San Diego Breweries to visit?

I'm loving this thread as I'm going to San Diego in 3 weeks. I think I have a problem when all I think about is beer when this is a family vacation.

 

One thing I love about this area is that it's so easy to get around (to breweries). I rarely went to any breweries in DC/VA/MD when I lived there when distance wise they were closer than the breweries here, but there is constant traffic in DC/having to drive through DC to get to them. And if I went to one right now back home I would have to wear a winter coat Windows open all year here kids.

I was able to hit the following starting/ending downtown (had a DD) in one day when I visited last year. ~noon-8pm.

alpine
societe
alesmith
ballast point
lost abbey
stone
finished picking up some in-and-out.

Granted by the time I got to Stone, I only had 1 beer there (ruination on cask with mangos, cherries, blueberries, and green chilies and perhaps the best beer of the day), but it's doable.

 

I'll be at Alesmith this saturday for the Kona speedway release. Might hit up Alpine after for a nelson run.

I suggest Modern times, The tasting room is one to see!

 

Agreed. Toolbox is legit.

 

I think I speak on behalf of everyone here in saying, We appreciate you reading these threads ahead of time instead of posting the same San diego beer questions in new searches.

Bravo. If only everyone was as consistent as you. Good luck out here, the beer world is a blast!

 

If they are from the east coast and you tell them about the AWESOME pizza at pizza port - they will legit stab you when they get there.

 

Off Beat Brewing in Escondido.
Stumble Foot in San Marcos.
Booze Brothers in Vista.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a nice brew selection.

 

The same thought crossed my mind. I like it on occasion, but east coast style pizza it is not, and my observation over the years is that most east coasters get persnickety about pizza that is not like theirs, much less the quality of said pizza.

 

See, I'm from New York originally, and Pizza Port's is some of the only pizza I'll actually eat out here. Granted, the beer definitely helps drive me there the most. But they have big, fold-able slices with plenty of grease. Obviously I'd rather a genuine-article New York slice, but... since I enjoy living in CA and the pizza situation isn't going to change, I've tempered my complaining and just gravitate toward the few places that actually have pizza worth eating (so, not just flatbread with sauce and cheese).

... totally understand why someone visiting CA would have a different mindset, however (since the pizza situation would only be temporary for them).

 

Ray's Pizza? Original.

 

I'm a bartender at the new Ballast Point in Miramar. Message me when you are on the way into town and I'll make sure you get taken care of.

Some smaller breweries worth the trip are societe, council, 32 North, and Fall brewing.

 

Which, at any given point in time, makes you about 1 of 20 it seems. LOL

 

It's funny to me that people get annoyed by multiple posts asking similar questions. Not trying to be a dick but why does it matter to you?

 

Yes, Miramar is now Ballast Point's primary and biggest location.

 

Acoustic Ales has an awesome tasting room and great beers to back it up. They just released a bunch of barrel aged stouts that are sooo yummy. I love that spot.