Tuesday 1st of May 2012 01:53:26 PM

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Mission Brewery is well worth a visit: the beer is good, the atmosphere is welcoming and pub-like, and there’s a front-seat view of the stainless steel brewery.

There were six beers on our visit: Blond (Kolsch), Amber (Dusseldorf Altbier), ShipWrecked Double IPA, IPA, and Dark Seas Russian Imperial Stout. We tried the IPA, the Alt, and the Russian Imperial Stout and all were impressive. (beer was served in plastic cups, however).

The tasting room and brewery are in a large, old, but beautifully restored brick building (apparently a former Wonder Bread facility!), right by Petco Field baseball stadium and not too far from downtown San Diego. The ceiling is an extremely high wood ceiling with exposed rafters and large skylights. Quite a few tall wooden posts help support the ceiling.

A very long and very deep dark wood bar runs along one wall, lined by black wooden stools. Behind the bar are ten taps and a hand pump. On the other side is the brewery, separated only by a matching long bar counter (no seating). The mash tun and brew kettle are front and center and there are at least six good sized fermenters. In between the bars are a few tables with stools and a shuffleboard. It’s quite a good sized bar space and the feeling is light and friendly.

Friday 16th of March 2012 12:56:44 PM

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Funky, funky, funky – from an entirely good perspective.

The beer: on tap were Blonde, Amber, Hefeweizen, IPA, Double IPA and a Russian Imperial Stout. All very good, tending toward the big side.

The environment: a mostly finished former Wonder bread plant. Very casual. At least half a dozen people brought their dogs, many of whom wondered around sniffing & saying hello. No food, but there was a burrito truck out front and the bartenders will happily call in orders to local places that deliver. Foosball and pool tables.

The bar, seating area and brewing operations are all in the same area. I was able to walk around the brewery with my non-brewing friends, providing my own, informal tour.

My only disappointment are that they are in an industrial area and tend to close fairly early. And, they use plastic glasses! But, it's definitely worth a visit.