An easy and rather obvious claim: Great beer can be found anywhere and everywhere. But a beer with a view, that is, great beer enjoyed in an equally astonishing venue, can be a little more challenging.
Through the podcast and this column, I’ve enjoyed an amazing 2024 of brewery travels, pub and taproom visits, and meeting with amazing people to discuss beer and hear stories. Here are some of the best brews with a view I found this year.
Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge, Carlsbad Village
A relative newcomer to the scene, Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge hosted the I Like Beer podcast team for an on-location episode this month. They have a commitment to serve local beers (alongside a large variety of wines and other cocktails). With an unobstructed, panoramic view across the 101 to the Pacific Ocean, Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge has a serious wow factor. During the show, we highlighted the house blonde (brewed by Karl Strauss), Black Plague’s Gothica Mexican Lager and Burgeon’s Treevana IPA. This is the place to take guests who are visiting for a drink, some appetizers and a stunning view.
Mike Hess Brewing, Imperial Beach
Head through the biergarten upstairs to the beach view patio area. Just 70 feet from the beach, you can enjoy a variety of beers and food choices. I had the fish taco trio with a Lager Del Sur. The service was excellent and my server was excited to talk beer with me. A relaxing lunch in the sun with a Mexican lager–hard to beat.
Pacific Beach AleHouse, Skydeck
Rise above the hectic throng of Pacific Beach. Just steps away from the water, the Pacific Beach AleHouse surprised me with a solid lineup of well-crafted beers brewed in house. I started with an 858 Blonde, their take on the Firestone-Walker classic 805. Maybe the sun, palm trees and waves played a role, but the 858 was better than the beer to which it plays homage. As dinner arrived and the sun sank, I had to order the Sunsetter Wheat Ale. This blood orange and passion fruit ale wasn’t too tart and wasn’t too sweet. And the sunset was just right.
The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca
If you’re headed to the local mountains, save time for a visit to The Pub. Since I had just come off the trails, it seemed right to order a Take a Hike Pale Ale from Nickel Beer Company. True to style, refreshingly hopped and delicious. From the patio table I watched two bald eagles soar over the lake. A serene venue that almost insists you stay for a Stonewall Stout and slice of pie, so I did.
Viewpoint Brewing, Del Mar
I’ve shared more than once how much I enjoy not only the stunning venue but the food and beer at Viewpoint. Returning this fall for a very special event, Chef Dustin Karagheusian made a stop at the table to share what’s new on the menu and best beers for pairing. He opined that Viewpoint is a restaurant with great beer (in contrast to Moe Katomski, head brewer, who has more than once pointed out that Viewpoint is a brewery with great food). Either way, it never disappoints.
The chicken pot pie was both comforting and nouvelle. I paired it with a taster set of everything on tap, but finally settled on a pint of Nutty Professor Nut Brown ale. Like I said, it was a very special occasion.
Eppig Brewing in Point Loma
In celebration of Eppig’s 8th anniversary, I made a trip to Point Loma for an afternoon of beer and stunning views in the waterfront biergarten. Comfortable outdoor seating with views into the America Cup’s Harbor, Eppig is serving true to style German ales and lagers. Their Beach Beer isn’t always on tap, but lucky it was on this day. It’s a subtly sweet, slightly malty lager with a dry finish. Prost!
The Camp Store, Carlsbad State Beach
It’s not supposed to be a contest, but if it was, The Camp Store would win. Panoramic, iconic and magnifique! Located within the Carlsbad State Beach Campground, The Camp Store is open to the public for food, drink and entertainment. Locals and visitors alike join together for the grandeur of the Pacific viewed from atop the bluff.
With 12 local beers on tap plus many more available in cans, The Camp Store offers the perfect sunset experience replete with live music and light shows (see their calendar of events).
You’ll find me with a Burgeon Carlsbad Crush Pale Ale in hand toasting the sunset and hoping for a glimpse of a green flash.
Jeff Spanier is the co-host of I Like Beer the Podcast. Follow Spanier’s adventures on Instagram @ilikebeerthepodcast.
