What’s New in the San Diego Brewery Scene
San Diego has more than earned its title of the “Craft Beer Capital of America”. With more than 200 tasting rooms and breweries already open (and plenty more scheduled to open soon), it’s pretty clear that we take our beer pretty seriously around here. Join us in celebrating our local craft beer scene with this guide to the newest San Diego brewery openings, beer gardens, and upcoming beer festivals.
Check Out What’s on Tap at Firefly Eatery & Bar (on-site)
Our own on-site restaurant and bar always features a rotating selection of fantastic local beers, as well as many of your household-name favorites. Locals, visitors and guests are all welcome to stop down and check out what we’ve got on tap anytime! Among our current drafts is .394 Pale Ale from AleSmith Brewing Company, a hoppy pint inspired by legendary San Diego Padre Tony Gwynn, and named for his career-high batting average.
San Diego Brew Festival (June 10)
(Photo: @sdbeerfestival)
The San Diego Brew Festival returns for its 12th year on June 10th! Get ready to try more than 200 beers from 70 breweries, sample gourmet-on-the-go grub from a fleet of the city’s best food trucks, rock out to some of San Diego’s best live bands, and much more. The festivities happen at NTC Park at Liberty Station, from noon – 4pm, so it’ll be fun in the sun from the jump.
2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106 (3.6 miles)
Societe Brewing (3.8 Miles)
(Photo: @societebrewing)
Societe Brewing opened its first satellite location in San Diego’s historic Old Town neighborhood Fall of last year, offering a deep variety of freshly brewed beers to all who stop in for a sample (those of legal drinking age, of course). Guests are invited to enjoy the vintage décor and comfortable patio while sipping on a lager or blonde ale. Their fruity new Flashback Time IPA is proving particularly popular.
2415 San Diego Ave, Suite 111, San Diego, CA 92110
North Park Beer Company (6.5 Miles Away)
(Photo: @northparkbeerco)
North Park Beer Co.’s flagship location has been located in the heart of the hip North Park community for years- making the announcement of their newest opening quite exciting for local beer aficionados. They recently cut the ribbon on their second tasting room location in Bankers Hill — which has wasted no time cultivating a devoted local following. Stop by to try out their exceptional beers, intriguing art deco aesthetic and house-made food menu today.
3067 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
East Village Brewing Company (8.5 Miles Away)
(Photo: @eastvillagebrew)
This independent brewery is committed to the environment, so you can feel good about diving into their extensive list of offerings. Each uses wholesome ingredients and is crafted with an eye toward community and sustainability. With a variety of IPAs and porters, you’re sure to find something you love! Plus, they’re across the street from Petco Park, so they’re a great place for getting in a little “tailgating” ahead of Padres home games. And speaking of the Padres…
201 Park Blvd. Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92101
Petco Park (8.5 Miles)
(Photo: @ironfistbrewing)
The home of the San Diego Padres was recently named the #1 stadium in the league for the second year running. We like to think the excellent beer selection is one of the biggest reasons why! Visitors to Petco can sample such essential San Diego sips as the fruity Swingin’ Friar Ale from Ballast Point, Coronado Brewing Company’s Weekend Vibes IPA, and Hodad’s double-hopped hazy, Hesher. We’d also be remiss not to mention that Petco Park will also be the site of several pre-game “BeerFests” — game-day tasting events where attendees can roll up a little early, and sample some renowned local beers prior to the first pitch. What a win/win!
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
El Cid Brewing Company (17.3 Miles)
(Photo: @elcidbrewing)
Opened earlier this year in the inviting North Park neighborhood, this veteran-owned brewery (named in honor of a famous goat who served as a naval mascot) is a can’t-miss spot when planning your local beer-tinerary. The wide variety of whimsically-titled brews they serve make it a perfect place for all types of beer lovers. Insider tip: Don’t pass up the La Jefa Strawberry Wheat Ale when you go — it’s the perfect crisp summer refresher.
911 El Cajon Blvd. STE #2, San Diego, CA 92104
Chula Vista Neighborhood (15 Miles Away)
(Photo: @groundswellbrew)
Less a single destination than a burgeoning local hotbed, Chula Vista is home to an up-and-coming, fast-expanding beer scene focused on community. Head to this area to enjoy multiple delicious destinations including Thr3e Punk Ales, Chula Vista Brewery, and Groundswell Brewing Company. While here, you’ll also discover several beer-focused restaurants and festivals. If the San Diego brewing scene has a heart, Chula Vista is it.
Other Must-Stops
(Photo: @eppigbrewing)
While some of the following aren’t necessarily new, here are some other local tasting rooms and breweries that offer water views, dog-friendly patios and award-winning beers. We very much recommend:
● CoLab Public House — 2129 Industrial Court, Vista, CA 92081
● Eppig Brewing — 2817 Dickens St, San Diego, CA 92106
● Modern Times Beer — 3725 Greenwood St, San Diego, CA 92110
● Coronado Brewing Company — 1205 Knoxville St, San Diego, CA
● Belching Beaver Brewery — 4223 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104)
Sip & Stay With Our Brew-Hop Hotel Package
The Dana on Mission Bay is the ideal “home base” to rest, relax, and recuperate after a day of brewery tours. We even offer a special San Diego Brewery Hopping package for beer lovers that includes two complimentary beers at Firefly Eatery & Bar, a map to some of the city’s best breweries, and more. Start planning your beer-inspired trip to San Diego today!
