10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in San Diego Bay

"This brewery specializing in San Diego-style lagers and ales has great service, great food, and of course, great beer. The taproom is large (there’s even balcony seating) and unlike many San Diego breweries, the decor feels upscale, not industrial. Maybe because of that — and because of the welcoming atmosphere — the mix of people tends to be eclectic."

"The North Park tasting room is open for curbside pick-up delivery of cans, crowlers and growlers. Local same day delivery available Thursday - Saturday for orders placed by noon. along with shipping anywhere in California."

"Karl Strauss Brewing is one of the oldest San Diego breweries on the block!. Starting back in the mid 80’s, Karl Strauss has been leading the craft beer scene before it became popular. Their craft brews have received many gold medals, including the famous Red Trolley Ale (which has been award 11 gold and 5 silver medals)."

"Their red trolley ale is my favorite and a great pick for first time visitors. Many convenient locations across San Diego (even inside airport terminal!) makes it a great option to try."

"Deft models their beer-brewing approach after a distinctly European style. Goldens, reds, dubbels, stouts and even a seasonal helles are usually on tap, although the selection rotates regularly. And the only thing more appealing than the beer list?"

"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri - Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM"

"Where: 1477 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103Neighborhood: HillcrestThis employee-owned business launched by two brothers exists to experiment beyond the grapes, apples, potatoes, and starchy grains that make up the vast majority of their fermented and distilled alcoholic drinks. As such, this operation—a kombuchery, cidery, meadery, and distillery—makes suds from pineapples, pomegranates, cranberries, mangos, pumpkins, and blends thereof. Their Hillcrest digs are open Friday through Sunday, and appetizers, and other bites are available to supplement the brews."

"Hillcrest Brewing is more than just a great place to sample a wide variety of specialty beers, some far-above-average tavern food specialties, and a convivial atmosphere. Hillcrest can also lay claim to being the world’s first LGBTQ-owned-and-operated brewery in the world. So be sure to stop in to try a pint from among their deep range of tasty tappers and say hello to their “hunky brewsters."

"Crack Shack is one of San Diego’s most popular family-friendly restaurants for fried chicken on an otherworldly level. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais developed “Crack Spice” which is a proprietary blend of spices that he adds to locally raised, free-living, antibiotic-free chicken. Opt straight for the fried chicken with dipping sauces or one of the decadent sandwiches."

"They pride themselves on having a five-star chef in control, meaning that everything on the menu has free-range organic chicken that is juicy and perfectly marinated. Other side servings include Schmaltz fries, mini biscuits, and deviled eggs. When you are able, you can spend some time playing a game of bocce ball or perch at the bar for craft beer."

"Not only does The Crack Shack serve incredible chicken but both of the locations also provides a fun setting for the whole family to enjoy. Try a game of bocce ball on the lawn or pose for a silly photo with the giant chicken that stands guard over the patio. Trust us, it’s a great, unique photo op!"

"Whether it's the 28 ice cream scoops in the King Kong Sundae topped with brownie, strawberries, peanut butter cups, unicorn pops, and sparklers or the Tie Dye Milkshake, you're sure to have an insta-worthy shot with these desserts. Come for the colorful sliders, stay for the sweet treats. Insider's Tip: Go for the combo!"

"Sugar Factory is known the world over for its celebrity-endorsed Couture Pops, which have turned sweets into the latest designer accessory. We now have locations in some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including Las Vegas, New York City, Bahrain, Chicago, Miami, Dubai, Orlando and...Mehr"

"One of the most colorful places in San Diego, the Sugar Factory is also one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. This is a place for those diners with a sweet tooth."

"By Oleg Alexandrov (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Visit this vibrant, community-driven museum and get a taste of the San Diego art scene right at the source: the San Diego Art Institute. This museum's mission is to connect contemporary artists from southern California and northern Baja with audiences and to showcase art in a way that promotes cultural perspective and understanding."

"When founded in 1941, the San Diego Art Institute was called the San Diego Business Men’s Art Club, only permitting male members. By the 1950s, women were allowed in and the name had been changed. The cultural institution now showcases experimental art from a diverse array of artists from the Southern California/Baja Norte region."

"A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through outreach, education, and exhibition."