With year round sunshine and beach weather, San Diego residents have reason to stay fit. It’s not hard enjoying being healthy with great mountains, fresh fish, and plenty of places to grab Kombucha. SD is a mecca for SCOBY lovers, with more breweries than I have seen in any other city. If you’re not familiar with the drink, Kombucha a probiotic believed to have health benefits that stimulate the immune system. While these claims may be unsubstantiated, if you enjoy the bubbly effervescence of the drink it doesn’t hurt to imbibe!
+Bootstraps Kombucha
In a quiet corner of the city is a low-key establishment, endorsing a health trend, yet not trying to be trendy.
This is the real deal for true Kombucha lovers, made by impassioned crafters. You won’t find a big seating area or crowds, just a simple bench and a tasting bar. With a smile, the owners offered a sample of each deeply flavorful brew on tap from cherry oak to pomegranate hibiscus, and easy conversation.
What I loved about this crisp brew is that there is no extra sugar added, other than the natural fruit essence, so very unlike the soda sugar levels you’ll find at other establishments and in the grocery store.
You can bring your own bottle or purchase a growler to refill in the future, there is a discounted Growler Hour on weekdays from 6-7:30PM.
+Jinbucha Kombucha Tasting Room
Located in the North Park neighborhood is San Diego’s first Kombucha brewery, a must stop before or after visiting Balboa Park.
The original flavor is on tap, but flavored varieties are made in jugs so they are less carbonated. To me, the original flavor was perfection, made with green tea as opposed to many others who brew with black tea, and no added sugar.
Pair you drink with a light meal, offerings include Asian cuisine such as baos and bone broth.
Certain nights you might stumble in to a live musical performance.
+Living Tea Kombucha Tap Room
Fan of sour things? This is your spot for a more tangy taste. Walking in it’s great to see a bit of Kombucha education. They even challenge you to see if the drink is really alive by taking the ‘Living Tea Challenge’ – just leave a glass of the drink out for a week or two and see if a cellulose film grows over the top, then you’ll know it’s the real deal.
But for this moment, there are oh so many flavors on tap! What to choose? You don’t have to pick just one, try mixing flavors or getting a flight.
If you’re with others who aren’t on the Kombucha bandwagon, but are on the kava, coffee, or tea train – you’re in luck! All sorts of beverages are offered here.
+Tap Shack
Absolutely insta-worthy, what is cuter than this walk-up al fresco Kombucha bar?
Thai ginger, lavender lemonade, these sweet flavors are what dreams are made of.
Oh, and you can feel smug reading the reasons this tasty beverage is good for you.
Non-believers with you? They can try ginger beer, root beet, and nitrobrew too. This spot is in Ocean Beach, right on the way to Sunset Cliffs.
Are you and bae thoroughly addicted? You can even rent the shack for your wedding.
+Babe Kombucha
I discovered them at the farmers market in La Jolla, and was so excited to hear there was a brick and mortar location in San Diego.
Ambiance is top notch at this dark and intimate little tasting room. A few bar seats, a few tables, some games to play, and about a dozen different flavors of Kombucha.
Sweet beet, coco loco, and Moroccan mint are just a few interesting offerings, these lean towards the sugary side and are great for Kombucha beginners, or those who just prefer the sweeter things in life.
Whether you want a cup, flight, or a whole keg – Babe’s got you covered.
+Bonus: JuneShine Hard Kombucha Bar
While Kombucha is naturally alcoholic (though minimally enough for a child to drink), this new brewery sells a boozy variety so you can get your potential health benefits and your drink on at the same time.