Inside Downtown’s New Beer Hall and Restaurant

Hidden Craft virtually opens tonight with an online event, with dine-in service and takeout and delivery starting early next week. Located next to the One America Plaza trolley stop on Broadway, it replaces Matisse Bistro, with owner Amar Harrag (Tahona Bar) partnering with bistro co-owner Othman Janati to revamp the 2,700-square-foot space.

While Old Town’s Tahona Bar centers around agave spirits, Hidden Craft is dedicated to beer education; among its 36 beer taps are 18 screens that share information on featured local breweries. The taps are intended to be self-serve, but for now, the beer hall’s knowledgable staff will be in charge of pouring and guiding guests through the beer options. Future live events will highlight San Diego beer experts through industry talks and tastings.

The all-day menu includes classic beer hall fare, from Belgian beer-steamed mussels to short rib-topped poutine and cheese and charcuterie platters but also branches into grain bowls, salads, flatbreads, and tacos as well as vegan burgers and sandwiches. Through the end of June, Hidden Craft will donate a meal to the San Diego Rescue Mission for every takeout or delivery meal sold.

Harrag and team recently relaunched Tahona Bar with a new dine-in format, offering two prix fixe menu options: one features tacos and churros and the other is a four-course chef’s tasting; the meals can be paired with mezcal, cocktails, or wine from the Valle de Guadalupe. Adjacent speakeasy Oculto 477, which has been posting cocktail demos on its YouTube channel, should be reopening soon with a new menu.