34 Best Craft Breweries near Poway

“A must visit. True to the roots of the small brewery experience in the San Diego area. Visiting Lightning feels like visiting a bit of brewing history.

There is an indoor and outdoor seating area to enjoy. The beer on tap is great! Really unique brewery styles compared to most breweries. Nice to be able to order a few types of beer I have never seen elsewhere. Of course, they have the tried and true Thunderweizen, also a must have when you visit. It really is the definition of a Souther California take on a Hefeweizen style. Fits perfectly with the great weather.

There is plenty of parking around the building, a few places large enough to bring a sizable group of people after work for a birthday. They also have some snacks that you can grab while you are here.

The staff was attentive and professional, which is always appreciated. You can also get a glimpse into the production when you visit as well, since it's a big open warehouse.“

“Battleground Brown is outstanding!!!“

“Exceptional beers! With a wide variety of styles. Their west coast IPA and saison are my favorite. The staffs are very friendly. Stepped in 30 mins before the closing time but still got great service. Highly recommend!“

“Great atmosphere and better beer! Love this place.“

“Great people. Great vibe. And the beer is fantastic!“

“This brewery is hands down one of the best spots in San Diego! The beer is absolutely delicious--some of the best I've had in the area. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming, and the owner goes out of their way to make you feel at home, which really adds a personal touch. I love the fun rotation of food trucks, so there's always something new and tasty to pair with the brews. Between the games, activities, and overall good vibes, it's the perfect place to hang out with friends or just relax. Highly recommend checking it out!“

“Great place to hang out with great drink, not intoxicating. 👍😊. Great ambiance! Love it! 💖“

“Fantastic ciders and food!!“

“There’s no ginger beer like Preston’s. The quality is absolutely unmatched, he’s truly a master of his craft! They offer a variety of unique flavors, and every one of them is delicious. If you’re a fan of ginger, this is definitely a spot you’ll want to check out!!“

“Love me some Run Wild!!! You made living alcohol free so easy and enjoyable!!! Cannot tell the difference, WOW! Oh, and I can get it at my local grocery store! Love it!😋🍻“

“A refreshing quality Hard Yerba Mate made to taste in a nice garden atmosphere! The staff is superb and knows their Mate!“

“Shh! Don’t tell anybody but Fall Brewing continues to be a top 3 brewer in SD. I’ve never tried a beer they make I didn’t like. 💥“

“Don’t forget also a great compliment to the beer selection here is the amazing wood fire pizza with @pizzatrolley“

“Eddy's an awesome bartender!“

“Alesmith is a San Diego staple and absolutely worth a stop on any brewery crawl. The Del Mar location is massive — tons of space, great setup, and you can instantly tell how electric it must get on weekends. I stopped by on a Monday night, so it was quiet, but that gave me the chance to really appreciate the space and chat with the bartenders.

Service was top-notch: knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the beer. I went with the Clásico and it did not disappoint — crisp, balanced, and exactly what you’d expect from a brewery that nails consistency and quality across the board.

Looking forward to coming back during peak hours to experience the full energy. If you’re into craft beer, Alesmith is a must.“

“Lots of variety and options on this menu. They brew fun beers instead of the seemingly more common, easy-drinking IPAs. I’m looking for something that tastes like I’m chewing pine needles, and Duck Foot has that (among other, less intense beers too!).

Dog-friendly patio and usually has a food truck. We went home a 4-pack to go!“

“Battleground Brown is outstanding!!!“

“A Wonderful place for ice COLD BEER and yummy food...🔥😋🔥“

“Great flavors, something for everyone“

“Discovered this little microbrewery when driving down Hibert Street in Mira Mesa after a walk around Miramar Lake. There was a sidewalk banner advertising the brewery and I’m super happy I scoped the place out. The crew and patrons were having ugly Xmas sweater night and our little dog was welcomed as we were.I had Siren Song, an IPA, and my friend had Wolf, a German altbier. We were delighted with our cold pints, the beers were both excellent!!!!! We are definitely coming back and inviting friends!Give this brewery a try, you won’t be sorry!“

“Another amazing events in the books for VBC. Thank you so much to the team at Protector for supporting the Veteran community and hosting our 9th Anniversary event. The team professionally planned and executed our event for 200 plus guests without a hitch! We look forward to continuing our relationship with your brand and planning future events!“

“Love their West Coast IPA and the beertender service is excellent. Came here on a busy Thursday night with both kids and the pup. Even with a biotech Meetup event happening I never waited more than 2 min for a beer when a small lined formed at the bar. ??

Kids had a great time playing around the corn hole set and with the arcade games. Poseidon Project was serving up delicious wood fire pies ? . We had the Hot Honey and it was ? ?“

“If you are looking for a dog friendly taproom with amazing beer, amazing staff and amazing food then you can stop here because you’ve found it. Been going here for years and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.“

“Fantastic experience here. Respectful, friendly, and outgoing service. Good beer selection. IPAs on one half of the menu, everything else on the other side. If you're sticking with the non-IPA side, the kolsch, blonde, Belgian golden, and their stouts are all great. The Debutante amber all was a highlight. Vibe good here, too. It's a large, destination brewery, with lots of available seating inside and out. A handful of bar stools, too.“

“I don’t even drink beer and this is my happy place“

“Came here for dinner, our food was amazing and our server David went above and beyond! David was super friendly and knowledgeable on the menu and drink selection!! five stars for the food and five stars for David and his amazing customer service“

“Delicious beer, I really enjoyed the browns.“

“Great staff and atmosphere. Fun little gem in Santee Love the Drunk Monkey I give this place a 3 Frogs rating. lol“

“Absolutely HUGE selection of beer! The food is excellent as well. They are very accommodating and family friendly. The staff are lovely and attentive. Food and drinks came out quickly! The whole place is very roomy and accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, etc. Highly recommend!
I had a group party with a reservation for about 20 people and they were all set up for us when we arrived and were very prompt with every food and drink order as well as cleaning away empty dishware as we went. I highly recommend them for any group dining events, just be sure to call ahead and reserve a spot!“

“The overall experience with Blackbird Beverages is highly positive. The brand’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovative flavors is evident in every sip. Whether you’re enjoying a cold brew on a hot day or mixing up a cocktail with their artisanal mixers, you can feel confident in the quality of what you’re consuming. The customer service experience is also commendable, with responsive and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with inquiries or recommendations.
Overall, Blackbird Beverages offers an impressive range of high-quality, artisanal beverages that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. With a focus on sustainability and innovative flavors, this brand stands out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a sparkling beverage enthusiast, or someone who enjoys crafting cocktails at home, Blackbird Beverages has something to offer. We highly recommend trying their products for a taste of quality and creativity in every bottle.“

“I had the pleasure of visiting BNS Brewing and Distillery in Santee, California, and it was an experience worth talking about. The brewery exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its rustic yet laid-back charm, making it the perfect spot for both regulars and newcomers. On this visit, I was there to watch my friend compete in a lively cornhole tournament, which was one of the highlights of the night. The event was impressively organized, with smooth registration, clearly designated playing areas, and a schedule that kept everything running seamlessly. It was fantastic to see a mix of serious competitors and casual players enjoying themselves and interacting in friendly competition.

The crowd added to the experience with their energy—cheering, laughing, and sharing moments that brought everyone together. Whether you were there to play or just watch, like I was, the enthusiasm was infectious. The staff at BNS played a big part in creating such an enjoyable atmosphere, always attentive and ensuring everyone had a great time.

Beyond the event, BNS Brewery’s craft beers and distilled beverages were exceptional. With a diverse range of flavors to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone. For anyone looking for a place that blends community spirit, good drinks, and quality entertainment, BNS Brewing and Distillery is a must-visit. I highly recommend it!
Shout out to AJ Bell and Emilio!“

“Valentin was our waiter and he is excellent, the best!“

“Ava our server was just so amazing! Such a great attitude and got our food/ beverages out in a timely manner. Definitely would give that girl a raise!“

“Ive been trying to keep this place a secret because its that good. But really, great beer and food. And wonderful staff.

My recomendations: Beer: Aurora Hoppyalis
Food: Brussel Sprouts.

S/o to Aj at the bar! great attitude!“