Need some local San Diego advice

I've had some IronFire beers that were tasty, never heard of the others.

 

try Black Market... I haven't stopped by their location, but have tried some of their beers.

 

They are having the same manic growth period as San Diego. Some are well capitalized and will make some decent beer to survive. Others will be roadkill.

 

I'm actually surprised there aren't more breweries in Temecula/Murrieta/Elsinore area. with the proximity to North East SD and OC, you would think the interest, skill, and friends from other breweries would spill over.

 

North County San Diego area is 5x times more populous than Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore.

 

only because of Escondido and Vista!
Apparently Murrieta is the future of So Cal, so maybe the next boost will be in my back yard.

 

Depends on how nice and pampered of a hotel you want. If you are looking for something to stumble out to great bars I would suggest either North Park area or Ocean Beach. These areas won't have the nicest places, but price should be friendly and they will work well for just crashing at night. Also, you could hit up breweries during the day to try a few samples, then hit up some of the brew pubs or restaurants that have great beer list. After that go back to the hotel and walk to bars.

 

If you go north to hit Stone/Lost Abbey/Rip Current/Churchills, stay here:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanmc-residence-inn-san-diego-north-san-marcos/

Central to all of those and the place is new, breakfast in the morning and they're all suites, so bigger rooms, nearly a full kitchen/mid sized refridgerator etc... Actually, I recomend this for anyone wanting to go north and over induldge and cab it back.

 

^^
That is a great idea. I'm pretty sure it's a quick walk to Rip Current from there as well as a cab ride of about $0.50 to Churchill's. Of all the "San Diego trip" threads this piece of advice is probably one of the best. Logistically makes sense, doesn't require driving 50 miles after touring 9 breweries and puts you in a position to drink awesome beer without too much thinking. Fiscally speaking, if you get stuck at a brewery mentioned above, the most you'll spend is $20 on a cab (including going back to get it in the morning)

 

Do yourself a favor before driving out to Alpine and call ahead to check availability. It is not unusual, actually quite the norm for them to be out of some of the more sought after IPA's /DIPA's. I would also recommend you enjoy these great beers in the pub on tap and avoid bottles right now.

Cheers......