El Cerrito - Worth the Drive?

I agree entirely with your logic, Xul - well written.

It's too bad there is no longer an El Cajon Brewing Company to combine with the trip to Alpine. [snicker]

 

Also to put it in context, I drive from Orange County so Alpine is probably 45 minutes farther each way on an already long drive. It's my favorite brewery to go to but I'll only do it every 3rd or 4th trip down.

As pointed out above it's so isolated that it has to be the destination brewery, not just a brewery on the trip.

 

Their brewery/main tasting room is in San Marcos, not far from Stone and Port/Lost Abbey - I would highly recommend it.

However, they're opening a second tasting room this fall in North Park, near Toronado - the new tasting room is what I was referring to, as it will be far more convenient for those of us who live in the central and southern parts of the county.

 

Distiller's Outlet in San Diego is a good place for beers.

 

Never been there, but they get good stuff. Maybe the San Diegans can tell you if it is or not.

 

If you are coming into LAX, and want a good bottle shop, go to Liquor Mart in Whittier. Not too far off the 605...I would then hit up Beachwood in Long Beach on your way down the 605 to the 405...

That would be a happy compromise to going out of your way for El Cerrito...

 

Out of curiosity, is there anything at Liquor Mart on an average day that he can't get in a shop in SD or at a shop on the way to SD? Remember, this is a dude coming from another country that you're suggesting taking a drive to a shop in Whittier instead of any of the other shops along the way to SD.

 

You make a good point about the practicality of driving to Alpine vs seeking out their beers at any of the SD pubs that carry them regularly. However, I'd like to point out that taking that extra half hour or so to get to the brewpub will enable the OP to have an experience that's not easily duplicated elsewhere. Going to a brewery/brewpub is a different experience to me. For instance, when I go to Portland, I can always just go to Apex and have access to a large and amazing selection of beer at my convenience, but it's my visits to my favorite breweries that always leave an impression on me.

 

Not entirely sure since I don't drive down there for bottle shops...but it is as good as El Cerrito on any given day...and it is a heck of a lot closer. Coming from LAX they are going to head that way down to SD anyways. They can also stop at The Bottle Room since it is a high end pub grub (The chef was on Knife Fights)

Just saying it is a better option than El Cerrito if you factor in time, and eating places near by or on the way...

If he is skipping everything and just heading straight to SD, then I am sure there are other places in SD that could be as good...

I know when I travel I like to try different places as time allows. Personally I would be down for a bottle shop paired with eating/beer for a meal and then driving another 1.5-2 hours...I am sure he will have plenty of time for SD places and I wouldn't rush down if I had some other options to check out.

But that is just me...And I am always happy to support local(As are I am sure a ton of SD folks who would argue they have just as good as we do)

Liquor Mart does have some gems though...

 

I make the day trip to ABC from HB in the OC 3-4 times a year. For me it is well worth it. Even now we are starting to see kegs of Duet, Nelson & HB showing up for a day or so every month here in the LA/OC area. And I will make it a point to hit up a few of my local spots to enjoy a fresh keg of the three. But in the meantime I will still make the journey to Alpine/SD or north county SD. Especially when I can get a growler fill for Bad Boy or HB and bottles of their big 3 ipa's to bring back home. The $25 or $30 in gas is nothing. But I will have to make a stop in Rip Current or Belching Beaver one of these days. I always stop in Societe on the way back to HB. But now BT's in HB has a keg of Societe on tap almost every week. So I now have my Societe fix within 5 minutes from my house. I think I will make my next venture to Rip Current from ABC.

One more thing. Not sure if it was mentioned already but the Brewery is closed on Sundays and Mondays (open from noon to 6pm Tues-Sat). And the Pub is closed on Mondays. So don't be a fool and go when they are closed. And you can only buy the bottles inside the pub when the brewery is closed. I hope you do decide to go. It is well worth a visit.

 

Hell, I'm flying to Germany tomorrow for the beers and a couple of concerts. Then flying back on Monday. Now thats freaking crazy idiot!! And then I plan to drive to ABC on Weds. for some more ipa's. Call me crazy.

 

Which concerts?

 

Not worth the traffic. The 91, especially Thursday or Friday, is THE WORST.

 

I dont think the area is bad at all. I make it a point to stop there on the way to SD from vegas, and usually stop again just to check for anything new. Jazz is always really helpful and will point you to new local stuff. Also has a stash that you can talk to him about. ;-)