San Diego's Best German Beer: Where To Buy

San Diego is home to several restaurants and bars that serve German beer. Kaiserhof German American Restaurant, Eppig Brewing, Karl Strauss, O'Brien's Pub, and Mike Hess Brewing are some of the popular spots. German-style beers, such as festbiers, kölsches, and altbiers, are gaining popularity in the city, and some breweries claim that their locally brewed German beers can be better than European imports.

German beers at Mike Hess Brewing

Mike Hess Brewing in San Diego is a great place to enjoy a German beer. The brewery has been in operation for 13 years, with a mission to craft beers across many styles, using quality ingredients, and making them well.

One of their German-style beers is Claritas, a 2016 World Beer Cup gold award-winning Kölsch. This authentically German beer is light straw in colour, with a smooth and refreshing flavour. It has a clean, dry finish, with light fruit and bready notes from the German Pilsner malt, hops, and yeast.

Another German-inspired beer is Grazias, a twist on the old-world classic Vienna lager style. This beer is malty and well-balanced with German "noble" hops, which lend it a creamy, smooth texture. The deep amber colour comes from the malt, and it has flavours of chocolate, vanilla, and light toast.

In addition to these, Mike Hess Brewing offers a range of other German-style beers, including a gentle German-style Kolsch, a Munich Dunkel lager, and a German Pilsner. The brewery has two locations in San Diego that are family and dog-friendly, offering a unique brewery and tasting room experience.

Kaiserhof German American Restaurant and Biergarten

Kaiserhof is highly regarded as one of the best places in San Diego to enjoy German beer and food, with a lively atmosphere to match. The restaurant's proximity to Sea World makes it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're looking for a quick drink or a full meal, Kaiserhof has something for everyone.

The restaurant offers a full bar, ensuring that everyone can find their favourite beverage. The German draft beer is a highlight, with a variety of options available to suit different tastes. Kaiserhof also serves traditional German soft pretzels, providing the perfect snack to accompany your drink.

In addition to the drinks and snacks, Kaiserhof offers a range of authentic German specialties. One of their signature dishes is the Wienerschnitzel, a traditional breaded cutlet that is sure to satisfy any hunger. For those with a sweet tooth, the strudel is a perfect choice, offering a delicious taste of German dessert culture.

German-style beers at Eppig Brewing

Eppig Brewing is an award-winning craft brewery in San Diego County, with a 150-year legacy of German brew craft. The brewery was founded by brothers Clayton LeBlanc and Nathan Stephens, who resurrected the Eppig name 150 years after the establishment of the family's first brewery in Brooklyn, New York. Brothers Joseph and Leonhard Eppig had established a brewing empire which excelled through the early 1900s and endured the trials of Prohibition.

Eppig Brewing offers a range of German-style beers, including:

• Helles Lager: Brewed with Tettnang hops and German pilsner malt, this beer is malt-forward yet balanced with a soft, dry finish.
• Pilsner: Light malts and floral hops in the aroma, with notes of bread crust and a hint of bitterness to cleanse the palate.
• Festbier: Less malty than a marzen, and more complex than a pilsner. This style is brewed for celebrations like Oktoberfest.
• Dunkel: A copper-coloured dark lager with subtle sweetness, light caramel flavour, and bready notes.
• Meister: A northern German wheat ale with a touch of oats, a subtle honey-like sweetness, and a dry crisp finish.

In addition to their German-style beers, Eppig Brewing also offers Mexican-style and American-style beers, as well as a range of ales and stouts. The brewery has two locations in San Diego, including a waterfront biergarten in Pt. Loma that offers a dog-friendly patio.

German beers at Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is an award-winning craft beer brewery and pub in San Diego, California. Founded in 1989 by Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, it was Southern California's first independent brewery and helped launch the craft beer scene in San Diego. The pub offers a mix of classic American pub fare and healthier, more distinctly Southern Californian dishes.

The brewery has a wide variety of beers, including several German-style brews. One notable German-style beer is the "Windansea Wheat Hefenwiezen", a German-style wheat beer that is refreshing and bubbly with subtle notes of baking spices. At 5.1% ABV, it offers a maltier punch than a typical American beer. This beer is a great choice for those who want something refreshing yet more flavourful than a light lager.

Another German-style beer offered by Karl Strauss is the "Berliner Weiss", a Berliner Weisse style beer with an ABV of 3.4%. This beer is tart and refreshing, making it perfect for a hot day in San Diego. It is a great choice for those who enjoy sour or wild beers.

In addition to their own brews, Karl Strauss also offers a selection of imported beers from other Southern Californian craft breweries, known as "Friends of Karl." This provides customers with even more options to choose from, including additional German-style beers.

The pub has a casual and inviting atmosphere, with a variety of seating options and multiple televisions for watching sports. It is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a beer, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.

Whether you're a fan of German-style wheat beers, IPAs, or something else entirely, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has something to offer. With a range of beers and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego.

German beers at O'Brien's Pub

O'Brien's Pub, located at 4646 Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, is the place to go for German beer lovers. With a long-standing reputation as one of the best craft beer bars in the county, O'Brien's offers a wide range of beers that will delight even the most discerning drinkers.

The pub has been a beloved fixture in the San Diego craft beer scene since 1994. It was one of the first establishments in the area to focus on craft ales and lagers, earning it the affectionate title of "the hoppiest place on Earth". O'Brien's has a strong connection to local San Diego brewing companies and is known for its support of Belgian breweries, making it the perfect place to find German beers.

The pub offers 28 beers on tap, with a rotating selection of guest breweries, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to try. Their love for Belgian beers and unusual rarities from around the world sets them apart, and their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to make recommendations.

O'Brien's is also known for its delicious food, with many patrons praising their wings and bar snacks. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a casual evening with friends, sipping on a variety of German beers and indulging in tasty treats. The pub also hosts special events, such as their annual Russian River Brewing TION Weekend and their Wet Hop Festival, which celebrate the art of brewing and the diverse world of beers.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a cosy pub to unwind, O'Brien's Pub is definitely worth a visit. With its friendly atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and mouth-watering food, it's no wonder O'Brien's has been named the best beer bar in the nation by USA Today.

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