Karl Strauss Brewing's Columbia Street brewpub was first opened in 1989 by entrepreneurs Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, marking the beginning of San Diego's craft beer revolution. After leasing the space for over three decades, Karl Strauss made a landmark decision in October 2023 to purchase the brewpub building outright, reinforcing their commitment to the city and the brewing community.
The acquisition of the building was coupled with other significant developments for Karl Strauss. Around the same time, the company appointed Jennifer Briggs as their new Chief Experience Officer. Briggs, with her extensive experience in the beer industry, including her tenure at New Belgium Brewing and as CEO of Modern Times Beer, brings a strategic approach aimed at understanding and engaging with the consumer base more effectively.
"Our Columbia Street brewpub - the birthplace of San Diego’s craft beer scene - is officially remodeled and open for business once again!", wrote Karl Strauss Brewing on the company's social media channels. "We've transformed our bar, dining room, and even added a cozy new event space next to the brewhouse...perfect for your next private gathering!"
The newly remodeled brewpub features an updated bar, dining room, additional event space, and updated food menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees like fish & chips, tacos, steaks, and sausages. This renovation aligns with Karl Strauss's celebration of its 36th anniversary in February 2025, paying homage to its legacy as the first post-Prohibition craft brewery in San Diego County.
In addition to the historic brewpub, Karl Strauss has been expanding its influence with new initiatives. They've broadened their distribution to include Arizona and Nevada, introduced new beer styles like the Follow the Sun Lager, and launched a non-alcoholic version of their famous Red Trolley Ale. They've also opened a new brewpub in Corona, complete with the first-ever arcade room for a Karl Strauss location. The company's commitment to quality has been further acknowledged with recent awards including a silver medal for Golden Stout at the 2024 World Beer Cup and a lifetime achievement award for Brewmaster Paul Segura.
The newly remodeled brewpub features an updated bar, dining room, additional event space, and updated food menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees like fish & chips, tacos, steaks, and sausages. This renovation aligns with Karl Strauss's celebration of its 36th anniversary in February 2025, paying homage to its legacy as the first post-Prohibition craft brewery in San Diego County.
In addition to the historic brewpub, Karl Strauss has been expanding its influence with new initiatives. They've broadened their distribution to include Arizona and Nevada, introduced new beer styles like the Follow the Sun Lager, and launched a non-alcoholic version of their famous Red Trolley Ale. They've also opened a new brewpub in Corona, complete with the first-ever arcade room for a Karl Strauss location. The company's commitment to quality has been further acknowledged with recent awards including a silver medal for Golden Stout at the 2024 World Beer Cup and a lifetime achievement award for Brewmaster Paul Segura.
But it hasn't been a completely smooth journey recently for Karl Strauss Brewing. Last year, the company closed its expansive outdoor venue in San Marcos after operating for less than a year. Additionally, they shut down their original Pacific Beach brewery and moved operations to Poway. In 2021, Karl Strauss concluded its 25-year presence in La Jolla Village.
Karl Strauss Brewery & Grill is located at 1157 Columbia Street in downtown San Diego's Core District. For more information, visit karlstrauss.com/location/san-diego.
Originally published on January 17, 2025.
