522752 Mon May 26 14:47:20 -0700 2008 12 3 California 0 3721801 My friend Andy, who works for Stone Brewing, told me the San Diego location of the Toronado is now open. I know there are a lot of beer freaks on this board, so thought I'd let you all know. http://www.toronadosd.com/ I've had many a fun night at the San Francisco location, and I am not even a beer drinker.... Mon May 26 14:47:21 -0700 2008 18830 Shannon 1 3721840 Sooner then expected, thanks! Mon May 26 15:02:07 -0700 2008 3721801 168798 JonDough 1 3722773 I was there for opening night. It's pretty good. Lots of taps, certainly (50, to be exact). Some very nice bottles. Minimal food right now, but more to come. It has pluses and minuses. Pluses are the aforementioned 49 taps, though a couple of people I know reported oxidized flavors on the beers they had. Minuses are that it's extremely loud, and is kind of lacking in ambience. Overall I liked it, and was pretty impressed with the beer selection. I think it's a good addition to San Diego's beer scene, especially once they get the kinks worked out. Tue May 27 01:01:39 -0700 2008 3721801 10809 Josh 2 3723234 The selection on tap was incredible and they do have some really rare stuff in bottles but the list isn't huge. I'm sure it'll expand over time and it is a very promising start. You're right about the lacking in ambiance; it felt almost too clean and bright. I suppose the same could be said of The Liar's Club now but that at least has some feel to it. Tue May 27 07:24:47 -0700 2008 3722773 72231 DougOLis 1 3724114 I was there Saturday and Sunday. Awesome tap and bottle list leaning heavy on Belgians. As for ambiance the place is still under construction and will be for a while, so I am holding off judging it. It will also take many years to even come close to the nice layer of grime the S.F. Toronado has built up ;) Tue May 27 11:27:58 -0700 2008 3721801 91897 MrKrispy 1 3724150 I also think its a great addition. I had some good beers on Saturday and I had a lamb sausage with peppers and onions that went great with the beers. I think the ambiance will grow over time, but I actually like that they let light in through the windows and door. Tue May 27 11:36:00 -0700 2008 3721801 22962 jasont 2 3724446 Sadly out of town for the Opening but should any Chowhounders be there this afternoon beginning at 5 PM, look for the guy working his way through the Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA at the bar and come by and say "hi". ;-) Tue May 27 12:45:00 -0700 2008 3724150 141689 Ewilensky 3 3725154 Make sure to bring cash because I don't think they have the credit card machine up. Tue May 27 16:27:57 -0700 2008 3724446 72231 DougOLis 1 4352315 Any updates on this place? Their website doesn't show a menu yet. Fri Jan 23 16:47:04 -0800 2009 3721801 32271 Bobierto 2 4352743 It's rockin. The beer kicks ass and the food kicks ass too. Delicious sausages on bread&cie bread. Nothing fancy, just delicious. The best of, they have the best taps south of O'Brien's. No question. Better than Hamilton's, Liar's Club (R.I.P.), Live Wire, etc. Best of all, it's a straight forward beer bar, so you lose pretty much all of the dark-dive-bar-that's-super-crowded-with-hipsters-and-way-too-many-singles-with-the-music-way-too-loud vibe which seems to be the norm at Hamilton's these days. They don't have a menu online I suspect because it's pretty straightforward. A ton of excellent taps, with lots of love for local brews (Alpine, Pizza Port, Blind Pig!!!, etc.), and then a board in the back that says what sausages they have going for the day. The sausages come with one side, in a small cup. Cucumbers or potato salad. They also tend to have a few extra items that they have cooking that day. I went in there a few months ago and they were selling these brisket sandwiches which were the bomb. Insane. Oh yeah, and the staff is great too. No attitudes, just bartenders who are friendly and know their beers. Fri Jan 23 20:16:00 -0800 2009 4352315 189270 cookieshoes 3 4356889 Great report, thanks so much! I'll try them out this week! Sun Jan 25 16:29:13 -0800 2009 4352743 32271 Bobierto 2 4358859 the menu isn't consistent which is why it isn't on line. Most days are sausages and sandiwches/burgers seem to be pretty random. They do update the tap list online more often now. Mon Jan 26 11:03:00 -0800 2009 4352315 91897 MrKrispy 3 4358948 I'm not really wild about the food. I'd rather eat at Ritual. Mon Jan 26 11:30:47 -0800 2009 4358859 10809 Josh 1 4352777 cool..love the Allagash-Curieux.. Fri Jan 23 20:31:44 -0800 2009 3721801 97452 Beach Chick