We discovered this place back after it first opened for business and have only been able to stop in here sporadically for food and/or drinks and to purchase special releases to go. The food has always been great and we love the available tap list. We wanted to extend an extra thank you for you all going above and beyond, and to say that we love the River Shark! We hope you sold out or else we may see you again to pick up more. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Amazing special release, River Shark! - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

(Drank 04/07/26 TU @ 12:30pm): This historic 40-acre parcel of land in North Park included an original brewing company in a growing brewery market! After an impromptu business day trip, a friend and I made our way to The Original 40 Brewing Co. for lunch and brewery exploration. Relatively close to a recently-acquired investment property, this brewery was on my to-visit list. Named for the original 40-acre parcel of land John "Jack" Hartley bought in 1893 that became modern day North Park, San Diego, longtime business owners and residents Steve and Patricia Billings opened The Original 40 Brewing Company in late 2019. Since then, they became a foundation in the neighborhood and one of several breweries that could be visited on a walking tour. Would we enjoy the beers at this not-so "OG" brewery!? PURCHASE(S) The Original 40 Brewing Co. Undeniable Wealth IPA Beer 7.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Hazy amber color, citrusy hoppy aroma, light body, citrusy hoppy juicy flavor, crisp drying finish, and bitter citrusy hoppy aftertaste. This was my favorite of the two because I felt it had more flavor nuances. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=VIK8dHZ_WYsdvvv87bjHtQ Bleu Cheese And Caramelized Onion Burger & Fries ($19.00): I wasn't a fan of bleu cheese, but the grilled onions I smelled when someone ordered this sold me on it. With its thick juicy patty covered in bleu cheese crumbles and aromatic onions, this two-hander melted in your mouth and may offend people you spoke with. The fries were crispy, hot, and plentiful. This was a killer meal! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=XXDV_H27Ajm1gytoSQee5w The Original 40 Brewing Co. Low Resonance Pale Ale Beer 5.4% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Golden amber color, hoppy malty aroma, light body, malty sweet flavor, dry smooth finish, and grainy malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=rVrxvWej7wgGxik4c3mLPw 3pc Firecracker Shrimp Street Tacos ($15.00): Beer-battered fried medium shrimps topped with a sweet honey-mustard-like crema, shredded cabbage, diced red onion and tomato, all on homemade corn tortillas served with a spicy chipotle salsa, these were slightly larger than your usual street taco size. The shrimp was juicy and plump, the vegetables crispy and fresh, while the crema and salsa added a nice flavorful touch. These were simple and tasty! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=MNPhs0rRUcmQN9R2TR1GRg SERVICE We were warmly greeted by the gentleman behind the bar. As we approached, he gave us a quick rundown of their beers, provided a lunch menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=KPlmFDBCfFp_62TrxdXVtg which was perfect, and he allowed us time to make our decision. Soon enough, we placed our orders at the bar, given a table number, our drinks were ready in seconds, and the food came out in less than ten minutes. We were checked on and gladly ordered more drinks and food while our table was cleared. Everything was awesome - cheers! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): We found 90-minute street parking behind the brewery next to the library. Otherwise, there appeared to be spots along the main drag of University Ave., all of the surrounding business streets (read any posted signs), and paid parking in the Bank Of America lot directly behind the brewery - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE An open layout https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=FRumK_MW4Qyy7Dvrh2BcHw with the bar/order counter along one wall, many communal benches and tall tables inside and on the sidewalk patio, stools at the bar, brewing tanks in the background, and an interesting tractor https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=mOeDNVgE68ZDUrvuIS_c2w on display. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the large front windows and doors while an assortment of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs throughout while I couldn't recall any background music. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL We enjoyed The Original 40 Brewing Co. and would plan another visit to try more of the over 20 beers on tap. The two beers I had were good but didn't stand out while the food was wonderful, the prices were a tad high, and the service was straightforward. Furry family members were allowed! I believed they had happy hour specials and almost certain nightly entertainment such as trivia, music, and more was available. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $55.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Beautiful, fun spot in North Park. Love the decor, the wide open front bar and dining area that opens up onto the sidewalk. We tried a variety of their beers including the Juice Maze hazy IPA and the black lager. The beer was great. We also tried a charcuterie board and fish tacos and it was all really delicious - especially the fish tacos. Great vibes, friendly staff and good music. A must stop in North Park when you're in the neighborhood. read more

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Short rib street tacos lacked a bit of flavor still okay. But the buttermilk fried spicy chicken sandwich was much more flavorful. Don't forget to order a giant Bavarian pretzel with spicy brown mustard and house made beer cheese. The hard kombucha was nice and tart the flavor was dragon fruit mango. Would come here again just for the pretzel alone. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Gisnt Bavarian pretzel - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

This place was cute, my husband and I got here right before happy hour ended and snagged a $5 beer (on a select few pints during their HH). I got their white ale and liked it, place is pretty nice for a casual brewery and looks like they have seating and play the world cup. Cool spot to grab in North Park. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

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A brewery/bar/restaurant at the end of the North Park sprawl. They have a wide variety of beers, from lager, IPA's, stouts and seltzers. They also have a couple of options for NA beers too. I got their pastry stout that night and it was great! Not too sweet but adequately boozy and satisfying. My friend got the burger, which comes with fries and he loved it. They.also have a wing Wednesday deal for $1 wings. I would have to come back to check that out. There was a speed dating event going on the night I was there and the place was packed! Love the vibes here. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

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A friendly central brewery in the heart of one of the coolest neighborhoods in San Diego. This spot is such a neat little gem in the heart of Northpark offering a wide range of beers and a seltzer. The decorations and lighting is super nice but what makes this place stand out the most is their fun bike friendly promotions and a staff that makes you feel like you're getting served by a good friend instead of stranger. The Cold IPA (Floating through space) is what I went for and it did not disappoint. A crisp refreshing beer that balances the hops in a way that's easy to drink and had me going for a second. The bright notes and freshness speak of a brewer that really knows their stuff. read more

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Their $5 beer Saturday bike promotion is a problem. The server asked us to prove we had bikes and made us feel like beggars for wanting a $5 beer. The promotion does not state you must ride a bike there and what if one presented a small plastic model bike? Additionally, the menu does not even state the regular prices of the beers. So it seems they have something to hide. There are many places to have a beer in North Park and I don't mind spending regular price for a good one. I can order a $5 beer at Working Class Diner without having to prove I got there on a bike. So I will not be returning to Original 40 even if I have to pay $10 for a beer elsewhere. Bad vibes. read more

Super chill spot at the edge of north park to grab a drink and some snacks / food. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe is very north park with greenery hanging from the ceiling fixtures and brick walls. It is a decent size space and tables are well spread out. Drinks: Beers were good, and they also have decaf cocktails and mocktails. Service: You order at the bar and get a number if you order food. The bartenders were friendly. Food: we ordered the all American cheeseburger with bacon and it was so good! I ordered a battered fish taco, which was nice and crispy, and the grilled vegetable board, which I really enjoyed as well. The grilled vegetable board and the cheese board would really be perfect afternoon snacks to enjoy while having some drinks! read more

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Our first stop on the day. The food was so good and had really good flavor. Solid selection of beer and a really open space. Service was really thorough and quick. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Flat Iron Steak - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Solid beer. I've had a few solid beers here, but I've mainly been passing through and not staying long enough to enjoy more of what they have to offer. There is a pretty solid food menu with tacos, burgers, salads, and more, but I've never taken the opportunity to try anything. According to their website, the Union Tribune voted them one of the top burgers in 2022. They were also voted for best trivia night in 2023. While they're not advertising any recent awards, they are advertising a bunch of different events including some speed dating and a recent white elephant gifting party. Preston was the bartender today, and while kindly pouring my brew, I enjoyed them educating me on all things biking. I typically ask a ton of questions, and I really appreciated Preston educating me while I sipped a tasty IPA. I'll have to come back to try the grub. No complaints and Preston's friendly service brought them to a 5. It was also immaculate inside. Thanks Preston. Cassado said Hi! read more

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Originally we planned to eat accross the street, but they were closed. Good thing cause I just had the best most juicest chicken sandwich. It wasnt too big perfect lunch size. The pickles were so crisp. The fries were also crunchy ask for their homemade ranch. The juice maze ipa was the perfect addition. No other way to end a work day than with some good ass food. read more

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Good food with a great atmosphere! Family friendly while also great for adults. They have typical bar food, but also some dishes with a twist. The servers were also kind and helpful. I definitely want to come back and try more. read more

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Parking isn't too bad on a weekday if you're willing to walk a block or so. There's still unmetered parking available, even though that's becoming rarer in SD. Original 40 is an airy, wide open space, which is good, since there isn't AC, and that can be uncomfortable on a hot summer day. However, cold beverages help, and the strawberry Moscow mule, which is on tap, was delicious and refreshing. Their beverage menu is extensive and includes choices like cider and sangria for those with gluten sensitivities. They also have a few nonalcoholic choices, which is good to know if you're designating a driver. Their bratwurst with peppers and onions was really good, with nice, grainy mustard, and came on a chewy roll that was perfect. Fries were spot on, too. Their menu also includes burgers and a variety of appetizers. As a first-timer, I found out that you order at the bar, your food will be brought to your table, and you can help out by bussing your space when you're done. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Bratwurst and fries - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here for a birthday a party. Parking can be an issue, but this is not their fault. Great ambiance and the staff is helpful. We tried a few tasty beers and asked for food recommendations. Unlike a few other local breweries, they have food which is nice. We had the Poutine Style French fries that were recommended and they were tasty. After an hour we tried the Cristy Chicken Wings which also hit the spot. We were able to combine tables to fit the party and the staff checked on us often. You order food at the bar and they give you ticket and bring it out to you. The staff is friendly and helpful. read more

The energy at this brewery was so good! My husband and I attended a Momo Craft club event last night. The fact that they were able to host all of us with good energy and fast service was truly remarkable. We didn't try the food but we ordered beer and wine. My husband enjoyed the Hold My Stuff DDH West Coast IPA AND I enjoyed the Niner Estates glass of wine. The red blend was recommended to me by the bartender. It was giving all around. Plus I love North Park!! You have to come here with your family and friends because it's also very spacious! read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a fun atmosphere!! They do trivia on sundays and it's a nice large crowd. The beer selection is constantly changing so fun to try new stuff. The food is great too we got a pasta dish it was delicious. Great spot to meet people!! read more

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Pretty chill spot if you're looking for a laid-back hangout with friends or even family. It's definitely kid-friendly, which is nice if you want to bring the little ones along--the vibe feels relaxed and welcoming for groups. My brothers went for the burgers and were happy with their choices. One got the Loco Moco burger, which had an interesting flavor twist--he really enjoyed it. The other stuck with a classic burger, and he said it was spot-on: the patty was cooked perfectly, super juicy (not dry at all), and everything came together fantastically. Solid pub grub that pairs well with their beers. I opted for the charcuterie board, hoping for something shareable and flavorful. It came with grapes, strawberries, nuts, meats, jam, and bread... but honestly, I was pretty disappointed. It felt pretty basic overall--not much wow factor in the flavors. The bread was burnt and dry, which was a big letdown. The meats were decent, and there was one jam that stood out as pretty good, but everything else didn't do much for me. I wouldn't order it again. Overall, it's a cool neighborhood brewery with good drinks, a modern-vintage vibe, indoor/outdoor seating, and reliable burgers. The food menu has its hits and misses, but the atmosphere makes it worth a visit if you're in the area craving craft beer and a casual time. read more

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I've been going to Original 40 for almost 5 years now. The beer is top notch and is only rivaled by their food. Everything I've ever had to eat here is delicious, but the fish tacos, goat cheese dip, and Patou's Salad are at the top of my list. Their beer list is diverse and delicious and they also offer alcoholic kombucha, wine, and various non-alcoholic options including N/A beer. The ambiance is really open and changes depending on the day and who's working, which I think is a highlight. Their elevated patio in the back is absolutely wonderful for groups. The staff is attentive and friendly. You should definitely add OG40 to your list of places to visit. read more

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I recently visited Original 40 Brewin in NP, and it was a overall good experience. I tried their pineapple daiquiri, and wow -- it was strong! Definitely a bold cocktail, but makes for a solid choice since I didn't want a beer. The brewery is modern mixed with a bit of vintage and is very hip inside! Food wise, my group shared some poutine fries and their flatbread pizza. From the dinner menu, we got the Poutine Style French Fries and & Pesto Flatbread (their flatbread of the month according to the website). The fries were tasty, but leaned on the salty side, so I only had a few bites. As for the flatbread, the pesto was light, and the texture of the flatbread was too hard for my liking. It was tough to enjoy fully because it felt more like a cracker than a flatbread. The vibe of the place was fun and was perfect to celebrate my friend's birthday as there was tons of tables around and space. While the drinks are worth trying, the food was mostly the miss for me. I might give it another shot and try diff items next time! I would rate my experience and the drinks a 4/5! read more

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The food & beer is delicious! The service we received from Preston and Cory was so great and they alone are worth going back. Preston leads social bike rides that I've enjoyed going to and he makes sure everyone feels included and has a good time. great people and great spot read more

What a fun place to get together with your family. Every Sunday at 7pm they host trivia and it was so much fun. Host of the game is super engaging. As a family we enjoy game nights and since everyone is finally over 21 this place is perfect for some good beer, food and games. Place is big and beautiful too with many plants. Hope to return. read more

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This brewery ROCKS! The beers are delish and they have a drink for everyone! I got a couple of IPAs and they were crisp, refreshing, hoppy, and finished well. They had an outdoor seating area that was up a small flight of stairs and it was great sitting up there as the sun set. They have indoor and outdoor seating. PARKING: We parked on the street. We didn't see a private parking lot but we found a spot nearby pretty quickly. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Hazy IPA 11.24.24 - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

There are so many beer options around North Park that I would have never made this my hang out except for supreme bike guy beer tender Preston - I came by on a normal Saturday and there were 25 of his bike people hanging out and enjoying the spot. This led me to try other nights he recommended like Pitch a Friend. I would probably hang anywhere he's working but I'm glad it's close to me in North Park for now - what a great vibe. Cory is a really nice guy too and I appreciate his welcoming attitude. read more

This place is great, I recommend the food and the atmosphere. The owners are onsite for business and they take pride in their establishment. I feel like they do an excellent job for group events as well. Check it out. read more

This place is super cute, even the bathrooms. Love the vibe. Personally, I really enjoyed the beers. The kombucha drink was super tasty. The food was hit or miss. I was a little disappointed with the goat cheese salad but the burger was pretty tasty. I'd definitely come back and try some different options. Great for a group. read more

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They canceled a beer pairing dinner on 11/6 without notice. We showed up and were told it was canceled "due to staffing issues." We never received a cancellation email, but did receive a reminder email 2 days prior. I carpooled with a friend for 40 minutes to get there, and another friend drove 90 minutes! We paid for parking as well. We were told refunds were ALREADY issued, but none of have been refunded yet and they DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. A round of beers on the house was offered for our troubles. Nice, but does not even cover parking. I cannot comment of the quality of the food or ambiance, because it was my first time there (and last). The beer was okay, we drank that round outside and then left to get food elsewhere. read more

Perfect quick lunch bite! I was desperate for food but didn't want drive through junk, and lo and behold, OG 40 was on the other side of the BOA parking lot...Bratwurst and fries to the rescue! Best deal in the area for sure at only $11! The bartender was lovely, attentive and prompt. When I had to change my order to go, he pivoted seamlessly despite having to run service in the huge place virtually alone, and packed up my lunch without a hitch. The fries had the perfect crisp, the bread on the bun was perfectly toasted, and the brat was full flavor, topped with dijon mustard, juicy bell pepper and caramelized onions. Will def stop by again and make time to have a cider! read more

Great beer selection. Very friendly staff with attentive service. I was asked by the bartender Mason, what I would like to drink right away. And he gave good recommendations based on my preference. With an open layout there is plenty of space for big or small parties. You can also see the brewing process done right in front of you. A good amount of patio space on a busy street makes for good people watching. I would recommend coming here to grab a bite or have some great beers. Good job Original 40 read more

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Really cool little spot. Accidentally came where there was an event, so was packed & very crowded sadly, however was able to snag a spot on the rooftop patio, so that was actually a blessing in disguise. Tried the German lager, and was very impressed. Really enjoyed how crisp & smooth it was. Also got some wings & they were ok, just wings. Would love to go back for more beer, but also try out other food & give it a shot. It's in North Park, so parking can be a bear, be prepared to pay or walk. Other than that, a fun spot! read more

Cute hipster brewery in NP. This one is a little bit off the beaten path - but well worth the stop. The inside is very nicely decorated and an outside patio (so bring the pup!). Excellent selection of barley sodas - the hazy IPA has a bite! Standard bar fare - but quite a few folks were ordering the charcuterie board to go with their brews. read more

I've visited this place a few times for a beer. It's a spacious venue that also serves food. While I'm not a big fan of their craft beer, I haven't tried it in a couple of years so when I finish with Dry January I'll have to give it another shot! It looks like their reviews on Untapped have gone up! The location is excellent, but parking can be a real challenge. The staff are always super friendly. I stopped by tonight for Pitch-A-Friend, which was a really fun event with a great atmosphere. That said, it was uncomfortably hot inside, even with the doors open. Overall, it's a great spot to hang out. I haven't tried the food yet, but it always looks amazing! read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

I went on a Sunday evening to play their Trivia Night. It started at 7pm. We got to pick our team name. Questions were up on the TVs and you wrote down your answer and picked the amount of points for getting each question right. They had a variety of questions from geography to sports, etc. I had a lot of fun playing. Won a gift card for getting 3rd place. They had a great selection of beers and a large food menu. I tried the Grilled Vegetable Board, Ceviche Tostada, and Giant Bavarian Pretzel. It was all yummy! The pretzel was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Grilled Vegetable Board - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great vibes and excellent service at Original 40 Brewery. Lexie was incredibly helpful in helping me choose some great beers that perfectly matched my palate. The atmosphere was very welcoming, and I will definitely be back. I honestly think this place needs a line dancing night--beer and line dancing are an elite combination! read more

Came here for a star wars event and loved the vibes! Ambiance was great and even though it was super packed we still had a place to sit and the service was pretty quick. The drinks were tasty, and the food we had was pretty decent. Street parking is limited but you can usually find something if you circle the block for a bit and see someone leaving. Great casual place to mingle and grab a beer! read more

Met friends here and The open feel was great! Music playlist was enjoyable . The fish taco with the fresh salsa was wonderful. Friends enjoyed the beer and fancy drinks! Will come again. read more

The beers, cider, and everything in between were amazing. Joey is the most energetic and fun guy to have serving the delicious drinks. Such a fun and lively spot, highly recommend! read more

What a great brewery! Thank you Peter, Cory and everyone who made our friends 40th a wonderful celebration, everything was perfect! We truly enjoyed the beer/wine selection, large charcuterie and snacks that were provided. The place was clean and welcoming, despite the rain we had a nice spot by the patio. Thanks again! read more

The beers and ciders speak for themselves, but Joey took incredible care of us and made us feel so welcome. He kept the energy high and took our night to the next level. Original 40 is the perfect place to kickstart a great night in North Park. 5 stars. read more

First stop when we got to San Diego. It was near our Airbnb and we were hungry and tired from traveling. Grabbed a couple of drinks and a quick bite. We ordered the short rib tacos to share and a couple of pints. The tacos were alright, but felt like I was missing salsa (could be the Texan in me). It was a chill spot and the staff were friendly. Nice little neighborhood brewery read more

The Original 40 Brewing - Short rib tacos - Breweries Near Me - San Diego, California