Local Roots’ Boochyard patio too much for Burgeon’s The Oasis?
THE COMPETITORS: Local Roots’ The Boochyard Taproom is stepping in as an unseeded outsider to the North County Brewery Patio-off, replacing Battlemage Brewing, whose patio...
Cheers! North County
Black Plague’s inland Purgatory battles Duck Foot’s Leucadia patio
THE COMPETITORS: North County newcomers Duck Foot Brewing’s new secret (not so secret) spot in Leucadia tries to avoid the Black Plague in a showdown...
Patio Challenge: Eppig Brewing vs. Carlsbad Brewing
THE COMPETITORS: Eppig’s Bierhalle led the way in the now popular brewery corner of Vista. The brewery keeps it simple and, like its beer, focuses...
Carlsbad’s That Pizza Place is back…with plenty of local beer
Longtime residents of Carlsbad have no doubt made their way at one time or another to That Pizza Place. For many of us who grew...
Oceanside Brewing’s ‘good time’ vibes boost patio experience
THE COMPETITORS: It is a battle between CoLab Public House and Oceanside Brewing Co. CoLab is the new name and concept on the block. Oceanside Brewing...
Oceanside Ale Works edges South O Brewing in patio challenge
THE COMPETITORS: South O Brewing is a locally-owned spot on the dividing line between South “O” and regular old coastal Oceanside. They are part of the...
Craft Coast tops Blue Fire in patio challenge
Two of North County’s younger breweries face off in this week’s edition of the North County Brewery Patio-Off Bracket. Charlie and Tommy Gordon opened up...
Round 1: Pure Project (Carlsbad) vs. Pure Project (Vista)
THE COMPETITORS: The seeding committee (me) wasn’t shy about forcing the NCBPO judges (also me) to make a choice. Pure Project is known for its commitment...
Slainte! from Tig Bhric Pub in Ireland’s County Kerry
In the midst of the pandemic, with plans for travel canceled, I started hunting online for a “dream pub” to visit whenever normalcy returned. My...
Round 1: Helia Brewing Co. vs. Dogleg Brewing Co.
Tucked into that weird corner of the map that says Vista but still feels like Carlsbad, you’ll find neighbors and Round 1 competitors....
Hunt for North County’s best brewery patio begins
The North County Brewery Patio-Off Bracket (NCBPOB) challenge is underway! I’ve been out and about on various patios around town, and I can say two things...
Beer Madness: Where’s the best brewery patio in North County?
Last week, I asked you if Happy Hour was enough to motivate you to leave the house. So I asked myself the same question. The...
Beer lovers head east to Jacked Up Brewery in Escondido
Coastal craft brew enthusiasts, enjoying our embarrassment of riches, can sometimes forget to look eastward. On my recent venture to Escondido, I revisited Jacked Up...
Is happy hour still a thing?
I’ve had this kernel of a thought weighing itself in my brain like the princess’ pea. It is there when I wake up in the...
Local craft beer and spirits gift ideas
Have you started making summer plans yet? What are you waiting for? We’re already staring down Mother’s Day! Then just a few short weeks later,...
