San Diego's Best Beer: Where To Buy

San Diego is known for its breweries, and there are many places to buy beer in the city. You can buy beer online from San Diego Wine & Beer Co. and Craftshack, or visit a store such as Bottlecraft Beer Shop and Tasting Room, Keg N Bottle, Hoppy Wine and Spirits, or Krisp Beverages + Natural Foods. If you're in the Miramar area, you could try Alesmith and Pure Project, and if you're in North Park, you'll find plenty of breweries to choose from.

Best craft beer stores

San Diego is a city with a vibrant craft beer scene, and there are several stores that offer an excellent selection of beers. Here are some of the best craft beer stores in San Diego:

Bottlecraft Beer Shop and Tasting Room

This store has multiple locations across San Diego, including Little Italy, and offers a wide range of craft beers from various breweries in the area. They have a tasting room where you can sample different beers before making your purchase. Bottlecraft is highly recommended by locals and visitors alike for its diverse selection and convenient locations.

San Diego Wine and Beer Co.

Located in Miramar, San Diego Wine and Beer Co. is a popular choice for craft beer enthusiasts. They offer a great selection of IPAs and fruited sours, some of which are hard to find at other stores. This store is known for carrying unique beers that you may not find at other places, making it a favourite among those seeking something different.

Keg N Bottle

Keg N Bottle is another well-known craft beer store in San Diego that offers a wide range of options, including liquor, whiskey, kegs, wine, and more. They have a variety of unique bottles and limited-edition offerings, making them a go-to spot for those seeking something special. Their website also provides detailed descriptions of their products, making it easy to explore their extensive selection.

Hoppy Wine and Spirits

Hoppy Wine and Spirits is a highly-regarded craft beer store in San Diego. While specific details about this store are scarce, it is recommended by several sources, indicating that it is worth a visit for craft beer enthusiasts.

The Bottle House

The Bottle House is another craft beer store in San Diego that has received positive reviews. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about this store, but its inclusion on multiple lists suggests that it is a trusted source for craft beers in the area.

In addition to these stores, San Diego also has several breweries that sell their own beers, such as Alesmith, Pure Project, and Stone Brewing Co. These breweries offer a great opportunity to explore fresh beers straight from the source and often have restaurants or bars attached, providing a complete craft beer experience.

Beer delivery services

San Diego is known for its breweries and craft beer, and there are several options for getting beer delivered right to your door. Here is an overview of some popular beer delivery services in San Diego:

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery offers a wide range of wine, liquor, beer, and more. They partner with local stores to deliver your chosen products, and orders are usually delivered within 30 to 60 minutes. There is a $5 delivery fee for each order to help offset the costs involved.

Instacart

Instacart allows you to shop for beer, wine, liquor, and extras like mixers and non-alcoholic drinks from stores near you in San Diego. You can place your order through their app or website, and they will connect you with a personal shopper in your area. You can track your order and communicate with your shopper throughout the process. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and you can schedule your delivery time.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers contactless delivery of wine, beer, and liquor at low prices. They serve the San Diego, California area, allowing you to shop how and when you want.

San Diego Wine & Beer Co.

San Diego Wine & Beer Co. offers a large selection of fine wines and beers from around the world, claiming to have the best wines at the lowest prices. They ship wine and likely offer delivery for other beverages as well.

Bottlecraft

Bottlecraft has multiple locations in San Diego and carries a wide variety of beers from different breweries in the area. They also have a tasting room where you can try different beers before purchasing.

Buying beer at gas stations

When it comes to buying beer in San Diego, there are plenty of options to choose from, including specialty stores, supermarkets, and even gas stations. While gas stations may not be the first place that comes to mind for craft beer enthusiasts, they can actually be a convenient and efficient option for picking up a six-pack or a case of beer.

Most gas stations in San Diego will have a dedicated cooler section where you can find a variety of beer options. These can range from domestic lagers and IPAs to craft brews and imported beers. The selection may vary depending on the size of the gas station and its location, with larger stations in busier areas tending to have a wider range. You can usually find popular brands such as Budweiser, Coors, and Miller, as well as local craft beers from San Diego's thriving brewing scene.

When buying beer at a gas station, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, check the expiration dates on the beer, as gas stations may not have the highest turnover of stock, and you want to ensure you're getting a fresh product. Second, gas stations often have strict regulations around the sale of alcohol, so be prepared to show valid ID, regardless of your age. Finally, while gas stations can be convenient, they may not offer the best prices on beer. It's always a good idea to compare prices with other stores in the area to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

That being said, buying beer at a gas station can be a great option when you're in a hurry or passing through an area you're not familiar with. It's a quick and easy way to pick up some drinks for a gathering or to stock up for a road trip. Many gas stations also offer snacks and other convenience items, making it a one-stop shop for your travel needs. So, while gas stations may not be the go-to destination for beer connoisseurs, they can certainly fit the bill for those looking for convenience and a cold beer.

Beer at grocery stores

San Diego is known for its craft beer scene, with several breweries and dedicated beer shops across the city. While you can buy beer at many grocery stores in San Diego, some are better than others for beer enthusiasts.

One option is Ralphs, which has been recommended for its wine selection, but less so for its beer. Another option is VONS, which is owned by Albertsons/Safeway and can be found on the southern end of Coronado. Smart & Final Extra on the northern end of Coronado is also a good choice, and you don't need a club card to shop there.

For those looking for a wider selection of craft beers, Bottlecraft Beer Shop and Tasting Room is a popular choice, with several locations across San Diego. San Diego Wine and Beer Co. is another option, especially if you're a fan of IPAs and fruited sours. They also offer an online service, allowing you to buy wine and beer online and have it shipped to you.

If you're looking for something a little more niche, The Bottle House, Hoppy Wine and Spirits, and Keg N Bottle are all worth checking out. For those with a particular interest in west coast IPAs, Pizza Port is a great choice, and their Carlsbad Village location has a bottle shop.

Finally, for those who can't make it to a physical store, Craftshack offers an online service with a large selection of craft beers from San Diego breweries, delivered straight to your door.

Buying beer online

San Diego is known for its craft beer scene, and there are plenty of options for buying beer online from local breweries and beer shops. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process and find the best beer options available for delivery or pickup in San Diego.

Online Beer Retailers in San Diego

Several online retailers specialize in craft beer and offer a wide selection of local San Diego brews. CraftShack, for instance, boasts the largest selection of craft beer online, including popular local options such as Belching Beaver Brewing Co., Duck Foot Brewing Company, and AleSmith Brewing Co. They offer delivery services, and you can also earn rewards by registering on their website.

Local Brewery Websites

Many local breweries in San Diego sell their beer directly through their websites. For example, Belching Beaver Brewery, known for its creative stouts like the Viva La Beaver Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout, offers online sales. Similarly, Mikkeller San Diego, which produces a range of beers from the Windy Hill cream ale to the Raspberry Blush sour, also allows you to purchase their beers online.

Beer Delivery Apps

Another option for buying beer online is to utilize delivery apps such as Drizly or Instacart. These apps partner with local retailers to offer a wide selection of beer, often including craft options, which you can then have delivered to your doorstep. This can be a convenient way to discover new beers and support local businesses.

Online Beer Shops

In addition to craft beer retailers, there are online beer shops that offer a wide variety of beers, including international options. San Diego Wine & Beer Co., for instance, offers a selection of fine wines and beers from around the world at low prices and provides shipping services. Bottlecraft is another popular option with multiple locations across San Diego, offering a diverse range of beers that you might not find elsewhere.

Planning Your Purchase

When buying beer online in San Diego, it's worth considering the occasion and your preferences. If you're looking for a unique gift, a specialty beer bundle or gift set from a local retailer could be a great choice. For those who enjoy trying new beers, many online shops offer variety packs featuring different styles or seasonal releases. Additionally, keep an eye out for online reviews to discover hidden gems and get insights into the latest releases and limited-edition beers.

Frequently asked questions