Have a ‘Pitcher Perfect’ American Craft Beer Week

As the Craft Brew Capital of America, San Diego has become a hoppy destination for avid beer drinkers seeking good times on tap. Craft beer is king in this city, which makes it the perfect place to commemorate American Craft Beer Week. From May 14^th-20^th, beer drinkers across the country will be celebrating the diversity, creativity, and passion for the beverage they love. Beer lovers, “brewnite” and raise a glass to the exciting craft beer culture in San Diego with these sudsy stops for a cold one around the city.

If you’re hankering for some ice-cold libations, head over to Barrel Republic in Pacific Beach, Oceanside, or Carlsbad. This bar has revolutionized the way beer connoisseurs can enjoy craft beer with their freedom-to-pour system, allowing you to pour your own beer in a taster or pint, in any size pour you want. It’s rare to find a bar that gives out an all-access pass to your own pint pouring – take your pick from the ever-rotating selection of kegs and barrel-aged brews, and you’ll be the bartender with the simple swipe of a wristband. With well over 40 casks to choose from, Barrel Republic is a proud supporter of the local craft brew community with Tap Takeovers featuring the best of the best of local brews.

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One of North County’s newest breweries is Wild Barrel Brewing Company. Located in San Marcos, the brewery opened in 2017, and has quickly become a favorite spot for beer lovers. On the beer menu there are several IPA’s, ranging from from lighter Indie IPA’s, to heavier Prince of Darkness double IPA. I ordered the Haze on the Water IPA – a 7.7% AbV with a nice combination of citrus and tropical fruits. The stout options here are top-notch, with the Hipster Latte being a favorite among patrons. This milk stout is brewed with coconut palm sugar and a special blend of beans from Mostra Coffee. If you’re into sours, their San Diego Vice w/ Mango is a great choice. A cold-brew is also on tap, if you feel like you need to get your caffeine fix. Despite being a newcomer onto the brewery scene, Wild Barrel has what it takes to compete with the legendary breweries of the area. I would definitely recommend checking them out.

Keeping with the North County vibe, head on over to Booze Brothers. Booze Brothers creates an environment where people can come and enjoy their drink in a family environment, and relax after a long day at work. There is a beer for everyone, and Booze Brothers can help you discover what will fit right for your taste buds.

Looking for some suds on the sand? Enjoy fresh-from the keg flavorful beers at Pacific Beach AleHouse, renowned as a world-class Southern Californian brewery. Creating craft concoctions since 2007, Pacific Beach AleHouse allows guests to sip an elaborate and discerning selection in a lodge like setting filled with roomy booths, rich wooden accents, and second-story balcony views of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Designed to be a sanctuary for beer devotees, PB AleHouse offers its visitors the opportunity to see brewing in action with floor to ceiling glass walls to let you become witness to the kettle and fermentation tanks that give life to PB AleHouse’s eight signature beers.

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Stay close to the beach at Woodstock’s Pizza, the hometown pizzeria that has earned the coveted title of the 3rd independent pizzeria in the nation. Found near SDSU, Woodstock’s has risen to success through a dedication to be a fun, student-oriented pizzeria dishing out amazing pies with fresh, hand-tossed dough and a unique folded-over crust with sauce inside. Featuring a rotating selection of over 15 taps of frosty craft brews, this local watering hole promises ice-cold drafts to please the stomach and soak up all that delicious pizza. In honor of American Craft Beer Week, Woodstock’s will be hosting an impressive lineup of beer-themed trivia on May 14^th, an Iron Fire Tap Takeover on May 17^th, and more.

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Sessions Public, which is located in the Point Loma area is tucked away from the ambiance of city life and offers the perfect combination of curiosity and quality. With 20 craft beers on tap every day, it’s bound to have a brew to wet your whistle. With great food to boot, you’ll be perfectly satisfied with your night out.

Located in the heart of San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp District, barleymash is a fun, high-energy downtown restaurant and bar that is not to be missed this American Craft Beer Week. Celebrating the richness of American culture through appetizing and progressive bar fare, this bar draws heavily from two barroom staples in all that they do: beer and bourbon. The lively yet laid-back aesthetic reminds patrons of the simple idea that life is meant to be sipped and savored, and good times should always be shared.

Head north to Carmel Valley to take in Westroot Tavern, a hotspot for great food and even better booze. Located at the local lifestyle center The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, this neighborhood chef-driven eatery specializes in scratch-made local food paired with big-screen sports, bubbles, and tons of energy. Featuring a wide open-concept layout with an inviting central bar, this trendy tavern focuses on fostering connections and finding fun times. With over 30 brews on tap, Westroot promises a beer for everyone and a selection that highlights the best craft brews that the area has to offer!

Satisfy those cravings for a seaside drink at Nautilus Tavern, nestled in La Jolla’s scenic coastal enclave. This elevated neighborhood bar and grill promises a relaxed ambiance brimming with nautical décor, modern elements, comfort, and class. Enjoy topnotch cuisine to pair with their diverse craft beer selection with up to 30 different brews on draft. This casual hangout is local in every sense of the word, whether referring to the delectable fare, the craft brews, or the community that frequents it.

And the list wouldn’t be complete without some North Park favorites. From Fall Brewing to the north to Modern Times to the South, and Toronado right in the middle, anything along the 30th Street beer-corridor is worth a stop. Be sure to check out a few newer spots, including Eppig Brewing and Pariah Brewing. Located next door to each other, they offer a variety of beers that will delight any beer lover. From Eppig’s lagers and German style beers to their tangy and tart berliner weisse styles, you won’t leave thirsty — especially if you stop next door at Pariah. Their ever-changing list of beers proves that “no practice is sacred”, including brewing. Pariah was named Critic’s Pick for Best New Brewery in 2017 by San Diego Magazine. Get a taste of the best with their hazy IPA, Mamba Mode. Or try one of their latest, My Cat from Helles which is a Helles lager brewed with Czech Saaz hops and comes in at a crushable 5%-AbV.

Join in on the rich and innovative beer culture that has taken root in San Diego and bar hop to these local destinations to enjoy the best craft brews that the city has to offer.