Mentioned by Spoon University
The Best San Diego Restaurants Seen on Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives
"Bartender pouring a Death Before Dying beer at North Park in San Diego. Credit: Courtesy of North Park Beer. The first thing you should know about this company is that its tasting room is big, beautiful, and definitely a place where you’d want to spend an afternoon."
"Karl Strauss Brewing is one of the oldest San Diego breweries on the block!. Starting back in the mid 80’s, Karl Strauss has been leading the craft beer scene before it became popular. Their craft brews have received many gold medals, including the famous Red Trolley Ale (which has been award 11 gold and 5 silver medals)."
"The downtown, Sorrento Mesa, Carlsbad, and 4S Ranch locations of Karl Strauss brewpubs are open and offerer their full menus along with barre, wine,and hard seltzer for pickup (order online) or delivery through Door Dash,GrubHub,and Uber Eats."
"Their red trolley ale is my favorite and a great pick for first time visitors. Many convenient locations across San Diego (even inside airport terminal!) makes it a great option to try."
"Many locals will tell you that this place is known for brewing some choice IPAs. And it’s probably their attention to detail and dedication to consistency that makes their brews so good. This brewery has a fully equipped tasting room and brewery tours, and will even fill up a growler for you to take home."
"With over 500 excellent reviews on Yelp, Societe Brewing is one of the best local breweries in San Diego. The brewery has an open design, allowing for a large group to comfortably fit on their community bench tables. Many visitors like their Belgian style beers and the Pupil medium-bodied IPA."
"Deft models their beer-brewing approach after a distinctly European style. Goldens, reds, dubbels, stouts and even a seasonal helles are usually on tap, although the selection rotates regularly. And the only thing more appealing than the beer list?"
"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri - Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM"
"First established in 1912, Bay City can count itself among the city’s oldest continuously operating beer centers. With a mix of always-on-tap beers and “brand-new today” creations, there’s always something new to try here. And if you like what you’re drinking, Bay City also offers six-packs and growlers to go."
"The Barrio Logan distillery is open Tuesday - Sunday for dine-in and take out. Order online here for pickup or delivery for their food, wine, and spirits."
"This brewery is located in the north end of North Park, and it’s big, which means you can plan a tasting with friends without having to worry about seating. There are usually 15+ beers on tap, and 3-ounce tasting glasses will run you about $2. The bartenders know what they’re talking about and are happy to recommend brews for a flight."
"Beers are named after punk rock songs with merch for sale blending album covers with their popular beers. The Fall Brewing Company invites you to enjoy Euro-style brews in a laid back atmosphere. Fans of punk rock will love the outdoor mural featuring music icons like Iggy Pop, Joe Strummer, and Joey Ramone."
"After the Knotty Barrel restaurant in East Village launched, the owners decided it made sense to start making their own beer in Downtown San Diego. Since then, the in-house brewery, tasting room, and beer garden has been a popular spot (popular enough to warrant a second location in Rancho Penasquitos). The sheer variety may be the biggest draw."
"Cookie magic is what you’ll find at NatSweets with her incredible design talent. She’ll create any kind of custom cookie that you can imagine. Plan ahead for your custom orders or stop by the shop to pick up seasonal or daily creations."
"Harry Rudolph moved from Brooklyn to Southern California not long after his dearest Dodgers, for whom he was once a batboy, headed west intent on establishing a new legacy in the golden state. Although his favorite baseball team called Los Angeles home, Harry preferred life in the jewel of California and opened up his very own diner-style coffee shop off Girard Avenue in 1960. He and his wife, Catherine, fostered a classic American atmosphere that conveyed the same nostalgia, neighborhood comfort, and friendliness that was found on so many street corners throughout the New York City boroughs they came from."
"This La Jolla institution is renowned for their potato pancakes served with sour cream and applesauce but they've got everything from healthy egg white omelettes to throwbacks that include chipped beef on toast."
"Imperial Beach’s casual cafe specializes in sandwiches and salads but you’ll also want to come for the views of the beach located across the street."