This Saturday, I'll be part of a group who has rented a van and driver to visit San Diego County breweries. We're departing from the Doubletree on Penasquitos Dr. Except for stopping at Phil's BBQ in San Marcos sometime during the day, our itinerary is wide open. Where would you stop? Also, are there any special brewery events that day? Thanks for your help.
If you're going to be in San Marcos, definitely hit Lost Abbey and Stone. I'd push a little south too and make a quick stop at Alesmith then make your way over to Alpine
Be careful about Churchill's this Saturday. They are having a festival called Hops 'N Heat. They are going to have a heavily IPA lineup and a special food menu with lots of spicy food. It may be great for you guys but it could also be really crowded with big lines. You might not want to wait in a long line to get into a place with that many people.
Why not hit the Santee Phil's BBQ instead. Then your only 15 minutes from Alpine Beer Co. Hang out and drink some of the best IPA's and others. Pick up some bottles (they should still have Pure Hoppiness which was bottled this Monday and maybe Nelson). Growler fills of all three. Then head back to the San Marcos area to Stone, Lost Abbey, Rip Current, Belching Beaver and all the other fine brewery's. If nothing else you'll have some great Alpine beer.
I've been down to San Diego quite a few times, and Alpine is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to convince the rest of the group that the extra driving time to Alpine is worth it.
San Marcos area...hit up the Beaver. That PB Milk Stout is tough to beat. Although I am open to anybody that has had something similar.
I just did a tour of SD about 2 weeks ago. We were staying in downtown SD at one of the Kimptons and made our way north to start out the day. Stone bistro was first to fill our bellies with solid food and brews. From there, we hit up Lost Abbey / Port which it's much to look at it, but well worth the tasters. Ballast Point was next (there's 3 locations, and the Little Italy location has more of the experimental brews). Societe was fourth and effing epic. Can't wait until these guys decide to bottle. We ended the day by going to Modern Times because, well, we could. Alpine was the next day which is out of the way for sure, but the poutine plate at the pub hit the spot. Bar wise, Toronado is a must. Super friendly during the day and their burgers are enormous. They had a lot of leftovers from their anniversary party which was a solid treat.
I forgot that we also went to Pizza Port in OB one of those nights. The food is meh and the selection of drafts - their own and guests - were solid.
Oh no you did not just say their pizza is meh That could get you banned from all locations if they track you down Back on subject. If you haven't been to alpine, you need to go. The drive is not that far. Driver takin ya around. Win win. Don't throw rocks when I say this but I would skip lost abbey/port to do alpine.
Haha nice. Born and raised in NYC, i know I'm snobbish when it comes to things like that. OP - whichever breweries you and your crew decide on, be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. That's what kept me alive during my 2-day bingefest.
Nobody at Pizza Port would ever claim that they are making you New York style pizza. That's "California style" through and through.
And now I know. I wasn't saying it should be anything else but California style. Like beer, everyone's taste is different so I'm not quite sure what your point is with that post because I tried to bring it back on topic.
My point was that I'd have been surprised if any self-respecting New Yorker would think it rises above meh. Don't feel guilty.
