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    McIlhenney Brewing

    4.9 (44 reviews)
    ModerateBrewpubs
    Closed 2:00 pm - 7:00 PM

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    Outside
    Dan M.

    Old Alpine Brewing relabeled as McIlhenney Brewing (the family owner name) and they still make great beer. I came for their outstanding hoppy IPAs but they also have other beer varieties including stout and a barley wine. The place is cozy inside with a larger back patio. Lots of locals and regulars hang here so they can't be wrong. They sell cans to go as well as crowlers/growlers for most on tap. Parking is a little tricky if you are there on a crowded day but you should be able to find street parking. Don't think they have food but believe you can bring in your own

    The Apricot Bells Bluff

    Great local spot to grab a cold beer! The staff is nice, kind and welcoming. Nikki was energetic and does a great job! If you're in the area this is a great place to try. It's the CHEER'S of alpine.

    Lisa T.

    Friendly staff and outstanding beer. My go-to beer is always the Muntz IPA but all of the beers are clean and delicious. Do yourself a favor and go spend some time in Alpine. You won't regret it! Cheers!!

    Outdoor seating area.
    Martha W.

    Still one of the best breweries! Love wizards wand ipa! Service is great! Love the feeling here of being in the country here in Alpine! It is rustic and laid back.

    To go beers
    Mackenzi L.

    Absolutely loved our visit here, Nikki and Kyle were wonderful. We enjoyed tasters and the sunshine on the back patio. We picked up mexican food down the street and it was the perfect pairing. The tasting room is bright with a good layout, but I think the thing we enjoyed the most was the merch and the take home beer. And Im happy to have a new favorite tee.

    two glasses of beer on a bar
    Jessica S.

    Father-son duo Pat and Shawn Mcilhenney are back to brewing up a storm and putting Alpine back on the brewery trail post Green Flash snapfu. When you thought Greenfash killed all fond memories of Nelson, you have Muntz rising from the proverbial ashes. This rendition of their long forgotten rye IPA is brewed with Nectaron and Nelson sauvin. It's not exactly Nelson -- partly due to the unavailability and competing contracts of original hops -- but damn near close. Their DIPA, Wild Child, a core beer in their lineup is always another solid choice. If not for Muntz and WIld Child, I am always on the lookout for their next and freshest West Coast IPA releases and make it a point to visit them out East when something exciting makes it onto the draft board. While one will always miss the grungy bar and narrow spaces of the old bar and brewery, the new, refreshed look with airy windows inside and lazy, but shaded outdoor patio is the perfect atmosphere for a weekend drink session. The brewery is incredibly dog friendly and rescue friendly to boot. I have brought many rescues here to post up at the patio where they receive a ton of treats and pats from workers and fellow visitors alike. As they do not serve food, bringing food is fair game, so long as you clean up after yourself and aren't a scumbag. I cannot wait for their very first sour release as they are soon to be 3 years in business. I know for a fact something has been sitting in wait back there and they are sure to announce it soon. All hail Mcilhenney! Brewing great beer and thriving despite the unfortunate downturn in the industry.

    Brett C.

    This is the place. Hiked in Lake Cuyamaca with a plan on stopping here on the way home. Arrived at noon, clearly family owned. The bartenders were great, attentive, helpful. Beer was outstanding, as you would expect. Small inside, bigger outside patio with some sun and some trees. Bartender saved me some cash steering me towards a four-pack versus a growler. Worth the trip, highly recommend, can't wait to go back

    Indoor seating and of course beer!
    Jen N.

    This place is San Diego/West Coast brewing at its best! I am a big IPA fan, and they do them as good or better than the big guys. While their IPAs are definitely the spotlight on the menu, they have a great variety for everyone. I started with a pint of High Wire, but after it was so good, I decided I needed to get the 5 ounce pours in order to try multiple brews. Living in SD, I can't get out there as much as I would like. Staff there was so friendly and helpful. The tasting room is dog friendly, and they had great treats they wanted to share with all the pups coming through. It's not a huge tasting room, and was pretty full, but it feels cozy and welcoming. Nice outdoor space as well. There's not always a food truck there, so check ahead if you need food. The highlight here though is definitely the beer, and if you are a craft beer fan, get out to Alpine and pay these guys a visit! I can't wait to go back.

    Welcome home (again)!
    Peter E.

    I'm sure you know that Pat McIlhenny is the founder of Alpine Beer. He lost control of that business as a result of some major corporate shenanigans. Thank God Pat's son Shawn is back in the beer-brewing business -- back home in the same building where his dad started Alpine Beer many years ago. Just shared a pint of the Palo Verde pale ale with my wife -- excellent! Nice to sit out back at a table again, enjoying the clean country air. Got my three old Alpine growlers filled while I was there (Wizard's Wand, Muntz, and Wild Child 2x) and can't wait to dig in! Looking forward to getting my growlers refilled here MANY times in the coming years...

    Interior
    Nell C.

    Cheers ! Worth the stop and plenty of selection to meet all your taste buds. AC inside. DIPA Wild Child! Dog friendly!

    Best session we have had in years. Had to grab a few to go as well.
    Jim E.

    Stopped in the old Alpine Brewery to try the second generations hand at brewing. Did not disappoint. As IPA drinkers from the 90s it's hard to be impressed. Especially trying to get a session that has any real taste, balance and finish. Here McIlhenny session clearly stand apart from the others. Using New Zealand's "Newtron" hop in this amazing brew is following the family legacy. "Nelson" hopped IPA from this very location. Looking forward to making a trip up to Alpine from the coast for exceptional brews. Just like the old days. Nice work putting Alpine back on the map !

    Seating inside

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    11 months ago

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    8 months ago

    An institution. The best beer in Southern California. Nostalgic and reasonably priced. Cool people work here.

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    10 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Such good beers! Great service and location. Nice to have legit brewing back in Alpine.

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    2 years ago

    The staff is great and very friendly. The drinks were also delicious. The ambiance was very welcoming!

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    2 years ago

    Good beer! Very good beer. Great knowledgeable service. Ambiance is great for drinking beer!

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Beer mecca for you beer snobs. Fantastic Nelson Rye IPA (Muntz) that is perfection. Glad to see these guys back doing what they kick-ass at.

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    4 years ago

    Dog friendly with treats, super chill. A good brewery to support growing.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing customer service and the best beer with the best workers i highly recommend this to everyone that loves a good beer and chill spot!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - McIlhenney Brewing

    Review Highlights - McIlhenney Brewing

    Got my three old Alpine growlers filled while I was there (Wizard's Wand, Muntz, and Wild Child 2x) and can't wait to dig in!

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    The Pub At Lake Cuyamaca

    The Pub At Lake Cuyamaca

    3.8
    (207 reviews)
    14.8 mi
    $$

    I had read quite a few reviews before I decided to give this place a try, not to mention having to…read morebe in the area of an out of the way location. I went with the Nickel Pickle burger that most seemed to like and I have to say was pretty damn good. Sitting on a bun that fit the burger well (sometimes the burger is too small for the bun an visa versa) built on a layer of pickles and nickel special sauce sits a quality burger patty topped with a slice of cheddar, tomato, and a bed of arugula or what appears to be a spring mix of lettuce. All in all it worked. While savoring each bite I washed it down with a Russian River Blind Pig. I was disappointed they were out of Pliny the Elder but BP is a good second choice. The beer list is legit by the way; local craft beers including Nickel Brewery in Julian well represented. I'll be back, maybe bring the family and give the menu a proper go.

    Had lunch at Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant yesterday with my two daughters and came away very impressed…read more-- not only by the food, but especially by the service. The burgers were very tasty, the fries were excellent, and the relaxed atmosphere near the lake made for a really enjoyable stop. What made the visit especially memorable was our server, Will. After placing our order, I realized I had forgotten my wallet, which created a stressful moment as I tried to figure out where I might have left it. When I shared this with Will, he asked if I was married, which I shared that I am unfortunately going through a divorce. He responded with genuine empathy, sharing that he had also gone through difficult times himself. He suggested ways we could work out payment, encouraged me not to worry, and allowed us to continue enjoying our meal while I sorted it out. That level of compassion, kindness, and understanding made a real difference. I was able to arrange payment over the phone, my daughters avoided what could have felt like an embarrassing moment, and by the end what could have been an awkward moment turned into a positive memorable experience. Great food is always appreciated, but great service is what people remember -- and Will absolutely made this visit stand out. Highly appreciated.

    Photos
    Friends and family belly up to enjoy a cold beer.
    Friends and family belly up to enjoy a cold beer.
    Pub burger and fries.
    Pub burger and fries.
    Great view and place to eat on the patio - when the snow is melted.

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    Great view and place to eat on the patio - when the snow is melted.
    Idyllwild Brewpub

    Idyllwild Brewpub

    4.0
    (956 reviews)
    62.8 mi
    $$

    We came here before going camping & for an early lunch and got here right when they opened, we had…read moreour dog that gets a bit antsy so they accommodated us on the patio and appreciated that. Our Dog did great! I saw they provided water bowls for them and they do have a doggie meal for them that's $7 and it's just chicken, veggies and rice or hamburger patty with no salt. My Dog eats anything cause he loves food but I was a bit thrown back on how it was served.. (it just looked like Mush & it was cold and more rice than anything) I only gave him the small pieces of chicken and the few carrots that were in there. The paper container was a bit hard for him to eat off but we made it work. I get it it's a doggy treat but it would have been a bit better if it was served on something more sturdy. Their service was Excellent. As we arrived they were quick and took our order for our drinks and flights of beer. We ordered and our food came out within 10 min and it was delicious, presentation was great, was warm and everything was well balanced and just delicious. I got their smash burger with fries and loved the fries and they had a satisfying crunch to them. We also tried their pretzel with Dipping sauce the Dijon mustard was a bit much but the cheese was fantastic. The atmosphere was great, they have indoor and outdoor seating and the inside is pretty rad as well. Their bathrooms were clean and tidy. Their merch was pretty sweet. They had quite a variety of things you can purchase along with their beer and other options they had in the fridge. Would we come back Absolutely! We loved our experience here, the staff were great and very attentive and the food was delicious to pair with great local beer.

    I went in and asked for a beer, after that I was like a ghost at the bar. Had to wave down the…read morebartender to close my tab out while he was joking around with his friends about hitting women. I usually tip $1 per beer even when the service is bad. Weird that my banking statement says I tipped $10 for 1 beer. 6/18 is when I came in. (After reading other 1 star reviews it seems like this is just how they treat POC. 1st and last time I'll be spending money here!)

    Photos
    Idyllwild Brewpub
    Crispy Sprouts
    Crispy Sprouts
    Fried Cod Sandwich with fries

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    Fried Cod Sandwich with fries
    Gravity Heights - Mission Valley

    Gravity Heights - Mission Valley

    4.5
    (543 reviews)
    23.6 mi
    $$
    Sports on TV
    Outdoor seating

    Amazing!! We recently stumbled upon Gravity Heights and are so glad we did! The atmosphere is…read moreabsolutely adorable, with a fun, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. Their in house beers were fantastic, especially the hazy IPAs but what really surprised us was how incredible the cocktails were. Every dish we ordered, from the salad to the pizza, was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The service was truly top notch. Everyone, from the hosts to the bartenders (Carla was the only name we got & she was outstanding) everyone was warm, friendly and super knowledgeable, which made the experience even better! Great food, amazing drinks, outstanding service, and a super cute aesthetic, this will be our new go to spot. Can't wait to come back!

    This place has the best happy hour! I came on a Monday and from the host, to the server, food…read morerunners, and bussers everyone was genuinely warm and welcoming. Just really great service all around. The baked oysters are my favorite thing on the menu. We also tried the cauliflower which was probably my second favorite item we tried, the birria quesadilla was tasty and loved that it wasn't as heavy as birria typically is. The chicken tinga tacos were also really tasty but probably the heaviest item out of what we ordered. The Pinot Grigio on hh was delicious! refreshing and crisp (not sweet) and margarita was also good could have been a little less sweet but that's just my personal preference. I love how much outdoor seating there is, great place to bring your pup :)

    Photos
    Outdoor Bar View
    Outdoor Bar View
    Indoor Bar
    Indoor Bar
    Beer Garden

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    Beer Garden
    Viewpoint Brewing

    Viewpoint Brewing

    4.2
    (1.3k reviews)
    30.4 mi
    $$

    Viewpoint Brewing Company…read more A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. The combination of scenic wetland views, refreshing craft beers, and beautiful golden-hour lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. The outdoor seating area is spacious and comfortable, making it a great place to gather with friends, family, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a drink. The food was enjoyable, the beers were refreshing, and the overall experience was made even better by the peaceful surroundings and stunning sunset views. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for great drinks, good food, and one of the most relaxing waterfront settings in North County San Diego. Atmosphere: 10/10 Views: 10/10 Drinks: 9/10 Overall Experience: Highly Recommended

    My friend and I came here without a reservation on a Sunday at 5. Our mistake, we definitely should…read morehave made a reservation as it was extremely crowded! Others were given a 30-40 minute wait time but luckily they squeezed us in at a small counter which we were very grateful for! I was worried that because of the crowd the food might take a while, since we had a concert after, but the food arrived not 10 minutes after we ordered. We got the caesar salad, fries, and fish tacos. All were delicious! The caesar had a great dressing and I liked the addition of kale, and the fish tacos were humongous and very scrumptious, with the right amount of salsa/sauce as well as fish! We loved the ambience, the views out were incredible, the brewery itself was impressive, and it was very family friendly, we saw many kids running around and playing in the spacious back area. Our waitress was great and all the service was good, everyone was very friendly and helpful. There's valet parking. I think it was around $5 which was worth it to us for the convenience of not worrying about finding our own parking in the area. The valet workers were also very friendly and helpful. Hoping to come back soon!

    Photos
    The bar area with the TV
    The bar area with the TV
    Burger - came with their homemade sauce that has mayonnaise so we had it on the side.
    Burger - came with their homemade sauce that has mayonnaise so we had it on the side.
    Outdoor seating with heaters

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    Outdoor seating with heaters
    Mediterraneo

    Mediterraneo

    4.1
    (390 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Another lovely evening at Mediterraneo with family and friend's. Jessica was our server and…read moreprovided great service. Our food was hot, fresh and delicious! We will be back.

    Had such a great dinner tonight at Mediterraneo in Alpine!…read more We started with a few appetizers and honestly...they were the highlight. The MELENZANE RIPIENE (eggplant stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes) was incredible: rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The calamari fritti was crispy and delicious, and the TONNO ASIATICO (seared ahi tuna with sweet chili glaze, ginger, teriyaki, and wasabi) was a huge hit at the table. We also had to try their house-made mozzarella sticks, don't skip these...the cheese pull alone is worth it For the mains, we had the CAPELLINI ALLA CHECCA and the RIGATONI ALLA NORMA, and both were fantastic. You can really taste the difference, the pasta is imported from Italy, and it shows in the texture and flavor. My husband also ordered the margherita pizza and said it's the best he's ever had, which says a lot! The space itself is big, welcoming, and super versatile. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus a large bar with a full menu. We tried a couple drinks from their spring menu: the pistachio espresso martini and the berry margarita both were so fun and tasty. The staff was also incredibly friendly and attentive, which really made the whole experience even better. Bonus: they have a great family-friendly area with arcade games and a pool table, which makes it perfect whether you're going out as a couple or with a group. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to!

    Photos
    Outdoor dining
    Outdoor dining
    Sea Bass Pasta
    Sea Bass Pasta
    Calamari

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    Calamari

    McIlhenney Brewing - brewpubs - Updated June 2026

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