I'll be in San Diego this weekend. Del Mar area. Will not be visiting breweries (or at least highly unlikely). So what am I looking for at stores, on tap when I'm out? I'm an old school Sculpin, Stone, Swami IPA, Pliny guy. No hazy BS. I'm talking a crystal clear IPA. Anyone killing it these days? I'm also in for a killer lager. Like I said, not a brewery hopping trip, but definitely a, "We're in a store with beer or at a bar, I want something awesome."
The Butchery has a good beer section. I know you said no breweries, but Pizza Port Solana is right there, you could pretend it's a beer store and get cans to go since you said you like Swamis.
San Diego Wine and Beer is a good option - and it’s only a 15 minute drive from Del Mar. Also the Whole Foods in Del Mar always has Russian River beers and they also have a small section dedicated to local breweries.
I'd add Jimbo's in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center plaza (across the street from The Butchery at One Paseo) as another solid option for cans. It's underneath the Sky Deck which has several restaurants and even a couple of breweries (Mission and Lattitude 33) for a bite to eat and drafts. If you venture about 15-20 minutes north of Del Mar, Encinitas Ale House has a great tap list with Pliny regularly available.
Park on the street since the little lot behind EAH and the other businesses has now started charging for parking. I find that W I street usually has plenty of parking available nearly all day, and it is shaded. Never park on 101. While you may find a spot easily, leaving is a nightmare.
Welp ... I didn't realize San Diego Pale Ale (.394) was available everywhere. Did the trick! Also, a couple Society Pupil's on tap around the area. And a couple killer Old Fashioned's at Ember & Rye!
