Dog-friendly brewery · Hillcrest & Bankers Hill, Uptown
Hillcrest Brewing Company
Gay-owned bar and pizzeria on University Avenue in Hillcrest, opened in 2012 as what it called the first openly LGBT brewery. The house beers carried cheeky names, and the kitchen turns out pizzas such as the BBQueer Chicken and Margherita Mary.
More about Hillcrest Brewing Company
Brewer David White and Chris Shaw, who owned other Hillcrest venues, started the brewery, which gave part of its earnings to Hillcrest and LGBTQ causes. It brewed collaborations with Karl Strauss, including All You Need Is Love after the 2016 Pulse shooting, and a Red Ribbon Ale each year around World AIDS Day.
In 2020 the owners stopped brewing and sold the equipment to focus on the restaurant. It belongs to the Mo's Universe group with Urban MO's, Gossip Grill and Baja Betty's.
Bringing your dog
According to our sources, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Hillcrest brewpub where dogs are welcome in the outdoor space and staff keep water bowls filled.
Rules change and may apply only to part of the place. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Getting there
- Address1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA
- NeighborhoodHillcrest & Bankers Hill, Uptown
- TypeBrewery
Dog parks near Hillcrest Brewing Company
- about 0.7 mi
More dog-friendly spots near Hillcrest Brewing Company
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Hillcrest)Breakfastabout 0.6 mi
- Communal CoffeeCafé · treats for dogsabout 0.6 mi
- Lestat's On ParkCaféabout 0.7 mi
- Parkhouse EateryAmericanabout 0.8 mi
Hillcrest Brewing Company: frequently asked questions
Is Hillcrest Brewing Company dog-friendly?
Yes, according to CityDog San Diego. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Can I bring my dog inside Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Our sources only mention the outdoor seating area. California law lets restaurants welcome dogs in outdoor dining areas, so at most places in San Diego dogs stay outside. Ask the staff if you want to sit inside.
What is Hillcrest Brewing Company like?
Gay-owned bar and pizzeria on University Avenue in Hillcrest, opened in 2012 as what it called the first openly LGBT brewery. The house beers carried cheeky names, and the kitchen turns out pizzas such as the BBQueer Chicken and Margherita Mary.
Where is Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Hillcrest Brewing Company is at 1458 University Ave in Hillcrest & Bankers Hill, Uptown, San Diego.
Are there other dog-friendly places near Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Yes. The closest one on our list is Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Hillcrest), about 0.6 mi away, followed by Communal Coffee (about 0.6 mi) and Lestat's On Park (about 0.7 mi).
Is there a dog park near Hillcrest Brewing Company?
Yes. The closest is Morley Field Off-Leash Area, about 0.7 mi away.
Sources
- CityDog San Diego, Sep 2025
About the brewery:
- Xtra Magazine, Oct 2013
- San Diego Beer News, Jul 2020
- San Diego Reader (place listing), undated, read Oct 2026
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