San Diego Breweries – Delicious Beers with a Coastal Vibe
San Diego has been called the “Craft Beer Capital of America.” As of 2018, the county was home to 155 licensed craft breweries, the most of any county in the United States. Based on 2016 sales volume, three San Diego County breweries rank among the 50 largest craft brewers in the US: Stone, Green Flash and Karl Strauss. San Diego County brewers have pioneered the Double India Pale Ale or Double IPA. The most notable breweries around San Diego featured below.
Stone Brewing Co.
Stone is the largest brewery in Southern California and the ninth largest craft brewery in the United States. he company produces eight beers year-round, as well as special releases and collaborations. In addition to the brewery and tasting room it has two brewery restaurants, in Escondido and San Diego, five “company stores” and tap rooms. Both restaurants are large and have unique atmospheres, including beautiful gardens, waterfalls and bocce ball courts. If you’re bold, try the Arrogant Bastard Ale.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss opened it’s doors in 1989 and kicked off the city’s craft beer industry. Today, they continue to lead in creating innovative beers in a wide range of styles. In 2019, they brewed more than 140 different beers. The main tasting room is located in Pacific Beach, and there are 4 other restaurants around the county, each with their own persona featuring a huge koi pond and beautiful landscaping and an “industrial chic” feel. Patrons rave about the food. Try the Red Trolley Ale.
Ballast Point
In 1996, a small group of San Diego home brewers started a quest to make better beer. They focused on ingredients to find a perfect balance of taste and aroma. They are committed to social responsibility and environmental awareness. You can find Ballast Point Restaurants and Tasting Rooms in Little Italy, Miramar, and Linda Vista. Everyone raves about the Sculpin IPA.
Pizza Port / Port Brewing Co. / Lost Abbey
Right here in Solana Beach is the original location of Pizza Port. Started by siblings with a passion for home brewing, their hobby became a business in 1992. They serve great pizza and great local brews. Try the California Honey with your Pizza Carlsbad.
Port Brewing and Lost Abbey are spin offs of the Pizza Port brand, each with their own personality. Port Brewing features West Coast-style beers including Wipeout IPA, while Lost Abbey has Belgian-inspired and premium beers like Judgement Day Quadruple Ale.
Port Brewing’s tasting room is in Solana Beach, while you’ll find The Lost Abbey in San Marcos, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and San Elijo.
www.pizzaport.com | www.portbrewing.com | www.lostabbey.com
AleSmith
Also located in Miramar, AleSmith Brewing Company was founded in 1995. They continue to be recognized as one of the world’s foremost craft breweries. Consistently ranked in the World’s Top Ten list on the consumer generated website www.ratebeer.com, AleSmith is currently ranked #6 out of 33,000+ breweries worldwide. Family-owned and community-minded, AleSmith celebrates diversity, charity and the desire to deliver world-class beer with 5-Star service to our customers. Try the Nut Brown Ale with some mexican food or grab a growler, fill it with .394 Pale Ale and head back to Solana Beach for sunset with friends.
Visit VacationBeachHomes.com to book your vacation rental in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff by the Sea or Encinitas for your visit to the International Beer Festival in June or the San Diego Beer Week in November.
San Diego International Beer Festival June 18 – 20, 2021
San Diego Beer Week – TBA – Traditionally held in November.