Driving out to Carlsbad area to take my kids to Legoland for a few days. While in the area hoping to check out some local breweries and bottleshops. Anyone have recommendations? I've been to Alesmith, Ballast Point, Pizza Port, Green Flash and Societe. Looking to check out some new breweries, gastropubs or cool bottleshops. Bonus points if the spots are kid-friendly. Thanks and Cheers!
There is also a spot named Culver Beer Co in Carlsbad. It feels a little more local bar like than brewery like, they do have an in house deli now called Locally Toasted. Some of the nicest guys I've met in beer are the 2 guys running Culver. Bagby in Oceanside may be better for kids than Culver.
Places to eat: Pizza Port Carlsbad (not Bressi), Karl Strauss, Bagby, Churchill’s, and Sublime. All kid friendly. Breweries: Burgeon and Culver are close. Many others nearby I’d put Rip Current and Bagby at the top but just depends on styles you like.
Bumping this as I’m going to Legoland with the family in March. Staying at legoland hotel. Looking for a couple recommendations. I’m into really all styles except sours. Mainly an ipa, barleywine, stout, Belgian fan. - Family restaurant or brewpub ideally by the beach or with a view. Have a 4 and 1 year old. Was thinking Bagby, Pizza Port (not sure what best location would be tho) or Karl Strauss. Open to any suggestions. - Breweries: will have an afternoon solo to do some tasting. Prefer to drive no farther than 15 - 20 min from legoland hotel. Was looking at Burgeon and Far West Lounge as probably top picks but again open to any recs. - Bottle Shop: if it’s got a tap list to taste as well like a BottleCraft location even better. I’m not a whale chaser. Just looking for fresh beers and a good selection. Thanks BA’s as always. Appreciate you!!
Pizza port Carlsbad has a bottle shop as well. Great place for kids, no ocean view though. Other than that, Texas liquor for bottle shop. Fantastic selection but not necessarily fantastic prices.
If you think your better half and kids would be ok with vegan food, you could do Far West with them. It can get busy, but if you show up at open (11) or go during the week it's definitely keep friendly. Just check the menu to see if the food would work. It's incredibly close to Moonlight Beach, which is a go-to for my fam. Handel's ice cream right by the beach too if you needed another reason to justify MT Encinitas. As for PP locations, typically Bressi Ranch is less busy. Carlsbad Village location will have a bit more ambience and there is more to see in that neighborhood For your solo time you could venture east about 20 min to San Marcos for Churchill's, Lost Abbey, Rip Current. A number of other breweries out that way and a reasonable drive.
I like Bagby the best for food, beer and family friendly. The house beers are great but mostly styles you don’t see too much in San Diego. Pizza Port Carlsbad has great beers and you can walk over to Barrel Republic if you want to sample more. Karl Strauss has better food but Draft Republic has like 60 local beers on tap and stuff for the kids to do. Churchill’s is worth the 15 minute drive. Belching Beaver Pub 980 is also a good option. As for breweries nearby Modern Times, Burgeon, Rip Current and I’m becoming a fan of Rouleur.
@MonkeyBread Note that this would be for your solo day since Bottlecraft is 21+. Far West, Encinitas Ale House, Pizza Port Solana or even Culture Brewing would be others that you could group into that trip
