Poway's Original Craft Brewery!
Let sophisticated American and European flavors enhance your work week, put a rich spin on happy hour, and impress visiting friends and family. This Poway brewery is one of the original contributions to the San Diego craft beer revolution!
Sit inside or out in our beer garden. Lightning is conveniently located in the South Poway Business Park on Kirkham Way, just a half mile south of Poway, 2 miles east of Scripps Ranch, and 3 miles southeast of Carmel Mountain.
Talk one-on-one to original brewery owner and biochemist Dr. James Crute about the subtleties of the flavors in Lightning's 14 beer styles from light and fruity Passion Fruit Wheat Ale (popular with our women clients), Hazy or Blue Sky IPAs, and Dark Current -- a Rare Black Saison Ale. Jim's Motor Oil Stout in 30W or 50W is a hit with our flavor enthusiasts. At 120 calories per 16 oz pour, Saurstrom Ale keeps calorie counters confident.
Jim and Lightning staff strive to match each client with their individual beer styles.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Gerald Good
, Local Guide · 22 reviews · 4 photos,
Hans Foto
, Local Guide · 301 reviews · 3,293 photos,
Влад П
, Local Guide · 9 reviews · 11 photos,
Todd Koenig
, Local Guide · 70 reviews · 27 photos,
A Poway Brewery's
Award-Winning Beers
Lightning Brewery -- Poway’s first craft brewery -- opened in 2006 and quickly earned widespread acclaim for producing phenomenal, top-rated German-style lagers and ales. Awards earned include:
- Golden State's Best Hefeweizen, Thunderweizen Ale
- Best California Common Beer, Red Arc IPA
- Best Overall Beer - California State Fair
Lightning Brewery now produces small-volume, artisanal batches covering a wide range of beer types.
A Happy Hour
Hot Spot!
Get $8 pints for $7 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Food trucks arrive most Fridays. Outside food always welcome.
Pet friendly!
Meet Brewer
Dr. James Crute
Talk one-on-one to original brewery owner and biochemist Dr. James Crute about the subtleties of the flavors in Lightning's 14 beer styles.
Jim started home brewing his award-winning Hefeweizen in college. He's been finessing his recipes and processes and testing them on beer enthusiasts for over 40 years.
