Green beer, Irish whiskey, and bagpipes are only the beginning of San Diego’s St. Patrick’s Day goings on this Saturday, March 17. There are chances to hear live music, take in San Diego’s impressive St. Paddy’s parade, and even burn some calories with a run along the ocean. (It may be a celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, but this is Southern California, after all.) Here are a few of the best ways to go green this Saturday.
San Diego’s annual St. Paddy’s parade—the biggest west of the Mississippi—kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street. More than 120 floats, bands, and other parade entrants will strut their stuff north up Fifth Avenue, to Upas Street, then over to Sixth Avenue, where they will head south to Juniper Street. Following the parade, the festival takes place in Balboa Park from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., with entertainment on three stages, including Irish step dancers, folk singers, and other bands.
ShamRock
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
When: 4 p.m. to midnight
There’s more to the festivities in the Gaslamp Quarter than green beer and Irish whiskey. Three outdoor stages will feature performances from Everlast, Too Short, several DJs, and Irish and Celtic bands. General admission tickets are $55 through March 16. Tickets will be limited the day of, so order in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day 10K
Where: Mission Bay Park
When: 7:55 a.m.
Get an early start on the day’s festivities with a run along the beach at Mission Bay Park. Finish up with pizza and beer from local craft breweries. For beginner runners, there’s also a 2- and 4-mile fun run starting at 7:45 a.m.
3 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in San Diego
Fall is here and the smell of beer is in the air. While flights to Munich are a bit pricey and will set you back 12 hours, San Diego’s Oktoberfest celebrations offer a much cheaper alternative—minus the jetlag. If you needed an excuse to drink beer, listen to live music, and dig your lederhosen and dirndls out of your closet, now’s the time. Here are seven ways to enjoy San Diego Oktoberfest events this year. Prost!
Courtesy of La Mesa Oktoberfest
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 3-5
San Diego’s largest Oktoberfest gathering returns to the cozy downtown of La Mesa for its 50th year. The event features three unique beer gardens, authentic German food, live music, a ferris wheel, carnival games, and more. To make the most of it, consider buying one of its VIP ticket bundles, which grants you access to all the beer gardens and a private VIP bar, and includes a commemorative stein, an alpine hat or flower crown, and more festive goodies.
Price: Free for all ages; beer garden entry is $8; VIP tickets start at $15
Get ready for one of San Diego’s liveliest Oktoberfest celebrations in Ocean Beach this year. The 21+ event has doubled its beachfront space, taking over the Ocean Beach Pier parking lot. It features two live music stages with performances from Off the Record’s Band of Gringos, BoomBox, Spacehall Sound Machine, and various DJ sets. Besides the live entertainment and beer garden, there will be a Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition, including brat eating and stein holding challenges. Show up early for two-for-one beers until 5:30 p.m. on Friday and until 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Price: General admission is $15; VIP tickets pricing TBD
The coastal town of Encinitas celebrates its 29th annual Oktoberfest with family-friendly fun and festivities. This North County celebration features live German music, dance troupes, and food vendors, including Tarantino’s and Taste of Poland. There’s also a dog costume contest and an artisan market with over 130 local vendors. If you plan on drinking, you can catch a free shuttle from Flora Elementary or a bike valet from Wandering Road.
Price: Free admission
Time: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Address: Mountain Vista Drive between Wandering Road & Rambling Road
Courtesy of Oktoberfest in El Cajon
Oktoberfest in El Cajon
Sept. 26-28 & Oct. 3-5
Hosted by the German American Societies of San Diego, the El Cajon gathering is the most authentic Oktoberfest in the county. The two-weekend celebration features music from German band Guggenbach-Buam from the Baden-Württemberg region, folk dancing, German food (including bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, sauerkraut, and German pastries), a market, and an opening day parade. The festival offers a dedicated kids’ zone with plenty of games as well as a raffle for two plane tickets to Germany. It’s a true taste of Munich without leaving America’s Finest City.
Price: Fridays & Saturdays are $15 for adults; Sundays are $5 for adults; Free for guests under 21 and active military
Liberty Public Market celebrates Oktoberfest for 10 days of daily deals from local breweries and festivities. Notable highlights include a Mini Beer Fest, featuring sample pours from some of San Diego’s hottest breweries; a Beer Bingo + Pint Night, with samples from Coronado Brewing; and Vinyl at the Market, featuring a DJ and a record market.
Price: Free admission
Time: Mini Beer Fest on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 5-8 p.m.; Beer Bingo + Pint Night on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6-7 p.m.; and Vinyl at the Market on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma
Courtesy of Oktoberfest at One Paseo
Oktoberfest at One Paseo
September 27
Celebrate Bavarian-style in a SoCal setting at One Paseo’s Oktoberfest, where the lawn transforms into a festive beer garden featuring local breweries, including Harland Brewing. Admission includes a beer tasting flight of local brews and a German-inspired lunch. The 21+ festival also features live music, beer hall games, and an Oktoberfest costume contest.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
San Diego is the craft beer capital of America—and that’s not just my opinion, it’s a fact. Already home to hundreds of breweries across the city, San Diego’s beer scene is ever-changing with new breweries emerging, old favorites experimenting with bold flavors, and local tap lists continuing to surprise even the most seasoned enthusiasts.
We all have our favorites, and that’s okay. No two beer drinkers are the same, and consensus in the craft beer world is almost as rare as a bad pint in San Diego. (Though we can probably all agree that Keystone Light belongs nowhere near a tasting flight.)
So, let’s lower our inhibitions and take a tour of San Diego breweries, with a brew worth ordering from each. From sours to stouts, pilsners, and porters, here are our top breweries in San Diego.
Courtesy of Hauck Architecture
North Park Beer Company
Yes, everyone should have their own opinion, but anyone who doesn’t also include North Park Beer Company in their own personal shortlists is wrong. With consistently high-quality brews and 360-degree approach to hospitality, those who wish to see how to run an award-winning brewery need only glance in North Park’s direction.
Locations in North Park, Crown Point, and Bankers Hill
AleSmith has been a giant in San Diego beer for decades, and there’s no sign of them slowing down. Their mammoth tasting room and brewery should be on any beer lover’s pilgrimage list, but don’t just stop your wanderings at the bar. Meander around the Tony Gwynn museum, pop into their not-very-hidden speakeasy Anvil & Stave, and grab a few packs of their housemade Cheesesmith cheese curds on your way out.
9990 AleSmith Ct., Miramar
Courtesy of Nickel Beer Company
Nickel Beer Company
After 10 years, Nickel Beer Company is still going strong. Helmed by local beer pioneer Tom Nickel, his reach extends to a number of beer-centric businesses around the county, but this rustic outpost is a lovely oasis smack in the middle of cider and wine country, offering a wide variety of both esoteric and traditional beers on tap.
1485 Hollow Glen Rd., Julian
Courtesy of Old Town San Diego
Societe Brewing
Societe takes its time, focusing on perfecting what they’re doing before moving onto the Next Big Thing. That’s why it took them 10 years to open a second location, and yes, it was worth the wait. Hype chasers may be left wanting, but those who value consistently excellent beer without gimmick will be more than satisfied.
It’s rare to find a place that self-identifies as “punk rock” that doesn’t end up either seeming pretentious or for posers, but Fall Brewing manages to embrace edginess without either. Whether you’re in Doc Martens or docksiders, all beer lovers are welcome at their two Mid City locations. Come for the IPAs, stay for the stout on nitro.
Locations in North Park and South Park
Courtesy of Kairoa Brewing Company
Kairoa Brewing Company
San Diego doesn’t have nearly as many rooftop patios as it should, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Perch yourself above University Heights with a pint in hand, but don’t forget to come hungry—Kairoa’s kitchen is as good as their brewhouse.
4601 Park Blvd., University Heights
Courtesy of Hopnonymous Brewing Company
Hopnonymous Brewing Company
Located in the heart of the Convoy District, Hopnonymous is the perfect post-KBBQ wind-down spot. With 18 beers on tap, highlights include the Two Amigos Lime Mexican Lager—a refreshing alternative for Pacifico and Buenaveza fans. If you’re looking for something richer, Leaving Without Saying ‘Goodbye’ is a red ale that pays homage to the classic Irish goodbye with a hint of caramel. Whether you’re capping off a feast or looking for a dog-friendly brewery, Hopnonymous is the place to be.
7705 Convoy Court, San Diego
Courtesy of Pure Project
Pure Project
Pure Project opened in San Diego in 2016, but it seems like they’re been a part of the local brew scene for far longer than that. With 150+ breweries in the county, achieving icon status of this magnitude is no small feat, and I for one am thrilled that they keep opening new spots to make grabbing a pint (or two) easy.
Locations in Carlsbad, Bankers Hill, Miramar, North Park, and Vista
Courtesy of Craft Coast Brewing Company
Craft Coast Brewing Company
Good tacos deserve good beer, and both can be found at this Oceanside hot spot. With Pizza Port brewing alums at the helm and amazing birria coming out of the kitchen, this divine duo is a can’t-miss stop along the coast. Try Craft Coast Brewing Company‘s award-winning Old West IPA alongside a couple of tacos for a meal that’s hard to top.
Move over summer beers, it’s time to embrace the flavors of fall.
There are no strict seasonal guidelines when it comes to beer styles, but certain recipes just taste better during different times of the year. Light, crisp, refreshing lagers hit all the hot spots during summer—both literally and figuratively—while rich, full-bodied, malt-forward brews tend to warm us up during the chilly winter months. But autumn remains an especially unique season for beers, thanks in large part to Oktoberfest celebrations that usually start in late September and run through October.
Lots of places that celebrate Oktoberfest tend to offer the classic trio of fall beers—Oktoberfests, Marzens, and Festbiers. Don’t get me wrong—all of these are deservedly iconic styles that are some of my favorites to drink. But there are many, many more fall-centric beers out there to discover. Here are a few options from around San Diego that may expand your mind and please your palate this fall season.
Courtesy of Kilowatt Brewing
Smoked Maibock
Kilowatt Brewing
This 7.0 percent ABV beer has already earned both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival, and for good reason. It’s complex and crisp, highlighting both a malty backbone and balanced smokiness from beechwood smoked malts and a hint of Vermont maple syrup. Ironically, the word maibock actually translates to “May beer” and is typically brewed at the start of spring, but this smoky take on the seasonal style makes it an ideal option for the increasingly shorter San Diego days.
Courtesy of Societe Brewing Company
The Debutante Amber Ale
Societe Brewing Company
Yes, their Festbier is an excellent pick for the season. But once you’ve had your Festbier fill, take a chance on Societe’s amber ale, The Debutante. While the style has largely fallen out of fashion over the past decade, amber ales are some of the most balanced brews out there (if you can even find one in cans or on draft nowadays) and Societe is wise to include one in their portfolio. It’s delicious, too—and at 6.5 percent ABV, it hits all the high notes without going too far.
Courtesy of Eppig Brewing
Meister Northern German Wheat Ale
Eppig Brewing
Wheat beers are another criminally underrepresented (and often very misunderstood) style that deserve much more of a spotlight. Eppig knows exactly how to handle their lagers, and with a beautifully round mouthfeel, clean finish, and pleasantly restrained 5.3 percent ABV, Meister goes down smoothly and tastes great the whole time. Try it with a salted Bavarian soft pretzel to contrast against the light sweetness, and please—don’t ask for an orange slice on the rim.
The name Extra Special Bitter can seem off-putting to those unfamiliar with the traditionally English style. Hop bitterness is held in check against a malt personality that’s full of biscuit and toast—a quintessential British brew. Deft’s founder Mo Nuspl is an expert in brewing traditional styles and often includes a rotating portfolio of uncommon brews like kellerbiers, altbiers, and dark milds. Even the most rabid hazebois will find something to salivate over. (Pro tip: if it’s available during your visit, try the ESB on cask for an ultra smooth and creamy pour.)
Courtesy of South O Brewing Company
Roll It Rauch Helles-Style
South O Brewing Company
Bamberg, Germany is the world capital of rauchbier (“smoked beer”) and this Bamberg-style helles lager is a true European-style crossover with all the smoky delight of a rauchbier and all the crispness of a helles lager. With smoked malts giving intense aromatics and Noble hops providing the Old World hop flavor, rauchbiers can be a bit of an acquired taste. However, if you’re at all interested in walking on the smoky side, this is a great place to start.
Baesic Batch Pumpkin Ale
Helix Brewing
If you don’t like pumpkin beers, don’t drink them. But if you do, head to Helix Brewing’s La Mesa taproom and beer garden for their seasonal fall release, a 6.0 percent ABV easy-drinking ale packed with pumpkin spice flavor. It’s a fun, if not somewhat obvious, elixir that celebrates the changing of seasons, and I’m all for it. If you’re still on the fence, just know their beer garden is very dog- and kid-friendly, and you can count on food trucks, live music, trivia, or some combination of those three virtually every day it’s open.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Who says San Diego isn’t a sports city? The Padres have become a real contender in the MLB; the new MLS team, San Diego FC, will arrive at Snapdragon next year; and SDSU’s basketball program has established itself as a recurring presence in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the San Diego Clippers are returning as a G-league team in Oceanside for their LA counterparts, and the San Diego Wave fútbol club led the NWSL last year. With tons of great teams to watch and ticket prices on the rise, San Diego’s sports bars are the next best locale to enjoy each game day with fellow fans.
Courtesy of the Gaslamp Quarter
Sports Bars in Downtown & Little Italy San Diego
Time Out Sports Tavern
Going out in the Gaslamp often requires a certain tolerance for purgatory-like lines and $20 well drinks, but this locally owned sports bar is an unabashedly divey antidote home to 29 rotating beer taps, a late-night menu for when the game goes into overtime, and a couple of pool tables (plus deals on mimosas for those daytime matches).
Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Happy Hour Specials: 3–6:30 p.m. | $5 Michelob Ultra, wells & beer of the day | $6 house wine | $8 Tito’s & Tullamore Dew | $2 off select food options Address: 634 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter
Located less than a block from Petco Park, Bub’s is the ultimate afterparty for Padres home games during the season. Friar faithful file in after a W to celebrate with a round of beer and remarkably unathletic feats of athleticism in the bar’s novelty basketball court. Bub’s gets packed on game day and is known for screening every Padres away game. For pigskin fans, the bar offers generous NFL and college football game-day drink deals.
An upscale watering hole located in the Gaslamp’s swanky Pendry hotel, this retrofitted space dating to the 1900s is a great place to cheer on the Padres and feast on game-day specials like a $9 Wagyu hot dog. This must be the only spot in SD where you can chow down on $40 caviar while watching the Chargers play.
San Diego is increasingly staking its claim as a destination for soccer, but many local sports bars are lacking a dedicated space for fútbol fanatics. When FIFA rolls around, Shakespeare Pub in Little Italy is the place to be. Opened by a pair of British expats in 1990, this second-story bar on India Street tunes its TVs to Europe’s Premier League and offers the eats to match (think a full English breakfast or a plate of fish and chips).
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m–10 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $1 off draft pints | $5 house wine | $1 off all bottled beer | $5.50 well liquor Address: 3701 India Street, Little Italy
Sports Bars in Pacific Beach
The Duck Dive
While sports are the main attraction at this PB hot spot, the food and drinks hold their own, especially when early weekend games draw fans for brunch and $19 bottomless mimosas. University of Nebraska alumni (all two of you) will be happy to hear that this is a certified Nebraska Husker bar, so enjoy hogging the TVs all season long.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
All the clubs and companies bringing famous names and funny up-and-comers to town
Courtesy of Quartyard SD
By Ombretta Di Dio
On any given Friday night, a line forms across popular downtown corners, packed with people patiently waiting for a couple of hours of laughter and some relief from the monotony of their work week. Stand-up comedy—once only enjoyed locally at La Jolla’s Comedy Store, which opened its doors for the first time in 1977—is now everywhere in San Diego.
But, whether those remarks will actually give you belly laughs or leave you wondering why you even bothered abandoning the couch, depends on a number of variables that go from the night of the week and the lineup of the show, to who produces it. No matter what, however, I assure you that watching live comedy is a risk worth taking. I would know. In the almost 10 years I have been around it, both as a performer and as an audience member, I found nothing better to occupy my nights and my mind.
This guide will help you discover your next favorite spot to laugh and help you navigate the intricate and somewhat daunting map of shows that populate weekly and weekend nights all over town.
Courtesy of Mad House Comedy Club
Stand-Up Comedy in San Diego: The Signature Clubs
Mad House Comedy Club
The Mad House Comedy Club has been a staple among locals for over a decade, thanks to its signature open mic nights (currently on hold) and the comedy shows that, from Wednesday to Sunday, offer a platform to up-and-coming talent and out-of-towners. After Midnight host Taylor Tomlinson graced the stage here before catapulting to celebrity status, and I might have stumbled on that same stage for open mics and shows alike once or twice, too, which basically puts me at the same level as the second-most famous Taylor in show business.
American Comedy Co.
Just a couple of blocks down the road is the American Comedy Co., with its weekly Tuesday-night open mic that attracts hundreds of audience members and dozens of young comics hungry for three minutes in the spotlight. Big Jay Oakerson, Natasha Leggero, and other big names from Los Angeles and New York regularly pay visits to the venue. Locals get to open the act, and if you particularly like any of them, you will find them working the door in between shows. Strike a conversation, and you will make their night.
Mic Drop Comedy
Downtown isn’t the only comedy hotspot! Out in Kearny Mesa, Mic Drop Comedy makes it a mission to feature diverse and unforgettable lineups, as well as themed shows where comedians draw from holidays, movies, and music to deliver side-splitting jokes (picture a Taylor Swift–inspired midday brunch show). Sip cocktails while you get lost in pop culture references or discover witty, new LGBTQ talent and brilliant women headliners.
Courtesy of Duck Foot Brewery
Stand-Up Comedy in San Diego: The Indie Shows
Comedy Heights
If you think comedy merely belongs to clubs, think again. San Diego’s best stand-up shows sometimes happen in bars, breweries, and even yards. Comedy Heights—which called the recently shuttered Twiggs Bakery Cafe home for 12 years—found a new permanent residence in Normal Heights at Lestat’s on Adams, hosting PG-13 comedians every Friday and Saturday. Make sure to grab a complimentary coffee next door and bring your own booze to enjoy the show!
Duck Foot Comedy Night
Comedy is serious business in Miramar, where you can savor an expansive comedy show experience at the familiar Duck Foot Brewery. This monthly event takes place right outside of the brewery and is consistently packed thanks to a good mix of local and nationally touring comics who are funny enough to grab the attention of a sea of people, despite—or maybe thanks to—the unusual location.
Going Dutch Comedy
If you are a fan of crowd work and want to join in the fun of creating comedy magic, head to Going Dutch Comedy’s monthly evening event. Participating comics pick prompts out of a bowl and riff on them then and there to deliver hilarious dating advice. The trick? Audience members get to come up with the prompts. Going Dutch Comedy recently partnered with Don’t Tell San Diego, the national franchise that brings Netflix-approved comedy faces to unexpected secret venues.
Laugh Outside
Every month, Quartyard San Diego transforms into a comedy-filled garden where beer and laughter flow to the sound of seasoned comics and up-and-comers who have learned how to master a major stage. This outside show in the middle of the East Village is ideal for smart audiences who appreciate diverse humor that isn’t overly obscure or edgy.
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
