So Much More Drinking Space at Alpine's New Pub & Beer Garden

A thirsty crowd gathered in East County at last Friday's official opening of Alpine Beer Company's new restaurant and beer garden, located at 1347 Tavern Road just minutes from Alpine's original brewpub. The significantly larger space has loads of seating inside and on a new outdoor patio, with an opening draft list that had 11 house beers on tap, including the coveted strawberry-kiwi sour blonde Kiwi Herman, plus a handful of guest taps.

Green Flash Brewing Company acquired Alpine Beer Company last fall, helping to expand production and distribute Alpine's previously hard-to-find beers into new markets around the country. Dave Adams, director of the beer education for the Mira Mesa-based brewery who curates all its food endeavors, including the recent launch of two food trucks, is overseeing the Alpine launch and says that the menu, which currently features Alpine's signature barbecue plus new appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees, will continue to be refined.

Meanwhile, Alpine's original brewery at 2351 Alpine Boulevard is still open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. for growler fills and bottle sales. Adams says the now-shuttered pub section of the space will be remodeled and reopened as a new tasting room.