The North Park address, located at 2899 University Avenue next to The Observatory concert venue and across the street from the iconic North Park sign, has a colorful history. Before Black Plague’s metal-themed taproom closed in May 2025, citing "unfortunate circumstances," the space previously housed Rouleur Brewing Company and, before that, a short-lived Belgian beer-and-waffle restaurant. Now, it’s Asylum Brewing’s turn to try and carve out staying power in one of San Diego’s most saturated craft beer markets.
Founded in 2017 by Tommy Sebestyen, Asylum Brewing built its following around bold, clean beers and a no-nonsense approach to the taproom experience. Flagship offerings like the lime-zested Scurveza Mexican lager and the robust, roasty Rorschach coffee brown ale helped distinguish the brand in Orange County, where it recently expanded into a larger facility in Anaheim’s Packing District.
As Asylum prepares to make its San Diego debut, the company is also inviting its fans and supporters to become literal stakeholders in its future. In a message sent June 18, Sebestyen announced that Asylum Brewing is now offering Small Business Bonds via the investment platform SMBX. Community members can invest as little as $10 and earn a 10.5% annual return, paid monthly over three years. The funds will be used to scale production with more fermenters, additional storage, and a wider array of ingredients, as well as to refinance some existing debt.
"After eight years of steady growth, we’re ready to expand," the announcement reads. "We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of your support. Now we want to thank you by offering the chance to earn passive income while supporting our growth."
Details on the North Park location’s programming remain under wraps, but it’s likely Asylum will introduce elements from its Anaheim taproom, where a rotating "Chow Hall" food program brings in guest vendors to complement the brewery’s lineup. If executed with creativity and consistency, a similar approach could prove successful in North Park’s eclectic dining scene.
Still, the site comes with baggage. Black Plague Brewing lasted under two years before shuttering, and the address has seen multiple hospitality concepts fail to gain lasting traction. The broader landscape for craft breweries remains turbulent, with closures rising across California amid increased competition and high operational costs.
Asylum's no-gimmick beer philosophy and willingness to engage community investors may help set it apart from predecessors. But as with any newcomer in San Diego’s beer capital, success will depend not just on what’s poured - but on how well the concept resonates in one of the country’s most discerning drinking towns.
"After eight years of steady growth, we’re ready to expand," the announcement reads. "We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of your support. Now we want to thank you by offering the chance to earn passive income while supporting our growth."
Details on the North Park location’s programming remain under wraps, but it’s likely Asylum will introduce elements from its Anaheim taproom, where a rotating "Chow Hall" food program brings in guest vendors to complement the brewery’s lineup. If executed with creativity and consistency, a similar approach could prove successful in North Park’s eclectic dining scene.
Still, the site comes with baggage. Black Plague Brewing lasted under two years before shuttering, and the address has seen multiple hospitality concepts fail to gain lasting traction. The broader landscape for craft breweries remains turbulent, with closures rising across California amid increased competition and high operational costs.
Asylum's no-gimmick beer philosophy and willingness to engage community investors may help set it apart from predecessors. But as with any newcomer in San Diego’s beer capital, success will depend not just on what’s poured - but on how well the concept resonates in one of the country’s most discerning drinking towns.
Asylum Brewing is expected to open later this year at 2899 University Avenue in San Diego's North Park. For more information, visit asylumbrewingcompany.com.
Originally published on June 26, 2025.