Just in time for weekend drinking, Ballast Point has officially opened the side patio at their new Little Italy brewery restaurant. The 50-seat beer garden is sparsely decorated for now, but speciality brewer Colby Chandler says that a designer will be putting finishing touches on the space soon.

Also fresh and new for Ballast Point Tasting Room and Kitchen is a just-debuted winter menu for the restaurant. Executive chef Colin MacLaggan and sous chef Travis G. Clifford have swapped out a portion of the menu for newer, more chef-y dishes while keeping on some stalwarts, including the house made pretzel, fish tacos and burger.

New possibilities for beer and food pairings include white bean cassoulet with duck confit, pork belly and sausage, fennel and orange cioppino and Moroccan chopped salad with almonds, cous cous, eggplant, chickpeas and a harissa vinaigrette.

[Photo: Colby Chandler]

Ballast Point Little Italy Winter Menu