Top 5: Microbreweries in San Diego

San Diego is home to more than 150 operational brew houses. Choosing which ones to visit while in town is daunting, so here are a few of the best in the city.

Longship Brewery

Owner Dan Jachimowicz has an undeniable obsession with Viking conquerors, and he’s not afraid to show it. This eclectic brewery combines American influences with traditional German beer and a healthy dose of quirky décor. On Tuesdays, there’s an insanely competitive trivia night.

Mother Earth

Mother Earth has two locations in San Diego, but you’ll want to hit up the Taphouse on Main Street. The brewery owners love their hops, so you’ll find plenty of them in almost all of the offerings here. California Creamin’ is the one that brings in the crowds.

Pure Project

The owners of Pure Project spent years living in Costa Rica, and the country’s influence shows in the delicious craft options. Tropical floral flavors like hibiscus can be found in many of the beers, and the Roses Red beer won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival in its first year.

Societe Brewing Company

Societe Brewing Company is located in the Clairemont-Mesa area, but certainly worth the drive. It was awarded the West Coaster’s Best Brewery in 2014 and 2016, mostly thanks to its incredible array of IPAs. You haven’t tasted great beer until you’ve gotten you hands on The Pupil or the Coachman.

Burning Beard Brewing Co.

Burning Bear Brewing is one of the newer kids on the block, but, quite possibly, the best in El Cajon. Its impressive array of stouts and IPAs earned them a large following right out of the gate. Try Dankness Visible IPA or Get Thee To A Nunnery Belgian single for a truly delicious experience.