Breweries in North Park, San Diego, You Should Know

San Diego is a beer lover’s paradise. From micro-breweries to nationally loved brands, the beer scene in San Diego is unquestionably one of the best in the country. While Miramar is one of the premier spots for breweries, some of San Diego’s finest watering holes are scattered throughout North Park

Second Chance

Serving up some of the best beers in San Diego, Second Chance’s tasting room on 30th street is a treat for anyone looking for a good drink. Even people who don’t like beer will still have a good time here.

Their Fistful of Gummies sour is tart, sweet, and definitely not hoppy. There are currently three seltzers and two sours available, so don’t be afraid if you’re not a fan of IPA’s. They have a wide variety of unique beers on tap, my favorite being their tangerine American Blonde.

While you’re here, be sure to try their award-winning Tabula Rasa – voted the best robust porter in the country twice in a row. With outdoor seating complete with fire pits and a cozy, industrial interior, Second Chance is a perfect spot to cozy up and have a great drink in North Park.

Bivouac Ciderworks

Also conveniently located on 30th street, Bivouac Ciderworks is a great place to change it up if beer is just not for you. Offering flights of ciders, cocktails, and full meals, Bivouac is a great place to go for a date.

Admittedly, their food menu is pretty expensive, but the Fancy Fries we ordered were crispy and salty with a good sauce – everything you need for a snack with drinks. The ciders were all excellent, and a flight is definitely the way to go here.

There are so many different flavor profiles to choose from. I had the Haywire Twist (Dirty Chai Latte), Albright (Pear), and Marlin Spike (Pineapple Pear). All three were excellent and I left wanting to try the rest of the menu.

The interior is dark and filled with beautiful wood accents and designs everywhere. Overall, while a little more expensive, Bivouac is a great option for any night out in North Park. 

Mike Hess Brewing

The story of Mike Hess brewing is legendary. Growing from an 800 square foot, self-proclaimed “nano-brewery” to having five locations throughout California, culminating in the North Park flagship location, Mike Hess is a success story for the ages.

The location on Grim Avenue offers a unique entrance where guests walk over and through the rows of fermentation tanks. Along with the giant tanks providing a fun atmosphere, Mike Hess has darts, board games, and weekly events. Most importantly, however, they have good beer and a great selection.

Featuring sours, stouts, seltzers, and more, their diverse menu options are sure to please everyone from IPA lovers to beer haters. I tried their Grazias Amber Ale, which was delicious and left me wanting to try the rest of their menu.

As far as breweries in North Park, San Diego, go, Mike Hess is a great place to try a few beers, relax with old friends, or make a few new ones!

Ripcurrent

Ripcurrent is an easily recognizable brewery on the corner of 30th and Polk, right in the center of everything fun. A big, bright taproom offers indoor-outdoor seating, with tons of seats facing the street for maximum people-watching fun.

The beer list here is filled with hits, thanks to a team of brewing master-minds. While lesser known than some other name-brand San Diego breweries, Ripcurrent has taken home numerous awards and even won “GABF Very Small Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year” in 2015.

The quality of both the beer and atmosphere here are both top-notch. An added benefit is that they are connected with Craft House Burgers, which I have not yet had the pleasure of sampling yet. However, easy access to real food (not just pub snacks) from a full kitchen is always a bonus. 

North Park Beer Co.

With an old-school look in a laid-back setting, North Park Beer Co. is a great choice for beer aficionados looking for a more low-key setting. A huge, industrial room filled with fermentation tanks, kegs, and other brewing equipment greets visitors as they walk in.

There is plenty of seating at both the bar and personal tables, so if you’re in the mood to make friends, fret not. They have an excellent selection of beers and are heavy on the IPAs.

I, however, had the Tikicito Sour, which was excellent and very coconut forward. Unlike other sours, it was less tart and sweeter, but was a refreshing treat for a night out. While other locations on this list may be better suited for people who don’t like beer, this spot is more catered toward beer aficionados.