Stone Brewing tops the list of best breweries in San Diego. It deserves a spot on this list of San Diego breweries because of its prestige. This San Diego craft brewery is one of the city's most well-known, with two of the region's most beautiful taprooms and a portfolio of classic brews. Stone Brewing was founded on the principle of being wildly bold and independent by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, and no beer exemplifies this more than its first creation: the Arrogant Bastard Ale. This nationally acclaimed brew has spawned its own brewery, Arrogant Brewing.

Since its inception in 1996, the San Diego Brewing Company has grown to become not only the city's largest craft brewery, but also one of the country's largest independent San Diego breweries. The Arrogant Bastard Ale is no longer the only offering from the brand. The World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido rivals the size and grandeur of winemaking estates. RateBeer named Stone Brewing the "Best Place to Grab a Beer" and the "Best California Brewery," and their Russian Imperial Stout is in high demand around the world. Seating is available at all locations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Revenue: $137 million

Address: 2816 Historic Decatur Rd, UNIT 116

Founded: 1996

Website: stonebrewing.com

Burgeon ranks 2nd on the list of best breweries in San Diego. It has three tasting rooms in California, located in Escondido, Little Italy, and Carlsbad. Anthony Tallman, Matthew Zirpolo, and Derek van Leeuwan, a trio of La Costa Canyon High School alumni who grew up in Carlsbad and Encinitas, founded this artisan beer company known for its mouthwateringly delectable IPAs. The logo and name of the company pay homage to their homeland, where they have established roots and thrive.

The company needed three years to develop its business plan, raise funds, acquire a brewing facility, and open their tasting room. It had been a lifelong dream of theirs to open a brewery in their hometown. The brewery is known for its IPAs and charitable efforts, as evidenced by its Reclaim the Wild IPA, which was developed to benefit the National Forest Foundation. This San Diego brewery hopes to plant 25,000 trees in a single year. The Treevana IPA and hazy beers like the Lost Forest are also noteworthy.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Revenue: N/a

Address: 6350 Yarrow Dr STE C, Carlsbad

Founded: 2016
Website: burgeonbeer.com

Border X Brewing ranks 3rd on the list of best breweries in San Diego. Border X Brewing was founded in 2013 by David Favela, his brother, and two nephews. The goal was to create a Latino brewery that offered culturally influenced products influenced by their Mexican ancestors. The Horchata Golden Stout and the hibiscus and agave-infused Blood Saison are two inspired Border X innovations that go beyond the typical Mexican lager. An Agua de Jamaica-inspired beer, a Pepino Sour, and the delicate Abuelita's Chocolate Stout are among the other notable offerings. The flagship location in Barrio Logan struck a chord with the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood as a result of these inspired creations.

A visit to their Barrio Logan taproom sounds like a lot of fun. Consume authentic street tacos, relax in the outdoor patio garden, or engage in beer garden activities such as cornhole and Jenga. This San Diego brewery was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer category of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards in 2020. The James Beard Foundation Awards honor culinary experts in the United States on an annual basis, and being considered is a huge deal in the culinary world. According to sources, no brewer, restaurant, or San Diego chef has ever received the award in the organization's 30-year history.

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Revenue: N/a

Address: 2181 Logan Ave, San Diego

Founded: 2013

Website: borderxbrewing.com

Doug Constantiner, an alumnus of the University of Arizona, and brewmaster Travis Smith met while working at The Bruery in Orange County, California, and founded Societe Brewing Company in 2012. Societe has won numerous awards in its seven-year history, including gold medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup and the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. Pupil IPA has become a local favorite, and Coachman session IPA has twice won gold at the Great American Beer Fest. But don't overlook their Belgian-inspired brews, particularly the excellent Harlot blonde ale.

Societe Brewing Company's Kearny Mesa tasting facility has been a busy hub of San Diego's best beer for the majority of its eight-year existence. They have a large outside patio as well as a taco truck if you want to spend more time at their brewery and taproom.

IPA is a type of beer that the brewery will only offer on tap, despite future plans to purchase a bottling facility. Societe is also increasing its fermentation capacity, with a significant portion of the additional tank space dedicated to hop-forward brews that will be served directly from the tap.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0

Revenue: $6 million

Address: 8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd

Founded: 2012

Website: societebrewing.com

North Park Beer Co ranks 5th on the list of best breweries in San Diego. North Park should be on your list of must-sees if you're looking for the best brewery San Diego has to offer. North Park Beer Co., like many other San Diego homebrewers, began in a garage. You can order his renowned Hop Fu! West Coast IPA, the state's most award-winning homebrew recipe, at the company's tasting room in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. This brewery opened its doors after converting an old department store into an over 8,000 square foot brewery with a brewery, restaurant, and tasting room. The interiors of the restaurant reflect North Park's arts and crafts architectural styles.

North Park Brewing Company sets itself apart from other San Diego breweries by producing some of the finest stouts available. Aside from its popular West Coast IPA, order the Fiesta Antes De Morir, a delicious Mexican chocolate cake stout, to see how inventive this brewery is. Beer tasting would be incomplete without bar chow! Fortunately, McNair enlisted the assistance of Mastiff Sausage Company, which provided snacks such as Cheeto-Rones, homemade sausages, and crispy pork rinds dusted with a homemade cheese powder mix.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0

Revenue: $1.3 million

Address: 3038 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Founded: 2013
Website: northparkbeerco.com

You've probably heard of these guys; Jack and Yuseff's partnership founded Ballast Point Brewery in 1996. During his college years, Jack White developed a taste for craft beers. He started his home brewing business soon after graduation, but lacked the funds for equipment and people to discuss his ideas with. Yuseff, a fellow homebrewer, came across his path at that point.

Ballas Point Brewery was established as a result of their mutual love of brews and Yuseff's passion for fishing. The two worked together to create a diverse range of beers, including IPAs, Wheats, Porters, and Ales, which drew the attention of fellow beer enthusiasts and community members. Ballast Point, now one of the country's largest craft breweries, is known for its vibrant fish-themed beer labels. After becoming famous for their Sculpin IPA, the brewery quickly became a San Diego institution. Stop by their tasting rooms in Miramar, Little Italy, or their Home Brew Mart if you're interested in making your own beer. Try one of their seasonal or limited-edition beers, or stick to classics like the Grapefruit Sculpin.

Google Rating: 4.0/5.0

Revenue: $89 Million

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Founded: 1996

Website: ballastpoint.com

Saint Archer Brewery has a history as interesting as its beer: the company is solely owned by snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing athletes, as well as filmmakers and photographers. After noticing that top athletes are constantly being sponsored by beer companies and offered huge endorsement deals by energy-drink brands, Saint Archer's founder and CEO Josh Landan took it upon himself to create his own craft brewery while leveraging his connections.

Saint Archer, which has tasting rooms in Miramar and Leucadia, is known for its consistent classics such as the Tropical IPA, Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, and Hazy IPA. Among the regulars are seasonal brews such as the Mozy 7 IPA and the Blackberry Gose. Their Miramar tasting room is located in front of their brewery and features a large outdoor deck as well as food trucks. It is open Thursday through Sunday. The Tasting Room is open seven days a week and provides an up-close look at the company's beers. The 750-square-foot terrace at The Tasting Room is ideal for those who want to enjoy San Diego's beautiful weather all year.

Google Rating: 4.0/5.0

Revenue: $16 Million

Address: 9550 Distribution Avenue, San Diego

Founded: 2013

Website: N/a

Pizza Port Brewery ranks 8th on the list of best breweries in San Diego. Pizza Port Brewery, as the name implies, serves both pizza and beer, both of which are insanely delicious. Gina and Vince Marsaglia, two siblings in their twenties, bought a failing pizza shop in March 1987 in Solana Beach, a small coastal town just north of San Diego. Vince began experimenting with home brewing while working in the restaurant's storage room. On the advice of friends and fans of their food, Vince and Gina decided to open a brewery soon after practicing his hobby. Pizza Port began serving craft-brewed beers to customers in 1992, quickly making a name for itself in San Diego's burgeoning craft beer industry.

Since opening its first Carlsbad location in 1987, Pizza Port has maintained its position as one of the best San Diego breweries, earning several accolades as one of the city's first brewing companies. Local favorites include Swami's IPA, named after a popular local surf spot, and Kook double IPA. At one of their four brewpubs, pair a pint with traditional and inventive pairings like the Pizza Carlsbad, and never leave without trying the famous Beer Buddies: pizza crust pieces dipped in marinara or ranch sauce.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Revenue: $25 million

Address: 1956 Bacon St, San Diego

Founded: 1987

Website: northparkbeerco.com

Looking for the best breweries in San Diego? Modern Times has had a significant impact on the region's brewing culture since its inception. The brewery specializes in session beers and coffee-flavored releases that make use of their in-house coffee roasting. This massively independent venue knows how to have a good time. This West Coast employee-owned brewery is well-known for its 16 oz. cans of Fruitlands, Fortunate Islands, and Lomaland, which can be found on the shelves of local stores. It's hard to go wrong with any of the establishment's offerings, but don't miss out on the java-infused beers made with the company's own house-roasted coffee (try the Black House stout).

These inventive creations are available at the brewery's three locations: the Far West Lounge in Encinitas, the Lomaland Fermentorium, and the North Park Flavordome. The Midway location has become a popular hangout for coffee and beer enthusiasts, while the Encinitas location serves delicious vegan fare. Seating is available at all locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Tap lists and hours of operation vary by location, so check the website before going.

Google Rating: 4.0/5.0

Revenue: $6.9 million

Address: 3725 Greenwood St, San Diego

Founded: 2013

Website: moderntimesbeer.com

Jesse and Agi Pine, along with friend Mat Robar, founded Pure Project Brewing in 2014, officially opening their first brewery in the Costa Rican rainforest called Manuel Antonio Brewing. They began by making small-batch artisanal beers from ingredients found at small local farmers' markets, even during strong tropical storms. This small-batch brewery makes delicious tropical-inspired beers while adhering to strict environmental guidelines. Pure Project's business partners focused on tropical flavors and a commitment to using only natural and local products.

This brewing philosophy can be found in beers like the Tropical Mist blonde (infused with Valencia oranges) and the delectable Milagro stout (brewed with Costa Rican coffee). Keep an eye out for their seasonal imperial stouts, such as the amusingly named Maplesaurus Rex, which is brewed with vanilla and maple syrup.

Pure Project's tasting area is designed to embody the company's values. The bar stools are made of repurposed wood, and the walls are decorated with sustainable materials, natural wood, and a variety of tropical plants such as Sword Fern, Dracaena, and Devil's Ivy.

Rating: N/a

Revenue: $23 Million

Address: 9030 Kenamar Dr #308, San Diego

Founded: 2013
Website: purebrewing.org