DC to SD/LA - What am I doing Wrong???

After Stone Liberty Station go to Modern Times, very close and very fantastic.
Biking Venice to SM- in SM on PCH is Library Alehouse- went there alot when living in the Marina 2003-2005.

 

Societe is in an industrial park FYI

 

I'm curious as to what's wrong with industrial parks? The majority of breweries are in them around SoCal.

 

As OP stated, his wife doesn't like visiting them.

 

Since it sounds like you're looking for some beach + beer action, I might suggest Manhattan Beach rather than Santa Monica. It's much less crowded, and there's a great beer bar, Simmzy's, not too far of a walk from the beach. Also, Love & Salt is an excellent restaurant, just a few doors down from Simmzy's. Manhattan Beach is also a quick drive to El Segundo Brewing, home of many top-notch IPAs.

 

Also, re: West Hollywood, chances of a good restaurant + great taplist aren't great. Surly Goat is one of the best beer options, but no food. Why not do beer first, then go to dinner afterwards? Or vice versa?

As far as "celebrity sightings" go, you can't really plan for that. I've lived here five years and have seen more celebrities at grocery stores and coffee shops than sceney restaurants.

 

I'm not sure how late The Liberty Public Market is open but you can just walk there after dinner at Stone for more beer from the new Bottlecraft location. There is also a wine bar and cocktail area in the same space that you can just grab drinks from and sit down anywhere. Bottlecraft has taps and bottles just like their other locations but I can't really comment on how they compare quality wise. If you don't do that, I'd save the Modern Times trip until after dinner at Stone, it's only about a mile away. The only issue is that the Point Loma tasting room is a business park, that said inside is really cool and unique which might make up for that.

 

Dan Tana's is a classic LA spot in West Hollywood. almost every famous musician used to eat there/eats there (as it's right next to the Troubadour).
El Compadre in West Hollywood is a classic. not the greatest food, no craft beer, but the atmosphere is great (and the guacamole and margaritas. are you allowed to admit you drink margaritas here?)
Blue Palms Brewhouse is not too far from West Hollywood. great beer selection and actually had good food

rooftop bar at Hotel Erwin in Venice has great views
Venice Ale House probably doesn't have as good of a tap list as Library, but it is right on the boardwalk so view of beach / ocean / roller blading women in bikinis etc
Lowes hotel has a few lounges / bars that have ocean views

 

You're already hitting bottle shops, so Societe would be my vote. Council is right by there, too. Can't avoid the industrial park setting if you want to get the good beer you can't get anywhere else.

http://www.plancheck.com/ on Fairfax

 

I'd also say Societe shouldn't be missed. It depends on the day but I think you will find plenty to bring home from the other places you are visiting. It is technically in a business park but doesn't feel like it IMO, it's just a few feet off a main road and right by the freeway. Not the storage unit thing that is sometimes associated with business parks. The tasting room is very nice.

 

Being married to someone who wants to go on a TMZ bus tour is probably not the answer you're looking for, so moving right along...

I'll focus on San Diego:
1) Unless you really want to load up on bottles, you can hit one out of Bine & Vine, Bottle Craft, and Best Damn Beer Shop. That order is how I'd recommend (B&V being best), although each will have some bottles that the other won't.
2) Don't eat at Stone Liberty Station. The food is not very good, overpriced, and you can do so much better by walking to the Public Market, which is also located in Liberty Station. If you really want to drink Stone beer (which...yeah, I get it, Stone is SD's big swinging dick), hit the bar, knock off a few, but eat before or after at one of the food vendors in the Public Market.
3) This is going to be tremendously unpopular, but I'd say go to Alesmith rather than Societe. The Pupil is and has been a shell of its former self and while there are some undeniably good beers, they're on average not what at the level they were when Societe was building hype.

With that in mind, here's what I'd recommend for your San Diego itinerary:
1) Get your car and make Bottlecraft Little Italy your first stop.
2) Head to Modern Times in Point Loma
3) If you didn't get enough bottles at Bottlecraft, swing up to Bine & Vine. Otherwise, proceed to...
4) Alesmith or Societe, as you see fit
5) Grab a couple beers at Stone if you really want to
6) Eat at the Liberty Station Public Market
7) Go to Pizza Port in Ocean Beach for nightcap

 

I live a few minutes from Rock'n Crepes, have seen their taplist, but have never been. Maybe I've missed something (or maybe I'm spoiled since I've had most of the special stuff), but I can't imagine this being worth the stop. Might I suggest Beachwood Seal Beach or Long Beach instead? (be mindful of opening times)

 

Surly Goat is my favorite non-brewery beer spot in all of LA. Celebrity sightings and TMZ busses - cant more tourist than that. (bring jeans if you want to blend in a bit - I can spot a tourist by his/her shorts, t shirt and flip flops) I would be swimming in beer and have a hip flask at all times, if I were you. I get the give and take though. Also good recommendation to go to Manhattan Beach rather than Santa Monica. Its more "LA," is more quiet and a lot of athletes and lower level entertainers live there as well. as well. But your wife sounds like the type that would rather go to Santa Monica - which is why I avoid that place like the plague. Wurstuche is Venice is also a good spot for German and Belgians with great gourmet sausages and a good vibe for a good price.

 

Crepes are kind of a good brunch item...and they do have some pretty good beers on right now. But I agree, I would go somewhere else too.

 

I approve of this.

Edit: Also Alesmith may have some of their barrel-aged bottles still for sale in the their little gift shop. These don't make it to the stores....typically.