San Marcos has quietly become one of the best food and drink destinations in North County San Diego. The craft brewery scene is nationally recognized, and Restaurant Row on Grand Ave keeps adding new spots.

Craft Beer Capital

San Marcos and neighboring Vista form one of the densest craft brewery corridors in California. You could spend a month hitting a different brewery every day and still not cover them all.

The Mason Ale Works

Inside the old Mason Jar building on San Marcos Blvd. Great rotating taps and a kitchen that takes bar food seriously. The beer cheese pretzels are legendary.

Rip Current Brewing

Award-winning brewery with a laid-back taproom. Their stouts and IPAs consistently medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Booze Brothers Brewing Co.

Fun, unpretentious taproom with a huge outdoor patio. Family and dog friendly. Food trucks rotate regularly.

Indian Joe Brewing

Unique craft brews with creative flavor profiles. The taproom in the industrial area off Rancheros is worth seeking out.

Restaurant Row (Grand Ave)

The stretch of Grand Ave near San Marcos Blvd has been transforming into a legitimate dining destination.

Urge Gastropub

Upscale pub food with an incredible craft beer selection. The truffle fries and gourmet burgers are musts.

Fish Market San Marcos

Fresh seafood in a casual setting. One of the better fish taco spots in North County, which is saying something in San Diego.

Cocina del Charro

Authentic Mexican food. The kind of place where the salsa is made fresh and the portions are generous. No frills, just great food.

Coffee

The third-wave coffee scene has arrived in San Marcos. Steady State Coffee in San Elijo Hills and various spots along Restaurant Row mean you never have to settle for chain coffee.

Gear Up for a Brewery Crawl