Capistrano Beach - Bottle Shops and Breweries?

Before everyone starts telling you to drive down to Alpine, I'll answer your question concisely.

Near Capistrano- Pizza Port in San Clemente. If you are not familiar with Pizza Port, they are one of the better brewpubs in the country (they have locations also in Carlsbad (2), Solana Beach, and Ocean Beach). Bottle shops - Total Wine in Laguna Hills, or whatever BevMo is close to you. This area (south Orange County) is somewhat of a beer wasteland.

North San Diego (starting west and moving east)
-Oceanside - Stone Company Store
-Carlsbad - Pizza Port (2 locations, one of which has a bottle shop)
-Vista - Mother Earth Brew Co.
-San Marcos - Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, Rip Current Brewing
-Escondido - Stone

 

The Best Burger in the WORLD is at Riders Club in San Clemente. Seriously, no one has ever beaten that place for me. And they always have a quaint tap list. (Quaint meaning small, but good. Lots of Belgians.)

Sunsets in Capo Beach doesn't have much by way of beer. Although they have a permanent tap of Hop Juice, which is nice. But they have an AWESOME pool table, that's free, nice, and has a great ocean view.

 

cannot second the riders club mention enough. Best burger I have had in the area. If you want to stay within close proximity to Capo Beach you cant beat riders club. Also, O'Shea's is just a few exits north. Primarily a keg/brewing stop they also sell bottles and have had some awesome ones at times. Just on the other side of the freeway is a bevmo if you want to check out that option for the fun of it. Stadium Brewing company has good food and a couple beer options worth trying, but it is killer for a beer, some food and a game. There is a tavern called Jimmies in the DP harbor, I haven't been there.... but my friends absolutely love it, so take that for what it is worth. The Crow Bar, in Corona Del Mar has some great beer an awesome food. Pricey due to its Newport Beach neighbor, but if you want a decent night out, it might be a thought. Otherwise just go to Wind n Sea and get wasted on heavy tropical drinks while looking at the DP Harbor. It is dusty, but it serves its purpose.

Being in Capo Beach you are near a train station, and that train can take you to North County (Bruery, Noble... etc). It can also take you south to SD, beer aside, the southern trip on the train is one of the best things. Coastline for an hour and it will drop you off right in Oceanside, or even the gaslamp if you want a day in San Diego.

 

The Bru Grill and Market has a good tap list and the best food that you'll find at a beer inspired restaurant in S. Orange County. Slaters 50/50 has really good burgers and a huge tap list. Both are in Laguna Hills/ Lake Forrest off El Toro rd. Total Wine is also off this exit as is Bjs Chicago Pizza (ok pizza good beer). I would skip Stadium Brewing, food is eh and house beers are eh but they have Scuplin on tap and some other good guest beers. Left Coast brewing has a small tasting room that is pretty cool and the people are friendly. I second the view at Sunsets in Capo Beach. The beer selection isn't great but it was my go to spot for football this year. Hop Juice, football, and a beautiful view. Selmas Pizza in Ladera Ranch has a tap room with a large list and good pizza.

 

Specific to your question about bottle shops:
- Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido
- Texas Wine & Liquors in Carlsbad, great craft seleciton (just blocks from Pizza Port Carlsbad, which also - as noted - also has a bottle shop)

If you make it further south into San Diego proper, here are other great bottle shops:
- Bottlecraft (Little Italy and North Park)
- Bine & Vine (Normal Heights, which is North Park-adjacent)
- Best Damn Beer Shop (downtown - inside KRISP supermarket)

 

If you drive up to The Bruery, the following are in Orange County and are good places to hit:

Brewery (besides The Bruery):

Noble Aleworks in Anaheim. Their last limited release, Citra Showers, was incredible. It was the first of a single hop double ipa series. The second installment, Nelson Showers, is supposed to be released in February. Hopefully it will be when you are here.

Bottle Shops:

Mr. K's in Fullerton. Right next to The Bruery.

Provisions Marked in downtown Orange. Good selection of bottles, though prices can be odd (some things very high, others very low).

Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange. Great bottle selection, and also a lot of good beer on draft. Sometimes really limited/rare stuff pops up here on draft.

Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa. Excellent bottle selection.

Restaurant:

The Playground in Santa Ana. The draft list varies, but the bottle list is often good. Food is great. Not a bad idea to make reservations, as it can get very crowded.