Coming to a Head

THORN BREWING CO.

You’ve likely heard of Thorn St. Brewery, especially if you live in North Park, whose denizens regularly pack the place. The small operation is the archetype for a successful community brewery, but the owners have greater aspirations and hope to appeal to a broader audience when they take over a Barrio Logan warehouse (which previously housed the San Diego Public Market) and convert it into a production brewery complete with a full-scale tasting room and a store selling assorted merch. ETA: Year’s end. thornstreetbrew.com

KENSINGTON BREWING CO.

Okay, so this business isn’t actually in Kensington... yet. But it’s close, and someday the owners hope to find just the right space to make them a true namesake brewery. For now, Mission Valley’s Grantville area will have to do - and it’s doing quite well early on. A pair of IPAs, two imperial stouts (one loaded with coffee from neighboring biz, West Bean, and the other unleaded), a light and lovely apricot-infused wheat ale and more go down nicely in a snazzily rustic tasting room that includes a San Diego first: its own antique display area. kensingtonbrewco.com