Headed out to San Diego for four days next week, schedule restricted, no car (bachelor party). That being said, there will be a trip to Slaters and Stone Liberty Station. Now, I lived out in SD for a while and know the big guys well. What I don't know about is the newer breweries. So, aside from Alesmith, Green Flash, Stone, Lost Abbey, etc. who is a can't miss? Like, "if you see ____ on tap, get it." Alpine is a brewery I know (have only had Duet) and Societe is a place I've heard good things about. Anyone else?
Modern Times, Rip Current, Societe (as you mentioned), Thorn St. You can probably skip St. Archer, meh at best, IMHO.
I frequently forget Monkey Paw, for some reason! I think it's because I didn't find them to be all that great, initially, but they're actually really good.
Hess i'm still warming up to, although the Umbrix Rye Imperial Stout was seriously outstanding. It was like dessert.
If you are doing a party bus, limo, or any big group I advise to email the tasting rooms and establishments in which you are going to visit before hand. This way you don't get turned away and they know you are coming. Most tasting rooms need advance notice for staffing purposes.
Echoing this -- Ballast Point's a must, and I'd argue it is one of the "big guys" in the area. Would add one of the Pizza Port locations to your list as well.
I don't know about their physical location (tasting room) but so far St. Archer's isn't really mentioned a whole lot and they are making some great beer. I was reluctant to hop on their wagon due to their unique marketing campaign, but the beer speaks for itself.
I only really like one beer from them (which of course they are not canning yet), which is the Coffee Brown. I think it's excellent. As good (or maybe even better) as the Modern Times equivalent. BTW, the tasting room is ok. Nice and spacious, nothing special though
OP, since you have no car, how will you be getting around? With limited time (and access to a car) you'll really have to make a short list. Most of the breweries mentioned are in industrial parks so in terms of unique experiences, it's hard to argue that they'll provide that. I know this doesn't fall under the underrated category but if you can spend an afternoon at Alpine, that'll satisfy a large portion of your beer and food needs. Pretty good food and amazing beer at the source all in a quaint setting--hard to beat that IMO. Planning around that and everything else would be icing on the cake.
http://slaters5050.com/beers-on-tap/san-diego/ Some interesting locals in the mix. http://www.stonelibertystation.com/draft-lists/ Notice some unique Stone beers and RR Row 2 /Hill 56.
@Wowcoolman those two places are where we're headed, plus Societe. Any bottle shops anyone can recommend? We are staying by the coaster in Mission Beach.
Coaster to Carlsbad Villlage - one block to Pizza Port & their bottle shop, walking distance to Texas Liquors. Coaster back south to Encinitas - Encinitas Ale House and Whole Foods within a few blocks of station.
