Karl Strauss Brewing Company, San Diego’s pioneering craft brewery, is preparing to open a new location in Santee at 9812 Mission Gorge Road.
The new brewpub is set to move into the former home of Mimi’s Café, according to a recent announcement from Ken Robak of Pacific Coast Commercial. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the location is expected to debut sometime next year and will likely mirror the company’s 4S Ranch brewpub concept, offering a mix of casual dining and local craft beer.
Founded in 1989 by Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, with guidance from the late Master Brewer Karl M. Strauss, the company is recognized as a cornerstone of San Diego’s craft beer movement. Strauss, who was born in Minden, Germany, and spent decades at Pabst Brewing Company before relocating to California, helped launch the city’s first modern brewpub and inspired a generation of independent brewers.
Since opening its original downtown location, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has expanded to include nine brewpubs across Southern California, with locations in Carlsbad, Temecula, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa. Each location is uniquely designed to reflect its surrounding community while maintaining a shared focus on handcrafted beer, fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Menu offerings typically include a selection of rotating house-brewed beers such as Red Trolley Ale, Tower X West Coast IPA, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA, alongside elevated pub fare like burgers, tacos, and shareable plates. Many locations feature outdoor patios, full bars, and private dining areas that are ideal for group gatherings.
The addition of a Santee location marks a continued expansion for the brand within San Diego County, further cementing Karl Strauss’s legacy as a leader in California’s craft brewing scene. According to the company, its mission remains unchanged since it first opened more than three decades ago: to brew fresh, local beer and create community-focused spaces that celebrate San Diego’s brewing heritage.
