Karl Strauss

Where tradition meets innovation: handcrafted beers that helped shape San Diego’s craft scene.

In 1989, Karl Strauss helped ignite San Diego’s craft beer revolution. With his legendary brewing expertise and the vision of cousins Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, the city’s first modern brewery was born—bringing fresh, handcrafted beer back to San Diego for the first time since Prohibition. Today, Karl Strauss Brewing continues to honor the “Godfather of Beer” with a lineup that blends tradition and innovation. From the world-renowned Red Trolley Ale to modern favorites like Tower X, Boat Shoes, and Follow the Sun, every brew carries forward a legacy of quality, creativity, and community. Raise a glass to the brewery that started it all—and continues to shape the soul of San Diego craft beer.