Wow Great beers,…read morephenomenal vibe. From the moment I sat down, Nima and the other bartenders made me feel SO welcome. Has a real community feel to it. Will be back - often.

Smallish tasting room but biggish flavors. The beers I tried were interesting and delicious…read more I'm a big fan of flights, especially if you are unfamiliar with the beers. Here, you can get up to five different beers in one flight although you don't have to get all five. I tried one lighter one (2 AM Tacos--Mexican lager) and it was refreshing and delicious. I also tried four heavier, more alcoholic ones: Black's Peach (sour ale--it was sour indeed), Drink This or the Bees Die (Golden Honey--not bad), Sasquack (Belgian--very good), and St. Alfonsos (Imperial Stout at 12.8 ABV--this one was absolutely outstanding but better have a designated driver with you). This place is kid friendly and definitely dog friendly. In fact, there were probably more dogs than humans during our visit and I'm not complaining. Dogs are better than people, as we know. This was on a Friday night and the place was absolutely slammed, which was nice to see. No food available but you can bring in your own grub. Good luck with parking--either free street or residential parking are your only options. Excellent addition to Leucadia. This is a good spot.

After a nice date with my wife and shopping for some gifts, we finally decided to stop by Carruth…read moreCellars. We went with the wine tasting flight and it was a great way to explore their lineup. I usually go for the Zinfandel, but this time the Sauvignon Blanc ended up being my favorite--bright, crisp, and super refreshing. The Rosé, "Unicorn," Zinfandel, and Cabernet all brought their own solid character too, from light and fruity to rich and structured. Perfect spot in Cedros Design District to grab a glass, relax on the front patio, and people watch after walking the shops. Super chill coastal vibe, friendly service.

We came to Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach for Sunset Trivia and left honestly shocked by how…read morepoorly the situation was handled from a customer service perspective. Our large group has attended Sunset Trivia for 6+ years across San Diego. We are exactly the kind of repeat customers businesses usually want to acquire during weekly events like trivia nights. This was our first time at Carruth Cellars. One member of our group arrived early and specifically asked about the menu. She was told the food menu was small and that most people bring in or order outside food. At no point did the brunette woman behind the counter mention restrictions on outside beverages or that purchases were expected in order to participate in trivia. Later, one friend's bottled soda needed a bottle opener, and when my husband politely asked the woman at the counter for help, she abruptly refused and informed him outside drinks were not allowed. Shortly after that, she came to our table and told us trivia was "for patrons only." The issue is not that the business wants customers to purchase something. That is completely understandable. The issue was the hostile, reactive way it was handled after we had already settled in -- especially when there were multiple opportunities earlier to simply communicate expectations politely and proactively. What felt especially shortsighted is that while many trivia attendees there may already be established wine club members, our group represented a completely different type of long-term customer opportunity. We are regular trivia goers who rotate between locations weekly, and businesses that create a welcoming atmosphere naturally earn repeat food and beverage purchases from us over time. Instead, rather than making new customers feel welcome and encouraging future spending organically, the interaction immediately made us feel scrutinized and unwelcome. Had the experience been warm and inviting instead of confrontational, there is a very good chance Carruth Cellars would have gained a recurring trivia group willing to spend money there week after week. One of our teammates later tried to respectfully explain that it was our first visit and that none of these expectations had been communicated upfront. The disgruntled employee responded that it was "implied" people should purchase something. Good hospitality does not rely on guests guessing unstated rules. We walked away feeling like the business was more focused on policing potential customers than creating an environment that actually encourages people to return and spend money voluntarily. The woman working on the evening of May 19th was not a positive representation of your winery, and if this is how guests are treated, it raises serious concerns about how new customers are being welcomed.

It was so chill here. Such a nice place to grab some drinks and hang out…read more There were lots of different beers to choose from. We got the flight, which was 4 for $11. It came with some pretzels Some inside seating and outside seating. Service was good. Will most likely return when in the area.

The Vibe: You can't beat the great location. It's right in the heart of the action and has a cool,…read moreinviting energy that makes it a perfect hangout spot. The Logistics: Fair warning--parking is a nightmare. Give yourself extra time to circle the block or be prepared to walk a few blocks. It's definitely not a "pull up to the front door" kind of place. The Price: The beer is quality, but the prices are steep. We're talking $10 for a single beer, which feels a bit heavy even for a craft brewery. The Standout: The customer service was excellent. The staff is knowledgeable, welcoming, and really knows their stuff when it comes to the tap list.

Total slam dunk for a Sunday afternoon! This quiet neighborhood gem has monthly paint nights and…read moreis extremely comfortable and cozy allowing dogs. Highly recommend the pizza! The crust is absolutely perfectly cooked and very fresh basil, arugula and sausage toppings absolutely drive the flavor home. Combine with a few glasses of wine and you have yourself pretty much the perfect weekend getaway! Highly recommend.

Burtech Winery is truly a hidden gem and one of my absolute favorite places to unwind. As a member,…read moreI get to enjoy all the little extras that make this place so special--from their incredible selection of reds and whites to their refreshing (and dangerously delicious) wine slushies. The atmosphere is always welcoming and fun, with great live music that sets the perfect vibe whether you're there for a relaxing afternoon or a lively evening. They also host creative events like monthly paint nights, which make it more than just a winery--it's a place to connect, create, and make memories. The staff is friendly, the wine is consistently fantastic, and there's always something new and exciting happening. Burtech isn't just a winery, it's an experience--and one I can't recommend highly enough.

Tonight I was looking for a place just to get a single glass of wine. I drove around for a while…read moreand finally came upon a place I've seen for years that have never actually gone inside and that was the Meritage wine market. I walked in holding a piece of homemade sourdough bread, I recently purchased, hoping that wasn't rude but the lady who waited on me, Julie was fabulous. She chatted with me and offered me the perfect wine, which was just what I wanted then she gave me a little splash of something else before I left. The ambience was very casual. Three other moms were there chatting and gathering I felt very comfortable by myself. I eventually got the Bill not feeling rushed at all and was shocked when it was eight dollars. There wasn't a place for the tip and Julie told me they did not do tipping in return for the wonderful time. I had there I promised I would write a review and tell others that if you want a casual place to meet some friends, have a glass of wine and not feel pressured to buy anything. This is your place. It's near Champaign bakery in pancake House. If you're into food sometimes though you just want a single glass of wine... Or maybe two.

Super helpful. I had very specific varietals/regions in mind. They assisted me in finding those as…read morewell recommending similar wines. Great options. Highly recommend

EATING MY WAY THRU ENCINITAS (5 stars)…read more - EVENT: awesome; worth it - FOOD: variety - VIBES: mainly 45+ (in age)... Encinitas crowd What a chill and delicious event. I found this event well put together. The Main Street office opened up all day for people to get their tickets to avoid the line around 5 which helps the decluttering of people and that cutting into the 3hrs to enjoy food and drinks. Staff of event, residence, and restaurant staff of Encinitas are SO KIND. Every person I've engaged with were welcoming and open. I've been to many of these "Taste of..." in different cities and states and by far this one was very much liked. This event had Mexican, Filipino, Italian, American, Pizza, desserts. Variety! :: PRE-EVENT :: The day the tickets went on sale I secured the goods as I heard this always gets sold out. Months in advance. The map is also your ticket that you wear around your neck for shops to cross off you visited. Also received a small cup with 10 tickets for 10 sips. Don't have to one at each stop, can use all 10 at one stop if you like. I used one drink ticket and ended up giving my tickets away to others - because I don't really drink-drink. :: WALKING ON A HWY :: 33 stops. Food at the restaurant stops and shops serving the sips. Plan strategically to where you park! Started out at the furthest restaurant (PINA) and worked all the way to the most southern restaurant (UNION), head back north to the center and tackled all the other places. Most people would reverse this order - so it was nice to avoid people clutter. :: EATS :: Can't list them all but will try to sun it up. I love how there was a mix of restaurants and a variety of foods. Unlike Taste of Leucadia there were 3 restaurants serving pasta. This event only one Italian restaurant on the list and the only one serving pasta. This event was serving Mexican, Filipino, Italian, American, Pizza, desserts. :: FAVORITES :: CARIN DI RIA - serving pancit, lumpia, adobo, rice. Of course I'm Filipino and I've ate here many times and it's my favorite Filipino restaurant in SD. The amount of "non-Filipino" walking away saying "this is really delicious" "so good I never had Filipino food before" made my heart happy. PINA - serving street taco + churro waffle. I've ate here before when the restaurant opened up and it wasn't great. They def improved! Came back and was blown away. Staff here were SO FRIENDLY and I've enjoyed out conversations at the bar before the event even started. The good they served for the event was AMAZING. That street taco was so flavorful and so good it was one of my favorite bites of the night. The churro waffle was also very taste. Who is this chef? Compliments to the Chef! BROAD STREET DOUGH - serving mini donuts. Many flavors to choose from only 2 can be picked. These donuts were delicious af. I went for blue berry and Oreo. Longest line but worth the long wait. :: LEAST FAVORITE :: THE FISH SHOP - serving grilled shrimp. Not sure what ingredients they used but it was not as good sounded. Their bite was 3 shrimps. But 1 would have been decent or plenty enough. 3 sounds nice only if the taste was good but it really wasn't. I saw in the trash near by so many people were throwing their shrimps away. How sad, I didn't even take a picture of it. :: MISSED :: It is always my goal to complete all but either I'm full or things ran out. I did well! - ECHALE WINE BAR AND KITCHEN: long line and slow. A lot of people passed this up. - THE NASA SHOP/LOCAL SCOOP: 1hr left of 3hr event and there was nothing to serve (how weak!) JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...

This was good fun even after showing up around 6 instead of right at 5:30. It would be much easier…read moreif you didn't have to physically check in on 101 to get your tickets, as the line took a while, but it was a fun mix of old favorites like Trattoria Trulli, Qero and Lobster Shack, and some new venues we didn't know existed. The organizers should demand that participating establishments plan for enough food to last until 8:30 - at 7:45 the tequila place (DXT?) was all out and none too friendly about it. All in all I am not sure we got $50 worth of food and drinks - we wound up having dinner at Qero, whereas when you go to for ex Taste of North Park you feel stuffed to the gills!

Non nonsense winery. Not a wine and cheese type experience. If you want to taste some wine and…read moregain some knowledge this is the place. Bought 6 bottles and unfortunately I'll have to go back and get more. This has turned into our favorite wine.

I purchased a few bottles of their wines to try them. The 2014 Sangiovese had a sour after taste…read morefor this vintage. Next, had a No Vintage Melbec. Was inky looking. Had no nose. Was smooth and the more you let it sit out, it rewarded you with more fruit forward. Was not sweet though. Was better with food but you could enjoy by itself. Since I previously placed this review, I visited this winery and my opinion changed. The wines I previously tasted don't do justice to their full menu of delicious wines. The winery charges $25/person to taste 6 wines but they waive fee if you buy at least one wine. The pours to taste the wines are generous pours. You'll end up buying more than one bottle I guarantee it. The tasting room is located inside a warehouse building in front of their front office lobby. The staff is very personable and welcoming. Their wines run $18-$25.

We attended a 60th birthday party wine tour. Eddie was our host/driver! He was pleasant, helpful…read moreand welcomed us to have a great time. The van was fully decorated, and champagne served and music on. Our first stop Maurice Carie, Tasted wines, enjoyed a great live band, charcuterie, and a fabulous pastry,baked Brie. Eddie showed us the Barrel Room and shared some information about the barrels. Our next step was Lorimar winery, we enjoyed wine, live music, the outdoor patio was packed with people having a great time. The air was chilly, but they had heaters for comfort. They served a buffet meal which was quite delicious and generous! Our server at Lorimar made herself available for anything we needed. Eddie, our driver even fetched our sweaters when we needed them. This was event first class, fun, and no hassle. We all had a great time! The only challenge, which is typical at public events, long bathroom line for the women at Lorimar. This place was rockin' and with music and dancing!

Great hospitality, outstanding and friendly service! I highly recommended for any special events!read more

This was everything great one expects from a food tour! The food was of course amazing. The other…read moregroup members were friendly and upbeat. The tour had just the right ratio of food to walking to history. And best of all was our tour guide Ben! He made the experience casual and relaxed while at the same time welcoming and delicious! Thank you!

I was really disappointed with this food tour. I've done several in the past and this one just…read moredidn't compare. The biggest issue was the structure of the experience. It started with a donut and then included two more desserts along the way crepes, and gelato. That felt excessive and unbalanced. Typically, food tours are paced more thoughtfully with a variety of courses like appetizers, soups, salads, and a solid main dish. The pasta was underwhelming and didn't feel like the highlight it should have been. You could tell the meatballs were previously frozen. Not one person finished the taste. Overall, the tour lacked variety, balance, and quality. It just didn't feel well thought out or worth the cost. It needs to be revamped. I really wanted to enjoy it, but unfortunately it missed the mark.

Jenny and Tara had amazing attitudes and provided great service. The food was very good and the…read morebartenders made the drinks just right. I would recommend this venue for any event. The banquet staff did a great job.

I attended my friend's daughter's wedding that was held at this beautiful golf club. The wedding…read moreceremony took place on the lawn of golf course, cocktail hour was in a partially enclosed outdoor patio, and dinner was held indoors. While the venue itself was gorgeous, I felt the space was rather cramped, especially the reception area. There were 2 bar stations but when people lined up to get drinks, there was no space to move around them, you're just stuck in one place. With 150 guests, there was seating for about 20, and limited tall tables for placing drinks and hors d'oeuvres on top for another 20. The other guests and I agreed the reception should have been held on the lawn where it was more spacious. We did catch a gorgeous view of the sunset. The outdoor deck was also a beautiful setting for photos! Inside the club house where the dinner reception was held, it was more spacious. The layout was nice and it provided a long runway for the bridal party to make their grand entrance. There was a good sized dance floor, so we all enjoyed the evening. The event coordinator did a wonderful job and I appreciated the attention to detail. Kudos to the chef and waitstaff for preparing and delivering our plated meals of steak or Chilean sea bass, it was delicious!