Groundswell Brew Tasting Room (Chula Vista) — Restaurant in Chula Vista

Groundswell Brewing on Third Avenue in Chula Vista is the kind of spot that feels like a neighborhood hangout—relaxed, welcoming, and all about good beer and great pizza. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink or settling in for a few rounds with friends, it’s the perfect place to unwind. They’ve got a couple of TVs, making it a solid choice for catching a game while sipping on a craft brew.

Speaking of beer, their tap list is stacked. You’ll find their house brews alongside a rotating selection of local favorites, plus a few guest beers to keep things interesting. And if you’re looking for a deal, happy hour runs all day Monday, so there’s no bad time to drop in.

Now, let’s talk about the real reason to come here—the pizza. Groundswell serves up some of the best pies around, with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crisp and chewy, and toppings that are fresh, creative, and full of flavor. Pro tip: Tuesdays are the ultimate pizza night, with all pizzas in the restaurant at half price.

A lot of people don’t realize they have a patio, but they do—and it’s a fantastic one. Chill, dog-friendly, and wheelchair accessible, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with a cold beer and a fresh pizza under the open sky.

If you're wondering what to order, two pizzas stand out:

The Sweet Heat – This one hits all the right notes: spicy Fresno chilies bring the heat, Italian sausage adds a savory punch, and sweet figs balance it all out. The combination is bold, unexpected, and completely addictive. The Callabasita – Light but packed with flavor, this pizza features tender zucchini, creamy ricotta cheese, and a touch of lemon zest that makes it pop. The zest brightens everything up, giving it a fresh, vibrant taste that lingers in the best way. Between the great beer selection, unbeatable pizza, and laid-back atmosphere, Groundswell Brewing is the kind of place that keeps you coming...

i had several times in the past enjoyed their 'sweet heat' pizza and always invited a friend(s) to go with me. This time I invited a couple lady friends telling them how awesome the pizza was and how differently unique from any other. when they brought it to our table i was shocked! the ingredients had changed! they substituted pepperoni for the sausage which combines poorly with honey, as opposed to sausage. the honey was sparse, they went from thin crust to thick, and the dried figs and peppers were so lacking we had to use the package crushed peppers. Basically, it sucked. it went from a startling different and delicious pizza to 'just another pizza'. my friends were disappointed and i was embarrassed. Bartender admitted it had changed substantially and that i was not the only one complaining. Since they have no atmosphere/ambiance there is no longer any reason to go there as craft beer can be had all up and down third avenue and other places will be heated. staff friendly but its hard to overcome bad food, no heaters and boring environment. yep, i will find a different place to go since i will...

We come here weekly, felt deserving of a review since it's a local staple of us on regular rotation! We typically have a Wednesday or Thursday pizza and beer night, but sometime come in on weekends.

First, the kitchen staff are amazing, if you park in the rear where there is tons of parking you may hear them singing and likely dancing while they make your meals. Lots of good vibe going into that food! Second, the front staff bar folks are great, never bad vibes and they are always very helpful and attentive. Lastly, the food is never bad --- we typically stick with a rotation of our favs, but sometimes we do a half and half on the pizza. Salads are bomb and so are the sandwiches! Super legit!

Again, a lot of 3rd street places are local hang outs, so choose which fit your vibe and don't be afraid to check a new place out. This is in our heavy rotations!

I believe they share a kitchen with the Grindhouse, so also recommend that for AM...