Loma.

Since 1992, Ballast Point has had strong San Diego roots. Try their award-winning Sculpin IPA or a classic Longfin Lager. They have three locations: the original Home Brew Mart in Linda Vista, a tasting room in Miramar, and Little Italy, where you’ll find a full kitchen in an ample, welcoming space.

The first Latino-owned brewery in San Diego incorporates traditional Mexican flavors into their brews like Abuelita’s Chocolate Stout and the Blood Saison with hibiscus and agave. Located in the heart of Barrio Logan, admire the artwork in the beer garden with a pint, or enjoy a michelada with some tasty tacos.

In 2020, San Diego welcomed its first Latina-owned brewery to much fanfare. Located in Barrio Logan, try their Buenas Vibras Pale Ale at one of their events like pop-ups that support local vendors, Loteria Night or many other events designed to help and uplift women of color.

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Arguably the one that started it all, Stone is nationally recognized and their home base is in San Diego. Visit their famous World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, or in the heart of Liberty Station in Point Loma. Notable flavors include the renowned Stone Pale Ale and the Arrogant Bastard Ale.

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A staple of the San Diego craft beer scene, AleSmith is famous for several flavors, including their .394 Pale Ale, a collaboration with the late baseball legend Tony Gwynn. Family-owned and located in Miramar, their dog and kid-friendly tasting room is one of the largest, yet welcoming, in San Diego.

Known for their innovative flavors like the Peanut Butter Milk Stout and the Pink Peppercorn Saison, this award-winning brewery has four locations to serve you. Visit their quaint tasting room in the heart of North Park or enjoy a draft with American fare at their Oceanside or Vista locations.

Opened in 2015 in Chula Vista, you can enjoy Brazilian fare with their signature brews at the Novo Brazil Restaurant at the Otay Ranch Mall. Imbibe on beers like their Ipanema DIPA or Mango Fruit IPA at their tasting room in National City or their brewpub in Imperial Beach.

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Opened more than ten years ago in the quaint neighborhood of South Park, on Thorn Street, Thorn Brewing now serves the communities of Barrio Logan and Mission Hills with their innovative IPAs and more. They pride themselves on being your neighborhood brewery, and feature special event rentals and stellar service.

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Gorgeous views of the San Dieguito Lagoon accompany innovative flavors at Viewpoint. It's located in Del Mar, the city’s first brewery, and features tasty American food with rotating taps, including the Mexican Tornado Lager, Bye Bri Saison and Fairies Wear Boots IPA. Make reservations and enjoy dinner while watching the sunset.