Does San Diego need another excuse to celebrate craft beer? Of course it does! Which means it's time to get ready for American Craft Beer Week from May 13-19, which embraces all suds made in the U.S.
The Brewers Association has deemed that there are “No red states or blue states, only brew states” during the special week and encourages people to try out small breweries. That shouldn’t be a problem in San Diego, as locals literally have dozens of places to choose from.
And with San Diego pouring some of the best beers in the country – nay, the world – it makes sense that America’s Finest City has plenty of pours all week.
Here’s where to go down a pint, and possibly learn something new about your favorite brew.
Blind Lady Ale House
3416 Adams Ave.
During the monthly DrinkAbout, Blind Lady Ale House will be doing good for American Craft Beer Week. The bar, along with the seven others on the DrinkAbout route, will donate $1 to Feeding America for a few select beers purchased Wednesday, May 15.
Green Flash Brewing Company
6550 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa
Check out the premiere of the documentary “Crafting a Nation” which details the life of American brewers through the ages. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 13 and tickets are $5.
Hamilton’s Tavern
1521 30th St., South Park
This South Park beer hotspot is hosting a toast to The Lost Abbey, one of San Diego’s largest brewing companies. Go there at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 to try some of the brewery’s favorite suds.
Helm’s Brewing Company
5640 Kearny Mesa Rd., Kearny Mesa
San Diego is known for its hoppy IPA beers, so it seems appropriate that Helm’s is devoting the week to one of local’s favorite beverages. Thursday, Friday and Saturday they will release a new IPA each day at their tasting room. Cheers!
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
various locations
This especially tasty brewing company has created a special American Craft Beer Week IPA that will be served for $4 a pint all week. At 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 all locations will tap a cask of the specially concocted brew for its weekly Cask Night.
Pizza Port Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad
Grab a glass of Saint Archer Brewing Company’s blonde, pale ale or IPA at Pizza Port in the spirit of American Craft Beer Week. You’ll also be able to meet the brewers and keep a fancy beer glass. The event starts at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13.
San Diego History Center
1649 El Prado #3, Balboa Park
Beer at a museum? Yes! The San Diego History Center has a special exhibit right now focused on the craft beer culture of America’s Finest City.
Stone Brewing Co.
1999 Citracado Pkwy., Escondido
Arguably the most popular brewery in San Diego has three events going on during American Craft Beer Week. You can meet head brewer of Monkey Paw at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13 or share a pint with Societe Brewing Company Co-founders Doug Constantiner and Travis Smith at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Or if you want to meet all the Stone rock stars of craft beer in one sitting, go to the 12 Brewers, 12 Casks, 12 Mallets event at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 16.
