Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro & Gardens

1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA 92029
(not shown on Google maps, so check the website for directions)
http://www.stonebrew.com


GOOD: unique food; rich, complex beers; a dedication to fresh, organic, seasonal, and local ingredients; attempts to improve efficiency and sustainability in the brewing process
BAD: all the energy and waste generally involved in making and shipping beer; expensive food; all the gas it takes to get out there if you don't live in Escondido
BONUS: movie nights, lectures, "Beer University" classes, a book club, a neat gift shop that sells a gargoyle belt buckle that doubles as a bottle opener
RECOMMENDATIONS: make a reservation, eat outside in the garden, have the spud bud appetizer, try a beer that you can't find in stores (like Stone Pale Ale aged in a red wine barrel), and take a tour that ends with generous tastings. If you don't live near Escondido, look for Stone beers in grocery and liquor stores closer to home.

BOTTOM LINE: 5 stars *****
Stone definitely puts Escondido on the map. You can feel good about supporting a local brewery/restaurant that cares about other local companies and about finding new ways to be more eco-cool. Worth the extra money.

1 comment:

ShopGreenSD said...

As of July 2008, 43% of Stone's electric power will be generated by their new solar panels!