Brewery Profile

Hillcrest Brewing Company

In San Diego’s wide craft beer landscape, Hillcrest Brewing Company functions as a neighborhood taproom rather than a production-focused brewhouse. A visitor walking in should expect a social, garden-style setting in Hillcrest, a district with steady foot traffic and a strong local identity. The brewery has been part of the neighborhood since 2012, and its role has shifted over time: it now emphasizes curation instead of onsite brewing. The tap list still includes classic house recipes, but the larger purpose is to give space to independent San Diego breweries, especially smaller “mom & pop” producers. With more than 24 taps, the experience is built around choice and conversation rather than watching tanks or touring a brewing facility.

Travelers coming to San Diego often look for a broad read on the region’s beer culture, whether that means hop-forward ales, crisp warm-weather pours, or simply a chance to compare several local breweries in one stop. Hillcrest Brewing Company fits that kind of visit because it gathers a range of San Diego-made beer under one roof while keeping its own house identity in the mix. It can work as a first stop for someone trying to understand the local scene, or as a lower-commitment alternative to mapping out several separate brewery visits in one day. The atmosphere is also part of the draw: this is a place oriented toward groups, casual meals, and unhurried pints rather than a narrow tasting-room format.

For practical planning, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, since a curated draft lineup can change and specific beer names are not fixed here. Visitors can count on a sizable draft selection, house recipes, and taps that support local independent breweries, but should check in person for current styles and availability. Food is a notable part of the visit. The scratch kitchen is known for items such as house-made pretzels and oven-baked wings, giving the stop more of a beer-and-meal feel than a quick tasting counter. The garden atmosphere makes it suitable for gathering, while the Hillcrest setting places it within an active San Diego neighborhood rather than an industrial brewery corridor.

Nestled in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, Hillcrest Brewing Company has been a community staple since 2012, offering a welcoming garden atmosphere perfect for gathering. While they now focus on curation rather than onsite brewing, their 24+ taps showcase their classic house recipes alongside a deep commitment to supporting local "mom & pop" independent San Diego breweries. Pair your pint with their highly-rated scratch kitchen offerings, like house-made pretzels or famous oven-baked wings.

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1458 University Ave, San Diego, California, 92103-3405

Phone: (619) 269-HEAD

Website: http://www.hillcrestbrewingcompany.com

Hours: Monday – Friday: Open at 2pm. Saturday Open at 11a. Sunday Open at 10a. Kitchen closes at 8pm Sunday, 9p Monday -Thursday, 10pm Friday & Saturday.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • Hillcrest Brewing Company Hoppy Hour

    Oct 7, 2026

    Enjoy discounted snacks and drinks during Hoppy Hour from Monday to Friday, 2 PM - 6 PM. $4 Slices, wings, breadsticks, garlic nuts, side Caesar salad, and $2 off full size drafts…

  • Thursday Morning University Heights at Lestat's on Park

    Oct 8, 2026

    Weekly morning networking every Thursday at Lestat's on Park from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

  • Thrifty Thursday

    Oct 8, 2026

    It's Thrifty Thursday again! Enjoy great deals including $7 Beers, $8 Wells, and $9 Personal Pizzas (up to 4 toppings).

  • Weekend Brunch

    Oct 10, 2026

    Join us every Saturday and Sunday for breakfast pizzas, stuffed breakfast calzones, and brunch cocktails. Served until 2 PM, it's perfect for a lazy morning and good company.

  • THE OINKER Weekend Breakfast Special

    Oct 10, 2026

    Enjoy "THE OINKER" breakfast sandwich with house-made bun, cheese, house sausage, sausage gravy, egg, jalapeño bacon, and a crispy hash brown patty.

  • SUNDAY FUNDAY

    Oct 11, 2026

    Enjoy Sundays with $7 Wells, Beers & Seltzers, and $5 Pizza by the Slice while watching football. Available every Sunday through the Super Bowl.

  • THE OINKER Weekend Breakfast Special

    Oct 11, 2026

    Enjoy "THE OINKER" breakfast sandwich with house-made bun, cheese, house sausage, sausage gravy, egg, jalapeño bacon, and a crispy hash brown patty.

  • Hillcrest Brewing Company Monday Wing Night

    Oct 11, 2026

    Every Monday from 6 PM to 9 PM, enjoy $1 wings at Hillcrest Brewing Company.

  • $1 Wings on Monday

    Oct 12, 2026

    Our marinated, oven-baked wings are ready to rescue your Monday. Choose from Spicy, BBQ, HBC Honey Sriracha, or Bourbon BBQ flavors for only $1 each.

  • Hillcrest Brewing Company Tequila Tuesdays

    Oct 12, 2026

    Every Tuesday enjoy $5 off all margaritas, tequilas, taco pizza, Coochie Coochie Carnitas Pizza, Margherita Mary Pizza, and $5 taco pizza slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hillcrest Brewing Company located?
Hillcrest Brewing Company is located at 1458 University Ave, San Diego, California, 92103-3405. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Hillcrest Brewing Company's hours?
Current hours are: Monday – Friday: Open at 2pm. Saturday Open at 11a. Sunday Open at 10a. Kitchen closes at 8pm Sunday, 9p Monday -Thursday, 10pm Friday & Saturday.. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Visit http://www.hillcrestbrewingcompany.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.