Paul Kushner
Discover the sun-soaked delights of the best beer gardens in San Diego. From coastal hideaways with stunning ocean views to urban oases nestled within the heart of the city, we’ve curated a list of the top spots for sipping craft brews under the open sky. Join us as we explore the perfect blend of refreshing libations, laid-back ambiance, and Southern California charm that these beer gardens have to offer.
Original 40 Brewing Company
3117 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 255-7380
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If you’re searching for a beer garden after exploring Balboa Park, Original 40 Brewing Company is just down the street. It’s a stunning spot with greenery, exposed brick, and a great atmosphere. The beer menu here is smaller than some, but they have light beers, IPAs, and dark options. They also have seltzers, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beers. The Disco Dove double hazy IPA and the Baja Soul Mexican lager are some beers to try here.
TapRoom Beer Company
2000 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 539-7738
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In central San Diego, just a few blocks north of the San Diego Zoo, is TapRoom Beer Company. This beer garden is your typical brewery setup. It’s housed in a warehouse with a rustic design and a stunning beer garden outside to enjoy the fresh air. I love this spot because they always have trivia and live music events. As for their beers, they have award-winning brews, but my favorite is the PB Haze and Strata Starburst.
Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten
2817 Dickens St, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 756-6825
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Is there anything better than a craft beer with water views? Not really. Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten is right on the harbor near Point Loma. It’s a laid-back spot with welcoming staff. Eppig Brewing has a large variety of beers for you to try when you’re here. They have everything from German-style lagers to Mexican-style lagers to IPA. Some popular choices are their Harbor Cruise Kolsch and their flagship IPA, 10:45 To Denver.
Hidden Craft SD
600 W Broadway Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 782-9113
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You’ll find Hidden Craft SD in the East Village, near the Port of San Diego. It’s modern, bright, has lots of greenery, and is a great place to gather with friends. Hidden Craft SD has plenty of beer, but if you like lighter options, then you’ll love it here. I love their Pier Bier pilsner and Stay Chill blonde ale the best. Their food menu is delicious, too, with plenty of shareable mac and cheese and healthy salads.
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: (858) 405-0528
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Border X Brewing is an excellent option for those wondering where to get a drink near the naval base. This beer garden is lively and stylish and has rotating food trucks for you to enjoy while you drink your beer. Their draft menu is often changing due to new creations and availability, so it’s always best to check once you arrive. If you have the chance, Abuelita’s Chocolate Stout is a Mexican Chocolate beer that is heaven.
Modern Times Flavordome
3000 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 269-5222
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Modern Times Flavordome is just south of Original 40 Brewing Company in North Park, San Diego. It’s a large, industrial beer garden with plenty of natural light, making it one of my favorites to unwind at. They serve plant-based foods and have over 30 drinks on tap, including coffee. They have seasonal creations, but their year-round beers are stellar too. Their Fruitlands Gose, Black House Coffee Stout, and MT Pils are top-tier.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
9675 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (858) 587-2739
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Karl Strauss Brewing Company is one of the most fun places to go out in north San Diego. It’s a large spot with plenty of outdoor seating, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere. They brew more than 150 beers throughout the year, so the menu changes regularly. I’d suggest getting a flight of beer with your food based on your preferences, but one you can’t leave without trying is their Tower X West Coast IPA.
Station Tavern
2204 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 255-0657
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One of my favorite bars is Station Tavern. It’s an open-air beer garden with cold beer, comfort food, and an unmatched vibe. Since they’re a tavern more than a brewing company, you’ll find more than just craft beer on the menu, which is perfect if you travel with friends. I always get a cheeseburger here but switch up the beers. The beers I’ve enjoyed here are their Grazias amber ale and Swamis IPA.
Amplified Kitchen + Beer Garden
4150 Mission Blvd #208, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 270-5222
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Right on Mission Boulevard between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach is Amplified Kitchen and Beer Garden. It’s a relaxed beer garden with some of the best ocean views and food. Something I love about this beer garden is that they don’t just serve American brewpub fare here. They have Middle Eastern cuisine, which pairs well with their large selection of beers. They have a lot of pale ales and IPAs, so hop lovers will be happy here.
Kairoa Brewing Company
4601 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 295-1355
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For a modern and fun place to get drinks, try Kairoa Brewing Company. New Zealand inspires this beer garden, and has a more modern and elegant appearance than other beer gardens in San Diego. Both the food and drink menu are vast, so everyone should be able to find something they love. Some unique beers worth trying here are their Roll Call, a hoppy red beer, their Back Paddock New Zealand pilsner, and the Cheeky Buggah Belgian Blonde.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur Rd UNIT 116, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 269-2100
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Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens is one of the places to go out. It’s in Liberty Station and draws large crowds thanks to its large size, beautiful outdoor seating, games, and international cuisine. They serve Stone Brewing beers as well as some other local crafts. I love the Arrogant Bastard Ale and Stone Buenavza Salt and Lime Lager the best. As for the food at this beer garden, they have everything from burgers to tacos to ceviche.
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