San Diego Pub Food - Feed Me, Beer Me

    You’ve probably heard a pint of Guinness referred to as a liquid meal. Maybe you’ve downed one yourself and called it dinner. But without a doubt, there are times when you’d like to drink a beer and eat an actual meal. At times like those, head to these local eateries and breweries for that perfect combination.

Pizza Port

    Beer doesn’t get more domestic than this. Brewed just feet from the bartender, the beer at Pizza Port is deliciously local—and so are the pizzas. Named after local and not-so-local destinations, the pizza at Pizza Port caters to every taste bud.

 
    Order the Pizza Carlsbad, pesto, mesquite grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts paired with the Port’s Porter if you’re super hungry. Or go nice and light with the classic Beer Buddies, bite-sized crust pieces brushed with garlic or Cajun spices, and served with ranch or marinara, a garden salad, and the California Honey Ale.

Karl Strauss

    Karl Strauss Brewing Company can be found in four locations throughout San Diego County, so a cold one and gourmet bar food is never far away.

    Make a meal out of the Red Trolley Ale and some starters. Be sure to try the spinach artichoke dip or the crispy calamari. If you’re more than a little hungry, indulge in the Diablo Shrimp Skewers, served with a red fiery dipping sauce made from Karl’s own Woodie Gold pilsner. Or try the Lemon Hef Chicken, served with a sauce made from Karl’s Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen, lemon, and artichoke hearts.

Rock Bottom

    If you’re looking for great food and great beer, look no further than Rock Bottom. Check out the chalkboard for beer specials, where the name, alcohol content, and description are clearly listed.

    It’s easy to fill up on the appetizers here, especially with super-affordable happy hour and late night menus. You won’t be disappointed with the Brewery Nachos or the Titan Toothpicks. If you’re still not fully satiated, pair your brown ale with the savory, smoked cheddar Hickory Burger, or sip your gold ale with the Chicken Genovese pasta tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and a walnut pesto cream sauce.

The Yardhouse

    The granddaddy of all beer houses, Downtown’s Yardhouse is a must-visit for those with a no holds-barred beer attitude. Claim your seat at the bar or at one of the sleek mahogany tables, and choose one of the 120 beers on tap.

     For starters, try the lettuce wraps, available with chicken, tiger shrimp, or mushrooms. Or try the grilled artichoke, served with an aioli dipping sauce and potato chips. Go gourmet with the crab crusted swordfish, served with snow peas, carrots, wasabi mashed potatoes, or with the chicken enchilada stack. Classic pub fare is also available, but with a twist—scheck out the tower of onion rings or the plate-sized chicken nachos.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille

    If British ales float your boat, be sure to check out Shakespeare Pub and Grille for a selection of traditional ales and lagers, from Boddingtons Pub Ale to Harp Lager. The more adventurous should break out and try the Cider & Black or the Snakebite.

    For your meal, order the standard of British pub fare—the fish and chips. Expand your horizons with a banger on a roll (English version of the classic hot dog) or a ploughman’s plate, a generous portion of cheese, pate, two slices of a Scotch egg, pickled onions, and a Branston pickle. Don’t know what those are? Just ask! After a couple of those Boddingtons, you’ll be ready to try anything.