Modern Times has quickly become one of my very favorite breweries. I’ve yet to try anything from them that isn’t super tasty, and for such a young brewery (they just celebrated 2 years) they are already putting out a ton of awesome specialty releases and barrel aged goodies.
A couple beer savvy friends recommended my partner and I give them a visit on a recent trip to San Diego, and I am really glad we did! And by the look of their website, they’ve made some improvements (aka more taps) since our visit!
Modern Times Brewery
Lomaland Tasting Room and Fermentorium
3725 Greenwood St.
San Diego, CA 92110
www.moderntimesbeer.com
As a disclaimer, this place has a pretty strong hipster vibe. That may not be your scene, but you need to trust me on this one because the beer is stellar (and if you are a hipster- this stuff is way better than PBR so you’re welcome). The room is decorated in string lights and wooden pallets and your tasting flights come in old cigar boxes. There’s a doodle wall with drawing by patrons by the bathrooms and I’m pretty sure one of those weird horse head masks somewhere on the premise. It’s a unique combination of found objects, and they’ve managed to make what is essentially their warehouse feel homey and welcoming.
The main attraction is the beer (obviously) and it’s good stuff. They specialize in hybrid brews and taking classic recipes and enhancing them. All their flagship beers are excellent standbys- the Lomaland Saison is my all time favorite year round farmhouse ale and the Black House Coffee Stout on Nitro will make all your dreams come true. But be sure to explore some of their limited releases and experimental beers. When I was there their seasonal City of the Dead Stout was on tap both in its original incarnation and one where it was brewed with vanilla bean. Current offerings include their Universal Friend (saison with pinot grigio grape must) and taproom exclusives like the Dancing Plague with Peaches.
All that beer got you feeling a little sleepy? Don’t sweat it- Modern Times also roasts their own coffee beans and makes their own cold pressed coffee! You can buy the coffee beans, get a cup to go, or even sign up for their monthly coffee subscription. And while the brewery doesn’t serve food, they are tons of restaurants in the area that you can pick up food or even have it delivered to you while you sip some beer!
So let’s review: cool tasting room, awesome beer, and artisan coffee- check, check, and check. What’s not to love?
