Brandon Hernandez

A Breeze transit bus on S. Coast Highway es by beer drinkers at Green Cheek Beer Company at lunchtime on a weekday. (Charlie Neuman / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Why out-of-town brewing companies are coming to San Diego

June 1, 2025 at 5:44 a.m.

Orange County operations, in particular, have gained a solid foothold in the San Diego craft-beer scene.

Rouleur Brewing Co. in Carlsbad is one of several brewery businesses to shut down in 2024. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Brewery closures in San Diego County rise in 2024

January 2, 2025 at 2:35 p.m.

Economic challenges and negative consumer trends are catching up with brewers, but local beer industry still envy of the nation.

Home Brew Mart owner Jim Johnson holds up a beer in front of a row of fermenters used for brewing beer at Home Brew Mart in San Diego. Johnson self-financed the purchase of the storied space and has spent the past six months working to restore Home Brew to its roots. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Home Brew Mart launches a comeback with a familiar face leading the company

December 25, 2024 at 6:01 a.m.

Former Ballast Point Brewing employee purchased the homebrew shop with ambitions of restoring it to its former glory.

An order for a beer flight from Deft Brewing in Bay Park of San Diego for customers. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Why some brewing companies are producing more hop-forward ales and light-bodied lagers

November 29, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Brewers love crafting a wide array of beers, but over time, beer drinkers have gravitated dramatically toward two key factors – hoppiness and drinkability.

“We aspire to be more than just a brewery. We want to be a cornerstone of our local community,” said Diane Hilz, co-owner of The Roadies Brewing in Vista. “This involves engaging with local artists, ing community events, and fostering relationships with our customers,” she said. (The Roadies Brewing)

Why the small, neighborhood brewery model is back and more popular than ever in San Diego

September 10, 2024 at 9:14 a.m.

The majority of recent entrants into San Diego County's craft-beer industry are more focused on building community versus something big.

North Park Beer Co. has opened a second satellite where food is as much a focus as the beer. (North Park Beer)

19 new beer venues in San Diego County

July 6, 2024 at 6:07 a.m.

Since the start of the year, 19 brewery venues have opened across San Diego County.

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