18 Best Beer Bars near El Cajon

“Loved everything we got tonight, the chicken sandwich, pulled pork, amazing! So were the fried Mac and cheese balls!!!!“

“This was the best restaurant I have been too in months, I never leave reviews but everyone was so friendly. The AC was out but the comfort of all the staff was so pleasing. Me and my husband sat at the bar and the chefs were so inviting and gave great recommendations for our food. Didn’t wait more than 10 mins for 2 sushi rolls, best customer service ever, very clean and such a great atmosphere. We will definitely be back thank you so much!“

“My roommate and I have been coming here for a while, it's easily one of our favorite regular spots. The atmosphere is stylish and gives off great vibes and always feels welcoming. The food is always fresh coming from local California farms. The drink menu is solid with all of the staples and some with added twists. The owners Chris and Jenn are amazing, they and their staff are always kind and provide incredible service. Other points to consider are the burger of the month, a rotating culinary delight often themed and always delicious, and the establishment holds many different events from art shows, drink and paint, trivia and so many others. Honestly, it's always a great place with friendly people. Chris and Jenn are leaders in the community and work to not only provide delicious food, and a great experience but also work hard to make the community better. Would recommend, and do recommend to everyone and anyone. 5/5 stars.“

“Friends of Friends and Wavy Burgers - This is my favorite coffee shop in National city. It’s artistic, unique, and fun. I always find something new and delicious, and that’s selling it short. I’d take friends or family from out of town here, and I have. Definitely a highlight of National city and the owners should be very proud.

Only vice is sometimes the music is a touch too loud or vile with expletives over and over again… no thanks. Those days I just grab my food and dip. That’s a knock on an atmosphere star.

I will keep coming here! I’m a big fan of their orange Thai tea latte :)“

“Everything about it is fantastic! The beers are delicious and the owners are so welcoming! Thank you for hosting my 29th birthday!!!💕“

“Retro arcade conveniently located in La Mesa. Don't drink so can't speak to the beer selection but they have a wife variety of taps. If theres a beeryou wanted to try this is a phenomenal opportunity. Played for about 45 min, 2 ppl cost $27 incl good tip. Sundays are free play all day. I'll be back“

“Update June 2026: still my number 1 favorite brewery. Always a great experience. Tonight the beer was perfect, the band (Setting Sons) was excellent, and the food truck was great ( Surf Me A Taco, or is it Surf Meat Taco) ! Great place. Praguenosis, haze for horses, King Rufus - incredible beers.

Original: Great place, friendly with awesome beer! The old brick building and the patio with lights is just a perfect atmosphere for a beer!“

“I picked up some ribs and a sandwich for dinner last night and the food was awesome as always. Portions were big enough that I had leftovers. Corbin O'Reilly and Vince always make me feel special!“

“good food and beer on tap“

“I found the place to be really nice inside. I placed an order to go. Staff at cashier stand not real friendly but not mean eithier.
I ordered a meat lovers pizza. It was really nice looking FULL OF CHEESE. That was awesome. But I found it to be a bit salty. But doable.“

“Love all the art 🙂👍“

“Laidback, good wine and friendly“

“Craft beer places are a dime a dozen in SD, but I knew after one visit that Machete is easily going to become a favorite water hole to visit when I am in the mood for a good variety of craft beer. They have a bunch of different styles, and a selection of beers from breweries that I either haven't heard of or never tasted before. Love that. It gets boring seeing the same 3-4 breweries at every place that offers craft beer in SD.Vibe is super chill, casual and divey.Staff here is really nice. I didn't get his name, but he let me try a few different beers and gave great recommendations based on the styles I like.No food here, but the Papi’s Teppanyaki food truck is here from time to time. Check their IG for their schedule. Not sure if there are ever other options since I only recently found out about this place.Cheers!Edit: I came back a second time and the super cool bartender's name is Jett. If you come in on a day he's manning the bar, you're in great hands. :)

Kid-friendliness: There was a young family here with a stroller, but it wouldn't be my first choice for places to visit with kids.“

“Although service is slow and you need plenty of patience. They only have one bartender at a time She's awfully busy and never stops. The She's great at what she does. never misses a beat. I like that she cleans my glass before she serves my wine.“

“I had a great experience when placing a large order for pick-up the other day. Alvin was helpful with recommendations and made sure all supplies (seasonings and utensils) were provided. Robert offered to help load the food to my vehicle. Matt ensured all of the order was complete. The party I brought the food to commented on how neatly everything was packaged. Thanks again!“

“I picked up a box of sandwiches for a party… They were so delicious! Everyone at the party was so excited when they saw they were from board and brew. Highly recommend… My new go to place for any event! The staff was extremely friendly and efficient…“

“Don't let the rating fool you. This place is great! The staff always takes of me when I go in. I was there tonight.“

“Fantastic food, great seating“