Beer Bars for Beer Lovers
Throw back a West Coast IPA or two at one of these amazing watering holes in San Diego and you won't regret it.
In the Craft Beer Capital of America, the beer experience goes beyond the huge selection of industry-leading breweries. It's embraced by the local food, in the beer-centric cooking and pairings at restaurants. There are bottle shops, festivals and other events dedicated to the craft. And, of course, there are the beer bars. Throw one back at one of these amazing watering holes and you won't regret it.
Nason's Beer Hall
Where: 570 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Nason’s features an expansive selection of local and international beers, globally inspired comfort food, and vintage bar games. Its name pays homage to Nason & Co. Farmer’s Market, which occupied this unique space in the early 1900s.
Knotty Barrel
Where: 844 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
With 24 taps and dozens more available by the bottle and can, the local beer selection is extensive. Outdoor areas and a family-friendly atmosphere round out the experience.
Churchill's Pub & Grille
Where: 887 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078
One of the first bars to embrace the San Diego craft beer scene, this place also offers awesome food. It has 50 craft beers on tap - perfect for doing tasters.
Neighborhood
Where: 777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Great beer, great burgers, close to the ballpark...a winning combination. Oh and...shh... there's a speakeasy called Noble Experiment in the back.
Hamilton's Tavern
Where: 521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
Dark, divey and full of one of the best craft beer selections around. Try the Russian Roulette wings if you dare. Check the online calendar for what's coming up at the bar as they host regular Firkin Fridays (with limited, aged, small-cask beer) and lots of special release events with guest brewers.
Blind Lady Ale House
Where: 3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
While it brews its own beer (Automatic Brewing Co.) in the back, this place has an awesome collection of local drafts. Their pizza is known to rival the beer in deliciousness, too. This bar's brother, Tiger!Tiger!, is nearby in North Park and worth a visit as well.
Coin-Op Game Room
Where 3926 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Great selection of local beers on tap...almost as impressive as its selection of old-school classic arcade games, like pinball, Mortal Kombat and Ms. Pac-Man. Check out giant Jenga on the back patio, too.
Bottlecraft
Where: 2252 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Enjoy a constantly changing selection of craft beers in Little Italy (surrounded by great eats!) and then check out their massive bottle selection for a 22-ounce nightcap to enjoy back at home.
Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle
Where: 1776 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Enjoy a local beer on a pier, with a bait shop next door, and watch the people fish around you. Or just take in the amazing view of the San Diego skyline. Watch the pelicans, too - they're known to try and steal fish from the fishermen!
Draft
Where: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
The selection plus location is epic. Giant open windows face out toward the boardwalk and Pacific Ocean. It's quintessentially San Diegan. Go at sunset - you won't regret it.
Clem's Tap House
Where: 4108 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Tucked away in a strip mall in the quaint Kensington neighborhood, Clem's Tap House offers a great selection of rotating handles. Plus, it's one of Will Ferrell's favorite places to drink, so it has to be good.
O'Brien's Pub
Where: 4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
A tap list to make a beer snob happy. Divey enough to put him or her in their place. This fun bar is where many actual brewers choose to go.
Panama 66
Where: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
What's more San Diego than this? A superb selection of SD beers, enjoyed outside directly under the iconic California Tower.
Petco Park
Where: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Not exactly a bar, but Petco Park has changed the game when it comes to beer. No more need to settle for fizzy swill. Watch the Padres with one of San Diego's legendary local craft beers.