Mike Hess Brewing, Imperial Beach

The new Imperial Beach tasting room for Mike Hess Brewing is directly across the street from the IB Coronado Brewing tasting room. It will be interesting to see how they affect each other’s business, but my impression is that concentrations of breweries and tasting rooms are almost always symbiotic rather than parasitic.

Mike Hess IB very different than the other Mike Hess locations (North Park, Ocean Beach, Miramar). But like their other locations, it is a fun, interesting place to hang out. This one, as befits its Imperial Beach setting, is breezy and beachy. The low, indoor space is fairly small, just big enough for a bar, a long beer fridge, a long communal table, and–best of all–a counter and kitchen for City Tacos. Outside is the real star here. Most of the corner lot is taken up by a beach-like party space with long rows of picnic tables (every other one has a umbrella, so you can pick shade or sun) and four cornhole courts. Music is piped in over a good sound system. The sun and breeze, and the sound of the waves from just a few hundred feet away, make this an idyllic setting.

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The beer menu seems to be less extensive than the North Park location, but all the core beers are available plus other summery beers. All of Mike Hess’s beer is great, and there is such good variety that you are bound to find something your love. One of my favorite beers of all time is still Habitus, a Rye Double IPA.

City Tacos does a great job at this location. I tried three different tacos and all of them were excellent. Plus, at $3 each, they are a good deal. Service was quick and pleasant. Order inside and they’ll bring it out to you.

Mike Hess Imperial Beach is a great place to hang out before or after hitting the beach, for lunch, or any time. I’m really looking forward to visiting again.

mikehessbrewing.com     805 Ocean Ln, Imperial Beach, CA 91932