Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Hillcrest Brewing Company – San Diego
Hillcrest Brewing Company - San Diego
Photo from Hillcrest Brewing Company
Hillcrest Brewing Company at a glance
San Diego Egyptian Quarter
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#250 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
371
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Good food/drinks
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Unpleasant smell
- Limited parking
The restaurant, a popular Bar & Pub in San Diego’s vibrant Egyptian Quarter, offers you a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. At Hillcrest Brewing Company, you can enjoy a relaxed setting perfect for unwinding with their selection of hard liquor, cocktails, and food at the bar.
You’ll find it’s a great place to experience the local scene.
Overview: Introducting Hillcrest Brewing Company
The Brewing Company generally offers a pleasant experience, with many appreciating the lively atmosphere and the attentive staff. Guests often find the overall setting enjoyable, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
The selection of drinks and food also receives positive remarks. However, some visits to this establishment have been marred by inconsistent service interactions and occasional concerns about certain food items.
While the general vibe is positive, a few patrons have noted issues with the smell or specific policies, suggesting areas for refinement.
Good
7.8
out of 10
371
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
57
negative
14
neutral
300
positive
Hillcrest Brewing Company earns a solid 7.8 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 80.9%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
With 300 positive remarks against 57 negative ones out of 371 total comments, the sentiment leans heavily towards approval, suggesting a reliable choice for many. Delving into specifics, Ambience (8.1) is a standout, often praised for its welcoming feel.
Service (7.9) also performs well, though some individual experiences vary. The Food (7.7) offerings, particularly pizzas and beers, are well-regarded, while Value (7.2) is considered fair, especially during happy hour.
These insights are drawn from a substantial number of customer observations.
What people like
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Good beer and pizza
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Unpleasant smell sometimes
- Difficult parking availability
Hillcrest Brewing Company presents itself as a generally enjoyable spot, particularly for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and a good selection of beverages and casual food. While most visits are positive, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies.
With a solid recommendation score of 7.9, it’s certainly worth considering if you’re in the area. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a fun, social outing, provided you manage expectations regarding occasional operational hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hillcrest Brewing Company
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of nearly 80%, it's clear most diners are happy. Based on 154 positive remarks out of 193 total, guests frequently rave about the delicious pizza options, the great beer selection, and the tasty baked wings, especially the monthly specialty pizzas and unique brews.
However, not every bite is perfect, as noted in 30 less favorable comments. Some experiences mention inconsistent wing quality, with one particularly strong opinion about sticky sliminess. There were also a few remarks about occasional undercooked pizza and overcooked vegetables, suggesting some room for improvement in consistency and variety, particularly regarding the snack menu.
Food
193
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza options
- Great beer selection
- Tasty baked wings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent wing quality
- Occasional undercooked pizza
- Limited snack menu
Often praised
- foodHe even managed to pivot his understanding of my mom’s sense of humor. The food was excellent, and sitting on the patio was nice on a breezy night (no AC was on). While the menu is limited food-wise, the service was truly beyond exceptional.
- pizzaThe pizza was absurd, maybe the best in socal.
- beerWe enjoyed the great pizzas and great wings. The great beer selection is also a highlight, and I especially enjoy the Banana Hammock beer. We also like trying the monthly specialty pizzas.
- wingsThe menu offers simple comfort food, but with imaginative twists. We enjoyed the great pizzas and great wings. The great beer selection is also a highlight, and I especially enjoy the Banana Hammock beer.
- drinksThe drinks, food, and service are always great!
- beersThe wings are baked, so expect a wait of 20 minutes or more. They boast a huge selection of beers, primarily their own brews with some guest options, alongside cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beers. Regardless of whether you choose to sit outside, inside, or by the bar, you're guaranteed great service.
- full barthe full bar doesn't doom me to having a beer
- FoodFood:5
- beer selectiongood beer selection their own
- pizzasLocated off University in the heart of Hillcrest, this place offers a great atmosphere and good bar food and pizzas. It's a large space with a good amount of outdoor seating, making it a great place to stop for a bite and or drink while exploring the neighborhood.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe pizza was flimsy and tasteless
- 3 little wings$6 for 3 little wings
- Chicken WingsWe ordered Chicken Wings to share. The wings didn’t look as done as we expected, but it was hard to tell with all the sauce on them. We only ate a couple of wings before we lost our appetite due to the sticky sliminess.
- FoodFood:2
- Root beerthey don't make their own anymore nor sell any
- Salmonella poisoningcolitis caused from Salmonella poisoning
- Saucy enoughdidn't seem saucy enough to my liking
- bar food appetizerssee more bar food appetizers
- celeryThe celery served with the wings was not fresh
- chicken Parmchicken Parm is tiny for the price
If youre looking for a place with reliably good pizza and an impressive beer list, youll likely leave satisfied. Just be aware that while the wings are often praised, there might be some inconsistency, and the snack menu could be more diverse.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a 7.9 score indicating a good experience for many. Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 78.7%, showing that most diners leave happy. Based on 70 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive server like Matt and Cody, and quick service, often noting the knowledgeable bar staff and their helpful recommendations.
However, its not all sunshine, as 17 negative remarks point to some areas needing attention. Some guests reported rude staff and feeling ignored or experiencing slow service, with a few even mentioning issues with management' behavior. It seems there can be inconsistencies, particularly regarding attentiveness and customer interaction.
Service
89
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Knowledgeable bar staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Ignored, slow service
- Poor management issues
Often praised
- serviceThe food was excellent, and sitting on the patio was nice on a breezy night (no AC was on). While the menu is limited food-wise, the service was truly beyond exceptional.
- staffthe staff are so awesome and kind
- ServiceThe Service and ambiance are good
- friendly serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and the friendly service. It's a great spot to catch your favorite teams on the big screen or numerous TVs.
- peopleThe place, the people, the food and drink were all extremely nice!
- serverour server the moment he saw is seated was outgoing and friendly
- CodyThe happy hour special was on point. The wait staff is awesome, and I want to give a special shout out to Cody!
- Jason the bar tenderJason the bar tender is the best
- MattAsk for Matt if you stop by, he's one of the best
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceThe staff had the worst customer service
- managerWhen I called to speak to a manager, instead of addressing my concerns
- serviceWe waited between 15-20 minutes for the server or someone to come back to us so we could order, but it felt like we were intentionally ignored, especially after the server dropped the drinks off at the table next us, then proceeded to SKIP our table to ask another table if they were all good with their food and drinks while we were sitting down with only 2 glasses of water. In all the years I've been to HBC, I've never had service as bad as tonight. Usually HBC has some of the best service, but it was extremely lacking tonight.
- HBC serviceIn all the years I've been to HBC, I've never had service as bad as tonight. Usually HBC has some of the best service, but it was extremely lacking tonight. It definitely sucks, since I love going here and I was looking forward to the food.
- attitudeNo customer deserves to be treated this way. Between the terrible service, awful attitude, and the bad smell, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. They seriously need to retrain their staff and reconsider who they put in charge.
- bald guya bald guy started SCREAMING at me, aggressively telling me
- behaviorAbsolutely unacceptable behavior.
- door wenchThe door wench here has no sense of humor and a miserable disposition.
- managementsome older gal (who I suppose was part of management) said that our front runner was a girl was a girl denied her saying that “we will not be able to serve you”
- serverHe gave us our waters and left to attend other people while we looked over the menu. The server never came back to our table to ask us if we were ready to order anything else, even after a couple was seated next to us and given drinks. We waited between 15-20 minutes for the server or someone to come back to us so we could order, but it felt like we were intentionally ignored, especially after the server dropped the drinks off at the table next us, then proceeded to SKIP our table to ask another table if they were all good with their food and drinks while we were sitting down with only 2 glasses of water.
Overall, the service leans heavily towards positive, with many praising the friendly and efficient team. While there are occasional reports of slow or rude interactions, the majority of experiences suggest youll likely enjoy attentive and welcoming service. Its definitely worth a visit if you value a friendly atmosphere.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.3%. With 68 positive remarks out of 77 total, guests consistently praise the atmosphere, outdoor space, and dog friendly vibe. Its described as a welcoming, fun, and social spot, perfect for friends, family, and even your furry companions, often feeling like a second home.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 8 negative comments. Some found the open-air side too cold, while others mentioned difficulty with parking space or an occasional unpleasant smell. A few felt the vibe wasnt always consistent, with one instance of dogs not being appreciated, despite the general pet-friendly sentiment.
Ambience
77
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Pet-friendly
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Chilly open-air
- Difficult parking
- Unpleasant smell
Often praised
- atmosphereI spent a casual afternoon here with friends and had a great time! Our server, Cody, was excellent and really set us up for a great night. The service and atmosphere were both top-notch, contributing to a memorable experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- place" This was despite the fact that none of us were stumbling. We thought this place was cool and was going to be our spot, but as long as the short, white girl with short black hair is there, I would advise against going. She has no way of confirming if you're good to drink or not; that's what bouncers are for.
- musicI enjoyed the great service and the tasty beers. The excellent music created a wonderful atmosphere, and it was incredibly pet friendly. Plus, the parking was a huge bonus, which is a rare find in Hillcrest.
- parkingThey have a small parking lot and I parked very easily
- vibesThe staff are great, and I love the area and the crowd that frequents this place. It consistently offers fun and chill vibes. The drinks are reliably strong and delicious, with a wide selection of beers and skilled bartenders who can craft excellent cocktails.
- locationPretty central and close to most events
- outdoor seatingLocated off University in the heart of Hillcrest, this place offers a great atmosphere and good bar food and pizzas. It's a large space with a good amount of outdoor seating, making it a great place to stop for a bite and or drink while exploring the neighborhood.
- Doggy Socialit was super social
- LGBTQ+ breweryMy experience at this chill LGBTQ+ brewery in the heart of Hillcrest was great. They offer a wide selection of drinks on draft, both in-house and from other breweries.
Frequently criticized
- closing timethey clause at 9 and you waste your money
- dogsUnfortunately, our experience was marred by the door wench who had no sense of humor and a miserable disposition. She made it very clear that dogs are not appreciated at this establishment. Because of this negative interaction, we decided to leave and went to Uptown Tavern instead.
- open-air sideThe wings were also great. The only minor drawback was that it's getting a bit too cold to enjoy the open-air side of the restaurant.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- platesThe plates are a strange wooden texture that I can’t imagine they are able to sanitize
- smellthe place stunk — it smelled bad
- social environmentit really interrupts the social environment
- vibeDon't come here if you want to vibe
If you're looking for a lively, pet-friendly spot with great outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is a solid choice. Just be mindful of the weather if you plan to sit outside and be prepared for potential parking challenges.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.2, which is pretty good! Many customers, about 66.7%, feel positively about the pricing, though its a bit of a mixed bag. With 8 positive remarks out of 12 total, folks often rave about the hoppy hour deals, happy hour prices, and reasonably priced food, especially those $3 slices and dollar off beers that make a visit worthwhile.
However, not everyone is thrilled. A couple of voices (2 negative mentions) suggest that prices have gotten ridiculous and some feel they waste money. ' While these are fewer in number, they point to a concern that the value might not always align with expectations, especially outside of those tempting happy hour specials.
Value
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Reasonable food prices
- Good drink deals
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- $3 slices3 dollar slices is a solid deal
- dollar off beersdollar off beers is a solid deal
- happy hour pricesHappy hour prices: $3 pizza slices
- happy hour specialhappy hour special on point!
- hoppy hourThey have "hoppy hour" every day from 2-6 pm which gets you a couple bucks off beer and wine.
- nice happy hourIt's a great spot to catch your favorite teams on the big screen or numerous TVs. They also boast an awesome beer selection and a full bar with a nice happy hour. I'd recommend trying the pizza of the month or asking about other specials.
- prices on Sunday afternoonMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the brunch. I was impressed with the excellent brunch time drink options and their prices on Sunday afternoon, earning a 5-star rating for both. The atmosphere also received a 5-star rating.
- reasonably pricedfood that's reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices have gotten ridiculous
- waste moneyyou waste your money cuz you don’t get to watch the end
If you're hunting for a good deal, especially during happy hour or for brunch drinks, this place offers solid value. Just be aware that some find the regular prices a bit steep, so planning your visit around specials could be key.
How are the prices at Hillcrest Brewing Company?
You’re looking at roughly $28 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits in the $21–$30 range, we see a good cluster of prices both below (in the $11–$20 range) and a notable spread into higher price points, like $41–$50, suggesting a mix of quick bites and more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
See how this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Diego. It offers good value for that mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hillcrest Brewing Company
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Hillcrest Spot for Drinks & Bites
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's a great spot to visit if you're in Hillcrest. They offer a nice variety of cocktails and beers, alongside classic American favorites like pizza, wings, pretzels, garlic knots, and salads.
The restaurant provides both indoor seating and a cute outdoor patio that's pet friendly. The staff are friendly and they are accommodating for larger groups, kindly splitting checks if requested at the start, which makes it ideal for events where guests might arrive and depart at different times. It's a solid go-to happy hour spot.
- cocktails and beers8
- American bites7
- outdoor patio8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Consistently Great Service and Food!
I've become a regular at this restaurant, and Jason and the staff always take great care of me. The service is friendly, the food is consistent, and the energy is always a good time. The great service here is so consistently good that when I go to other bars, I'm often let down.
They also have the best beer menu in Hillcrest!
- service10
- food9
- energy9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Quaint Local Brewery with Great Cocktails
My in-laws and I stopped here before our dinner reservation nearby. My father-in-law was excited to return, as he remembers this place from a visit 6 years ago. It's a very cute and quaint local vibe brewery.
They offer a selection of their local made beers and also traditional cocktails and spirits. They also have their own specialty cocktails; one that was seasonally featured was the apple martini, which my mother-in-law ordered and loved!
- local vibe brewery8
- local made beers7
- apple martini9
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Awful Service, Bad Smell, But Great Food
Last night was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I walked in, the place stunk — it smelled bad and felt uncomfortable to be in. The staff had the worst customer service, acting rude and dismissive the entire time.
What made it worse was how the manager treated me. He harassed and discriminated against me, falsely accusing me of pouring a drink into my own water container. The way he spoke to me was completely uncalled for — loud, disrespectful, and humiliating in front of others.
No customer deserves to be treated this way. Between the terrible service, awful attitude, and the bad smell, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. They seriously need to retrain their staff and reconsider who they put in charge.
- Food5
- smell1
- customer service1
- manager1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Good Vibes, Terrible Food
The vibes in this restaurant were good, and the staff was friendly. However, we made a special trip on a Sunday, and the food was shockingly bad. The pizza was flimsy and tasteless, with a crust like cardboard – a cracker texture that was also mushy in the middle, weighed down by what seemed like an entire can of olives.
The veggies were very overcooked. The wings were the worst we've ever had, appearing boiled and texturally ruined, then tossed in a flavorless sauce that didn't adhere. The ranch was awful, not tasting like ranch and not good on its own.
The celery served with the wings was not fresh. The wooden plates were questionable for sanitation. Despite tipping 20% and not complaining, as we are nice people in San Diego, the meal was inedible.
We hope this was an isolated incident, as the vibes are genuinely good. We cannot recommend the food at all and are sorry to have to leave this review, as we were looking forward to this meal.
- vibes8
- staff8
- food1
- pizza1
- crust1
What Hillcrest Brewing Company offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Food at bar
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Hillcrest Brewing Company?
You’ll find several parking options when visiting. There’s free street parking and a free parking lot, though finding a space can sometimes be challenging. Paid street parking is also available for your convenience.
Is Hillcrest Brewing Company accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, the establishment is fully wheelchair accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Hillcrest Brewing Company generally rate with customers?
Hillcrest Brewing Company holds a good overall score of **7.8**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (8.1) and **Service** (7.9), with **Food** (7.7) and **Value** (7.2) also contributing positively to the experience.
What do customers enjoy most about the atmosphere at Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Many customers praise the lively and welcoming **atmosphere**, often highlighting the great **music**, **vibes**, and the availability of **outdoor seating**. It’s also noted as an LGBTQ+ friendly brewery.
Are there any common issues customers have experienced at Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Some customers have reported inconsistent **service** interactions, including feeling ignored or encountering staff with poor attitudes. There have also been occasional mentions of an unpleasant **smell** in the venue.