Prohibition Brewing Company

I got into San Diego around 11 and noticed Prohibition Brewing Company was already open, so I figured why not stop in for a flight.
Even on a cloudy 66-degree day, there were already a few patrons inside shortly after opening. The brewery has a mix of bar seating and a dining area, with a Mission-style interior and a solid wood bar that gives the place a warm, classic feel. As I sat down, more people slowly started drifting in, and the atmosphere became lively without feeling crowded.
I wasn’t hungry this visit, so I skipped the food, but I would come back to try the menu another time.
As for the beer, the flight was decent overall but not especially memorable. The Citrapolis was citrus-forward and slightly astringent, with a fuzzy malt backbone that kept it from fully coming together for me. The Dirty Blonde was much more approachable, bringing biscuit-forward notes, soft hops, and a tender malt profile that made it an easy sipper.
ProCo was the beer I was most looking forward to, but it came across more muddled than defined, and it never really found its footing on the palate. Ruby Red ended up being my favorite of the flight. It had a wonderful malt profile that leaned slightly bready, paired with a restrained but assertive hop character that stayed balanced without becoming overpowering.
Overall, the beer showed some solid ideas, but a few pours lacked the balance and refinement I was hoping for. This feels more like a comfortable “grab a beer with dinner” kind of spot than a destination brewery for serious craft beer drinkers.
Service was a little underwhelming, considering the restaurant wasn’t very busy yet. It wasn’t bad, just not as attentive as I expected.
That said, the atmosphere is what carries this place. It has a fun, welcoming energy that makes it easy to relax and stay awhile.
Overall grade: B

Lots of regulars. Great beer. Food is very good and reasonably priced. Will handle large parties. Dirty Blonde my favorite beer.

 

I am so sorry to post this... But ... Just went To Prohibiton and ordered a flight of 8 beers ... Sooooo disappointing, so many completely flat. ( yes my wife did take a video of me trying to bring some life into them by swilling them in their glass, to no avail. Six of the eight were dead, and in need of decent funeral. In case you are wondering if this is the rant of an inexperienced drinker, this is my 125 th American brewery, needless to say I have drank the beers of many, many more, not only in the U.S. but many other countries. It is this type of experience that will drive so many away from craft beer. Please, please Prohibition pay attention to your own taps and not just your guest taps!

 

 

 

 

 

My wife and I went; drove out from San Diego for brunch. The food was worth the drive. This was special open day for them. Apparently the word didn't get out. We walked right in, only ones there! I had heard good reviews and this worried us.

The waitress/hostess/bartender (which she did all well) told us that the word didn't get spread enough. It was also one of the five days a year that it rains out there.

Food was spot on! Heaping serving sizes. Excellent beer selection. All from San Diego County.

By the time we left only two more tables had been filled.

On a side note they had a ton of TV's that were naturally trained on Sportscenter. No problem. But after an hour, seen it. Talked the server into to turning them all off and cranking up some tunes on the XM.

Nice!

 

 

Prohibition is essentially a dive bar tucked away in a neighborhood. At first glance it's extremely underwhelming and a place you might expect to stumble across a motorcycle gang. However, the staff was extremely friendly, the carnitas tacos with corn salsa were excellent, and you could easily catch a game on one of the tv's. The beer here is underwhelming at best, but pairs better with the food.

This place does not look like much from the outside. Open layout on the inside, kind of loud in the bar area.The bar is upfront, dinner seating in the back. Good food, we really liked the fish tacos, and the truffle oil & paramagn french fries. They have a nice choice of house beers. Free sips of craft beer is a real plus. We both really liked their stout, and brown ale. They will do flights of any of the house brewed beers. When we were there was a festival in the back, so I did not get a feel for the locals. Over all a bit of a drive for us, but we would gladly return if we are in the area.