Home Brew Mart

Visited in January 2025 after reading a local article online about the reopening as the original concept after the Ballast Point fiasco. Still has that shabby shopping mall vibe with all the homebrew supplies you could possibly want with the addition of a taproom including 12 draft lines of various styles they brew out back. There’s a classroom and a small shop next to the small bar. Regulars still come through like I imagine they did back in the day. The SD OG is back!

Just stumbled upon this gem in San Diego, and let me tell ya, Home Brew Mart is THE spot! First off, shoutout to Matt and his epic Gandalf beard. Dude knows his stuff and treated me like a beer VIP. Major respect! So, here’s the kicker—this place used to share space with Ballast Point, but when they packed up and left, the folks at Home Brew Mart (already crushing it selling brewing gear, supplies, and ingredients) saw an opportunity to level up. They started brewing and selling their own beers, and wow, they absolutely killed it. The beers here? Next level. Fresh as heck and with flavors you don’t just stumble across anywhere. Like, I tried this one called Chanson d’Automne—yeah, fancy French for “autumn song” or something—and let me tell you, that beer was straight poetry in a glass. Perfect balance, smooth finish, and made me feel like I was sipping on a crisp fall breeze. Honestly, it’s unfair to other beers. Oh, and the place is not just a brewery; it’s like a candy store for homebrewers. They’ve got EVERYTHING you need to brew your own liquid gold. From the ingredients to the gear, it’s all here. And if you’re feeling a little lazy (or, let’s be real, just wanna skip the brewing process and get straight to the good part), they’ve got fresh beers on tap that they brewed themselves. Win-win, baby. But here’s the funny part—while I was sipping my beer, a steady stream of dudes kept rolling in. Some were grabbing supplies for their homebrews, others just stopping for a pint. And when I say dudes, I mean only dudes. If you’re thinking, “Hey, maybe I’ll swing by to meet a cute craft beer-loving gal,” forget it. This place is a total bro-zone. It’s like a shrine to beer, hops, and manly conversations about IBUs and fermenting techniques. So, if you’re here to talk beer and geek out about brewing, this is heaven. But if you’re here to find your soulmate, you’re in the wrong brewery, my friend. All jokes aside, the vibe is amazing, the beers are fantastic, and the playlist? Absolute fire with David Bowie’s “Oh! You Pretty Things”, Little Feat’s “Day At the Dog Races”, The Meters’ “Cissy Strut”, and the groovy “Spinning Wheel” by Dr. Lonnie Smith. Honestly, Home Brew Mart isn’t just a brewery—it’s a whole experience. Cheers to that!

Always a great place to hang. Great unique beers at this brewery only and cool beer supplies at the Home Brew Mart so you can make your own. I used to live just up the street and walk down here often but now I don’t live close and don’t get here as much but it’s always terrific!

Classic hangout spot. I’m no a beer expert but if their taps are great, the service and setting may be even better. Love the built-in games and people/dog friendly atmosphere. We had a blast. Beware the 2 hr parking limit outside, they got us last time 😅

29 Beers on Tap. That's alot of different type of beers! Unfortunately, they did not have any fruity beers which is what I was looking for, but I cannot downgrade BP since Point #1 - They have 29 beers on tap! I tried the Watermelon Dorado, Wahoo White, and the Speedboat. I would say the Speedboat was the best. I tried all 4 ounces. You can try 4 oz, 8oz and 16 oz - Your pick. If you have more time, I would definitely recommend this place.

In my ignorance I came here to buy grains, and I find a pleasant surprise that HBM is independent again. I will support the hell out of this place. They are small and local again. And btw, they are brewing amazing beers too. Cheers.

Awesome beers, great people. Check this place out even if you aren’t a brewer!!

All homebrew needs in 1 stop shop. Grains, hops, yeast & equipment readily available. Full grain & extract brewers should visit this spot. Lots of beer merch available: shirts, hoodies, beer signs, skateboards, koozies & stickers. We (2 adults & 3 kids) sat out back, had chips & salsa and tried a few beers. Only water available for kids so plan ahead. Jason served us & was very helpful, checking on us when our glasses were getting low. Victory at Sea is bomb! Hay-C is a Hazy that is only available at the HBS; super delicious. Watermelon is weird but worth a 4oz try (think watermelon jolly rancher). Tried the black is beautiful, was pretty good. All in all a good experience.

Love this place and the owner Jim is super nice! We come here almost every Tuesday for the trivia night and hang out for a couple hours. Great place to unwind!

My homebrewing days are far in the past (I also used to brew professionally), but I recently had the opportunity to help a friend with his brew, and Home Brew Mart was our first stop. I was impressed with the variety of malts, hops, and other ingredients. It's also pretty cool that the bins are self-serve. I was also fascinated by all of the specialty equipment that they sell here. Whether you are a complete novice or a veteran brewer, you will find everything here that you will need for your next batch. The employees here are quite knowledgable and passionate about beer. Maybe my favorite part: they also have a brewpub! I don't remember what I got, but I do remember liking it. Home Brew Mart is the epicenter of beer culture in America's Finest [Beer] City.

Great local knowledge of the beers on tap. Not the widest selection, but still a good place worth visiting for some quality beers on tap .