Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant

Gordon Biersch Brewery & RestaurantGordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant
Gordon Biersch Brewery & RestaurantGordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant
Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

5010 Mission Center Rd
San Diego, California, 92108-3211
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.58
Beers:
115
Ratings:
3,691
Linked Beer Listing
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.63
Reviews:
15
Ratings:
27
pDev:
9.64%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by woodychandler:
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +6.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Located in the Mission Valley West shopping center, it sat right on the corner of Mission Center Road with an outdoor patio running along Camino del Rio North and the brewhouse and four FVs behind a glassed-in front. The entry was on the parking lot side, with complimentary valet service available (!). Entering, the m.d.s. was immediately left with a glass case of logo items. To the right was a glass display case for steins through the years. Continuing directly aft, the restaurant area was center of the space with the kitchen along the left wall. By turning right at the stein display, there was a banquet room along the wall facing the parking lot. The red, marble-topped 5/8 octagon-shaped bar with roll-up glass garage doors was part of the back bar fronted the patio area left. A little known fact (at least for me) - GB offers a Sunday brunch! I was glad for it as I had just barely had coffee and was not looking forward to a full meal after the previous evening.

Beers: The standard line-up of Golden Export; Hefeweizen; Marzen; Schwartzbier; Blonde Bock.

Seasonal: Sommergold (Kolsch).
Dec 23, 2009
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.71 by beersampler6 from Michigan

Oct 06, 2019
 
Rated: 4.33 by chrisjws from California

Jan 02, 2019
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Reviewed by WillieThreebiers from Connecticut

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.75
Sprawling chain restaurant/ brewery in strip shopping center. Huge place, bar seats about 20, and tables every where inside and out. 8 beets on tap...the 2 I
had were better than expected. Food was ok, as was service.
Dec 10, 2018
Photo of mrcraft
Reviewed by mrcraft from California

3.68/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5
This Gordon Biersch is located in the Mission Valley area of San Diego along with other eateries and shops.

Once you walk in, a host will greet you. It's a large space and the bar area is to the right. It's a nice sized bar with seating on both sides. There's a retractable wall, so during good weather, one side is partially outdoor in the patio. I thought this arrangement was nice. Also, you can see their production equipment from the street and inside the restaurant which I like to see at places like this.

The bartenders were friendly. They had about 10 house beers on tap. I didn't order any food but it looked tasty from those sitting near me.

Nice visit.
Apr 27, 2018
 
Rated: 3.61 by Gagnonsux from Texas

Mar 12, 2017
 
Rated: 3.44 by EdrickCS from California

Jul 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.16 by BigAl18 from Minnesota

May 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by demon from California

Feb 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by Drink_LocalSD from California

Dec 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Kalenm

Nov 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by sharkboy from California

Aug 08, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by MickeyHops from California

May 26, 2014
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Reviewed by BoulderBarrovecchio from Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +20.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Went here after the Giants vs. Chargers game in early December. I needed a good bock to get me over the horrible NYG loss!

Great atmosphere with bar and formal seating areas separated but open. Stone everywhere, great sports bar and TVs, perfect lighting.

Good service, awesome food and Winter Bock. I even got the dimpled mug to bring home.
Feb 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by heffIPAlover from California

Jan 22, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by NickMunford from Wyoming

Oct 08, 2013
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Reviewed by drpimento from Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +14.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I was very pleasantly surprised at my visit here yesterday! I'd had other experiences with this change that were all average at best and so I was predisposed in that direction. Indeed at first it seemed as thought that was the case again. The spiral ductwork, high quasi-industrial ceilings, stainless steel brewery out on display, large spaces. We had a table in one of the several dining areas with ours being across an aisle from the kitchen so we could watch the cooking and enjoy the aromas. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable, & helpful. Floor was carpeted, tables were nicely done in wood. There were several TVs on tuned to sports but not too loud. Nice background buzz. Good vibe. The two beers that I had: the Oktoberfest and the Schwartzbier were outstanding. They also had a full service bar and a heated patio. I will be looking forward to returning here someday when the opportunity arises. Great place!
Oct 22, 2010
Photo of gthornton
Reviewed by gthornton from California

2.93/5  rDev -19.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 2.5 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3
I have visited this restaurant/"brewery" several times, and although I have never absolutely hated it (mostly because of the company at my table), I have never enjoyed myself because of GB itself.

Its tough, because for the location, I cannot think of a well-rounded alternative nearby, especially if you are just visiting this fine city of ours.

If you can convince whoever you're with that a jaunt up the 163-N past BG and into San Marcos for Stone is much worth the 20 minute drive. OR, stay on the 8 and head east... Alpine is about to open a pub next door to their amazing brewery very soon... or at least that what they told us on our last visit about one week ago. Or you can visit Karl Strauss in downtown...

OK Back to my review of GB. First of all, I am not impressed by any of their beer selections. I find that they offer beer that is at BEST an intro into something other that Bud/Coors... but that is pushing it. - The Blond Bock and the Marzen are their stand out beers, and those pale in comparison to the about 550 beers that I would thirst for before eventually ending up at a GB brew.

The atmosphere, like the beer is generic, and though the food is tasty, it is not much more unique than the Chevy's or the Hooters that you will find nearby.

Service has always been great... fun, lively staff. Sometimes they have live music on the patio which is nice.

In conclusion... want to go to GB? WAIT! There is a Bevmo in the same parking lot, as well as a Borders... and a Chevy's (corporate mexican food), go by a good 6 pack or some local craft brew 22oz'rs at BevMo, a book, and some take-out and go for a picnic at one of San Diego's many beautiful sites... and avoid the disappointment of tasting the 4-5 beers at GB and not being impressed.

Stone is nice enough to provide a selection from many surrounding and far off breweries... hmmm maybe because to them it is actually about the beer... NOT so at Gordon Biersch.

BTW: If you have see the Kirkland Brand Beer at Costco lately, it is actually made by the brewers of GB... so you can try em out that way.
Jan 11, 2010
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Reviewed by magictrokini from California

3.05/5  rDev -16%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 2 | food: 2.5
Cool setting in the middle of Mission Valley. High-end bar that caters to the young professional happy hour crowd. Staff is very freindly. Food is weak, except their garlic fries are good. Cutting to the chase, I don't like Gordon Biersch's beer. Its sour, weak, or just foul, and tastes like a macro masquerading as a micro. Its a telling statement when you see their staff hitting the Bevmo next door to grab beer. On top of all of this, their prices are unrealistic. The fries were $10 and the beer was $7-8. Sorry.
Dec 17, 2008
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Reviewed by Redrover from Wisconsin

3.63/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
They have large main room with a decent sized outside terrace. Great high ceilings with exposed beams and ductwork. The brewing area is on display.

They have a couple of private rooms for groups.

The bar itself is well laid out. It would be a great place to watch a game as they have a ton of plasma TVs.

Really lame music... parking can be a bit of a challenge.

Good crowds and friendly service. Our waitress could talk about beers in at least more than a superficial way.

The food was better than average with some really nice options.

The beer was typical GB. Small selection of standards and a rotating seasonal. Unfortunately, the seasonal had just run out before I arrived.
Nov 19, 2007
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Reviewed by likestoswallow from California

3.78/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I have been visiting this restaurant on and off for about five years now. It is a quite enjoyable yuppie place with plenty of fresh beers, but what makes this place like-able is its food. It seems every-time I go here the menu is different so I am loath to recommend any one particular dish, but in the past I have had Cajun, Italian, and Oriental dishes that were all excellent. As for the beer; there is always a seasonal that is good, and their hefe is clean with a big banana flavor. Most of their other beer offerings are designed to appeal to the macro loving masses, so, while quite drinkable, they are not of exceptional craft quality.

Service is above average.

The one thing that I find annoying is the mandatory valet parking. I can park my own damn car thank you.

Overall: Recommended
Oct 17, 2007
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Reviewed by PuckLSHS from Iowa

2.95/5  rDev -18.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 3
I have been to this Gordon Biersch a couple of times due to its locaiton. After hanging out in the Hillcrest this is a pretty nice alternative to heading downtown and dealing with traffic.

The place is rather big and appeals to the masses. Basically, even if you aren't a beer drinker, you would be fine to be at Gordon Biersch because it doesn't have the same brewpub/beer bar feeling to it. It seems like more of an upscale restaurant at times...depending on where you are sitting.

The food is rather nice and I would suggest a sandwich with one of their brews. Nothing really stood out, but all tasted good. Nothing to complain about but nothing to rave about. The service is good too. Our server was nice, but the place was not really that busy as we hit it up after the lunch rush. Eh, I just left feeling satisfied that I got to go to a brewpub, but I still felt like I was missing out on that really good pint.
Apr 23, 2006
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Reviewed by SteveO1231 from Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +23.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I went to Gordon Bierch for lunch yesterday. The atmosphere is really nice, looks like an upscale place. I felt a little out of place strolling through in t-shirt, shorts and hippi-flops while the crowd seems like a bunch of yuppies on a power lunch. Oh well it's all about the beer right? My server was very nice, knowledgable, most of the help is easy on the eyes. I started off with a couple tasters, the Marzen and the Oktoberfest, was feeling brave so I ordered the gigantor 32 oz. Oktoberfest, it ran me about $9.00. My friend ordered the Hefe (very good) The food was excellent I ordered a pepperoni pizza and chicken skewers. I had couple more tasters of the the black beer and the blonde bock. The bill was a bit steap for a brewpub but being a fan of German tyle beers I'll probably go back for a couple pints. Or buckets.
Sep 23, 2005
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Reviewed by OStrungT from California

3.8/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 5
This place struck me as a stuck up establishment at first glance. They have valet parking. It just seemed to be a little snobish. But after going there a few times, I decided I was mistaken. The beer selection is a little lacking. They have no daring brews or exceptional beers. Just decent ones. The Maibock was alright. The food selection is good, and every thing I have ever had there tasted great. I think the food is the best thing about this place. The staff is not rude, but they also are not overly friendly. Their knowledge on beer might be just a little lacking. I will come back because the food is great, but I wont expect much from the beer. If you are looking for good beer, go somewhere else, but if you want decent beer and great food, this is the place.
May 03, 2005
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Reviewed by Dmann from California

4.38/5  rDev +20.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
This place was great! I like most of the Gordon Biersch brews that I have had and to find a place that has all of them on tap was a treat. I had their Doppelbock and their winter seasonal on tap and they were both outstanding. We were greated by a very good hostess and our server was very prompt with our beers and our food. I had their Marzen barbeque burger and it was excelent. Ac couple of my friends had it too, as well as the fish and chips and all commented on how good it was. This place had pretty good atmosphere as well, with lots of tv's and good decor. This is a definantly a cool place to chill with the guys and have some good brews and good food.
Jan 14, 2004
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Reviewed by AtLagerHeads from Ohio

3.26/5  rDev -10.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
Big huge box with valet parking and a full waiting room made me want to turn and run. But I gave it a shot anyway and came away with a sense of why I like small, intimate beer bars. This place is way too trendy and upscale for the average beer guy just wanting a brew.

It's a nice, well appointed place with drink rails above the urinals. Do you take your drinks to the urinals? Me neither. Still I guess the thought is nice and would be handy.

Way too crowded and the music was cranked a bit too high. The average lot of GB beers served at premium prices. I'm sure the food is good, but I didn't wait to try it. I headed out for Pizza Port.
Nov 02, 2003
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Reviewed by ottobon100 from Virginia

2.68/5  rDev -26.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 2 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3
I had the opportunity to visit San Diego last week (April 6-12, '03) and always check out the brew pubs or those serving microbrews. I tried this places samplers first. They give you about a half-inch per glass and I had six samples free of charge. Among them were a Blonde Bock and a Marzen which were the best of the six but they all tasted watered down. I ordered a Marzen with dinner and it was awful. Again, watery. I won't go back for the beer next visit to San Diego. Food was pretty good though.
Apr 13, 2003
Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant in San Diego, CA
Brewery rating: 3.58 out of 5 with 3691 ratings