San Diego is proud to be one of the nation’s leading craft brew capitals and with that, we have some excellent breweries that offer extraordinary beers. There are big breweries around San Diego and North County like Ballast Point, Stone Brewery, Karl Strauss and others. The 3 craft breweries we have on our list might be smaller and less known but they could compete with the big brew boys any day of the week, these three local brewers offer incredible beers, great atmosphere and are award winning. Try out these unique and tasty breweries for yourself!

Bagby Beer Company

Bagby Beer Company is one of Oceanside’s newest hot spots, specializing in craft beers, specialty cocktails, wines and fantastic food. Complete with a main bar/deck, upstairs dining area, South patio area and tasting room, there is plenty of space in Babgy’s modern, yet green space to roam around and enjoy.

Babby Beer Company recently won a bronze medal for their Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout by the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), which is a nice welcome for a renowned brewer who is venturing out on his own.

Jeff Bagby has been dazzling the craft beer world for years and now in his newest venture is brewing up something special. Though the beer choices change often, right now you can enjoy a nice selection of beers from Cream Ales to Amber Lagers, to American Stouts, to Imperial IPAs and more! With over 24 to choose from, you will absolutely find something that you will love!

For more information or to view a full menu, visit Bagby Beer Company.

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Rip Current Brewing

Rip Current Brewing is located in San Marcos and has been brought to fame by two award-winning home brewers, one of which is Paul Sangster, the 2011 National Homebrewers Association’s Homebrewer of the Year.

Rip Current Brewing’s bright, beachy feel creates a Southern California relaxing atmosphere, complete with delicious beers and excellent service.

Rip Current Brewing won the 2015 Very Small Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year, by the Great American Beer Festival.

Rip Current brews a wide variety of craft beers, from a Chocolate Porter to Impact Zone IPA, to an Orange Honey Cream Ale and more!

For more information or to view a full menu, visit Rip Current Brewing.

Belching Beaver Brewery

Belching Beaver Brewery is a fantastic brewery located in Vista. “Belching Beaver does not brew good beer. We brew truly great beer.” This is Belching Beavers motto. Belching Beaver’s cool, industrial feel provides a nice atmosphere at their Vista location.

In 2014 at the Great American Beer Festival, before judging for the main competition had been completed, Belching Beaver Brewery took first place in the prestigious Alpha King Challenge, an IBU-focused event crowning the highest quality, mega-hopped India pale ale (IPA) in the country. That distinction goes to Belching Beaver Pound Town Triple IPA.

Crafting 7 distinct beers that range from blondes to stouts, Belching Beaver offers unique beers from a Honey Wheat Ale to a Rye IPA, to a Peanut Butter Milk Stout and more!

For more information or to view a full menu, visit Belching Beaver Brewery.

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