Tap into Fall with Carlsbad's Craft Beer Scene

In Carlsbad, beer drinking is a timeless tradition rooted in history, culture, and community. From ancient times when brews were crafted with simple grains and herbs to today's craft beer scene, beer continues to bring people together. As the air cools in September and Oktoberfest comes and goes, beer takes on even deeper significance in our coastal city. The flavors of craft beer—bright IPAs and robust Märzens—foster renewed appreciation for cracking a brew.

Want to grab a beer in Carlsbad this fall? Here’s a list of some of the top spots:

Pure Project crafts beer with the planet in mind. Located right in the center of Carlsbad Village, the Carlsbad location has a tropical Biergarten feel with an open-air patio under a Hong Kong Orchid tree. Born out of a love for nature and sustainability, founders Jesse Pine and Mat Robar have built the brewery to be a place that is known for its eco-friendly practices and artfully crafted beer.

Their brews are sourced from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The Double Pure West IPA delivers intense hoppy flavors, while the Tropical Mist Blonde Ale offers a refreshing, lighter option. For stout lovers, the barrel-aged Dizzy Midnight is rich and complex, perfect for cooler fall nights. Every beer feels intentional—like it’s connecting you to the land and the craft behind it.

In addition to their passion for good beer, Pure Project is also committed to giving back, donating 1% of all sales to environmental nonprofits.

With our city in its name, Carlsbad Brewing Company draws from both global traditions and local innovation. They’ve nailed the art of crafting unique takes on traditional flavor profiles. Their 120 Days to Helles is made with German-sourced ingredients and has a crisp, clean malt sweetness. If you’re chasing hops, the By the Sea Pale Ale brings the fruity, dry-hopped goodness that San Diego brewers are known for. Their rotating lineup of kettle sours highlight local fruit and the Famosa Raceway IPA is loaded with Mosaic and Citra hops, hitting bright notes of berries and citrus. They also do collaborations, featuring new brews like Hoppin' with Homies IPA, brewed in partnership with Knee Deep Brewing for a fresh take on West Coast IPAs with layers of tropical fruit and grapefruit.

They’ve also got a food menu to complement their extensive tap list. The Smokin' Goat Burger features goat cheese, smoked gouda, and caramelized onions and the Black Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi is served with ginger soy and wasabi aioli to pair beautifully with lighter, crisper beers like the Now You See Me, Now You Don't New Zealand Pilsner.

Since the '90s, Pizza Port has been a go-to for pizza and beer. The Bressi Ranch location is laid back and beachy, perfect for an afternoon with friends, a slice, and a pint. Established by siblings Gina and Vince Marsaglia, this family-owned brewery began with a love for pizza and homebrewing. Over the decades, they’ve transformed that passion into an award-winning brewpub.

Their beer follows Southern California’s reputation for top tier brews. Swami’s IPA is a quintessential West Coast IPA packed with citrusy hops and balanced bitterness. They’ve got lighter options like the Ponto Session IPA that delivers big flavors without the punch. And if you're in the mood for a bolder brew, the Mongo Double IPA brings a hop-heavy tropical punch. With all of the options on tap, it's no wonder that Pizza Port has won over 91 medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

The pizza menu follows suit. Their Festival Pizza, the October pizza of the month, has bratwurst, sauerkraut, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and a blend of fresh mozzarella and Swiss cheeses. It’s topped with a creamy cracked mustard drizzle, making it a great accompaniment to any of their IPAs. Another local favorite is the Pizza Carlsbad—featuring pesto, mesquite-grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese—to pair with their lighter brews like the California Honey Blonde Ale.

Burgeon Beer has recently emerged as a front runner on Carlsbad's craft scene. From the moment they opened their doors in 2016, they’ve been growing, both in the beer they craft and in their environmental impact. With triple certifications from Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, and Ocean+Positive, Burgeon takes a sustainable approach to everything they do.

Their beers reflect the same thoughtfulness. The Grow All Out Double IPA packs a punch of hops, while their Carlsbad Crush Mosaic Pale Ale delivers tropical, citrusy flavors that keep it light and bright. Burgeon’s taproom, inspired by the environment and filled with natural elements, gives a nod to the organic and fresh flavors of their Fresh Hop IPA and classic Pistil Pilsner.

With over 30,000 trees planted since they opened, Burgeon makes a difference with every beer they brew.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has a rich history that is embedded in their mission. Established in 1989 by Karl Strauss himself, a German brewmaster who fled to the U.S. during WWII, the brewery was pivotal in shaping San Diego's now-thriving craft beer landscape. Karl's expertise from his time at Pabst Brewing Company laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential breweries in the region. His meticulous attention to brewing techniques and quality control remains the core of the brewery’s operations, continuing to influence every recipe crafted at the brewery today.

This fall, the Red Trolley Ale, a multi-award-winning favorite, is a must-try for anyone seeking a rich, malty experience. Brewed with caramel and toffee notes, it's a perfect match for cooler fall days. Another standout is the Boat Shoes Hazy IPA, a juicy, tropical IPA that highlights flavors of citrus and passionfruit, balancing its hoppy bitterness with a smooth mouthfeel. For Oktoberfest enthusiasts, the Oktoberfest Märzen Lager brings a traditional German-style brew to life with a toasted, biscuity flavor.

Karl Strauss also offers a full food menu. Their Beer-Brined Pork Chops, made with Red Trolley Ale, integrate their brews into every bite. The Beer Pretzels are locally sourced from San Diego Pretzel Company and served with spicy honey mustard and jalapeño beer cheese.

And while beer and food are central to the Karl Strauss experience, their commitment to the brewing community is something that sets them apart. Through Karl Strauss Distributing, they support fellow craft brewers by providing a platform for smaller, independent producers to bring their creations to a wider market. This collaboration underscores the brewery's role as a leader in San Diego’s craft beer industry, and makes it a staple for the Carlsbad beer scene.

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Carlsbad’s breweries reflect the best of craft beer culture—from Pure Project’s sustainable brews and Carlsbad Brewing Company’s bold flavors, to Pizza Port’s laid-back atmosphere and award-winning IPAs, the local beer scene is full of character and creativity. Next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing pale ale, a rich stout, or a seasonal Oktoberfest lager, Carlsbad’s best breweries are pouring something worth trying this fall.