(Drank 04/07/26 TU @ 12:30pm): This historic 40-acre parcel of land in North Park included an original brewing company in a growing brewery market!
After an impromptu business day trip, a friend and I made our way to The Original 40 Brewing Co. for lunch and brewery exploration. Relatively close to a recently-acquired investment property, this brewery was on my to-visit list. Named for the original 40-acre parcel of land John "Jack" Hartley bought in 1893 that became modern day North Park, San Diego, longtime business owners and residents Steve and Patricia Billings opened The Original 40 Brewing Company in late 2019. Since then, they became a foundation in the neighborhood and one of several breweries that could be visited on a walking tour. Would we enjoy the beers at this not-so "OG" brewery!?
PURCHASE(S)
The Original 40 Brewing Co. Undeniable Wealth IPA Beer 7.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Hazy amber color, citrusy hoppy aroma, light body, citrusy hoppy juicy flavor, crisp drying finish, and bitter citrusy hoppy aftertaste. This was my favorite of the two because I felt it had more flavor nuances. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=VIK8dHZ_WYsdvvv87bjHtQ
Bleu Cheese And Caramelized Onion Burger & Fries ($19.00): I wasn't a fan of bleu cheese, but the grilled onions I smelled when someone ordered this sold me on it. With its thick juicy patty covered in bleu cheese crumbles and aromatic onions, this two-hander melted in your mouth and may offend people you spoke with. The fries were crispy, hot, and plentiful. This was a killer meal! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=XXDV_H27Ajm1gytoSQee5w
The Original 40 Brewing Co. Low Resonance Pale Ale Beer 5.4% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Golden amber color, hoppy malty aroma, light body, malty sweet flavor, dry smooth finish, and grainy malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=rVrxvWej7wgGxik4c3mLPw
3pc Firecracker Shrimp Street Tacos ($15.00): Beer-battered fried medium shrimps topped with a sweet honey-mustard-like crema, shredded cabbage, diced red onion and tomato, all on homemade corn tortillas served with a spicy chipotle salsa, these were slightly larger than your usual street taco size. The shrimp was juicy and plump, the vegetables crispy and fresh, while the crema and salsa added a nice flavorful touch. These were simple and tasty! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=MNPhs0rRUcmQN9R2TR1GRg
SERVICE
We were warmly greeted by the gentleman behind the bar. As we approached, he gave us a quick rundown of their beers, provided a lunch menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=KPlmFDBCfFp_62TrxdXVtg which was perfect, and he allowed us time to make our decision. Soon enough, we placed our orders at the bar, given a table number, our drinks were ready in seconds, and the food came out in less than ten minutes. We were checked on and gladly ordered more drinks and food while our table was cleared. Everything was awesome - cheers!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): We found 90-minute street parking behind the brewery next to the library. Otherwise, there appeared to be spots along the main drag of University Ave., all of the surrounding business streets (read any posted signs), and paid parking in the Bank Of America lot directly behind the brewery - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
An open layout https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=FRumK_MW4Qyy7Dvrh2BcHw with the bar/order counter along one wall, many communal benches and tall tables inside and on the sidewalk patio, stools at the bar, brewing tanks in the background, and an interesting tractor https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=mOeDNVgE68ZDUrvuIS_c2w on display. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the large front windows and doors while an assortment of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs throughout while I couldn't recall any background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
We enjoyed The Original 40 Brewing Co. and would plan another visit to try more of the over 20 beers on tap. The two beers I had were good but didn't stand out while the food was wonderful, the prices were a tad high, and the service was straightforward. Furry family members were allowed! I believed they had happy hour specials and almost certain nightly entertainment such as trivia, music, and more was available. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $55.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more