Tag: San Diego

Firestone Walker and Abbey

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, baseball, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

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.

San Diego Round 2

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

I’ve been out there before, but I was in town for work and I got to explore a few more places.

San Diego never has rain and it decided to rain the three days I was there a few weeks ago. Not sure who up top I pissed off, but come on you couldn’t give me a little sun shine?

San Diego is a truly beautiful area. I really enjoy La Jolla. We grabbed dinner one night at George’s at the Cove. Amazing short rib.

Also had the chance to visit a couple breweries too. I checked out Karl Strauss and 32 North. The bartender at Karl Strauss was fantastic and the beer was good but the food kind of reminded me of food from the frozen aisle. At 32 North, I enjoyed a good Hefeweizen but I was the only patron in the place. Damn you rain.

My last night I went down to the little Italy area to meet up with a former coworker that was also in town for work. We grabbed drinks at the Waterfront, this old navy bar. Then we proceeded to have dinner at the Kettner Exchange. Thanks to my company for the 75 dollar dinner of duck meatball, Philly cheesesteak toast and fried turkey leg. Corporate travel ain’t bad and San Diego never disappoints.

Back to Beer and I’m all Jacked Up

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Trips, vacations1 Comment

When I visit multiple breweries in a short span, I usually combine them into one post. However, Jacked Up Brewery in Escondido, California deserves its own post for their excellent service and crisp clean beer.

The place has been open since January and is run by a husband and wife duo. Michael and his wife Caroline were enthusiastic and appreciative of my business. Caroline took the time to explain their story from home brewing for their neighbors to entering brewing contests where they started to pick up awards regularly. With the knowledge that their beer was officially good, they soon started the plans to open their own brewery and a couple years later were able to officially open their doors and let the taps flow.

The beer was excellent here. Their NE Hazy IPA was a delicious beer and a great take on the increasingly popular style.

They are planning to launch a membership club and the details of it sound like something beer lovers in the area should definitely join. Expansion plans are in the works as well. This is a place that I see will grow and standout in the San Diego area beer market and it starts with the service provided by these owners.