Encinitas' Bier Garden Opens This Weekend

The restaurant's not German, but the owners of the new Bier Garden, which takes the place of Barracuda Grill next to the Whole Foods Market in Encinitas, hope that their new restaurant creates the community of a modern beer hall — a place to spend day with friends or family. They've got plenty of room for everyone to linger; the restaurant seats 94 inside and 40 outside.

Bier Garden fast-forwarded their opening to be ready for this weekend's annual Encinitas Street Fair, and though they're still putting in some finishing touches, two main features are already in place: a bar top made from recycled beer bottles and a tree fashioned from jungle vines.

There's a full bar with craft cocktails and wine, but the main focus is on their 24 beer taps, all sourced from Southern California.

Chef Andrew Velasco (La Playa Bistro, Solace & The Moonlight Lounge) has created a "California Coastal" menu that spans the food gamut from burgers to salads, seafood and Mexican dishes, but will launch with limited offerings, including local halibut tacos, a braised short rib sandwich and fish ceviche with lime leaf pistou, before the full lunch and dinner service kicks in. Bier Garden's owners, who all have experience in the local bar and restaurant scene, plan to debut brunch by July.
· Bier Garden [Facebook]
· All Opening Alert Coverage [~ESD~]