Liar's Club in San Diego. What's happening?

[camilles]

Details are kind of sketchy, and since I know some of you here have it on your rotation of places to visit, figured I'd try to see what's up.

Liar's Club has long been one of our favorite places for craft brew, tasty grub, and people watching. A few weeks ago, as we were finishing up our lunch, we noticed a "B" in the window. Now, I hear that they have lost their liquor license. Plus a buddy overheard they might be shutting down and moving to Alpine.

Both my husband and I are far away on business, but are obviously concerned that one of our stand-by go-to places might be hitting some rough times. Would anybody out there happen to have any info?

[ekomega]

Damn it! This was my favorite bar!

They had a 'B' for a while because of certain design issues that they could not resolve, among other things. I heard that part of it was issues like they have shelving near the floor -- for storage, which you are not allowed to use (and they don't) -- and by having it, even if you don't ever use it, you get deducted a lot of points. The bar wasn't really designed for food prep.

I also heard that the prices were raised in the past few months because the bar didn't make a ton of money (or any).

If you go to the Belgian Beer Festival in March, at Pizza Port Carlsbad, you can see Louis (the owner of Liar's Club) and talk to him about it. He's there every year. I'll even introduce you, if you'd like.

[menuinprogress]

Yep, it really looks like they are gone for good. R.I.P.

[jeffersonian]

Aero Club and Whistle Stop have great jukeboxes and beer, where has a good kitchen? (o.k., back to The Waterfront). I would love to know where the people who worked there are going.
R.I.P. SD's best ever.

[juantanamera]

North Park is the place to be for good beer and food now. The Linkery, Ritual Tavern, Hamilton's, and strong rumor has it the legendary Toronado is opening an outpost there soon. Downtown, The Local has good burgers and bar food and a good beer selection but nothing like what LC offered. In Del Mar, Iris Food and Spirits has really good food and a stong craft beer list, all bottled though - no taps. Pizza Ports are great for beer and pizza but they're often swarmed with kids. Liar's Club will be missed.

[MrKrispy]

yah Pizza Port has become a little more difficult to handle even on nights now, just too many damn kids running around and screaming. It just isn't the Port when you walk in a have kids shows on instead of old skate/surf videos.

Still love the beer and pizza though!

[tonloco]

La Bella Pizza in Chula Vista is a brewers guild affiliate pub. (there is only 6 in the county)
Great place, great food, and tons of craft beer on tap.

[JUGGERNAUT]

they are closed for good. the only location will be in alpine. i have it on good authority that they were due to lose the lease this summer and decided to focus on the new restaurant.

[camilles]

Nooooooo!!!!!!!!! :(

[The Dive]

Damn. Was planning to have the Liar's Club on my itinerary for the next San Diego beer trip (thinking about going to Stone's Winter Storm in January). Will have to stick with Hamilton's and the Linkery.

[Josh]

O'Brien's is also worth a visit.

[tonloco]

La Bella Pizza in Chula Vista is a brewers guild affiliate that has great food.
24 taps and usually 15 or so are SDBG beers. Last night there was 7 different (six were small batch beers) from Ballast Point, a couple ports, an Oaked Bastard among others.

[menuinprogress]

They did get temporarily closed down last week. I heard that it was a minor tax issue and they would be re-opening this week.

Regarding Alpine, rumor is that they are opening a second location there.

[camilles]

Thanks for the update. I'll pass the word along to my peeps.

[stevuchan]

I heard kind of the same information, but it was they are moving to Alpine. I believe the "B" rating has to do with the way they store bread and dry goods. It would be a shame if they left the beach.

Cheers

[DiningDiva]

It takes a lot more than improper storage of bread to earn a "B". Most likely it was a combination of what the Department of Environmental Health terms "major" violations. These usually involve storage, refrigeration, temperatures (all kinds, water, food, equipment), restrooms, and whether or not all the food handlers have their food handlers permits current and it the designated "person in charge, or PIC" has the right certification, among other things. State of CA changed the health rules and regs on July 1st of this year.

[stevuchan]

Thanks for the info.

Last time I was in I asked "What's with the B" response was "bread and dry good storage".

Cheers.

[littlestevie]

remember, alcohol is a pretty good disinfectant!

[oerdin]

So it might just be they were not up on the new regs?