Winning San Diego brews for All-Star fans

If there’s one thing baseball goes well with, it’s beer. Lucky for you, All-Star Week takes place in San Diego, the mecca of craft beer, where you get your pick of the best selections in the country.

Guests to San Diego can find a number of options in and around downtown to quench their loftiest beer desires, while locals and out-of-towners alike can ride the Trolley, hitting craft beer hot spots along the way. Check out these must-try options during your All-Star Week:

Out of the gate, no self-respecting baseball fan can skip trying AleSmith San Diego Pale Ale .394, a tribute to Tony Gwynn and the highest season batting average of his career. The brewery has teamed up with Tony & Alicia Gwynn (TAG) Foundation for the Mr. Padre 5.5K race, and is erecting a Tony Gwynn Museum, which locals are eagerly awaiting. The .394 is served inside Petco Park and on tap around downtown San Diego.

Acoustic Ales, Washington Street stop, Green Line. A must visit, with a variety of brews in any beer style you could possibly imagine. You’ll have a blast tasting through their music-inspired, cleverly named selections. 1795 Hancock St., Mission Hills.

Ballast Point Brewing, County Center/Little Italy stop, Green Line. Located on India Street, this bustling brewery and tasting room restaurant jams any hour of the day. This is your place to try experimental brews not seen anywhere else in city, and pair them with delicious eats to boot. 2215 India St., Little Italy .

Karl Strauss Brewing Co., American Plaza/Santa Fe Depot stop, Green, Orange or Blue lines. One of the most award-winning and nationally known breweries in San Diego, Karl Strauss provides a solid lineup of time-tested brews and an expansive menu of food items for every taste bud. 1157 Columbia St., Little Italy.

Mission Brewery, 12th and Imperial stop, Green, Orange or Blue lines. Cruise into the East Village and spot Mission right on the corner of L Street across the rail line from Petco Park. Step into another era with pirate and Spanish conquistador-style décor and a wide variety of beer on tap. Be sure to try the Dark Seas Imperial Russian Stout collaboration with nearby coffee roaster Cafe Virtuoso. 1441 L St., East Village.

Stone Brewing, Gaslamp Quarter stop, Green Line. Stone Brewing fans, take your pick of your favorite hop-ified beers before, during and after the big game. A San Diego legend, Stone Brewing helped pave the way for the hop movement this city is known for nationwide. Inside Petco Park, and Stone Tap Room at 795 J St., East Village.

Once inside, the world of Petco Park is your bubble-filled oyster. Nearly 20 local breweries are present in the stadium, including veterans AleSmith, Ballast Point, Karl Strauss, Mission, Port and Lost Abbey, alongside local favorites Mike Hess, Fall Brewing and Monkey Paw. For a complete list of breweries and beers available, visit petcoparkinsider.com/petco-park-beer-guide.

Locals, be sure to look out for the next big Padres Beerfest on Sept. 9. Admission is free with your ticket to the game against the Colorado Rockies, and like past events, expect an all-star lineup of local craft breweries.

With 18 years in the restaurant and beverage industry and more than 850 reviews under her belt, Laurie Delk is a one-stop guide to all things craft beer, wine and spirits. You can follow Delk on Twitter @100beers30days or Instagram @sandiegobeer. Send ideas for featured drinks to lauriedelk101@gmail.com.

Source: DiscoverSD