O'Brien's Pub in Kearny Mesa has officially been crowned the best beer joint in the country, right in time for St. Paddy's Day fanfare. The San Diego staple surged to the top spot in USAToday's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive lineup of 28 craft beers on tap, including a salute to Belgian and European-style beers.

In a city dubbed the Craft Beer Capital of America, this isn't just another accolade. It's a testament to O'Brien's ability to not only continuously offer an outstanding selection but to also genuinely embody the craft beer movement that sweeps San Diego. The achievement comes as a feather in the cap for the pub, which told KUSI, "That’s what it’s really about — showing love to the local beer scene as well as what’s happening in California and throughout the nation and in Europe, and showing homage to Belgian and European-style beers," co-owner Tyson Blake stated.

USAToday's ranking, no light honor amongst the nation's watering holes, puts O'Brien's ahead of the pack for its discerning beer selection and its status as one of the veterans in the local craft beer bar space since 1994. Not shying away from hoppy, bold flavors and world rarities, O'Brien's ensures that whether you're a beer guru or novices alike, you're destined to quickly to become a fan of their pours.

The pub's co-owner Tom Nickel emphasizes their passion for beer quality and variety. He told KUSI, "We curate a really nice list of beers. We put on beers that we want to drink, that we want to share with people…and thankfully people respond to that." This approach has clearly struck a chord with the locals and the nation, as patrons continuously flock to their establishment for both the beer and the atmosphere, which, according to Nickel, comprises "great food, great beer, great staff."

Preparing for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the award-winning spot located on Convoy Street, is set to go all out with local brews boasting Irish styles like reds and stouts but don't expect to find any green beer in sight. "There’s hops in beer, and hops are green, so there’s already green in beer," Blake humorously noted. With corned beef sandwiches on the menu and other specials, O'Brien's is ready to celebrate with its community, staying true to its local roots and dedication to an exceptional beer experience.