It's no secret that San Diego is the brewery capital of our state.
In honor of International Beer Day today, we compiled a list of some of our most beloved local breweries that have been supplying the community with nothing but greatness. Get out there, and show your light beer friends what complexity tastes like.
Updated April 2025
2215 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, CA 92121
Another hometown hero! Out of seven locations, three of the Ballast Point breweries are conveniently right here in San Diego for you to enjoy. Ballast Point strives for quality with over 300 checkpoints to ensure that you’ll be sipping on only the best version of their brews. They’re also fans of The Padres! They also just dropped a new holiday sweater, go check it out.
8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
2415 San Diego Ave #111, San Diego, CA 92110
According to Societe Brewing, beer connects all walks of life like no other liquid (we agree). This San Diego-based brewery specializes in Belgian-style and barrel-aged beer! The Societe Tasting Room in Clairemont was designed to serve beer in its ideal form – fresh from the brewhouse on the other side of the room. They recently expanded and opened a beer garden with a taco crew so you can sit back all day and leisurely enjoy that IPA.
3725 Greenwood St. San Diego, CA 92110 (temporarily closed)
Modern Times began as a 30bbl production brewery and tasting room in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego in 2013! Since then, they have grown to become a local necessity. Check out their special event calendar and visit one of the three locations around the county for Trivia nights and pop-ups. They have an unbelievable amount of delicious, seasonal beers on tap. As if that's not enough, we're serving up an exhilarating Peppermint Mocha Slushie to keep you caffeinated through your holiday shopping spree.
9030 Kenamar Dr #308, San Diego, CA 92121
2865 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
2867 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
2825 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
1305 Hot Spring Way, Vista, CA 92081
Pure Project Brewing not only brews eclectic, flavorful beers and IPAs, but they also believe beer is a force for good. They strongly emphasize the importance of sustainability and giving back to their community. With five Tap Rooms in San Diego, you can try fresh new brews daily. They just dropped a new concoction today - stop by and try the Ember Song, which has flavors of cocoa, dark cherry, and a campfire.
16990 Via Tazon, San Diego, CA 92127
Abnormal Beer Co. lives up to its name, and it won't break the bank! Ever had a smoothie ale? Try their Fender Bender to enjoy tastes of banana purée, milk sugar, and vanilla, with fruit additions of passion fruit, orange, guava, mango, and peach. The Craft Brewery is located inside of The Cork And Craft near Black Mountain Ranch, but you can find their cans throughout the county.
9990 AleSmith Ct, San Diego, CA 92126
Whether it’s indoor, outdoor, or to-go; AleSmith Brewing is here to deliver you award-winning beers. AleSmith Brewing Company is founded in a small single-unit space in the commercial district of Miramar, San Diego and packed with a 15 bbl brew system, tasting bar, office, and a three-man team. Today, it is recognized as one of the World’s Top Ten list of breweries worldwide. Enjoy one of a draft off their long list of year-round favorites, limited editions, or even non-alcoholic sips.
3038 University Ave. San Diego, CA
3095 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
3801 Ingraham St. San Diego, CA 92109 (pizza shop)
From unique beer flavors that include a Mango Lassi IPA with green cardamom or a Mocha Massage with layers of dark chocolate fudge. The dapper North Park Beer Co. brewery is ecstatic to announce not only the opening of outdoor seating but the option for local delivery and state-wide shipping. It is a warm and comfortable place for friends and neighbors to socialize while enjoying enjoy world-class beer and delicious food! Check out their long list of ever-changing drafts, and have yourself a day.
9675 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
1157 Columbia St Ste 1167, San Diego, CA 92101
10448 Reserve Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
5801 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
40868 Winchester Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
Great American Beer Festival winner Karl Strauss has won over 115 medals since 2009. This independent San Diego brewery is ready to welcome you with open arms and lots of beer. Make sure to check their website for details of all six locations.
2816 Historic Decatur Rd UNIT 116, San Diego, CA 92106
3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
1202 Kettner Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92101
And last but certainly not least, we have Stone Brewing! Founded in 1996 in San Marcos, it is the largest brewery in Southern California. Check out one of their outdoor vibey Tap Rooms (Oceanside and Kettner) to enjoy a plethora of pints and live music nights. Grab an airport beer before your flight, or make it a whole experience at one of their Bistro & Gardens locations (Escondido and Liberty Station). Try the special Stone Peak Double Hazy IPA if you're looking for something strong!
photo: @fallbrewingcompany
4542 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
9550 Distribution Ave, San Diego, CA 92121
3010 Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104
This place is punk rock in beer form—loud, a little gritty, and totally unapologetic. The label art looks like a ‘90s zine exploded in your fridge, and the beer backs it up with classic West Coast punch. You come for the attitude, you stay because your mouth’s in love with Plenty for All.
photo: Eppig Brewing
2817 Dickens St, San Diego, CA 92106 (Waterftont Biergarten)
1347 Keystone Way Suite C, Vista, CA 92081
Eppig does two things exceptionally well: lager and waterfront vibes. Their Point Loma biergarten feels like a vacation with a flight. It’s like someone handed a German brewmaster a surfboard and said “live a little.” Crisp, clean, and criminally underrated.
photo: @thornbeer
3176 Thorn Street, San Diego, CA 92104
1745 National Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
Thorn Brewing Co. is the neighborhood's craft beer confidant, offering a lineup that ranges from crisp lagers to adventurous IPAs. Their North Park spot feels like your best friend's living room—if your friend had a penchant for brewing and a killer sense of style. Meanwhile, the Barrio Logan location adds an industrial chic vibe to your pint-sipping experience.
photo: @harlandbeer
10115 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92131
3718 Paseo Place, Suite 1300, San Diego, CA 92130
4112 Napier St, San Diego, CA 92110
2953 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102
Harland Brewing Co. embodies the spirit of rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done—if the job is crafting exceptional beers. With locations from Scripps Ranch to South Park, each spot offers a unique ambiance, but the common thread is a commitment to quality brews that make you want to clock out and crack open a cold one.
Have a go-to San Diego brewery? Let us know at [email protected]
If you want your business featured, hit us up at [email protected]
