The Best Craft Beer Bars in San Diego

By rob pursell

Published on 07/12/2018 at 10:49 PM

There’s always strength in numbers, and if a dozen beers on tap is great, then 100 beers on tap is… well, also really great. San Diego’s reputation as one of the country’s preeminent beer brewing cities is beyond reproach, with some 200 breweries and brewpubs calling this town home — but what about beer bars? It’s fairly easy to find a brewery on damn near any street corner in the city, but where should you look if you’re hoping for a near-encyclopedic tap list or an ultra-rare varietal from a Belgian abbey? We’ve got your answers right here: Check out any of the following bars throughout America’s Finest City for truly a sublime beer-drinking experience.

Encinitas Ale House

EncinitasEncinitas Ale House jokingly calls itself “locally world famous,” which is fitting — if you ask around North County where to find the best beer list, it likely won’t be long until Ale House is suggested. The menu features 350+ bottles of every type of beer you could want, in addition to 32 beers on tap, so you can come here every day for a year and never drink the same beer twice. The bar also offers an “80 beers in 80 days club” which raffles paid trips around the world for anyone who can guzzle 80 beers in 80 days at the bar. It also has some of the best burgers in the city; what else could you want?

TapRoom

Pacific BeachTapRoom is PB’s take on a craft beer bar. Laidback and located just five blocks from the beach, TapRoom has more than 40 taps and more than 80 beer bottles, an entire staff of cicerone-certified beer servers and killer wings, it’s a place you can start your night off with a few craft beers before turning it up a notch on Garnet.

Blind Lady Ale House

Normal HeightsBlind Lady has been named to Draft Magazine’s “100 Best Beer Bars in America” list every year since it opened its doors, and is frequently referred to as having the best — and most original — pizzas in the city. They have a great tap list, but what sets them apart as a beer bar is their devotion to maintaining the integrity of the beer serving process. From an almost neurotic dedication to cleaning their beer lines to their direct draw system to making sure they have the perfect glasses for each pour, it’s a pure beer drinking experience.

Hamiltons Tavern

South ParkHamiltons has had a beer and wine license longer than any other location in San Diego. With over 75 years of history, Hamiltons has perfected the art of a “beer bar”: slightly dive-y, very relaxed, and packed with shuffleboard and pool tables. It’s as comfortable as an old sweatshirt, inviting to all, and serves up a mean grilled cheese. In short, it’s paradise.

Neighborhood

East VillageIf you’re looking for a craft beer bar with a hipster vibe and an attached speakeasy to boot, Neighborhood is your bet. With 40 beers on tap and some of the cooler bar foods you’ll ever come across (chorizo corn dogs are as good as they sound), Neighborhood is a great place to enjoy a beer and some food, and when you’re looking for something stronger, find the “hidden” entrance to the Noble Experiment speakeasy by the bathrooms.

Project Bar and Grill

HillcrestFormerly The Brew Project, the Project Bar and Grill has become a Hillcrest staple by dedicating its rotating tap list of 30 beers to only serving local brews. The bar itself is a renovated historic house, which provides an excellent ambiance and makes for a great viewing experience for sports games.

Barrel Republic

Pacific Beach (& other locations)Barrel Republic is a gamechanger — the nation’s first self-service craft beer bar. With 44 electronic taps you can enable and pour yourself via an RFID bracelet, and beer pricing per ounce so you can try as many as you’d like without going broke, it’s a beer drinking experience unlike any other.

The Hopping Pig

GaslampThe Hopping Pig’s 32 draft beer taps and the food in the bar are globally inspired. As the name hints at, The Hopping Pig does pork spectacularly well (the hopping pig burger is otherworldly) and the beer list will likely include a handful of rarities you won’t find in most other beer bars.

Common Theory

Kearny MesaCommon Theory takes the “rotating” in rotating tap list extremely seriously. They have 30-34 taps, and while certain lines are dedicated to specific styles of beer, there’s no guarantee that any beer you try will be there the next time you go to Common Theory. If you’re looking to expand your suds palate, you can’t go wrong here.

Balboa’s Tap House

ClairemontBalboa’s Tap House started with a simple goal — to bring together the people of Clairemont. To date, it’s done that by following a bulletproof formula: offer a huge tap selection (32 to be precise), make delicious food, and host a slew of events like trivia night and live sporting events to get people in the door. If you want to have a beer and feel like you’re truly a part of a community, stop in.

Toronado

North ParkToronado is included on basically everyone in San Diego’s “you need to try this beer bar” list, and for good reason. The place takes beer deadly seriously with a hefty 56 beers on tap, and may have the most knowledgeable staff in the city when it comes to introducing you to new brews. Ask for their advice and listen to what they tell you: you won’t regret it.

O’Brien’s Pub

Kearny MesaO’Brien’s is just about the best place in the city to watch soccer, but it’s also a hell of a craft beer bar that stocks some of the hardest-to-find beers in the world like Chimay Bleue Grande Reserve as well as craft beer icons like Pliny the Elder. With 28 beers on tap and more than 100 by the bottle, you can really get experimental with your beer order while catching a match.

Regal Seagull/Beagle

Mission Hills/EncinitasThe Regal Seagull and Beagle are the definition of neighborhood bars. These brother/sister bars have the best Wing Wednesday special you’ll find in town, as well as more than two dozen rotating beers on tap, frequent beer takeovers and brewing collaborations, and an awesome vibe. Spin the wheel o’beer to leave your drink selection up to chance (and maybe win a free pour), and talk with the bartenders — they’ll treat you like family if you can hold a conversation.

Tiger!Tiger!Tavern

North ParkTiger!Tiger! comes from the team behind Blind Lady and, like Blind Lady, has garnered a boatload of good press — it’s also been named to Draft Magazine’s “100 Best Beer Bars in America” list and won SD City Beat’s “Best Sausage” award. Beyond its impressive beer list and award-winning charcuterie, however, Tiger!Tiger! puts on events like vinyl nights and poetry slams. It’s a wonderful beer bar with no pretense.Sign up here for our daily San Diego email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.

Rob Pursell gets to drink beer and write about it and hey man, that’s pretty cool. Follow him @robert_pursell.

San Diego

How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in San Diego

Check out female-led dance programs, pop up markets, beer dinners, and more events this March.

By michelle harris

Published on 03/03/2023 at 09:48

Photo by Bianca Quirino Photography l Courtesy of Simplemente Chingona

Women have played a huge part shaping San Diego into the city it is today. In celebration of Women’s History Month, there are a variety of events across the city that commemorate women’s contributions to our community and culture. Home to the Women’s Museum of California, which hosts events throughout the year, be sure to check out all the ways to support and honor women this month. From art exhibits to dance performances, pop-up markets and yoga, check out the best events to celebrate Women’s History Month in San Diego:

Photo courtesy of The San Diego Museum of Art

Discover works from overlooked women artists

Ongoing through November 7, 2023
Balboa Park
The San Diego Museum of Art currently has 20 modern and contemporary works of art on display from women who unjustly didn’t receive the same amount of fame as their male contemporaries. The museum’s Modern Women exhibit is your chance to see work from artists like Elaine de Kooning and Lee Krasner, who were overshadowed by artist husbands Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock but whose work has long deserved its own moment in the spotlight. The collection showcases pieces that range from acrylic paintings to photography, inviting us into an untapped artistic sphere.
Cost: $20

Practice Sun Salutations while supporting a good cause

Saturday, March 4, 10 am to 11 am
Pacific Beach
Make a difference in the lives of teen girls of colour while taking a yoga class at Kate Sessions Park. Organized by local nonprofit One Love Movement, all donations for the event go towards college scholarships for girls of the DETOUR F.A.N.C.Y. Expo & Leadership Academy, a mentorship program that promotes equity and inclusion in higher education for girls of colour. All while enjoying stunning views of Mission Bay.
Cost: Donation-based

Shop local women-owned businesses

Sunday, March 5, 1 pm to 5 pm
Middletown
What better way to celebrate the women in your community than by supporting their local businesses? The Women’s History Month Market, located in the FEMX Quarters venue, is a pop up market you don’t want to miss. The market will feature over 35 vendors from women artisans and you’ll find uniquely crafted sunglasses, jewellery, clothing, and more. The family-friendly (and pet-friendly) event will also include food and music.
Cost: Free

Drink beer crafted by female brewers on International Women’s Day

Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Escondido
Women were the original brewers of ale, after all, so it only makes sense to honour our past and present beer connoisseurs with dinner and brews. Located at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Stone International Women’s Day Beer Dinner features three courses, each paired with a tasty beer specially brewed by a team of women at Stone Brewery. The event is part of a larger global celebration for International Women’s Day, where brewers all over the world brew a speciality beer that supports The Pink Boots Society, a non profit that empowers women and non-binary people in the beer industry through scholarships and education. Grab your tickets while you can! 21+
Cost: $50-$70

Attend an exhibition celebrating female and non-binary artists

Saturday, March 11, 5:00 pm
Barrio Logan
Head over to the entertainment and community venue Corazon del Barrio and show your support to female and non-binary artists, whose art and music will be featured in the Diosa Art Show. Around 40 artists are on the bill at this all-ages event.
Cost: Free

Drink some pints for the pups

Saturday, March 11, 12 pm to 4 pm
Carmel Mountain
If you need another excuse to down some brews, Second Chance Beer Company is hosting its first ever Ladies & Pups Market for Women’s History Month. The brewery, which holds various events throughout the year, donates a percentage of its sales to animal rescue organizations in California and Arizona. The dog-friendly market will include pop ups from women-owned businesses such as Bold Bouquet, Wet Nose Pottery, and No, You Sit! Treats. For the occasion, Second Chance will serve Fistful of Gummies – Berry Edition, a rendition of their fruited sour beer created in collaboration with Pink Boots Society, an organization that supports women and non-binary individuals in the beer industry.
Cost: Free

Photo courtesy of Women's Museum of California — Photo courtesy of Women’s Museum of California

Attend a ceremony at the Women’s Museum of California

Saturday, March 18, 11 am to 1 pm
Rolando
Perhaps San Diego’s largest Women’s History Month event, the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes local women for their achievements in the community. The annual event, which takes place at Joan B. Kroc Theatre, is a project of the Women’s Museum of California, a museum dedicated to educating the public about women’s contributions through history with exhibits, programs, and events. Over 100 women have been inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame since the program was founded in 2001, and this year’s class includes notable women like activist Norma Chávez-Peterson and Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. The event includes a VIP brunch followed by the Induction Ceremony. Be sure to purchase tickets early to secure your spot.
Cost: $20-$150

Join a community of local women and get inspired

Monday, March 20, 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Miramar
The Women’s Speaker Series at Alesmith Brewing Company is a monthly community gathering where local women come together to support one another in achieving professional and personal goals. The event includes a social hour followed by a selected speaker. For this month, the Women’s Speaker Series features career coach and small business owner Laura Bashore, who will share her insight on how you can advance your career or business. Make sure to reserve your spot before attending!
Cost: Free

Come hear about the roles San Diego women played during World War II

Tuesday, March 21, 1 pm to 3 pm
Mission Valley
In the early 20th century, many women were not allowed or expected to be the breadwinners for their households, but things suddenly changed with the United States’ entry into World War II. Here’s your chance to learn about the real experiences of women who lived through WWll and how they navigated through it all. Presented by Oasis San Diego, head over to Mission Valley Library to attend this in-person event.
Cost: Free

Photo by Carly Topazio l Courtesy of The Rosin Box Project

Attend a ballet program choreographed entirely by women

Thursday, March 23 – Saturday, March 25 & Monday, March 27, 7:30 pm
Liberty Station
Experience not one but three world premiere ballet performances at The Rosin Box Project, a contemporary ballet company that works to redefine the concept of dance and how it’s experienced for both artists and audiences. To coincide with Women’s History Month, TRBP is kicking off its 2023 season with Empower, a female-led ballet program choreographed by TRBO Residents Lauren Flower, Bethany Green, and Carly Topazio. The program, which takes place at Light Box Theater, offers a fresh take on dance by pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet. Your ticket includes a post-show reception.
Cost: $45

Hear music by a little-known female early 20th-century composer

Friday, March 24, 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm
Balboa Park
While you may not be familiar with composer Alice Barnett Stevenson, she played an integral part in San Diego’s music scene during the early 1900s. Stevenson was an active member of various music organizations at the time, and she composed art songs for voice and piano and performed at schools all over the country. Her home became a hub for local recitals from visiting musicians, and was also where the San Diego Symphony was founded. This month, you can hear her compositions performed live for the first time in nearly 100 years at the San Diego History Center. Selected works by Stevenson will be performed by musical scholar Katina Mitchell and pianist Yewon Lee. Be sure to reserve tickets ahead of time.
Cost: $25-$40

Listen to Black San Diego women discuss important community issues

Saturday, March 25, 12 pm to 4 pm
Valencia Park
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Friends of Malcolm X Library are hosting Ain’t I a Woman, an event featuring Black women who will be speaking about their professions and discussing the challenges faced within the workplace and the community while offering suggestions on how to further enhance and embrace equality. The event includes a Q&A panel discussion, door prizes, free raffles, as well as music, poetry, and dance. Seating is limited so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Cost: Free event. Lunch purchase is $15.

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Michelle Harris is an Editorial Assistant at Thrillist. Over the years her writing has also appeared in Atlas Obscura, Mental Floss, and Audubon Magazine. When she’s not busy typing, she enjoys hiking, road trips, and cooking vegan food.