La Jolla Brew House Serves Real Local Flavor

There is the La Jolla that tourists crave, and then there’s the La Jolla locals love.

A longstanding icon of hyper-local lifestyle, La Jolla Brew House is one classic restaurant and bar that deserves to stay on your radar. Well, that is, only if you’re a fan of locally brewed craft beer, daily happy hour specials, dog-friendly service standards, and great tasting above-the-bar American food.

La Jolla is most popularly known for its sleek avenues punctuated with posh shops and upscale service boutiques. And it is these luxury highlights that make La Jolla one of the most coveted vacation destinations in California. However, for those of us who live in San Diego, we’ve discovered a different side of this coastal community. Locals know that for straight-up good food, ever-changing specials, and an emphasized lack of pretension, the go-to spot is La Jolla Brew House. 

Located on Fay Avenue on the northern cusp of La Jolla Village, the unassuming Brew House almost blends in with its surroundings. You won’t find any swanky bells and whistles luring you in here. Yet, through the spacious outdoor patio, past the blazing fire pit and in through the surfboard adorned wood entryway, you’ll start to slowly fall in love with the local La Jolla flavor. Inside, the simple all-wood interior is accented by open windows, chain-suspended metal lamps, lit beer signs, vintage surfboards and memorabilia, and TVs showcasing your favorite games. Grab a seat at the central bar, opt for the tall tables, get comfy in a booth, or enjoy the patio breeze.

What’s on special today? Check out the hand-written chalkboard menus for daily specials and seasonal brews.

This La Jolla spot brews a distinctive selection of craft beers. Right now, Mr. Brown, Wheat, Kahlua Stout, Night Shift, Thor, and Blond are all on tap. But don’t get too comfortable, the Brew House has an impressive rotating menu of over 20 craft beers, in addition to specialty bottles and guest beers. Let’s get to know a few buzz-worthy local Brew House favorites.

Mr. Brown: American Brown Ale. Brewed with Gambrinus Pale, Chrystal, and Chocolate Malts, Cascade, Nugget, and Centennial Hops, and Cal Ale yeast. Distinctive flavor of Cascade hops dominate, complementing the chocolate and toffee flavors from the roasted malts. 5.9% a.b.v.. 

Wheat: Belgian Style White Beer. Brewed with Weyerman Pilsner and Wheat malt, Saaz and Tettnang Hops, and Belgian Ale Yeast. Slightly cloudy and unfiltered, this wheat beer has late kettle additions of Coriander and Curacao Orange Peel to give it a pronounced citrus flavor.  5.9% a.b.v..

Nightshift: Belgian Style IPA. Brewed with Castle Pale and Chrystal Malt, Flaked Oats, German Noble and New Zealand Hops, and Belgian Ale Yeast. Unfiltered, golden in color, the stong malt flavor is gives way to a spicy hop finish. Big flavors of banana and clove are complimented by cedar, pine, and lemon from the large dry hopping of Nelson’s and Amarillo’s. 7.5% a.b.v..

More house craft brews include: Amber, Oktoberfest, Happy Ending, Milk Stout, Red, and Blond Kolsh. Taste the full menu.

Any spot that brews its only beer must have a solid menu for pairing purposes, and La Jolla Brew House definitely does not let us down in the food department. For lunch, a light happy hour snack, group dinner, or weekend football brunch, you’ll never be short of tasty options for dining at the Brew House. The All-American menu features Starters, Soups and Salads, Sandwiches and Burgers, Hand Tossed Pizzas, Pastas, Signature Brew House Favorites, Children’s Bites, Dessert, and Breakfast. It’s impossible to choose our favorite items. But, here are a few must-try staples on the menu.

Avocado Chicken Rolls: Spicy grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, mixed cheese, wrapped in a crispy wonton, served with salsa ranch

LA Burger: Swiss and bleu cheese, grilled onions, bacon, arugula

Hunters Heartache Sandwich: Tender black angus roast beer, cream cheese, swiss cheese, applewood smoked bacon, served on crusty french bread

Willys’ Ring of Fire Pizza: Marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, buffalo chicken tenders, buffalo chili sauce, chipotle cream

Baja Style Fish Tacos: Beer battered fish tacos served with traditional white sauce, shredded cabbage, chipotle ranch, mixed cheese, with fresh lime and a side of black beans and tortilla chips

Machaca Burrito: Tender shredded beef, scrambled eggs, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, jack and cheddar cheese, served with guacamole, sour cream and breakfast potatoes

La Jolla Brew House runs more weekly events than you’ll be able to keep up with. In addition to Happy Hour Monday – Friday, Wednesday is Locals Night with $3 drafts and $5 pizzas and wings, Thursday is All You Can Eat Crab Night for $19.95 (limited time), and Football in the House is a hit for Saturday, Sunday and Monday night games. Check out the complete events schedule. 

Speaking of events, many locals don’t know about the Brew House’s huge event space that is available for your special events and holiday parties. The Private Party Room is off to the back of the Brew House and is newly remodeled with VIP couches and banquet seating, an 8 x 10 projector screen, plasma and flat screen TVs, surround sound, pool tables, karaoke hookup, and a full bar. The best part of having your party at the Brew House is that they work with you and customize the arrangement to fit your budget. 

During the holidays, the Brew House goes crazy for Holiday Parties. Whether you book the Private Party Room or take over the whole restaurant, this La Jolla spot welcomes groups of 10 to 300 and is running a “Holiday Sale” with special discounts when you book your party now. Call 858.456.6279 or click here to learn more about catering options and to reserve your holiday party today.

From a laid-back lunch to football brunch, dog-friendly happy hour on the patio, drinks by the fire pit, dinner with family and friends, or your next special event and holiday party, the Brew House epitomizes the other side of La Jolla we locals love.

La Jolla Brew House is open for lunch, dinner and drinks Sunday – Thursday 11am – Midnight, and Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 2am. The Brew House is now serving weekend football brunch on Saturday and Sundays from 9am – 2pm.