50 Best Beer Bars near National City

“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!!!💕“

“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.“

“Good job n thank you so much“

“My family and I had a wonderful experience. The food, drinks, atmosphere, staff and price were on point. We definitely will be back to this restaurant.“

“Freshly caught options. Minimal seating- but something opens up by the time your meal is done. Highly recommend.“

“Happily went to the wrong location! Awesome beer!“

“Great space and good beers. Always good for that sunset on the patio.“

“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.“

“Great burgers, quick service. Good value for money.“

“Great food, great service. Can't go wrong here.“

“Great place to do a little work done and there is great food too. There is usually a lot of places to sit. They sell beer for any occasion like if you just want to sit and have a drink work a little or to like something to bring to a party or to have at home. They sell mostly six packs of beer.“

“Phenomenal food, fun atmosphere, excellent staff & owners. Highly recommend!“

“Outstanding service and food. The Juevos Rancheros with rice and beans were well portioned and delicious. The young lady serving us was helpful and attentive. New favorite!“

“Place is fire. So many beers to choose from you don't even know where to start. I'd say ask the bartenders to pick your drinks for you. It's funner that way.“

“Had a “daddy daughter” day with my dad. Spent the day at Balboa Park and wanted somewhere near but not too fancy to eat. Found Hidden Craft. The food was so good. My dad got birria fries and a salad. I got the American cheeseburger. One of the best burgers I’ve ever had!! This place is a must try if you’re in San Diego.“

“Comida riquísima!!! Authentically delicious! 🔥🇲🇽“

“great food and BBQ sauce 🙂“

“Love the food joint that’s been added to this bar. Amazing food and people!“

“My friend and I had a great time at dinner here on a Monday night. Everyone on the staff, especially our server Charlie, was very friendly. Service was speedy and the food was delicious. Also, on the practical side, I enjoy places with accessible parking. There’s a structure behind the restaurant with usually plenty of parking.“

“Cheddar shrimp and grits were so good!“

“Beautiful outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Plenty of seats for a weekday breakfast. Food is absolutely delicious! Perfect portion size for those with a big appetite. Breakfast smash was flavorful and pairs well with a cold brew. Breakfast burrito was huge(!!!) And easily shareable (which we absolutely LOVED). GREAT little breakfast/brunch spot for a family!“

“First time at Board and Brew. Friends have raved. It is a winner. Fresh and tasty.“

“Really delicious and reasonably priced food. Love the fusion style. The Tokyo fries are one of my absolute fav things on the menu. As well as the fried kale and Banh mi 🤤 Decent beer, wine, teas, and specialty drinks.“

“Josh was super friendly and seated us promptly. The food was all really delicious and the service was fast. They where on top of refills and clean up. Each roll tasted so fresh and flavorful. 10/10 recommend and can't wait to come back.“

“Came here to meet a group of friends to watch the Iran vs Egypt soccer game and Padres vs Dodgers game. The upstairs was closed, but the downstairs was packed with people both inside and outside.

The bartender was great. The beer selection was solid, and I really enjoyed their hazy IPAs.

We also tried their bbq pizza, and it was a standout. The crust was super crispy, and the flavor overall was really good.

Overall, this is a lively spot that’s perfect for watching a game. Tons of TVs throughout, great beer, and excellent pizza. It’s got a fun, social vibe and is an easy place to hang out with friends for a game or a casual night out.“

“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“

“Hi I recommend this entirely“

“One of my favorite bars in the city! Great cigars, deals on drinks, and a vibe that’s always chill but never boring. Staff makes you feel at home every time. I even love bringing in my board games here it’s the perfect spot to relax, hang with friends, and just enjoy the night. Easily one of my favorite bars in the city.“

“Very tasty beverages. Nice big ice cubes, made from tasty water. Friendly staff, and a back room shrouded in mystery...“

“This place serves 85 years of proven deliciousness. It is simple. It is hearty. These days, it is even out of the ordinary. Just go. You will be glad that you did. If you are like me, you’ll remember how Mom would heat the oven to 450 degrees and place the block of ice Hungry Man pot pie in the oven for one hour till it transformed into a cauldron of molten lava. My mother would even crack open the hood of the pie and load it with an extra cup of frozen peas and carrots that would cook to perfection in the heavenly inferno of scrumptious delight, which made me the muscular hunk of love that I am today. The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop serves up a pie that is an even better recipe than the one in my memories of my dear Mom. If your are nearby, give it a try.“

“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!“

“......what an incredibly tasty delicious burger i had here, again when the nephew from texas was visiting........imagine in and out is upscale and better......well, this is THE burger..........literally mops the floor with all the other burgers in san diego, da-yum this was da-good.........and we sat outside under an umbrella on compact metal furniture with an incredible bay view right in front of us........so san diego, this joint...........“

“Had a quick lunch here today. Yummy salad ( a bit heavy on the blue cheese, but fixable) fun ambiance and very helpful friendly staff. Would definitely recommend this place! Also, kind on my wallet which makes going here a no brainer!“

“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!“

“Love the food and amazing service ♥️one a my best place!!!!!!!“

“My favorite Nashville hot chicken sandwich and tenders!!!!!!“

“If you want a spot to watch a Philly game, this is very clearly the place to be in San Diego. I've watched Birds, Flyers, and Phillies games here. It's absolutely packed for Eagles games, with the crowd spread between two indoor spaces and a large outdoor area. IMO, the IPA choices here have been comparatively weak when San Diego has so many great IPAs to offer, especially at both nearby North Park and Pure Project, but there is a decent selection of other styles. However, the pretzel is the real selling point. Whether on its own or as the bread of a sandwich (the Spicy Turkey was recommended to me and it is quite delicious!), the soft pretzels are the real deal. I saw lots of people coming in just to eat, and I can't blame them.“

“A unique concept where not only is it a beer/liquor store but if you wish to buy the beer in the fridge and drink it on premise you pay a small corkage fee. This allowing you to try a variety of beer with a much lower price than the average bar while being able to take home said beer in a 4 or 6 pack. They also have a variety of cheese in the back and a sit down area tk relax and enjoy north park for what it truly is and feels like.“

“A great chill place and outside they allow dogs. Usually decent bands on the weekends and no cover charge. It’s a great find and I recommend 🤙🏼“

“Great restaurant! Food, service were on point!“

“Good food. Great service !“

“Great food, great atmosphere, and the staff is the best.“

“Love this place!! And great 🍕 pizza“

“Laidback, good wine and friendly“

“Delicioso 😋 love it. Ambiente para familia, pareja incluso solos!!“

“Great beer and service. No food today but menu looked great“

“Stopped into Mason Ale Works in Barrio Logan and was pleasantly surprised to see they had hard ciders on tap. I ordered a cider flight and was immediately in my happy place — great variety and a fun way to try a few different flavors.

The bartender was super friendly, and the whole vibe was casual and fun, the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.

Even better, you can grab tacos from Tacos El Villasana out back and enjoy them on the patio with your drinks.

Great little spot to hang out for a bit. 🍻“

“I attended an event at Meraki last night and absolutely loved the space! It’s beautifully clean, open, and so versatile—you can really make it your own. The food was delicious A++ (my favorite was the Fettuccine Alfredo) and the service was truly top notch. Such a great experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!“

“LOVE the energy and the beautiful colorful spirits who brought this collective together! Some of the most considerate and dynamic artists I know! Everything revolves around culture, growth, unity, and progress. All of the artists they've brought through their doors, where musicians, artisans, and/ or painters have been amazing.“