San Diego, December 11, 2025
Despite experiencing significant challenges, the San Diego craft beer industry showcases resilience through notable achievements and community initiatives. Recent brewery closures, including Amplified Ale Works, highlight a troubling contraction trend. However, local breweries excelled at the World Beer Cup, cementing San Diego’s status in the craft beer realm. Innovative projects like Modern Times Beer’s upcoming ‘Timestead’ venue reflect the community’s enduring spirit, promising continued growth and adaptation in a dynamic market.
San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene Faces Challenges Amidst Notable Achievements
San Diego, California – The local craft beer industry is experiencing a period of contraction, with several breweries closing their doors in recent months. Despite these challenges, the community continues to showcase its resilience and talent through significant accomplishments.
Recent Brewery Closures
In November 2024, Amplified Ale Works announced the closure of its original Pacific Beach location after 12 years of operation. The brewery, known for its unique craft beers and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor to its decision.
Industry Contraction
The craft beer industry nationwide has been on a downward trend, with production falling by 4% in 2024—the largest drop in the industry’s history outside of the pandemic. San Diego’s craft beer scene mirrors this decline, with the number of small, independent breweries operating in the U.S. decreasing for the first time in two decades.
Notable Achievements
Despite the industry’s contraction, San Diego breweries have continued to excel on the global stage. In May 2025, five local breweries earned medals at the World Beer Cup held in Indianapolis. Pizza Port Brewing Company led the way, securing silver and bronze medals across various categories. Additionally, Tijuana’s Insurgente brewery made history by winning a bronze medal for its “Dragula” in the Oatmeal Stout category, marking only the second time a Tijuana brewery has medaled at this prestigious event.
Community Resilience
The San Diego craft beer community remains resilient, with new establishments opening and existing ones adapting to the changing landscape. For instance, Modern Times Beer announced plans to launch “Timestead,” a retro-futurist venue, in the former space of The Local Eatery + Drinking Hole in downtown San Diego. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to innovation and its enduring passion for craft beer.
Conclusion
While the San Diego craft beer industry faces challenges, its spirit of innovation and dedication to quality continue to shine through. The community’s ability to adapt and thrive underscores its status as a significant player in the global craft beer scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What recent closures have occurred in San Diego’s craft beer industry?
In November 2024, Amplified Ale Works announced the closure of its original Pacific Beach location after 12 years of operation.
How has the craft beer industry been performing nationally and locally?
The craft beer industry experienced a 4% decline in production in 2024, marking the largest drop in its history outside of the pandemic. San Diego’s craft beer scene mirrors this trend, with the number of small, independent breweries decreasing for the first time in two decades.
What recent achievements have San Diego breweries accomplished?
In May 2025, five San Diego breweries earned medals at the World Beer Cup held in Indianapolis. Pizza Port Brewing Company led with silver and bronze medals across various categories. Additionally, Tijuana’s Insurgente brewery won a bronze medal for its “Dragula” in the Oatmeal Stout category, marking only the second time a Tijuana brewery has medaled at this event.
How is the San Diego craft beer community adapting to industry challenges?
The community remains resilient, with new establishments opening and existing ones adapting. For example, Modern Times Beer announced plans to launch “Timestead,” a retro-futurist venue, in the former space of The Local Eatery + Drinking Hole in downtown San Diego.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Brewery Closures | Amplified Ale Works closed its original Pacific Beach location in November 2024 after 12 years of operation. |
| Industry Contraction | The craft beer industry experienced a 4% decline in production in 2024, marking the largest drop in its history outside of the pandemic. |
| Notable Achievements | Five San Diego breweries earned medals at the World Beer Cup in May 2025, with Pizza Port Brewing Company leading with silver and bronze medals across various categories. |
| Community Resilience | Modern Times Beer announced plans to launch “Timestead,” a retro-futurist venue, in the former space of The Local Eatery + Drinking Hole in downtown San Diego. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego’s Top 21 Restaurants and Bars
San Diego City Council Approves $30 Million Police Shooting Settlement
Mi Pan Bakery Expands with New Location in Mission Gorge
Nat at Night Revives Community Spirit at The Nat
New Dining Establishments and Innovations Shape San Diego
Family Displaced, Pets Rescued in Mira Mesa House Fire
Southern California’s Holiday Events: A Festive Guide
Discover San Diego County’s Festive Holiday Events
Weekend Arts Events in San Diego: Kitschmastime, SoNoFest, and ’80s Shakespeare
Upcoming Craft Beer Festivals Energizing San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
