Awesome beer, friendly service. An institution in the brewing industry. The service was friendly and quick. There's a larger back patio filled with various succulents and bushes, ample seating with plenty of natural shade from trees along with tables with umbrellas. The beers I had were world class. Muntz is always a treat but even better from the source and Nectaron Express was an amazing expression of New Zealand hops paired with "devils lettuce" terpenes. Places like this are what elevate this industry and I'm glad that I was able to visit. Definitely a destination that anyone should seek out. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Nectaron Express IPA - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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Best dang Beer ~ Raspberry bells bluff! Great tap room~friendly staff~great ambiance ~ Cheers! read more

I loved this spot when it was alpine, and I'm still loving it as McIlhenney. Delicious IPAs are my fave- especially a good, clean west coast, and theirs were so good we barely noticed as we were gulping it down. Had to slow down on the next one! Staff is so friendly and creates fun vibes with all the throwback music playing. The only negative about this spot is how far it is off the beaten path. But I will find reasons to keep making it out here read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Hidden pigeon - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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 read more

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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. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - The Apricot Bells Bluff - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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!! read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Outdoor seating area. - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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Great beer Always! It is chill and the folks here are good people! I like to drink a few while I'm here and buy some for later! Best fresh pours around! read more

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

The original owners and brewers of Alpine Beer own and operate this place and continue the great reputation they started at the old Alpine Brewery. Wonderful staff and fun place to hang out. read more

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. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Indoor seating and of course beer! - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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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... read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Welcome home (again)! - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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

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

Fantastic spot to celebrate Father's Day with my family, fun people, and great beer. Service was professional, warm, helpful and knowledgeable (and passionate) about their amazing beer. We live in North SD County but we'll be finding our way back to Alpine, CA soon enough. Keep up the great work! read more

Every time we visit, we are so glad we made the stop. Not only is the beer great (brewers are the OG Alpine Brewery) but the guy who is always pouring is so rad. Super friendly and nice, you can tell this is a neighborhood joint where the locals hang out. Everything I love about the brewery culture can be found at this home grown spot. read more

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

McIlhenney Brewing - Interior - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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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 ! read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Best session we have had in years. Had to grab a few to go as well. - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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

Of course great location. They have taken over the old Alpine Brewery location, as they should, this is the old Alpine brew crew. Parking is a bit limited, but you should be able to find a spot somewhere. Inside the tasting room has been updated. The original soda bar and seats is moved against the wall. Love to see the old bar and stools still around. Staff is friendly and very helpful. I had no idea on what to order and jumped all the way in with a pint of Apricot beer. A little too sweet for me. I was wrapped up in the romantic kid inside eating a fresh apricot off the tree and not thinking straight. I suggest instead ordering tasters at $2 each and trying everything. They will also let you have "splash" of many beers, before you commit. Outside seating is available behind the tasting room. Will be back to try other beers. Thank you for your kind service. read more

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One of the best breweries in SD county. Everything on the draft board are solid options, especially IPA's. Can't wait to see them expand the offerings throughout the year, particularly with some seasonals. If the inside is busy, take advantage of the outdoor seating where there is 5-6 tables with some shade. read more

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Cool find up in Alpine. Apparently, this used to be the old Alpine Brewing tasting room. Has a nice patio out back. Tried a variety of beers, Brite Lites Helles and Bells Bluff were both easy drinking lagers, CocoNot Porter with Nitro was good, DryRish Stout, which wasn't my favorite, Honey Hill, which was very smooth and very good, and then the Wizards Wand, which was a really good IPA. Very friendly servers and you can bring dogs inside and out. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

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Really exciting atmosphere with a bunch of fun like minded people. I think the traditional craft beer scene has become a touch trendy and attracted an equally obnoxious crowd (no shame of the breweries) but McIlhenney has managed to create a space that is inviting and fun to meet others. I'm not a beer critic but I still feel like the beer is finding itself. Well worth a visit to see a local legend grow into some new recipes. I couldn't recommend more the Raspberry Bells Bluff for those with a sweet tooth and both the Surname Red and Wizards Wand for those looking for some more complexity in a beer. All around I will absolutely be coming back and just hope that as they continue to realize that PEOPLE WANT THEIR BEER that they create a space accommodating the size of crowd they are attracting. Ps- parking is available but is limited. Managed to get a spot down the street in a nearby neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon. read more

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I love the openness of this brewery and the amazing service as soon as you walk in. It's like a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend going to this little Mexican diner down the street and getting food to go and bringing it here because it pairs perfectly with some cold refreshing delicious beer paired with stellar service. Whenever we make a trip to or from San diego i definitely would love to make this our tradition to stop. Anytime anyone is as pleasant with the fact our kid(s) come with us and they aren't giving us a stink eye because of that is a 5 star in my book. read more

this place is a Michelin dog star spot! immediately got greeted with "oh she is such a good girl" and then was provided complimentary aged dried chicken treats (the high quality ones). the patrons there had doggos and I really enjoyed watching all the doggos laying in passageways, these are my ppl! mom got all the "Bells Bluff" from raspberry to apricot to vanilla and was raving about each one. dad got the bestest bud IPA which is obviously named after me no doubt. I got a big bowl of cold water and it was very refreshing after my long hike in Mt Laguna. the floor was cold and I really enjoyed laying out on this hot day. 10/10 will be back! read more

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Disclaimer...My friend's daughter, husband and 2 babies own this brewery. Claimer...It is a truly sweet spot!!! Granted, we just stopped in after a visit to Lions, Tigers and Bears. But, I'm a beer/brewery type and can tell you this is worth it. Friendly, yummy beer, fun outdoor space, dogs, babies, babes (our group....hahahaha)...This couple is dedicated to their craft and your taste buds will certainly pop in agreement!!! read more

So glad to see this spot going to good use, definitely take a trip and go see them not a bad beer on draft. I challenge you to find one you don't like. Support local small businesses and buy some merchandise, and of coarse beer Togo! Anytime I'm around this area I will make sure to visit! Customer service is top notch. read more

McIlhenney Brewing - Double ipa is my new favorite - Brewpubs Near Me - Alpine, California

Great people offering up great beer. I love that we have the original team brewing my favorites again, including Surname which is my all time favorite red in the world. read more

I was sad to hear that Alpine Brewing closed, but then I found out that the McIlhenny family is the one that actually started Alpine Brewing! So glad they are still here. I hadn't been here for a few years, they added more outdoor seating on the patio. Great beer! Owner was friendly, too. read more

SO glad I stopped in here! Such a welcoming spot, tasty brews, awesome lay out to enjoy & be grateful to be in the mtns. Staff was super kind, welcoming & made you feel at home. Already looking forward to stopping in again! read more

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.

If you liked the old Alpine Brewing, this is your spot. Same family owned, beers are even better. Hands down five stars. Stoked to have the same excuse to drive east on the 8 for beers--but no bbq like they used to. Will come for the food trucks though, so bring them out! read more

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

Dog friendly, direct wooden gate to back patio on east side of building in parking lot. No kitchen but you can bring food in. Heard they have pop up local food vendors some times. read more

Wow. What a stunner. Sampled nine beers. All fantastic. Got a couple crowlers and they didn't last more than two days. What an amazing place to drink beer. I heard about it on the friend so we stopped by on the way back from Lake Cuyamaca and Julian, and my only disappointment is that it's so far away--but that makes it all the more special. These may be the best IPAs around--gotta try their imperial stout and bring a growler next time! Do be prepared--to go beers are growler/crowler only. I think that adds to the experience. read more

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!!

Great place I had very good time definitely going back again awesome service, thank you.