I was out in the LA area last week and knocked another brewery down. Firestone Walker has a few locations but I was at the Venice one. Huge brewery and tap room. It was LA so I assume everywhere is just busy every night of the week. The beers were solid. I tried a barrel lager strong ale and a wild ale. Nothing really jumped out at me and I didn’t eat there. I did have some great food nearby at C&O restaurants. Highly suggest the place. They bring garlic knots nonstop to your table. Thanks for the recommendation Craig.
Another thing on LA, I sat next to some “celebrities” at the bar one night. Wouldn’t shut up about the one TV show they made and name dropped all night. I don’t care if you know Andy Dick.
Now, the place that I really like was down in San Diego. Lost Abbey is a brewery inside a church. Some people may think it’s sac-religious but I say Jesus liked a good time. I had the House IPA which was a very solid rendition of a west coast IPA. Hazy IPAs get the attention the last 5 years but I really enjoy a well done west coast. The atmosphere was the real reason to go though. The church vibe was really well done and it’s close to Petco Park where the Padres play. The electric atmosphere for the game on a Tuesday could be felt as I walked into the stadium. The hill in the outfield, the standing room sections throughout, and the fact they played 98 Braves by Morgan Wallen for their opponent was just the icing on the cake. I’d go back.