What's the difference you ask? Well, for starters, it seems like almost every weekend there is some kind of stellar event going on that features local craft beer. For example, last weekend was Karl Strauss' “Beach to Brewery” beer and music fest. 70 kegs of awesome beer from Karl Strauss, live music, a bike ride to the beach—just your average weekend in San Diego : ).
This coming weekend is the “Craft Beer Block at North Park Festival of the Arts” http://www.northparkfestivalofarts.com/north_park_festival_of_the_arts_craft_beer.html. Check that out and tell me you're not impressed.
And it's not just the local breweries that are featured either. San Diego breweries and pubs have such an affinity for great beer, that they often feature great brews from non-local breweries. The local attitude is: if it's good beer it shall be served. Kudos San Diego.
Seems like everywhere I go—pizza joints, restaurants, hotel bars, ball games etc. everyone is serving great local beer on tap. You're not just going to find local craft brew at the breweries, you will find it everywhere. Even the San Diego Zoo is now serving local craft beer. Their fine-food restaurant, “Albert's”, has an excellent selection of local beer in bottles. Several of the Zoo's eateries also have a tap or two. I bought a Stone Pale Ale on tap at the Sabertooth Grill last week.
And local grocery, convenience and liquor stores all seem to have at least a modest selection of local beers. Many have outstanding collections and are worth making a trip to when you're in town. Try South Bay Drugs in Imperial Beach. Joey, their beer expert, loves to talk beer and has assembled one of the best selections of craft beer ANYWHERE (http://sites.google.com/site/southbaydrugs/). Joey also ships beer which is legal to many states so if you're from out of town make your selection and he will ship to you.
San Diego has great breweries—yes. San Diego also has a culture that recognizes and promotes great beer. People here know and love their beer. So the next time you visit, keep your eyes and ears open because no matter where you go or what you do—chances are great beer will be waiting for you.
John Rogers
San Diego is Brewing
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