San Diego Area - Brewery Recommendations

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by presswc, Jul 19, 2025.

  1. erichxedge

    erichxedge Zealot (567) Nov 29, 2009 California

    So true.
     
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  2. presswc

    presswc Crusader (477) Jan 27, 2010 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society

    Thanks for the detailed recommendation list.

    We will end up staying 2 days down near North Park and one day up in Carlsbad.

    This is the current list. Unlikely that we will go to multiple locations for one brewery, but if time allows we might. Appreciate the beer bar/bottle shop recommendations, but we try to stick to breweries only to maximize time spent at them. May try to find some time for O'Briens.

    Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido
    North Park Beer Company (Flagship)
    North Park Beer Company - Bankers Hill
    Mcilhenney Brewing Co.
    Pure Project North Park
    Pure Project Vista
    Pure Project Balboa Park
    Pure Project
    The Lost Abbey Brewing Co.
    The Church by The Lost Abbey
    The Sanctuary by The Lost Abbey
    The Confessional by The Lost Abbey
    Seek Beer Co.
    Modern Times Beer
    Modern Times Flavordome
    Abnormal Beer Co
    AleSmith Brewing Company
    Burgeon Beer Company
    Burgeon at The Oasis - Escondido
    Burgeon at The Grove
    Burgeon at The Arbor - Little Italy
    Madueño - Cacho Tasting Room
    California Wild Ales
    California Wild Ales
    Societe Brewing Company
    Societe Brewing Company
    Hopnonymous Brewing Company
    Original 40 Brewing Company
    Stone Brewing Tap Room - Oceanside
    Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
    East Village Brewing Company
    Harland Brewing Co. - Bay Park
    Harland Brewing Co - Scripps Ranch
    Harland Brewing - One Paseo
    Harland - South Park
    Mason Ale Works Tasting Room
    Mason Ale Works Tasting Room
    Belching Beaver Brewery North Park
    Belching Beaver Brewery Pub 980
    Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill (Downtown Vista)
    Belching Beaver Brewery Oceanside
    Burning Beard Brewing Co.
    TapRoom Beer Company
    Pizza Port Ocean Beach
    Pizza Port Belmont Park
    Pizza Port Solana Beach
    Pizza Port Bressi Ranch
    Pizza Port Tasting Room
    Deft Brewing
    Ballast Point Brewing (India St)
    Barley & Sword Brewing Company
     
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  3. PatKorn

    PatKorn Pundit (971) Aug 30, 2007 Hawaii

    hope you dont mind driving and traffic because this is pretty ambitious
    not impossible but way to much in my opinion
     
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  4. dcgunman

    dcgunman Pooh-Bah (2,682) Jul 1, 2009 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Now that’s a list. Yup, Sun Diego still rocks beer. We here in Orange County have a good source as well. I’m in my hop heaven. Have fun!
     
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  5. SDReaper

    SDReaper Pooh-Bah (2,174) Aug 15, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    For your Modern Times, only the Flavordome in North park and the Far West Lounge in Encinitas exist. I just don't want you to cruise into Point Loma only to realize that location is now long gone.

    Edit: And if you decide to do Encinitas then I would say do MT's Far West Lounge, Lost Abbey's The Confessional, and then I really like Encinitas Ale House. Although you do seem to be leaning more towards just visiting breweries, as you mentioned.
     
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  6. presswc

    presswc Crusader (477) Jan 27, 2010 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society

    We don’t plan to hit every location for each brewery. We plan out operating hours beforehand which sometimes helps guide which location to visit and the route.

    We should be able to hit a couple Friday night in the Downtown area, a whole day Saturday for the Downtown area, and then be able to hit some on Sunday on the way up to Carlsbad, and a bit of time Monday to get some last minute ones in.

    :slight_smile:
     
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  7. presswc

    presswc Crusader (477) Jan 27, 2010 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society

    Big thanks. I must have mapped it wrong and had included the Point Loma accidentally.

    Appreciate you pointing that out.
     
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  8. Drunken_Master

    Drunken_Master Crusader (444) Mar 6, 2014 California

    This never grows old to those that visit but, you have very high expectations for Numerous visitations to several locations. Doing research beforehand was great so you already have some idea; you're just wanting to finalize.

    Anyhow,

    Listen to what some have said. Heck, a main person from one brewery has already chimed in which is nice. Your best bet is go with your gut, really. these are all opinions/suggestions from us locals but, you just need to explore, i'll chime in and just throw them out there:

    oside - green cheek
    north park beer co
    harland
    pure project
    societe
    pizza port
    Mcilhenney
    burgeon
    alesmith
    churchills

    All in no particular order but please do yourself a favor and visit some True og's: Obriens and karl strauss

    Sure people might think, karl strauss wtf? don't do yourself a disservice by not going. these guys have been around and haven't struck out like others (stone)
     
  9. presswc

    presswc Crusader (477) Jan 27, 2010 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society

    thanks for the post. I don’t find it essential to hit every location for every brewery. I would say that there are special circumstances where it is worthwhile (e.g. Dogfish Head’s Milton location and their Rehoboth Beach). We will certainly be hitting the ones on that list. Mcilhenney is the logistically most challenging but would like to make it work.
    Cheers.
     
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  10. dcgunman

    dcgunman Pooh-Bah (2,682) Jul 1, 2009 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Heck, if you’re gonna throw in Karl Strauss then I would throw in Stone Escondido for the atmosphere. They still have some good beers to choose from. The food is okay to good for the high price. Haven’t been in forever but would still recommend for being one of the originals in Sun Diego.
     
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  11. SDReaper

    SDReaper Pooh-Bah (2,174) Aug 15, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    He did. First on his list that he posted. =P
     
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  12. pinballplayer

    pinballplayer Maven (1,487) Jul 2, 2014 California
    Trader

    I actually found Stone's prices to be very competitive not too long ago. Food and beers were cheaper than many others. USD > Sapporo JPY
     
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  13. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Is there an up to date online draft list at the Church? (Lost Abbey) Wife and I are here in SD till Monday evening, and the Church is pretty nearby our hotel.

    This thread has been very helpful.
     
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  14. mblackie

    mblackie Devotee (360) Sep 19, 2010 California

    Any recommendations on where to find McIlhenny beers up around Carlsbad/Oceanside? Am in town with the family but won't be able to make a trip up to Alpine. I've been dying to try Muntz for years - moved away from the area just before they opened up.
     
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  15. erichxedge

    erichxedge Zealot (567) Nov 29, 2009 California

    They used to keep up on the website, but doesnt seem like it anymore. For sure worth checking out, but closest you will get is probably going to be Untappd.

    Also, check out East Village Brewing Co down by you too. For sure worth the stop in.
     
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  16. erichxedge

    erichxedge Zealot (567) Nov 29, 2009 California

    I see them every now and then at Churchills, but they are hit and miss since everything rotates. Closest would probably be OBriens, which is like a 25-minute drive. They usually have something on by them. Good spot for lunch with the family too on the patio. Check their instagram as they post the tap list daily.
     
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  17. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks for the response. Will probably head over there today anyway. It's relatively close to the airport and I generally like their beer.

    Appreciate the recommendation about EVB, but I'm planning to visit Alesmith today as well. Two breweries in a day is my absolute limit, especially if I'm drinking high octane beer.
     
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  18. ChazMania

    ChazMania Savant (1,040) Jun 13, 2006 California

    You might find this at BottleCraft in Oceanside off Tremont.
     
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  19. mblackie

    mblackie Devotee (360) Sep 19, 2010 California

    Thanks for the rec. Will definitely check it out.
     
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  20. ChazMania

    ChazMania Savant (1,040) Jun 13, 2006 California

    I thought perhaps this to be the best thread for this vs creating a new one....If you are ever around North County Carlsbad area, there is a small brewery that is 100% worth checking out, it's Culver Beer Company. Inside they have Locally Toasted Deli with top shelf sammys. They were just highlighted in SDBeer news for being a great not well known place.
    To be honest, it's my most frequented regular as it's right by work, and I've been in their Mug Club for many years. Consistent solid beers, and head brewer Mike is the main teacher at Mira Costa College brewing program. Very cool people and a cool vibe. You can also see planes flying into Carlsbad Airport if that is interesting for you.