I stumbled onto this place by accident then stumbled out very much by my own doing. Was in the shopping center for lunch and had no clue this was here. Lucky accident. Discovered it and post lunch beers were very much in order! Quaint spot, mellow and clean. Friendly service. Good array of beers, especially for a satellite location. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Taps - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

I've heard stories, but this was my first time seeing how drunk the manager Chase gets on shift. Chase purposely broke some glasses (no one thought it was funny) and BARRADED! The dark haired bartender. Telling him he doesn't do anything, only has a job because of him, shoved him and said "what are you gunna do, hit me?" He proceeded to challenge to tell the owner Tommy, saying "who do you think he's gunna believe?" The other bartender was crying at this point. Other customers offered to drive Chase home since he was wasted. He told them to F off. I've never seen such unprofessionalism and sadly I know this is only one of many occurrences of Chase (THE MANAGER) getting embarrassingly drunk and aggressive (and driving himself home after). Bad, bad look and I won't be returning until he's fired. I urge the owner to speak to the other employees personally. @Tommy read more

Been here numerous times and it is one of those places I keep coming back to. Their selection of Belgian beers is the main draw for me and they always have something great on. The beers are fantastic and you can tell they put thought into what they offer. The vibe inside is really cool and kind of feels like an old church, which makes it stand out from a typical bar. It is also right next to a pizza spot, so if you get hungry you can order food and enjoy it with your beer. Always a solid experience and I will definitely be back again. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - My dog thinking she owns the place - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

​Came by The Confessional and had a killer time. I ordered two of the Noble Tendencies, and it is absolutely great beer. If you love a crisp, well-crafted pilsner, this is the one to get. ​It's also incredibly convenient that you can grab food or a pizza from Seaside Market right nearby and bring it over. Between the great beer and the easy food options, it's always a good place to spend a good time. The Lost Abbey always brings their A-game--I'll definitely be back! read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

This is a fantastic tap room for The Lost Abbey brewery called "The Confessional"... Forgive me for I have sinned while I drink this 8% beer. The beers here are really good. Seriously. They don't offer happy hour or anything... You can get a flight to sample some of their beers or a pint. The staff is very friendly... The place has a nice vibe to it. Very chill. You can sit out on the patio and people watch...Or you can inside which is woody and kinda dark.... There's a peek ocean view as well. So if you're in Cardiff, definitely stop by this place, throw back a few and spill your guts read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Really Cool seating options all the way around. I love the style of the boots with the high back all wooden.This definitely feels like that.Has the abbey vibe. We chose to sit at the bar and the wooden barrel made seats scoop your bootie just right. I got a tasting flight. 4 choices. This is on the corner of the bar.Available for you to fill out right when you walk in.Try not to be unobservant, like me.And walk right past it. They have wifi available with the password up on the shelf on the little mini chalkboard. It does have a higher noise level.It's a little echoy, so it's kind of hard to hear. This place seems popular and has had a fairly steady flow of people.Since we got here. 2 restrooms Chill music and vibes. Customer service is A+ Please with my taster, one of the more premium bottled beers and a four pack i walked out at around a hundred bucks. Foot, let me just reiterate that that's with a premium purchase.The model I bought with sixty five dollars.So I feel like I got a four pack and drink affordably. I would definitely return and certainly bring my friends along. read more

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First time here and loved trying a flight of the beers. All were great, smooth and very drinkable. Bartender was super friendly and attentive. Glad we stopped and gave it a try! read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

Walked in on Saturday night and immediately walked out after seeing the big guy with glasses hammered, yelling at the black haired dude behind the counter. Talked to one of the regulars and sounds like he's the manager and he does this a lot. Was excited to take my wife to get a drink but we had to go somewhere else thanks to the rancid energy in that place. Do better Cardiff. read more

We had a little trouble finding this brewery tasting room. The address leads you to a mall. You have to park and walk around to find the tasting room. It's tucked back a ways. They have a good beer selection, including Belgian ales. We had an excellent Farmhouse Ale and Strong Golden Ale. We also tried an IPA and that was good. The patio has high stools and there is a distant ocean view. They don't have food but there are restaurants nearby in the mall and you can bring the food to the tasting room. It is dog friendly. You order at the bar. The bartendar was very friendly. read more

We've been here before. Rustic atmosphere with lots of high tops. Helpful and friends staff. The bar has a very friendly vibe. We do like the beer and the surrounding dining options (you can bring in food). We're in the area often for the Seaside Market, so we'll be back. read more

Amazing place to stop and have a beer. The Lost Abbey is know for their Belgian and Barrel Aged beers, but everything on tap is great. By far the best brewery in San Diego. read more

This place is a nice place to drink a beer. They have really good Belgian ales on tap. They taste as good as Chimay, Duvel, St. Bernardus, and other famous beers from Belgium, but they are made in California. The interior of the bar is nice, with a wooden chapel/monastery feel. Also, you can bring your own food, and conveniently, there is a pizza place that sells slices next door. read more

Beer tasting rooms don't get much better than the Confessional. Ambience is quite lively, with a friendly crowd and speakers pumping Rage Against the Machine. The decor is reminiscent of a traditional Irish pub, with dark wood and cozy fixtures everywhere. The craft beer at Lost Abbey are top notch and a welcome respite from the IPA dominated tap lists at most places. There are beautiful mainstay beers for every palate along with barrel-aged brews, sours, and one-off oddities to catch the interest of a beer snob. Everything I tasted was phenomenal, and service at the bar was fast and professional. I was pretty wiped out after a long day at the beach, and the Lost Abbey was an absolute oasis. This was a highlight of San Diego, and I can't wait to make it back. read more

Bartenders are always super friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. Dog friendly which is a must for me. Oh, and the beers are delicious. I always end the stay with a Final Judgement. read more

We were there on aa cold and rainy day and the garage door by the entrance was wide open, why? Beer was decent.

Great beer, location (next to a tasty pizza joint... hello?) and kind service. Win/win/win.

__________________________________________ YOU MAY BE A [CLOSET] MANSPLAINER IF... __________________________________________ ...you offer unsolicited advice beginning with "well actually..." when overhearing literally anything within 10 feet ...you repeat yourself with an endless stream of useless "logic-derived" facts while ignoring all other "un-educated" points and saying things like "let me finish", or "calm down", or "so now I'M the bad guy"... ...you've tried to explain someone's own lived experience back to them ...she says "I'm leaving you because of your mansplaining-- you just didn't see the writing on the wall", and your response is "actually that's called graffiti, Sharon." ...you have ever "mansplained" mansplaining ...when someone asks why you're mansplaing, you reply: "you don't understand, I actually have the correct information" ...your favorite RomCom stars Hugh Grant in: "Well, Actually" ...if your typical conversation with her goes like this: You: women are just so hard to read Her: not really, we just want-- You: such complex creatures Her: if you'd just let me say-- You: so mysterious ...you spend all your free time listening to sports shows of men trying to out-mansplain each other ...your every word on any subject carries the utmost importance, and points to the right direction in which mankind should advance Pro tip: The Confessional / Lost Abbey makes Belgian-style beers, primarily ales (vs. lagers) with delicious fruity yeast flavors. Actually, beer is the world's oldest alcoholic drink, and the third most consumed drink overall behind water and tea. Pro tip: Well, actually Man's earliest writings refer to beer: "The Hymn to Ninkasi" was a prayer to the Mesopotamian beer goddess. This was not just a prayer but also a way to remember the recipe at a time of few literate people. Pro tip: You'd be hard pressed to find a better combination of 20+ unforgettable barrel-aged beers using seasonal hops; beach proximity (San Elijo), and a pizza joint next door. While here, speak quietly so you're not overheard, as there are closet mansplainers living among us. Disclaimer: if you or someone you know is a chronic mansplainer, call the mansplainer Help Line before it's too late: 1-800-ACT-UALLY (1-800-228-8255) read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

Love the theme and layout. There is a patio room with benches to eat and drink. They do not offer food but there are several food places and seaside market to get food from. You can't have drinks leave the patio area, so I would suggest to have someone grab a patio table while someone else gets food. It's a nice little spot tucked away in the plaza, you wouldn't be able to see while driving by. Several options to choose from and I like that they offer beer flights. The bartender provided suggestions when we weren't sure what to order, but we ended up only liking 2 or the 4 options we got. Overall it's an okay place to hang out but we did encounter a few dogs almost fighting in the patio and there weren't any TVs to watch anything for entertainment, music was good. read more

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Enjoyed some lovely drinks and sat outside here. It's counter service. Come and grab a slice if pizza next door

As someone who travels around checking out breweries, the Lost Abbey Confessional is special! Conveniently located by the very iconic Seaside Market, my lady and I snagged Cardiff Crack tri tip sandos and popped into the Lost Abbey Confessional for locally made beer. They have a diverse menu with lagers, IPAs, Belgian offerings (Lost and Found their Belgian-style Dubbel pairs so well with the tri tip sando!), barrel aged sours, and even hop water. The room is filled with locals and visitors alike. The staff are rockstars (Barbara was the one who helped us out), keeping their heads on swivels, picking up glassware, and greeting the regulars. Their to-go menu is vast and the beertenders can easily answer any questions. It's a gem to visit while you are in North County! read more

Upon walking into The Confessional by the Lost Abbey I was reminded of my years in Catholic school, in the best possible way. There was a small font for holy water right next to the door as we entered. All the beers had names that kept the theme. The tables had cross inlays. And the beers were outstanding!! read more

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The Confessional Lost Abbey Brewery location is a craft beer beauty and gem in the Cardiff area. The place has top quality brews, amazing beertenders, and a relaxing atmosphere. While I was taking in a nice beer during my time in the Confessional, I was pleasantly remind of how great stouts taste, especially during the cold winter season. I tried the seasonal imperial stout, Serpent's stout (thicc AF) 11% ABV, and its dark chocolate, coffee, smooth, and full bodied flavor got me feeling the winter vibes here in SD. It warmed me up and got me feeling pretty toasty already after one pour. It is a seasonal release for the winter, so make sure to try it out soon! I also tried the all-year-round popular judgment day quadruple ale (10.2%). All I gotta say is.... Quad damn! That raisin tasty finish after you sip on this has got me wanting more! The malty, dark, roasty, aroma has put my spirit on fire, and my craving for a rich, deep, dark brew has been satisfied for sure. You be the judge of this ale, but for sure this is my favorite pour at Lost Abbey. This brewery knows what they are doing when it comes to beer. You can bring your own food here, and they are near the East Coast Pizza place. I recommend getting the turkey sub sandwich there and pair it with a Lost Abbey beer. Come to the Confessional, you might find something that you really like, maybe even an epiphany. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Cloudy, on again, off again, mostly rainy with spotted sunshine in between the raindrops. Takin a siesta for an IPA mid day. Oh yeah! Big tap list with over 20 brews on tap. Got some good IPAs. West coast style - way I like my bitter hoppy brew! Trendy, social, chit-chat good vibrations! They encourage bring your pizza in. Rollup door to let the outside in. Inside, feel a little outside. Good hop vibrations! Beer buzz on! Out! read more

Stopped in for a quick drink while in the area. The beertender was really nice and everything we tried was good. Very casual drinking spot and they offer to go beer as well. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - a glass of beer - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

Good selection of beers, both their own and guest. They allow you to bring in your food and there is an excellent pizza shop next door. Seating becomes a little problematic when trying to deal with food. Had the waitress/barkeep chase after me when I went to go get my pizza with my glass in my hand because I wasn't allowed outside of the patio area with their beer. They also won't allow you to bring in a beer from the pizza place, but at least they give you a glass to pour it in. ATF and licensing regulations, I guess.. They are a little inconsistent in enforcing since I see a couple (on a date) breaking the rules as I write, lol. Worth a visit. Just have to deal with the logistics. read more

Great local brewery spot that actually open later then the rest in the area, 11 pm to be exact (on Thur, Fri and Sat). Tasters are $2 each, fantastic deal and this way you can really try a bit of everything on the beer menu. Low key vibe, very dark inside (we came late in the evening). The only thing that kind of bothered me was the music, it was loud and odd/heavy/grundgy. read more

Really a fan of the "Hop Concept" beers they have available here. Both Citrus and Piney and Dank and Sticky are excellent double IPAs and are complex and tasty. I look forward to what else they will put out from this imprint. This tasting room is a cool space. Great service and atmosphere and definitely worthy of a stop. You'll find lots of great beers to choose from. You can build flights or fill a growler. Aside from the Hop Concept choices, we really liked the Anniversary and Wipeout IPAs. It's pretty hard to beat a great space a block from the beach and offering beers of this quality. Just go already. read more

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Even if the name implies only Lost Abbey beers being served here, IPA fans do not need to fret....Not only you will be able to find Port brews on tap but also the new Hop Concept line... So basically this is a 3-in-1 shop with something for everyone. The tap room is spacious inside and there is also some "prime" seating outside that allows a good view of the ocean by San Elijo beach. Though they serve no food on site, there is a pizza place next door and plenty of different options in the same strip mall. Encinitas might have been lagging behind the rest of the coastal towns with brewery options but with Culture and now Lost Abbey in town, they seem to be catching on. Of course, it wouldn't matter if the beer wasn't great. And at The Confessional you will find one of the best Belgian/Barrel aged line-ups and also fantastic hoppy beers in the same location. The setting and friendly and fast service complete the picture and demand no less than 5 star rating. If you like fruity sours I highly recommend Framboise de Amorosa and for hopheads THC pale or Citrus and Piney from Hop Concept. But even if you don't follow my recommendation it's hard to go wrong here.... read more

Barbara is great, the location is great, and there are lots of fun, interesting, and delicious beers to try. The service makes it special though, and Barbara is a big part of why we always come back. read more

Very cool place nestled in a shopping center with a view. The decor is top notch with chairs and tables made from beer barrels and a very rustic feeling as if you were in a medieval abbey. Beers are nothing short of excellent, especially the Flanders Red. It is refreshing to see CA breweries that don't focus on IPAs and Pilsners. Service was friendly and personable. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. read more

Top tier beers, great service and an ocean view! The best tasting room in San Diego.

Good selection of sour beers the day we went. Cute signs and fixtures to go with their theme. Not at all busy during the afternoon we went, service was okay. I was going for more interaction from bartender, as we are visiting and enjoy hearing about breweries. read more

Tall, small tables outside to hang out with family or friends, in a small plaza close to the beach. All kinds of people - some with their strollers and kids, some with their dogs, some on a date. Go inside and grab a beer or 2 ( I got the Farmhouse lager), and then get some pizza from the guys next door and boom - you are having lunch! We stop by here after a walk on the adjacent beach, it's a nice place to wind down and relax. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Oh yes. This place is so nice and it makes me smile. I like the funky decor and the staff is so nice. I love getting beers and just sitting outside, whilst snacking on nearby foods and socializing. Such a great spot. Highly recommend. Also, I love SD people. Just in general. read more

In the same shopping center as Seaside Market, across from Sambazon Acai so keep an eye out! As the name suggests, many of the beers are from The Lost Abbey. Also, many of the beers are from Port Brewing. Best of both worlds! Friendly, insightful bartenders & quality beer! If you are hungry, you can order pizza next door & they do not mind you bringing it back to the tasting room. Red Barn (Saison with ginger): This is a terrific beer for our hot autumn. Nice, light, & refreshing! read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

The interior is beautiful and the servers are friendly and seem happy to be there. They offer many different styles of beer (all Lost Abbey or Pizza Port brand) on tap and you can order tasters, half pours or full pours (12 ounces, I think). And the prices are very reasonable. Also, despite what it says on Yelp, the place permits kids inside and is kid friendly. Somehow, Encinitas mixes adults and kids in environments where alcohol is served and no riots or mahem ensues and everyone has fun. What a concept. You can bring in food from home or from anywhere but the smart move is to grab a couple of slices of pizza from the good people at East Coast Pizza literally next door and bring the food inside. Incidentally, if you have kids in tow but for whatever reason don't want them inside, here are fake grass patches in the outside courtyard where kids run amuck while their folks watch them from the Lost Abbey's patio. Another win-win. Lost Abbey's beers aren't my absolute favorite in the world but they are still well made and there's an awful lot to like about this place. read more

The Confessional by The Lost Abbey - Now that's Devotion. - Beer Bar Near Me - Cardiff, California

This is a great location for a microbrew... Cardiff was in desperate need and The Lost Abbey fit the bill. This is a cool little tasting room that has a great selection from Port Brewing and Lost Abbey. If you're familiar with the brewery you should already know your selection but if you're not, if recommend the wipeout IPA or devotion, both are delicious. The facility itself is welcoming and the service is awesome. They don't serve food here, so either eat ahead of time or get pizza next door, or think about grabbing some BBQ from seaside market next door and bringing it in. Overall a nice new addition to Cardiff. Pros- Beers Service Spatial utilization Location Price Hard to find beers Bottles & Draft Food nearby Pet friendly Cons- No food Parking stinks read more

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Really nice atmosphere as soon as you walk in! The bartenders are fast and FRIENDLY - gave an extra bean (that's a dollar for you non-nor'easters) just for the knowledge about the products. Got the 'Amigo' which was just perfect on a hot day. I do not like IPA's due to the bitterness - but the amigo was close to an IPA without being overly bitter. It was so good that I had to another and write this review before I was influenced by the magic of alcohol. Next time, I'm getting a flight...... read more

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Some of the best beer available in San Diego. Always friendly staff and super chill spot! Highly recommend!

We wish we knew about this hidden gem a long time ago. Only found it 1 year ago and the place is fantastic. The beer selection has so many choices for all different taste buds. We are amazed as to the beer knowledge of the staff. They can explain the taste of all the beers when asked. We see many familiar faces as we go once per week, and it is nice to see that you have a great following. Barbara is a great leader, and all her staff are knowledgeable and friendly. We frequent this establishment not only for the great beer, but also the staff. read more