Craft beer is to San Diego what artisanal wine is to Napa. Surely my passion for beer has something to do with living in Calafornia’s micro brew capitol; with over 30 breweries in the county, i’ve come to expect great tap lists at several establishments, most walking distance from my house. So here’s a list of places where i regularly drank craft beer in 2009; pardon if my reviews aren’t all rave…
After visiting the original Toronado in San Fran last year, i concluded that its San Diego sibling has big mugs to fill. However, i must give some credit to Toronado for opening its doors and taps to a thrifty crowd every Monday night where for $3 any of 50 something-handles is yours for the drinking. Everyone loves an affordable night out, and those with sense use Toro Mondays as a way to sample beers from around the world that are 9 bucks every other night of the week. Because of the high prices, i simply don’t come here often, which is a bummer. Also a bummer: the food. As my gastro soul mate likes to point out, ‘How do you fuck up macaroni and cheese?’ i see the menu has been simplified in recent months to feature less global flavors (thank god because the beef satay was awful), and more burgers/sandwich options. Although the fish and chips were the best thing on the older menu (since removed), frying sea creatures in the back of a crowded bar yielded a fish-sauna effect that was straight gnarly. 
It’s off the beaten Ale Alley, but way worth a trip to the East Village. 2 for local drafts from 4-7 weekdays is a deal; the burgers are bomb; the music is always good and the handsome crowd here is mellow. Allagash night was my favorite all year; 7 taps from the Portland, Maine brewery, a town named ‘Foodiest’ in the nation by Bon Appetit Magazine, 2009. Neighborhood is constantly scoring rare kegs and bottles; some of this year’s best included Paradox by BrewDog (Scottish malt whisky cask-aged imperial stout), and the collaboration ale from Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, Life&Limb.
Blind Lady Ale House ( read previous entry here.)
What i love about drinking beer at The Linkery is the cask selection (usually 3 at any given time). i personally love cask conditioned ales because their delicate carbonation and warmer temperature allows for a creamy and more flavorful drinking experience. And don’t get me going about the food here. It’s difficult for me to stray from ordering sausage every time, but the ‘everything’ burger (as I like to think of it) is so tempting with its grilled pineapple, fried pastured egg and option to add a link of sausage…?! omg. Craft beer and slow food? i’m a fan.
This is usually where i come if i’m invited by others, or already drunk and therefor every idea sounds like the best ever. The tap list is consistently underwhelming. i find there’s either a lot of something i like, or loathe; for instance, on Christmas day the menu was Belgian Strong/dark-heavy, yes! A lot of times though, i’ve struggled to decide on just one beer to order. Earlier in ‘09 i was on a hot wing kick and decided to challenge myself to Ham’s 3rd hottest variety on the menu. Not the most delicious i’ve consumed, but certainly the hottest. 
(Hot wing mortar attack) >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Above all other gripes, i wish Hamilton’s wouldn’t allow dogs in the bar. i do not want to trip on a dog, step on a dog, or worse, when i am in a food and drink establishment. The people who bring their dogs to Ham’s need to get a life, plain and simple.
It’s a bit of a North Park institution, this bar. Admittedly i didn’t used to be a huge fan; it’s definitely a place that’s grown on me. It’s dark, loud, and every local’s rite of passage to black out and have a regretable affair (or several) courtesy of Live Wire. There’s 24 taps, always an interesting mix of people, and one of 2009’s best places to drink cold beer and party, IMO.
January 4th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Life is too short for bad beer.