Old world beers that'll take you back to yesteryear and beyond! If you're open to trying new things that you won't find at other breweries, this is your spot. Popped in to hit up another stamp on my pint life passport and I'm glad I did. Owner Mike was there, and he gave me the full run down on the brews, taught me some cool stuff about brass taps, shared a milk shot, and educated me in the fine Irish sport of Hurling. I love meeting new people and learning new things, and it definitely didn't hurt to do it all over a couple of solid drafts. I also got to meet Mike's Norwegian Elkhound, what a beautiful dog. Did I mention they've got numerous award winnings beers. I'm not talking your run of the mill "Best from a local publication you've never heard of" awards, I'm talking about the real deal. From home brewer, to award winning brewery owner, to SD Rovers Hurling player and sponsor, come see what Mike and his team are cooking up at Barley and Sword. There's not much seating inside, so if you're coming with a group be prepared to stand, or enjoy the benches in the outdoor patio area. Appreciate the hospitality Mike! Until next time. read more

See all

The vibe and decor is definitely interesting. The beer styles are more English/European-centric. I love a good English bitter or a porter, but I'm not a fan of the beers here. Perhaps I'm just spoilt from the abundance of better beers in the city. The staff is friendly and it seems like they have quite a few regulars, so if you just want to grab a beer and chat, this would be a fun place to go. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

It's a vibe all the time it's a vibe all the time. Cue Chrisean Rock. OMG such a chill brewery in the heart of North Park! The lineup is tea. Traveling to the Czech Republic we got the pilsner baby. Traveling to Germany we got the Neustadi Kolsch Style Ale. My husband got Pale Ale beers. The weather is stunning. The moon is stunning. Service is stunning. Enjoyed everything here! Thank ya and enjoy!! read more

See all

European, German, and Old World style brews. If that's your thing, then this is the place for you! The female bartender was very nice and cool. The flights come in 5 and are served on a little sword plank. Return the sword or you'll be fined $100, according to their signs. One last detail is they share a space with another brewery with more modern beers (Seek Brew Company). Barley Sword is the 1st one you see when you walk in so make sure to check them both out before deciding which one you want read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

What a lovely surprise! This was tucked away in the middle of a three brewery strip. This brewery is based on British themed pub. Good array of non-IPA beers. They even have a few cask options. It's a good spot to have between the other two breweries. Beers I tried: Liberation!: Nice bite Fiddler's Green: Slightly malty Berliner Woodruff: Woodruff version. Tastes like almonds and vanilla Really nice people inside! read more

See all

When I say that there is something here for everyone, I mean it. The diversity of their beers is top notch. It's difficult to find a brewery that is really killing it in every area, but Barley and Sword is. I will say I am probably biased, as I love most European styles, but they also make great IPAs and lagers. Additionally, the staff goes above and beyond. They're friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely seem to enjoy what they're doing. The actual tasting room has lots to offer, despite being small. They really seem to be connecting with their community as well. Hosting game nights, cornhole events, and various other events. read more

Hands down my favorite brewery in San Diego. I've had every one of their beers (not on the same night) and they never miss the mark. Erin and Skye behind the bar are so fun to talk to and always quick to get your drink. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Really can't say enough good stuff read more

The Best Tavern style experience in San Diego. Be transported back in time to a medieval inspired setting, with a modern day patio that doesn't clash in the slightest, but rather shares ground with a fellow brewery! Winner of COUNTLESS awards and ribbons decorating the area, with a delightful and merry staff who brings it all together. Barley and Sword Stands and Delivers!!! read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Great atmosphere, great people (especially Erin), and even better brews. Highly recommend the Diamond Wit or Bier von Bayern. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Barley and Sword Brewing is an awesome spot in North Park--great beer, cool vibe, and super friendly staff. Always a fun place to hang out!

Must have been a fun and exciting year as I was there to celebrate one year anniversary. It's a cozy place, that I could remember some in the Encinitas area as well. However, it can absorb as many as you go. There seemed to be a parking lot turned into sitting area right in front, being shared by businesses. Great staff and this summer is telling me to go visit back as often as possible. Parking is everywhere around the business, just find it. read more

We absolutely loved this brewery and visited twice on the same trip. The people are awesome as are the beers and I especially love that they have a cask selection. The beers: Fiddler's Green Irish Pub ale 5/5 Beoir Dearg Irish red ale (non-cask) 4/5 Derby Day Debauchery Kentucky common 3/5 Der Schwarzwald dunkleweisse 4/5 Thistle Oat Malt Stout 4/5 Alrstadt kolsch 5/5 Bier von Bayern Hefeweizen 4/5 Sedlmayr Helles Munich Helles 5/5 Campaign for REAL Ale (CAMRA) golden ale 5/5 The Edwin Fox English IPA 3/5 Beoir Dearg Irish red ale (cask) 5+/5 Dora London Brown Ale (can) 5/5 read more

See all

More beer options is never a bad thing. Barley and Sword offers up some old world beer classics with a decidedly UK-medieval based in America vibe. Think Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. Good movie..I should watch that again. I digress. They're new, and have like six beers on the menu. Yours truly had the red ale and it was great; nice balance of hoppy and malty. The tasting room is nestled between Seek and Goal X on El Cajon Blvd and makes for a fun evening out. Friendly staff and good vibes. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Red Ale - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

San Diego is overflowing with microbreweries creating more and more IPAs and Sours, not a bad thing, but I love that Barley and Sword focuses on traditional British Empire ales...Irish Red, English IPA, Irish Stout, Scottish Stout, Golden Ales...keeping it simple. The bar tender was super friendly and fun, talking all sorts of nerd stuff. The interior has a traditional medieval theme and matching decor with swords, including the wooden sampler tray. Will be back! read more

Barley and sword is the only bar I've ever became part of their mug club and it was the easiest choice I've ever made. Every beer on there roster is amazing even ones I normally wouldn't go for. The beertenders Erin and Skye are super friendly and great to talk to. Over all vibe of the brewery is very welcoming and unique. They have lots of events and different food vendors that visit that have all been a hit! Can't wait to see their new location! read more

I hate Yelp. I hate everything about this app. However, I have nothing negative to say about this taproom. I guarantee you will not find a single thing you dislike. Especially if it is poured by Erin. My experience was made by her expertise. If you've ever seen Ratatouille? That was me. I am Anton Ego. Because if I don't like what I put in my mouth... I don't SWALLOW. Thanks Erin, not a single beer was a miss. read more

Barley and Sword provides a fresh take on lesser known -- or at least less preferred (especially in hop city San Diego) -- beer styles. Said styles are of the German, Irish, and English varietal. They do have the occasional American style which was the case when popping in for a sample after partaking too heavily on the sweetness next door. (Side note: Yes, they do have two other neighbors who share the adjoining outside yard) I ordered three 5oz tasters a la carte which did varied in price from $3-4 each. I was given the option of adding on another one to grant me the taster serving platter but I do not believe there was any crazy discount. I had their take on a West Coast Style IPA, Chasing the Muse, an English IPA, the Edwin Fox, and their Munich Helles, Seldmayr Helles. I think the WC was a hard pass probably because I am a schnob now. The English was tasty and the helles clean with a slight straw-like aftertaste. The beertender was upbeat and super down-to-earth. Atmosphere inside is cozy with all this great nerdy wall decor in the form of shields and swords (LARPing anyone?). Parking is what it is around NP. They have a lot which is semi gravel, but it's like $15 for 2 hours, so just suck it up and find that street parking. It is worthwhile, unexpected visit as they did win silver at a San Diego Beer competition, so high quality brews you will have. read more

We were just out checking out the neighborhood and stumbled upon this place, so we stopped for a beer. I had the hefeweizen which was banana and clove heaven. One of my friends had the kolsch which was also very delicious. The bar maiden was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We enjoyed our beers on the patio. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

This was my first time here. It's a very welcoming brewery with both indoor and outdoor seating. There is also a taco stand set up outside to make sure you can enjoy a meal as well. There is parking which makes it super convenient in this area. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - a bar counter with a laptop on it - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Great servers, & best English beer styles around !!!! With so many IPAs around, you can get palate fatigue, and this place certainly scratches the itch for something different. read more

I love the out door seating here. A lot of benches. Had the hefeweizen beer and there were birria taco vendor this day. La libertad Cocina Urbana. Very very cheesy birria queso tacos. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Hefeweizen beer with the taco caterers. Love the outdoor seating here. Tasty beer and very cheesy birria tacos. - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

The Hef is to die for. Beer is good, service is friendly and the ambience is chill yet happening. Check it out. You won't regret it.

The beer is incredible and not your typical 9 IPA line up, there is real care and craft put into the brewing, always a must visit when I'm in the area. read more

This has become my favorite spot. The beer is SOO fresh and delicious. The bartenders and brewers are pretty cool. I love the vibe they bring to the neighborhood. I went to a yoga class once and had a beer after. Such a fun concept! They really are bringing more vibrancy to SD. read more

Well let's just say....with so many breweries in san diego it is difficult to find a place where the beers are all good! In an unassuming location you will find a terrific offering of solid ales. The service is bar none outstanding. Stop, drink, enjoy! This is an overlooked gem you should take notice of. read more

Stopped in for a brew during an adoption event at Barley and Sword. I typically go for IPAS but they only had one on draft that was more malt forward. I like my beers more hoppy but I can definitely see how others would really enjoy it. It's a cute little bar that had sports playing and fun theming. They also have a lovely outdoor patio area too! read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Malty IPA ! - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

I had the raspberry flavored sour which I thought was pretty good. I liked the location too as there are two other breweries next door and plenty of food selections from the food trucks and tents set up outside of the area. There's also a seating area outdoors which was animal friendly and a great place to mingle read more

This is a SUPER cool brewery! They have a good selection of DARK beers which is a rarity in San Diego. The owner is a nice guy and is knowledgeable, he answered my question on the difference between American and English porter with great detail. I definitely recommend grabbing a beer here. It is also sandwiched between 2 other small breweries! You CANNOT beat this location! read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

They serve European style beers including Irish, English, and German beers. My husband normally doesn't like some of these but said that most all of them were good, which is surprising. Awesome indoor and outdoor seating and the employees are really nice. read more

Loved the variety of beers from all over Europe! Attentive service was a nice added touch. Also enjoyed the European pub ambiance read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - the outside of the building - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Excellent new brewery! This is a great new place in the area and thrilled to support a business that is inclusive and veteran owned and run. The brewers are no strangers to the craft and have been doing it for years. Their recipes are tested and done with great care and commitment. The renovations of the space are fun and inviting with viking shields , swords, and a medieval themed pub decor. With friendly folks there with great service making it a fun, local hangout A nice variety of beer styles and I love that you have a selection of sizes - sampler and 3, 5, & 10 oz. You can easily check which you like. I love the Kolsch style and the dunkel (German dark beer), and the English Porter was very good And they have a great shirt design. read more

Had an amazing couple of beers and the bar tender (name escapes me I'm so sorry girl, but we were there Monday evening ~630 pm) was wonderful. read more

Fun little spot joining the North Park brewery scene. Really enjoyed their Weiss, the patio, and the Great Danes lounging around read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

GREAT beer! Great staff, and very reasonable prices. This place should be packed on the daily. Such a sleeper brewery. I typically don't go for IPA's but theirs was top notch. read more

my experience at Barley & Sword is an amazing one. I love the ambiance and the theme. The beer is refreshing and delicious. I'm very picky about beer and I can drink almost all of theirs! My cask ale is INCREDIBLE and I highly recommend that. They also have food on the weekends and a good clean bathroom, so you really don't have to leave. Erin, the bartender was so funny and sweet. I'll definitely keep coming back!!! read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - a hand holding a glass of beer - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This place is my favorite! Super chill, friendly staff and SO CLEAN! The beer is perfect for the vibe too. Like you're just sipping this traditional kind of brew in this comfy dimly-lit and slightly whimsical little tavern. It's nice to see a selection that's not a bunch of IPAs too. I tried all but one of their beers and they were all really good but I was particularly fond of the blonde. 10/10 read more

Fantastic new brewery a must to check out! Service is great, staff is friendly. Love all six beers they have available right now.

Solid beer, awesome service, and very cool ambiance. The beers are all on point and everything is rooted in the true history of beer making! The decor is like a medieval tavern with a very chill vibe. Mike, the owner and head brewer, has a true love for beer and making people feel welcome...both of which are very apparent here. 10/10 would recommend. read more

See all

Fantastic beer. They do a great job creating classic beers. The back patio is a great spot to hangout with friends for a few hours. read more

Barley And Sword Brewing - Fantastic examples of classic beers. 10/10. You can't go wrong with the back patio too. You can bring groups of people and hang out. - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Awesome beers. In town for a week. Was lucky to find it thru a friend. Classics all the way down the menu. Totally worth a visit.