Visiting San Diego (12/28-12/30)

@Xul used to do regular threads on this, last I know was Winter '16. I'd chip in if we wanted to revive that and not put it all on him. That thread is still relevant, but since them much has occurred.

There's some more basic questions you need to fill in as this is a big place and preferences vary.

Where are you staying?
What do you like? -> Are you a HaZEBoi? Are you a lover of great beer history and appreciate the classics? Does a stout disappoint you if it doesn't literally give you diabetes by oz 11 of 22? Do you love damn well done beer regardless of how hyped it is?

Given liberty station area here's a few:

Modern Times Lomaland is your 100% must go to if possible... The kid thing is the sticking point. I believe the standard is <=10 before 5pm, but I could be wrong and check that with them. If you can go, do it, that's some of the best damn beer in the whole county and they serve stuff that caters to a great variety of tastes.

Pizza Port OB is definitely kid friendly and they are some serious OG beer people in SD. Classic west coast to the bone, and Bacon & Eggs being the best damn porter in existence.

Alesmith is a 15 minute drive from that area and I've seen kids there.

 

To add in to the above, Modern Times Lomaland is under 13. Basically when they become a teenager, MT doesn't want to deal with them. =P

Alesmith is kid friendly, but can't say there is much to do there. The little play area they have set aside has seen better days, so either bring a game they can play or a screen they can watch. I hate recommending that, but, it is what it is.

Now since Liberty Station is on your list, before you head on over to Modern Times (because it is maybe 5 minutes away) hit up BottleCraft inside Liberty Station. While it may be cold outside (lolz, you are in washington so you understand what real cold can be), kids can play around on the benches, grass, and the tractor that is there. You can also take your beer outside in the little patio area.

 

Bagby in Oceanside makes great beer and has a good guest tap list. Food is also good. The location is huge and great for kids.

 

This topic never seems to grow old to visitors:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/28/

less than 10 seconds, research & choose to your hearts content. a few of us have provided some insight on places but please, take the time to do some research rather than others having to do it for you. I will however add my 2cents: this will be dependent upon where in san diego you're staying. seeing you're visiting liberty station, you are practically centralized nearby downtown/northpark/kearny mesa area as not too far away. check references for those locations & have fun. good luck.

kid friendly rip current, belching beaver, eppig (iirc) just off the top of my head atm. now that you mentioned in oside = barrel republic

 

Bagby is great; in that area about 1/2 mile away is also Breakwater which has a few pinball machines and other games, walkable to the beach/pier, some tasty beer (under rated here in my opinion) and good grub.

 

Geez Drunken_Master, this web site is about beer ADVOCACY, it's about sharing and assisting others in their quest to find and enjoy the best beer's available to them wherever their travels take them. I guess it's safe to say you don't work in the hospitality field ? @itracy63, shoot me a PM if you need additional help with breweries, restaurants etc. I'll happily try to help you find the best of the best,

Cheers,

 

Since you are driving from LA south my North County recommendations in order are:

Bagby
Rip Current
Pizza Port (Carlsbad not Bressi)
Burgeon (if you like IPAs and Hazy IPAs)

 

+ 1 for Bagby and Pizza Port Carlsbad. Both are right off the freeway, have great beer, and lots of room for the kids. I'm a sucker for the pizza at Pizza Port. Plus they have the bottle shop next door.

 

As someone also heading to SD later this month for New Year’s, I appreciate the recommendations!

 

Breakwater is on my list for the pinballs and beer. I think they won in a competitive category (IPA or APA?) at GABF not too long ago.

 

I may be mistaken, but I think the recent gold at GABF was for a rye brown ale. DMJ is a solid WCIPA, I've had alot of that beer in the last 7 years.

 

Had to look it up...you're right most recently they won gold for the rye brown but also took home a bronze in 2015 for an imperial IPA called Teahupo’o.

I really need to get over there...

 

Anyone know if Pizza Port OB is dog friendly? I haven’t been there in years but I vaguely remember them having outside seating.

EDIT: Nevermind. Google says they are. If that’s changed recently, someone please let me know.

 

Patio is dog-friendly, yeah. It's not a particularly big patio so if you go during prime time, it might be a bit unpleasant.