The breweries of Downtown

VOLUME 15
ISSUE 2
February 2014
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Columbia • Core/Civic • Cortez Hill • East Village • Gaslamp/Horton Plaza • Little Italy • Marina
➤➤ FEATURE P. 5
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VERSION
SAN DIEGO
DOWNTOWN NEWS
Logo Design
FINAL
CLIENT APPROVAL
DATE
1/9/12
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Will Bowen
Breaking ground
Downtown News
➤➤ THEATER P. 8
A lineup of eight Karl Strauss “tasters” at the brewery’s Columbia Street location, thought by many as the birthplace of San
Diego’s craft beer boom. (Photo by Hutton Marshall)
The breweries of Downtown
Hutton Marshall
Living in the city
➤➤ DINING P. 16
South Paw Social Club
➤➤ FASHION P. 22
Viva la Vida:
Frida Kahlo
in San Diego
Downtown Assistant Editor
In the last couple decades, craft beer has nestled
itself comfortably into San Diego, quickly defining
itself as one of the city’s staple industries. Several of
the local breweries now boast national recognition
and distribution, and on a local scale, craft brewing
gives San Diegans a way to feel cultured guzzling
new variations of stouts and IPAs on a night out.
Some journalistic exploits require great daring
and courage. A reporter often must throw him or
herself into the face of mortal danger in order to fully
report the truth.
Here, I undertook the truly scarring task of trekking throughout San Diego’s Downtown, scouring
the area for the locations pumping out original brews
in vibrant, creative ways. It was a selfless, trying
endeavor.
Mission Brewer y
Tucked away in an industrial area on the east
You walk through a bland beige
Navy barracks door into a room filled
with unexpectedly bright colorful
walls, decorated with paintings, photographs, furniture, rugs, bric a brac,
and false windows, giving you the
feeling that you, like Alice, may have
fallen down a rabbit hole through
space and time into the Mexican
home of Frida Kahlo, considered by
many to be the best woman painter of
all time.
It takes a bit to get your bearings
and find a place to begin. But soon
you begin to walk, turn corners, and
enter new rooms. You see her bed
and her dresser, her necklaces and
see Frida, page 10
side of Downtown in the shadow of Petco Park,
Mission Brewery makes its home in the expansive
and ancient Wonder Bread factory, built way back
in 1894. Mission changed little of the exterior from
the location’s bread-making days, and inside has a
nicely crafted industrial feel. Large stacks of Mission’s iconic tall brewing cans tower stories high all
around the factory. The enormous interior is divided
in two: one side has a long bar with a table seating
area surrounding it; the other, very visible side is the
production end that pumps out 10,000 barrels of beer
each year. A forklift sits idly in the corner during
operating hours, adding to authenticity.
Walking inside Mission Brewery gives one the
feel of walking straight into the production plant. It
makes no effort to present a restaurant ambiance —
the only food they have around is bar nuts, but you
can bring in take-out food if you choose. Beer is what
Mission Brewery does and beer is what they sell.
That isn’t to say it’s totally void of good atmosphere.
Self portrait dedicated to Dr. Eloesser,
1940 (Licensed Replica: © Banco de México
see Breweries, page 4
Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust / VG
Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2008)
Keeping our water safe
Local nonprofit acts regionally while thinking globally
Dave Schwab
Downtown News
Meet @CityPig
Index
Opinion…………………6
Briefs……………………7
Calendar…….….….….14
Puzzle…………………15
Business……………..19
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San Diego Community News Network
Coastkeeper’s staff on patrol in San Diego Bay capturing marine debris.
(Courtesy 9MPhoto.com)
San Diego Coastkeeper, the
region’s water protector, has a new
gatekeeper: Matt O’Malley.
Recently hired as the group’s
head waterkeeper, it’s now
O’Malley’s task to lead the grassroots environmental nonprofit in
advocating for clean water countywide, as well as directing the fulfillment of its mission of safeguarding
the region’s bays, beaches, watersheds and ocean for the benefit of
people and wildlife.
“I head the legal and policy
side of what we do here, advocating and enforcing compliance with
environmental laws by any means
necessary,” said O’Malley, a landuse attorney with 12 prior years of
experience representing various
environmental groups, including
the Sierra Club.
“If someone’s polluting, we
work with stakeholders — the City,
County, Regional Water Quality
see CoastKeeper, page 11
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS, FEBRUARY 2014
Pappalecco
barleymash
Meze
Bettie Page Clothing
Ace Hardware
THIS YEAR’S WINNERS!
Brian’s 24
San Diego is known for its
vibrant Downtown area, with
districts that are full of life,
culture, food, music and non-stop
entertainment. It is a place where
urban residents, county locals and
visitors to the region at large return
to again and again.
We recently asked the readers
of San Diego Downtown News to
tell us their favorites when it comes
to the restaurants, bars, and retail
businesses found throughout our
various Downtown neighborhoods.
From the ever-expanding East
Village, through the majestic
Gaslamp Quarter, our stable Core,
Columbia & Financial District,
to the shores of the Marina &
Embarcadero and the streets
of Little Italy, our readers have
spoken. They chose the best of
the best – in such categories as
server, breakfast, happy hour,
wine bar, art gallery, romantic
dining, cocktail, florist, museum,
local bar, and many, many more.
Some winners have been serving
customers in Downtown since the
early days while others are new to
Hooters
the scene and already making an
impact.
In this month’s special section,
we offer an assemblage of these
favorite choices, showcasing
colorful photos and descriptions
of many of the winners and their
missions to serve.
To each of our 2013 winners, we
extend a hearty congratulations on
your Reader’s Choice Awards and
we hope our loyal readers — and
your loyal customers –— continue
to show you patronage for many
years to come.
Ron Stuarts Mens Clothing
Spike Africa’s
The Market Place Deli
2
San Diego Downtown News | February 2014
Reader’s Choice 2013
www.sdcnn.com
RESTAURANTS
CATEGORY
AMERICAN CUISINE
BAKERY
BBQ
BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
BUDGET EATS
BURGER
BURRITO
CASINO BUFFET
CASUAL DINING
CHEF
COCKTAIL
COFFEE SHOP
COMFORT FOOD
CRAFT BEER BAR
DELI
DONUT SHOP
FAMILY RESTAURANT
FAST FOOD
FINE DINING
FRENCH CUISINE
FROZEN YOGURT
GREEK CUISINE
HAPPY HOUR
HOT WINGS
ITALIAN CUISINE
JAPANESE CUISINE
LATE NIGHT DINING
LOCAL BAR
LUNCH
MARGARITA
MARTINI
MEXICAN CUISINE
NEW RESTAURANT
PIZZA
ROMANTIC DINING
SALAD
SANDWICH
SEAFOOD
STEAKHOUSE
SUSHI
THAI CUISINE
WINE BAR
GOLD
SILVER
barleymash
Café de L’Opera
Phil’s BBQ
Broken Yolk
Hob Nob Hill
Marketplace Deli
Burger Lounge
Lolitas
Valley View Casino
Lucky Bastard Saloon
Kevin Templeton
Cocktails Sur Lie (Grant Grill)
Café LuLu
barleymash
Yardhouse
Chef Miguel’s Deli
Donut Bar
Hob Nob Hill
Hodad’s
Marine Room
Café Chloe
Yogurtland
Meze
ViVa bar + kitchen
Hooters
Toscana Café & Wine Bar
Gaijin Noodle & Sake House
Brian’s 24
The Commons Bar
barleymash
ViVa bar + kitchen
Altitude Sky Lounge
Lolitas
Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish
Monello
Bertrands at Mister A’s
Tender Greens
Pappalecco
Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish
Donovans Steak & Chop
Sushi Deli 2
Lotus Thai
Toscana Café & Wine Bar
Cowboy Star
Frank’s Bakery
Kansas City BBQ
The Mission
Cafe 21
Chef Miguel’s Deli
SmashBurger
Pokez
Sycuan Casino
barleymash
Paul Rinaudo
John Birch Fizz (Craft & Commerce)
Brickyard Coffee & Tea
Mary Jane’s at Hard Rock
Mission Brewery
Old Town Liquor & Deli
Donut Star
Buca di Beppo
Pokez
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Currant American Brasserie
Crunch Time
Athens Market Taverna
Gaslamp Tavern
The Commons Bar
Buca di Beppo
Bang Bang
barleymash
Gaslamp Tavern
Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill
La Puerta
Ginger’s
Pokez
Magnolia Tap & Kitchen
Basic Pizza
Toscana Café & Wine Bar
Toscana Café & Wine Bar
Old Town Liquor & Deli
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Fleming’s Steak House
Nobu
Rama
Vin de Syrah
BRONZE
Mary Jane’s at Hard Rock
St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro
All Stars Sports Bar & BBQ
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Bertrands at Mister A’s
Hodad’s
Valentine’s Mexican Food
Barona Casino
East Village Tavern & Bowl
Brad Hightow
Davanti Spritz (Davanti Enoteca)
Sole Luna
Brian’s 24
Knotty Barrel
Deli Llama
Krispy Kreme
Perry’s Café
Burger Lounge
Island Prime
Café Paris
Ghiradelli Ice Cream
Greek Island
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
barleymash
Davanti Enoteca
Katsuya
Bolillo’s Tortas
The Local
Barrio Star
Saltbox at Saltbox
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
La Puerta
Fogo de Chao
Fillippi’s
Island Prime
Waters Fine Food & Catering
Grab ‘N Go Subs
Downtown Fish Joint
Lou & Mickey’s
Fish Market Sushi Bar
Mint Downtown Thai
Bon Vin
RETAIL
CATEGORY
ART GALLERY
AUTO REPAIR
BANK
BOOKSTORE
BOUTIQUE
CASINO
CREDIT UNION
DENTIST
FLORIST
GYM/HEALTH CLUB
HAIR SALON
HARDWARE STORE
HOSPITAL
HOTEL
IRISH PUB
JAZZ BAR
JEWELER
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE THEATRE
LOUNGE
MASSAGE
MEN’S APPAREL
MUSEUM
NIGHTCLUB
PET SERVICES
SD COUNTY WINERY
TANNING SALON
TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO
VET
WOMEN’S APPAREL
YOGA STUDIO
GOLD
Alexander Salazar Fine Art
A Street Auto Service
Union Bank
Upstart Crow
Eden
Viejas
San Diego County Credit Union
Bankers Hill Dental
Che Bella
FIT Athletic
Groom the Salon
Ace Hardware
Scripps Mercy Hospital
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Tilted Kilt
Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar
Ben Bridge
House of Blues
The Old Globe
Top of the Hyatt
Massage Envy Spa
Ron Stuart Mens Clothing
USS Midway Museum
Whiskey Girl
Furry Tales Doggy Daycare
Orfila
iTan
The Church of Steel
Market Street Vet
Bettie Page Clothing
Hale Holistic
SILVER
Shoreline Gallery
Gas Depot Auto Repair
Wells Fargo
KB Books
Shopaholic’s Boutique
Barona
Navy Federal
Downtown Dental Group
Allen’s Flowers & Plants
24 Hour Fitness - Horton Plaza
Flirt Urban Salon
Lowes
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Hard Rock Hotel
Dublin Square
Prohibition
Jessop’s Jeweler
Humphreys by the Bay
San Diego REP
The Lounge at Grant Grill
Sente Bella Spa
Joseph’s Mens Wear
Air & Space Museum
Stingaree
Run A Mutt Mission Hills
Bernardo Winery
The Tan Banana
Flying Panther Tattoo
Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort & Vet
BLOOM San Diego
Pura Vida Yoga Center
BRONZE
JDC Fine Art
Chase
B. Dalton Bookseller
Boutique de Marcus
Sycuan
Mission Federal
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Diego
Fifth Avenue Florist
Broadway Athletic Club
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
UCSD Medical Center
The W Hotel
Hennessey’s Tavern
Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub
Harold Stevens Jewelers
The Casbah
Lamb’s Players Theatre
Altitude Sky Lounge
Happy Head - East Village
Macy’s
R.H. Fleet Science Center
FLUXX
City Dog
Fallbrook Winery
Sunless Revolution
7 Seas Tattoo
Vocabulary
Body Loft
Reader’s Choice 2013
www.sdcnn.com
DINING & DRINKS
BREAKFAST
GOLD – Broken Yolk
AFTER HOURS DINING
355 Sixth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-338-9655
thebrokenyolkcafe.com
GOLD – barleymash
600 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-255-7373
barleymash.com
Downtown hotspot barleymash ended 2013 with a bang.
A critic’s and neighborhood
favorite alike, barleymash garnered lots of accolades, such
as being one of Zagat’s “Best
Things We Ate in 2013” and receiving eight San Diego Downtown News Reader’s Choice
Awards, including Best American Cuisine, Best Casual Dining,
and Best Late Night Dining.
Executive Chef Kevin Templeton also earned a Best
Chef nod from San Diego
Downtown News readers, as
well as an induction into the
San Diego Home and Garden
Chef Hall of Fame.
SILVER – Cowboy Star
640 10th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-450-5880
thecowboystar.com
BRONZE – Mary Jane’s
at Hard Rock Hotel
207 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-764-6950
hardrockhotelsd.com
San Diego Downtown News | February 2014
The Broken Yolk Cafe, winner of “Best Breakfast” two years in a row
BAKERY
GOLD – Cafe’ de L’Opera
1354 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-0425
cafedelopera.com
SILVER – Frank’s Bakery
3555 India St. #B
San Diego, CA 92103
619-296-0245
franksbakerysandiego.com
BRONZE – St. Tropez
Bakery & Bistro
926 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101
619-696-8695
sttropezbistro.com
BBQ
GOLD – Phils BBQ
3750 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
858-274-2233
philsbbq.net
SILVER – Kansas City BBQ
600 W Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-9680
kcbbq.net
BRONZE – All Stars
Sports Bar & BBQ
524 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
619-696-6996
sportsbarsandiego.com
Located in the heart of
Downtown San Diego, The
Broken Yolk Cafe has been
serving the Downtown community since 2009.
The Broken Yolk has built a
reputation for its large menu,
ample portions, real shredded
hash browns, salsa made fresh
daily, and its friendly staff.
With more than 20 different
omelets and a large variety of
breakfast favorites including
pancakes, waffles and french
toast, Broken Yolk satisfies
even the heartiest of diners in
a comfortable, pleasant and
friendly atmosphere. In addition, we also offer vegetarian
and gluten-free menu items.
Breakfast is served all day
long, but if it’s lunch you’re
craving, try one of our signature
salads, juicy half-pound burgers
or street taco plates. Whenever
you’re hungry and looking to
have an enjoyable and delicious
meal, The Broken Yolk is ready
to serve you 7 days a week
from 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SILVER – The Mission
1250 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
3
619-232-7662
themissionsd.com
BRONZE – Richard Walker’s
Pancake House
520 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-7777
richardwalkers.com
BRUNCH
GOLD – Hob Nob Hill
2271 First Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-8176
hobnobhill.com
Opened in 1944 with the sole
intention of providig quality
food and exceptional service at
reasonable prices, Hob Nob Hill
has worked hard to stay true to
its commitment.
A full-service restaurant and
bakery, Hob Nob Hill and its
American country style furnishings offer their guests comfortable seating while they enjoy
an array of tasty American
classics. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner – Hob Nob
Hill’s American-styled menu
provides guests with generous
portions, affordable pricing and
a taste that’s sure to entice its
patrons for more!
For more information regarding business hours and menu
details visit Hob Nob Hill on the
web.
see Dining&Drinks, page 4