First Brewery in Del Mar: Viewpoint Brewing

Thanks to Linda, who keeps an eye out for me for new restaurants in the Del Mar area, for steering me to Viewpoint Brewing.  It's the first brewery to open in Del Mar, and they couldn't have picked a more picturesque location.  They have a 7,000 square foot warehouse in on the San Dieguito Lagoon, with pristine views of facing north, east, and west.  Park of the space is the brewery  and tasting room, the other part is the restaurant, where a light lunch can be had Tuesday through Sunday, and dinner is served every day, 5-10pm.

The restaurant has an industrial look to it, with old lockers placed against the wall near the entrance.  Lots of large wood tables and chairs  are everywhere.  Heaters (the hot stone type) are at many of the tables that face the lagoon.  The restaurant has a such an open feeling and I found it very relaxing.  There are really no small tables for two or four people, but long tables (family tables) for 10-12 people, which encourages people to sit with strangers and make new friends.  Lunch consists of a limited menu, but the food is good.  We had mahi mahi grilled tacos, with fresh homemade chips and salsa.  Very good.  They have a salmon salad, pork belly bites, burger, chicken wings and french fries.  They always have a daily special.  They have numerous in house made beers, alongside a selection from less distributed breweries.

I hear dinner is mobbed.  It's a great place to meet people and enjoy the scenic view of the lagoon.  Dinner offers a more extensive menu, and I will go back and try the beef tartare, one of my favorite dishes, which is not found on many menus.  Other items include a half chicken, smoked gouda mac and cheese, steak and frites, burger, mussels, some small plates and a few salads, including the popular watermelon and feta salad.  For dessert they offer a sorbet banana split.  Boy, does that sound good.

I wish I were a beer drinker so I could comment on the quality of their brews, but I'll have to rely on Fran.  She said her beer was delicious!  Next time you're in Del Mar, try Viewpoint Brewery, the first, but I'm quite sure not the last, brewery in Del Mar.