Beer City, USA: A Guide to San Diego Microbrews

by Erin Chambers - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

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Updated: May 11, 2009

Nationally recognized as one of the foremost centers of local brewing, San Diego enjoys quite a reputation among beer connoisseurs. So we've brought togther a list of the best of the best beer bars and brewers in our very own Beer City, USA.

San Diego's Best Beer Bars and Brewpubs

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended O'Brien's
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    4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 (map)

    O'Brien's was deep in the local microbrew scene before it was even close to cool in San Diego. Sure, their bar is pretty far off the hipster avenue of 30th St, but the brews, burgers and service are worth the trip up to Clairemont Mesa.

  2. 2 Toronado San Diego
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    4026 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    North Park arm of popular San Francisco brewery Toronado serves hard-to-find craft beers on tap and an easy-on-the-wallet snack menu.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Pizza Port-Carlsbad Brewery
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    571 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)

    Since 1987, North County's go-to brewery packs in locals after work and on weekends for pizza and locally-brewed ales.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Neighborhood
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    777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Small, casual East Village hangout features a wide beer selection and simple, gourmet burgers and salads.

  5. 5 Ballast Point Brewing Co
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    10051 Old Grove Rd, San Diego, CA 92131 (map)

    Local brewery offers tours, a tasting bar, home brew kits, and gallons to go.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Alesmith Brewing Co
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    9368 Cabot Dr, San Diego, CA 92126 (map)

    Award-winning microbrewery features more than 14 beers to taste on-site or take home.

  7. 7 Stone Brewing Co
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    1999 W Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029 (map)

    Journey through the 55,000-square foot brewery to learn how that Stone IPA gets its deep golden color.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hamltons Tavern
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    1521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    More than 130 bottled beers and 25 on tap make this South Park spot a haven for beer lovers.

  9. 9 Blind Lady Alehouse
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    3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    Score another one for San Diego's beer connoisseurs: Normal Heights' new, family-friendly pizza-and-beer joint offers a killer selection of unique brews, plus rustic, organic pizzas.

  10. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Lightening Brewery
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    13200 Kirkham Way, Poway, CA 92064 (map)

    Award-winning local brewery specializes in European style and lager beers.

  11. 11 Green Flash Brewing Co
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    1430 Vantage Ct, Vista, CA 92081 (map)

    San Diego's famous local brewery specializes in handcrafted premium ales named after the sunset legend.

  12. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended San Diego Brewing Co
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    10450 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120 (map)

    Hidden brepub across from Kaiser Permanente in Allied Gardens caters to locals with simple pub grub menu and plenty of locally-brewed ales on tap.

  13. 13 3.5 Star Rating: Average Coronado Brewing Co
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    170 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    More than 130 bottled beers and 25 on tap make this South Park spot a haven for beer lovers.