San Diego Beer (2026)

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by chrisjws, Jan 6, 2026.

  1. Jesseix

    Jesseix Pundit (913) Mar 18, 2022 California

    I saw that, will be interesting to see if stronger crackdowns become constant or if it goes in waves.
     
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  2. gregoryG

    gregoryG Zealot (602) Sep 8, 2009 California
    Trader

    @kmcnair is the Saturday night BA stout/barleywines still a thing at The Dark Bar? I'll be in town this Saturday and wanted to stop by if so.
     
  3. socon67

    socon67 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,895) Jun 18, 2010 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Spending my last day in San Diego; this time a vacation as most of my trips here are business. Was able to hit Bottlecraft and I'm making a return visit as today is the 15th anniversary event. Plenty of collabs. Ballast Point was an easy trip albeit not exciting, but enjoyable. Same with Stone in Liberty Station; mostly a nostalgia visit. A visit to Lost Abbey's church was cool to visit, though I was slightly disappointed in the vibe and taplist. I walked down to Burgeon at the Arbor today and they never fail to have good stuff.

    For any folks visiting with an emphasis on trying local beer; I would recommend staying near Little Italy (Hilton's Homewood Suites was a great choice this trip). So many walkable breweries and Bottlecraft is a great place for beer to go if you don't buy at the brewery. Kudos to the San Diego Zoo for having Pure Project cans.

    I all, a solid trip and one without renting a car. A couple Uber rides but mostly a fun walking tour.
     
  4. QuakeAttack

    QuakeAttack Pooh-Bah (2,353) Mar 19, 2012 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Last year, we stayed at Hilton near Liberty Station which was another good option. We were able to walk to Burgeon and Stone, and I had a longer walk to Lost Abbey Church. Agree with the cool to visit, but I was disappointed in the tap list (probably because I was a fan boy of theirs when I got back into craft beer 15 years ago).

    Similarly, I have been a fan boy of Ballast Point, but when I checked out their tap list, it was not even remotely interesting other than basic stuff.
     
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  5. socon67

    socon67 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,895) Jun 18, 2010 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    We made a trip to Liberty Station (wife loves Breakfast Republic). I'm and fan of the older breweries, and Ballast Point had some solid options though obviously nothing to rave about. I've been a Lost Abbey fan since Tomme Arthur poured my Angel's Share sample at Savor Craft years ago. I just was hoping for more of an experience. Bottlecraft's anniversary event was the highlight. For us, the short walk to most of the places makes being north of gaslamp a much better option.
     
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