A place to start is Societe Brewing Company, which attracts serious craft beer fans and their four-legged sidekicks to its communal style tables. It’s a large, comfortable, social environment, and there’s usually a food truck outside for when the munchies hit. Dogs welcome inside as well as on the smallish patio.
New on the craft-brew scene is Bagby Beer Company in Oceanside, which boasts a Sunday burrito bar on its lower deck and lots of nooks, crannies and decks in which to hang out with your sidekick. Also on tap: great cocktails, lunch specials and a full-kitchen menu that swings from pub grub to pizza, salads, sandwiches and, of course, Mexican classics.
Want to keep exploring? Mission Brewery near Petco Park, where the Padres play, is a festive place with a dog-friendly tasting room located in a former Wonder Bread factory (“Builds strong bodies 12 ways!” is what the commercials used to say). Kids and dogs welcome.