The Complete Game: Nine Must-Drink Beers at Petco Park

Hey visiting fans, don’t be a kook. Know your local brews. Here’s the nine best beers to drink at Petco Park, in no particular order:

9 Best Beers At Petco Park

1. Stone IPA (Stone) – 6.9% ABV
   Arguably the most famous beer in San Diego and representively citrusy and hoppy.
2. California Kölsch (Ballast Point) – 5.2% ABV
   Golden and drinkable, pairs well with hot dogs and sunshine.
3. Swami’s IPA (Pizza Port) – 6.8% ABV
   A bold and hoppy local favorite, named for the famous local surf break.
4. Swinging Friar Ale (Ballast Point) – 5.5% ABV
   Lemon-peachy with a biscuity malt backbone and crisp finish. The pride of San Diego.
5. No-No Joe (Resident) – 8.2% ABV
   Unfiltered West Coast super DIPA, brewed in collaboration with Joe Musgrove.
6. Aurora Hoppyalis IPA (Karl Strauss ) – 6.9% ABV
   Piney tangerine, smooth and flavorful with a crisp, dry finish.
7. Weekend Vibes IPA (Coronado Brewing Company) – 7.0% ABV
   Brewed across the bridge, hoppy and hazy and named for a local inlet.
8. Grapefruit Sculpin IPA (Ballast Point) – 7% ABV
   Sculpin is the yardstick by which all beers in San Diego are currently measured. Go for the citrus twist because you are in California.
9. San Diego Pale Ale .394 (AleSmith) – 6.0% ABV
   The most popular beer at Petco Park without question. Made by local brewer AleSmith in honor of one of the San Diego Padres’ all time greats, Tony Gwynn. The beer borrows its name from the Hall-of-Fame legend’s highest batting average achieved, .394 in the Padres 1994 season, and its profile from his desire for a beer that is “light with a kick”. The result is a deliciously drinkable golden Pale Ale with light bitterness, accentuated hoppiness and a malty sweet finish. And a portion of proceeds go to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation (TAG). A definite must-try at Petco Park.

   Also try the alternate Hazy .394, a variation with a more intense, tropical hop aroma, fuller-bodied pour and a smooth, creamy finish.

   If you are looking for .394, try Club .394 at Section 217, Board & Brew (205), Wonderland (307), the Lexus Home Plate Club Bar, any of the Craft Beers of San Diego locations, or in a bottle at Seaside Market (105).

Note: Petco Park stop serving alcohol after the 7th inning stretch.

Read the complete beer guide for how to celebrate a San Diego Padres win / endure a San Diego Padres loss. San Diego has one of the strongest lineup of breweries in the nation and a deep bullpen. Petco Park makes their presence known and puts a nice local stamp on the distinct experience of watching a baseball game in San Diego, California.

Note: Please do not drink without a Designated Driver. Lots of people downtown don’t care that you think you can hold your liquor. Or get an Uber. Do not drive if you plan on drinking. Or stick to non-alcoholic beer.