Mike Hess Brewing and City Tacos Partnering on Imperial Beach Project

Two of North Park’s most treasured neighborhood spots are joining forces for a new venture that will land on the shores of Imperial Beach next year. Due in early 2018 is a tasting room, taco shop and beer garden from Mike Hess Brewing and City Tacos. This will mark the fourth local outpost for Mike Hess Brewing, which was founded in Miramar in 2010 and launched its North Park flagship brewery in 2013. It’s also the brewery’s first location with food, a collaboration between founder Mike Hess and Gerry Torres, who opened City Tacos in North Park in 2014. Torres also owns Tostadas in North Park and IB Street Tacos in Imperial Beach.

The two family-owned businesses are coming together at a 4,300-square-feet site just steps from the Imperial Beach pier. The $300,000 buildout, overseen by Chris Bittner of OBR Architecture, will hold 185 guests within an open-plan space that includes an ocean-inpired two-story shipping container turned dining area and an adjacent craft beer bar also housed in a container. There will be large patio too, with more seating around a fire pit and outdoor games.

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“Imperial Beach is a great town, full of character with lots of great things going for it. As a former Navy officer, I’m particularly excited about the Navy moving their facilities to IB, and being on the beach and on the main drag we’re hoping it will be the spot for locals and make IB residents proud,” said Hess. “We’re also excited to provide a world-class tourist venue as well, showcasing what San Diego does best - beer, beaches and great Mexican food.”

A longtime mobile food vendor at Mike Hess Brewing’s North Park location, Torres shared, “We love the Hess family and are very enthusiastic about our sunny future in IB. Our guests will love the new space, menu and the added beer tastings.” The Imperial Beach eatery will include favorites from both the City Tacos and Tostadas menus, as well as modern Mexican-inspired small plates.

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