San Diego is becoming as well known for its craft breweries as it is for its fish tacos. But San Diego breweries are just the start — there are plenty more just up the frothy coastline towards Oceanside, where the craft beer scene is booming, all just steps from the beach and the beachfront The Seabird Resort.
Read on for our favorite breweries in Oceanside, along with a couple honorable mentions just beyond our borders.
Bagby Beer Co.
When world-famous professional brewer Jeff Bagby went out on his own, heads (and pint glasses) turned. What he and his wife and co-owner Dande built, less than a mile away from The Seabird, is far from beer-business-as-usual. Among their award-winning offerings? Gotta Pay the Pils, a German-style pilsner, and Untarted Cherritory, a tart Belgian-style mini blonde. Don’t miss the fried chicken and cheddar biscuits and fried cheese curd topped Belgian-style frites. If you don’t make it to the pub, you can still sample Bagby’s brews right here at The Seabird with rotating beers on tap at The Shore Room, Piper, and The Shelter Club. Bagby Beer Co., 601 S Coast Highway, Oceanside
Booze Brothers Brewing Co.
When brothers David and Donny Firth started tinkering with brewing their own beers in their garage, they never thought it would lead to this: a beloved veritable beer empire with taproom locations in Vista, Fallbrook, and, yep, Oceanside. Among their most beloved brewskies? Ramble On, an IPA with notes of fresh pine and grapefruit, and Courage Lager, which is brewed with German Pilsner malt. Booze Brothers Brewing Co., 606 Mission Ave., Oceanside
Burgeon Beer Company
Just down the road in Carlsbad, this craft brewery and taproom is well worth the short trek. Sure, we love the eye-popping lineup of brews — which range from Nitro Coffee Burl ale to the passionfruit and citrus-noted Hand Selected — but what keeps us coming back weekend after weekend are the food trucks popping up in the beer garden, including Thumbs Up BBQ and El Shrimp Bucket Mexican Food. Burgeon Beer Company, 6350 Yarrow Dr., Carlsbad
Craft Coast Beer and Tacos
The name says it all – this local joint brings two of the world’s best culinary delights together: craft beer and Baja-style street tacos. Who can say no to that? Even better, Craft Coast Beer and Tacos is just a 2-minute walk from The Seabird. With a rotating selection of beers available, enjoy a new brew on tap every time you visit. Get your fill of tacos, nachos, multias (a type of taco that uses one tortilla on top and one on the bottom with fillings in the middle), and taco bowls with your choice of perfectly prepared meats (the birria is a favorite) and satisfying veggies. Craft Coast Beer and Tacos, 275 Mission Ave, Oceanside
Northern Pine Brewing
The piney woods of the Pacific Northwest-inspired this beloved brewery, which Oceanside locals love for its knowledgeable staffers and on-point barbecue. Founded in 2018 by a trio of craft beer obsessives, Northern Pine’s offerings include slightly sweet Turning Point Cream Ale and Saized & Confused, a Belgian ale that won a gold medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival. Northern Pine Brewing, 326 N. Horne St., Oceanside
Societe Brewing Company
This indie brewery in San Diego is devoted to uniting “beer folk” of every stripe. And thanks to flavors for every palate — including a hoppy The Coachman and floral The Harlot — they do. The only thing better than nabbing a picnic table in their alfresco beer garden? Getting a few street tacos or carne asada fries from Chachos Tacos, tucked within the brewery. Societe Brewing Company, 8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego
South O Brewing Company
Founded by local Oceanside neighbors in 2020, South O Brewing Company is a relatively new addition to the region’s craft beer scene, situated along the famous California Pacific Coast Highway. South O brews a little of everything, offering a tap list that features a solid mix of IPAs, pilsners, amber ales, porters, and more. Food trucks pull up to dish out meals on the weekends and some weekdays — check the brewery’s social media to see what’s available. South O Brewing Company, 1575 South Coast Highway, Oceanside
The best part about checking out these craft breweries in Oceanside? Knowing you’ll return home to The Seabird Resort for a much-deserved break (and okay, maybe another pint) by the pool.
