Not enough time in Southern California

Here is a thread to start, others can chime in and talk about SD.

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/la-orange-county-area-must-stop-spots.86497/

 

That side trip to Firestone Walker might not be so quick if you're driving.

 

yea id say it will take about 5 hours to drive from san diego to paso robles

 

I would say the two best breweries south of Firestone Walker and north of San Diego are The Bruery and Beachwood. Since you're already planning on visiting The Bruery, I'd try to make it to Beachwood. Without traffic, it's about a 20 minute drive from The Bruery to Beachwood in Long Beach. Beachwood is similar to Minneapolis Town Hall, same vibe, high quality food and beers.

 

i second the bruery and beechwood suggestion

 

Alpine, without question (for SD). And I second the Beachwood recommendation.

 

I'm not sure where you are in Minnesota, but assuming it is the Twin Cities, a "quick side trip" to Milwaukee would be equivalent to a drive from San Diego to Paso Robles. Assuming no traffic in LA, of course - good luck with that.

 

20? I'd think it's closer to 30 unless you drive like a maniac.

 

Societe, Alpine, and Port/Lost Abbey are unequivocal musts for beers you can't get over there. I'd also recommend Modern Times, though they're fairly new and therefore have a fairly limited selection as of now. Benchmark is another that I keep hearing about but have never tried; someone else might be able to give a bit more info on them.

As far as breweries you've already had, I would still recommend all of them (with several conditions). Check BP's website to see if they have any beers at any of their three tasting rooms that you'd like to try, then decide which (if any) based on that. Every beer Alesmith makes is fantastic, and having them all in one place is always great. They also sometimes have nice one-offs on, which you'll have to check their facebook for. Green Flash has a ton of beers that seem to rarely make it outside of the brewery, so if you're a fan of them it's worth going to. And Stone... Has to be seen. Food is pretty good but overpriced, but I'd definitely recommend stopping for a drink and just exploring if you're up in the area.

Other recommendations would be at LEAST 1 Pizza Port (they all make their own beers), Toronado (where you can drink Pliny all day, but will choose not to since their 50 other taps are always just as stellar), and Hamiltons, who will always be synonymous with San Diego beer in my mind.

I'm probably missing a couple... Anyone have any other recommendations (or corrections)?

Edit: and where in San Diego are you staying?

 

While in San Diego hit up Societe, Alpine and Modern Times(newest).
LA/OC area, hit up Beachwood BBQ & Brewing in Long Beach and a quick stop in their Seal Beach location (15 minute drive from the LB location. The Bruery, Bootleggers and Noble Ale are all in the same location.

 

I was in San Diego over Thanksgiving and definitely agree with the suggestions of Alpine, Societe, and Lost Abbey. We also went to Hess (recommend), Stone (good food and great taplist) and Green Flash (this one really wasn't my scene. Too big). Toronado is a must visit. Their taplist was amazing!

 

you should. there are lots down here in SoCal...however there are so many, and so far apart with driving, it just all adds up!

 

San Diego is a large geographic area. You need to look at Google maps and figure out distances/times. Factor in getting drunk and where you're staying. Plus opening and closing times.

And skip Hess. Spend more time at Toro/Blind Lady/Hammies or Tiger!Tiger!