Nestled along the sun-kissed coastline of Southern California, Encinitas boasts not only stunning beaches and a laid-back vibe but also a thriving craft beer scene that beckons enthusiasts and novices alike to indulge in the art of beer tasting. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, our coastal town offers a diverse array of breweries that promise a sensory adventure for every palate.
Crafting the Experience
Embarking on a beer tasting journey in Encinitas is like embarking on a curated tour of flavor and craftsmanship. Each brewery puts its unique spin on traditional brewing methods, often incorporating local ingredients and innovative techniques to create distinctive brews.
Discovering Local Favorites
Start your tasting expedition at Duck Foot Brewing Company, a popular craft brewery with a location in Leucadia, a quaint beach community along the historic 101 Pacific Coast Highway in the northern part of Encinitas. Known for its relaxed vibe and dedication to creating excellent gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers, Duck Foot has carved out a niche for itself in the vibrant San Diego craft beer scene. In addition to their regular lineup, Duck Foot frequently releases special and seasonal brews, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting for beer lovers to try. They also host weekly trivia and bingo nights, making it a fun, welcoming community hub.
Head a few blocks south down the 101 PCH to enjoy retro vibes with Modern Times The Far West Lounge, a 70s-décor themed brewery with a view of the iconic Encinitas sign in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Established as part of the larger Modern Times Beer brand, which originated in San Diego in 2013, the Encinitas location has become a favorite spot for craft beer enthusiasts in the area. Renowned for its innovative and diverse range of beers and friendly staff, Modern Times offers a variety of styles, including IPAs, delicious bourbon barrel-aged stouts, lagers, and sours. It also offers an original vegan menu that even meat lovers will find delicious and craveable.
A short walk south, you can continue your tasting expedition at Culture Brewing Co., where minimalist decor meets a dedication to exceptional beer. Known for their approachable and flavorful brews, Culture Brewing offers a rotating selection that caters to both seasoned beer aficionados and those new to the craft. They offer a variety of styles that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of their notable beers include their flagship Encinitas IPA, the Blonde Ale, Red Air and robust Stout with deep roasted malt flavors and hints of chocolate and coffee.
While not a craft brewery per se, Biergarten Encinitas is a popular restaurant and destination for craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Also located in the heart of downtown Encinitas a few doors down from Culture, Biergarten offers a diverse selection of beers, providing a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a quality brew. Biergarten prides itself on offering a wide and ever-changing selection of craft beers, both local and international. Their curated beer list typically includes a variety of styles to cater to different tastes, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between.
Continue heading south to the Encinitas Ale House, a beloved local establishment known for its cozy atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and delicious food. Encinitas Ale House blends the charm of a traditional pub with the laid-back vibe of a coastal Californian town, and has become a go-to spot for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy a relaxed dining experience with great beverages. While not a traditional brewery, Encinitas Ale House offers a wide variety of craft beers on tap, as well as an extensive bottle list that features local, national, and international brews. The beer menu is regularly updated to include seasonal and limited-edition releases, ensuring there’s always something new to try. The kitchen serves up a variety of pub fare with a modern twist, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
For those with a penchant for creativity in brewing, a visit a little further south on the 101 to The Confessional by the Lost Abbey in charming Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a must. This renowned brewery blends Belgian tradition with a West Coast twist, producing award-winning ales that captivate with their complexity and depth of flavor. One of Lost Abbey’s standout features is its extensive barrel-aging program. The brewery uses a variety of barrels, including wine, bourbon, and brandy barrels, to age many of its beers. This process imparts unique flavors and complexities, making each beer a distinctive experience.
And finally, you don’t want to miss the newest addition to the Encinitas craft brew line-up — Fox Point Brewing Co., the first farm-to-tap brewery in San Diego County. Located on a scenic farm across from Encinitas Ranch Golf Course off of Quail Gardens Road, the brewery offers visitors a chance to enjoy high-quality, locally crafted beers in a picturesque rural setting. The ambiance is rustic and inviting, with plenty of outdoor seating that allows guests to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. Fox Point Brewing Co. is committed to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, often incorporating farm-grown produce into their brews. This dedication to freshness and community makes it a standout spot in Encinitas for both beer enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a tranquil, farm-to-table experience. Whether you’re savoring a refreshing ale, grabbing a bite at their organic market, shopping for fresh produce or exploring the farm’s natural beauty, Fox Point Brewing Co. provides a unique and memorable visit.
Check out our breweries page https://visitencinitasca.com/eat-and-drink-in-encinitas/breweries/ for more information on hours and locations. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking the latest hop-forward IPA or a casual enthusiast eager to explore new flavors, Encinitas offers a beer tasting experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. Plan your visit to include multiple breweries and don’t forget to engage with the passionate brewers who pour their creativity into every pint. Cheers!
Author: Laura Charlton
Laura is the owner of Laura Charlton PR, a boutique public relations firm based in the San Diego area. With extensive experience working within the music, travel, entertainment, non-profit, education and consumer lifestyle industries, and for companies such as Disney, Make-A-Wish and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations, media relations and public affairs to her clients.
