Most Unique Places to Grab a Craft Beer

Looking for a new craft beer adventure? While San Diego is known for its established breweries, there are plenty of hidden gems with unique brews and cozy tasting rooms. If you're tired of the same old, same old, check out these off-the-beaten-path breweries.

AleSmith Brewery: 9990 Alesmith Ct, Miramar

 With its huge tasting room, you can bring the whole family! As a dog and kid friendly brewery, AleSmith already has a rare atmosphere, but that's not the only reason this brewery is unique. It is also the new home of the Tony Gwynn Museum, which documents the intertwined histories of beer and baseball. The museum honors the collaborative efforts of Mr. Gwynn and AleSmith to create the "San Diego Pale Ale .394" (which was Gwynn's batting average). The beer was voted Best Local Craft Beer by CityBeat readers (sdcitybeat.com). In addition, their Scottish ale "Wee Heavy", was recently awarded bronze at the Great American Beer Festival competition. The "Sublime Lage" is another of AleSmith's tributary drafts. This hoppy, summer brew, honors the band of the same name, a group very dear in the hearts of many San Diegans. 

Ballast Point – Home Brew Mart: 5401 Linda Vista Rd #403, Morena

Since Home Brew Mart opened it’s doors 25 years ago, they have become one of the most popular breweries in San Diego, and the entire United States. From it’s humble beginnings, to it’s booming success, Ballast Point has never lost their passion and commitment to the craft of beer brewing. Home Brew Mart began by providing starter kits to brew at home for other beer lovers. Twenty-five years later, it is alive and thriving, with a quaint tasting room at Ballast Point and a shop with home-brewing supplies. This San Diego classic stays true to its passions.

Toronado: 4026 30th St, North Park

Boasting 56 rotating taps, Toronado always features an exquisite selection of drafts. You will never be short on options, as they also have an extensive collection of bottled beers, in different styles and from a variety of countries. With a simple, wooden interior there is ample high top and dining room seating. Toronado stands out because of the delicious and vegan- friendly food menu offered at the bar. A personal favorite is "Pliny the Elder", an American Double IPA, which is always on tap at this location. Made in Santa Rosa, this beer is malt flavored and packs a hoppy punch.

Viewpoint Brewing Company: 2201 San Dieguito Dr, Del Mar

There is no better view than the sun setting over the ocean. On top of that, picture the beautiful Del Mar Racetrack, all of which can be taken in from the aptly named Viewpoint Brewing Company. With the Bing Crosby Season and Breeders’ Cup rolling into town soon, what better place to grab a craft beer. Viewpoint is Del Mar’s first brewery with twenty taps, many pulling from their own drafts, with some rotating from other microbreweries in San Diego. Try the Viewpoint Co. Chocolate Stout for a rich, smooth beer with hints of coffee and cocoa. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating, and enjoy the skilled culinary artisans as well. Executive Chef, Gunner Scott Planter, and Head brewer Moe Katomski have meshed the two arts of brewing and cooking to create a mouthwatering dining experience.

Bier Garden: 641 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

Looking for a great space in the community, to sit and talk over good beer food? Bier Garden may be precisely what you seek. With the original wood from the building's construction in the 1940’s, the atmosphere seems almost ethereal compared to the busy streets outside. The Bier Garden does not brew in-house, however, they serve almost exclusively Southern California beers, from a selection of thirty taps. Here people have the opportunity to try beers from neighboring towns, or simply nurse their local favorites. The choices include beers from Duck Foot, Eppig, Fall, and Groundswell brewing companies, all based in San Diego. Recently, the bar brought in their first draft made out-of-state, the Alaskan Amber. With such close proximity to the ocean, it is no surprise that the culinary fan favorite is the Ahi Tartare. This consists of a marinated Hawaiian poke tossed with avocado, cucumber, and mango, giving it a fresh, flavorful taste.

Palm Springs Liquor (AKA "The Beer Museum"): 4301 Palm Ave, La Mesa

It may seem like your local liquor store from the outside, but inside it has deserved its reputation as "the Beer Museum". Floor to ceiling shelves stacked with bottles of beer, from everywhere and anywhere. They pride themselves on having an array of beer such as can be found nowhere else in San Diego. If you’re having a hard time finding an obscure or foreign beer, Palm Springs Liquor is your best bet.

Kilowatt Brewing: 1875 Cable St, Ocean Beach

While most of the breweries in San Diego have chosen industrial style décor, Kilowatt wanted to do something different for their tasting room. Inside the tasting room, the lighting is interactive, tasters being allowed to change the color at will, making the brewery feel more like a disco. They also display local art on rotation and the best rooftop patio in Ocean Beach. Don’t forget to pick up some 3D glasses to get the full effect of this unique bar's lighting. The draft variety is extensive, from wheat beers to stouts, sours, and porters. Try "Wilson the Coconut for a singular IPA with a hint of toasted coconut.