I know that we have been sharing a lot of things that brewery owners shouldn't do when running their business - so why don't we take a look at some things they should do? Take a gander at these 5 North County San Diego breweries/bars that are serving up great hospitality, and even better beer.

5) BattleMage Brewing - Vista, CA

Who: BattleMage Brewing (2870 Scott Street, Vista, CA) is a Hobbit-sized brewery pumping out some Balrog-sized beers. Located in Vista around the corner from Belching Beaver and Latitude 33, 'Mage has set itself apart by brewing less-traditional styles of beer with a D&D attitude.

What they do RIGHT: Consistency. In a world where beer styles and trends change frequently, 'Mage manages to provide consistency in their service and beer they produce. While they do make the occasional hazy IPA, their Summon Ifrit hoppy amber has been a (delicious) mainstay since they opened, and their rotating Divine Light White Ale series has plenty of fans. They also are super-friendly, and provide a surprising amount of space for how small their tasting room is. Oh - and they charge $5 for a pint, which is rare in San Diego.

What they do DIFFERENT: Have you ever sat in a reproduction of the Iron Throne? How about consumed a cold brew coffee-infused dark ale while staring at a wall covered in Magic the Gathering cards? As you may have guessed, BattleMage is all about your inner-nerd, and you can geek out with twice-weekly Dungeons & Dragons games, watch Twitch on the televisions, and even play one of a myriad of board games free of charge. 'Mage is also one of the few breweries open until 10 every night of the week - perfect for those of us needing a little magic before bed time.

4) Tap That - Oceanside, CA

Who: Tap That (3207 Roymar Road, Oceanside, CA) is a tap room located off of the 76 in Oceanside, CA. They offer a variety of local craft beers and wine on tap, a vast array of bottled brews, as well as beer serving equipment to rent or buy.

What they do RIGHT: Selection, service, and social media awareness. You are never far away from a new favorite beer when going to Tap That, and your non-beer friends will most likely find something they enjoy at the bar as well. The bar staff are always supremely friendly and knowledgeable, plus there is usually an adorable dog or two walking around looking for belly rubs. Depending on the day of the week there are multiple specials that tie into social media promotion and check ins, so make sure to ask. Travis Esquibel, the owner of Tap That, has this to say about why they are so popular:

"I think it has a lot to do with the energy in our place. We have events throughout the year and the one thing I hear the most is that people feel like they are at a house party and don't want to leave."

What they do DIFFERENT: Not a fan of what is on tap? Try the bottle fridge where hundreds of beers are available to purchase and consume on site. Grab a bottle and share it with other patrons on one of their bottle share nights and the beer is discounted a bit. Need more reasons? The entire tap room is set up to keep you entertained with games, televisions, and did I mention the puppies walking around?

3) Modern Times Far West Lounge - Encinitas, CA

Who: Far West Lounge (470 S. Coast Highway, Encinitas, CA) is the newest arm of the ever-growing craft beer juggernaut that is Modern Times. Located across Coast Highway from the historic La Paloma theater, this brewpub offers a wide variety of craft beers and a solid menu of hand-crafted food.

What they do RIGHT: Style. Modern Times has always had a great art style for their cans, and that style is ever-present in their physical locations. The bar is made of old wood and domino pieces, the walls are covered in 70's decorations and fake frozen meals, and for some reason there are lamps everywhere. The bar is separated from the to-go shop, making it easy for guests to grab and go without having to wait for the ever-busy bartender. This location also offer a nice food menu, meaning that patrons have one less reason to leave.

What they do DIFFERENT: That food menu I just mentioned? Totally vegan. While this may seem to be an odd choice, this menu fits in line with everything Modern Times stands for. You can order a burger or a sausage or even chilaquiles, but in a healthier and more sustainable way. Modern Times also makes some killer coffee, and the cold brew is second-to-none in San Diego (making this location appealing even to the designated drivers).

2) Wild Barrel Brewing - San Marcos, CA

Who: Wild Barrel (692 Ranchero Drive, San Marcos, CA) is a newcomer in the North County beer scene, but it is owned and operated by a craft beer legend: Bill Sysak. Bill (or as we call him: "Dr. Bill") is one of the head professors in the SDSU Business of Craft Beer program, and he is renowned for being a beer and food pairing expert.

What they do RIGHT: Plenty of space, helpful staff, and an approachable sour program. Space will be a premium for any brewery location, and Wild Barrel has more than enough to ensure everyone is comfortable. The entire bar is broken up into different areas - some intimate, some not - and an impressive number of patrons can fit inside. Not only will everyone be comfortable, but they will also be privy to a wonderful sour beer series called "Vice". Dr. Bill has taken a singular sour recipe and created multiple variations with different fruit additions. Sour beers are hard to get into for some consumers, and Wild Barrel makes it easy.

What they do DIFFERENT: Proper glassware, video games, and axe-throwing. I understand how weird that sounds, but all three of these are very important. While a vast majority of breweries depend on the standard Shaker Pint, Wild Barrel pours it's beer into proper tulip glasses, which shows a level of respect for the product that you don't find all the time. Wild Barrel is also connected to an axe-throwing business via an open hallway, and honestly that is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. You can also find an arcade game or two that will let kids enjoy themselves while the parents are enjoying their third (or fourth) sour.

1) Pizza Port Bressi Ranch - Carlsbad, CA

Who: Pizza Port's Bressi Ranch location (2730 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, CA) is the newest Pizza Port location, and it is honestly one of the best. Nestled between a ravine and a church, Bressi Ranch offer two stories of beer, pizza, video games, and a laid-back atmosphere that oozes Southern California beer culture.

What they do RIGHT: Culture, food, and picnic tables. Pizza Port is built on surf and skate culture, and it is as San Diego as it gets. While you will find a big selection impressive beers and rather gourmet pizzas, Port will never make you feel like you are in over your head. The tap list is hand-drawn, the pizzas are well-priced, and the picnic tables make you feel like you are at a German beer hall, interpreted by California culture. Port is just so comfy, and the servers and bartenders will always treat you like one of their buddies. Plus, where else can you get a $3 pint and a $2.50 slice of incredible pizza?

What they do DIFFERENT: Fair pricing. While sometimes you need to charge $7 for a pint to keep yourself in the black, having a rotating pint that costs $3 is the easiest way to build an army of regulars. The pint of the day at Pizza Port is nearly a religion in Carlsbad, and you will see crowds of people on their lunch breaks grabbing a slice and a pint on their lunch breaks. Rotating this inexpensive pint helps kill kegs, brings guests through the door, and helps your regulars try beers they might not consider. Plus, who doesn't love a great deal, especially in a place like San Diego?

So there we have it: 5 places in San Diego who are offering the best beer and some of the best service around. Do you have personal experiences at one of these places? What are your favorite spots in San Diego to grab a pint, and what makes them special? Let me know in the comments. Cheers!

Ryan Burke is a beer lover, brewer, writer, and server from Vista, CA. He has worked with multiple breweries in the San Diego area, and has experience managing bars, banquets, and hotels all over North County. Ryan is a Cicerone - certified Beer Server and a graduate of the San Diego State University Business of Craft Beer program.



