March 31, 2012
Went in on a saturday to watch some basketball and enjoy some good stouts. On their website they had both an Oatmeal Stout and the Wreck Alley on draft. I was informed that they only had the wreck alley in bombers for sale and were out of the oatmeal stout. This was disappointing as their IPA’s are not my style. We got some good (great) and I got a bomber of the Wreck Alley which was quite good. I guess I was just a little late and missed the good stuff on tap, but not having either draft on tap and average at best service made this a rather ordinary experience.

October 14, 2010
Nice bar area with plenty of seating in the bar and some patio seating. The restaurant was average size with a view of the brewery. Service was good, food was good (Jalapeño Burger). The beer is average, most of their mass produced beers have a bland malt flavor. I did like the Imperial beers they are brewing. I’ll come back when in the area.

August 2, 2010
For a brewery/restaurant this one is really nice. Good service, nice selection of beers. Good food.

June 9, 2010
Had the Big Beer Burger and it was dang good; the bacon makes it (order extra bacon). Otherwise, typical bar/restaurant with a small patio and large bar. Service was very good and helpful with the beer and food choices. I’d go here again, if I’m ever in the area, and esp if they have the Big Barrel DIPA on tap.

March 28, 2010
Probably giving a higher rating that what some would say is deserved, but I like this place (all locations). Large California inspired menu and I’ve never had a meal I didn’t enjoy. Garlic brewers fries haunt me. The place is a chain around San Diego, their beers are available bottled around town. Beer is average with that mass produced feel to it, but enjoyable and was my go-to session beer while living in San Diego.

March 2, 2010
Took a drive around La Jolla Shores to search for a good lunch spot. Karl Strauss did not disappoint. There’s outdoor/indoor seating, and a bar area. We sat in the bar area to check out their beers. I wouldn’t say it’s a great selection, but I settled with an Oatmeal Stout and a Hef. What’s cool is that they have a weekly or monthly "beer pairing" special on the menu that you can try. It’s pretty much an appetizer they just came up with to pair with one of their beers on tap. I tried it, and it paired well. My friend and I had the fish tacos for our meal, and that was filling and pretty good. The service is outstanding, too. Overall: Go for an enjoyable lunch. Return: Yes. #46 on 02032010, DG.

August 10, 2009
Nice clean and somewhat upscale place in La Jolla that has reasonable prices, unlike many competitors that line the adjacent blocks. Beers were rather mediocre across the board, and they had run out of one of their main taps (hefe-weizen) on my first of two visits. Food was above average on the whole but very good as far as brewpubs go (which can be bad at times). Service was good and we didn’t have to wait for a table which was nice. Their Hefe-Weizen is among the most banana-like that I’ve had in years. IPA is another worthwhile pint. They offer a cask beer but it runs out quickly, at least that’s what I was told.

December 9, 2008
I stopped by here while the wife took the kids down the street to the Starbucks. I said, why dont you head up the street and I will meet you soon...how understanding. I stopped at the bar and did not have any food. The bartender was nice and friendly and kept me company while I drink my 2 beers. The Rye IPA and Belgian Brown Ale were pretty good. They had a total of 10 beers on tap that included 4 seasonals. If I am ever in the area again, I will probably stick my head in to see what is on tap.

July 10, 2008
First time to this location. I’ve been to the Columbia Street location going back to 1990. This one is smaller and “L” shaped on the inside with a bit of patio seating up against the street outside. The wait staff seemed somewhat in different but not at all rude or otherwise. I need to get back here and try more of the food. Typical Karl beer here. I’m glad to see them branching out and making bolder beer styles (IIPA, IS, BW) before the craft beer industry leaves them behind.

June 10, 2008
Great location in a trendy area.Parking was difficult. Nice inside, great service. The appetizers were tasty, as was the beer. A nice oasis in the over the top neighborhood.