I hesitate strongly if asked to pick my favourite pizza port between Solana and Carlsbad, but I think Solana might be the winner. I just prefer the lower ceilings, tighter atmosphere, although perhaps a bit more familial. The pizza was astounding. Its proximity with San Diego makes it an absolute must as it might be better than any beer destination in SD. While the tap selection is not quite as overwhelming as Carlsbad, it is still top notch with their own IPA being nothing short of delicious and the guest list also being seriously inviting. The feel of the place would gladly having me spend an evening here, going through several pizza and pints. Even the prices remain democratic and the staff is not shy to launch little jokes when a pizza is ready.

(Visited 04/2008): This Pizza Port location is about a block from the beach on Hwy 101, not too far away from I-5. There is a small private lot next door and street parking behind. The interior of the restaurant looks like a pizza parlor (mostly because it is) with long wooden benches, arcade games in the back and paper plates/plasticware. The bar area is on the left side and only has a couple seats, but a nice view of the brewing equipment. There is also a small cabinet at the front of the store filled with Port merch and a few bombers of their beers. Some real gems are hidden in there. The beer selection is eclectic and all the beers are good. They have 11 taps ranging from Cream Ale, Malt Liquor, Belgians and Stout. Fairly eclectic overall. They offer their brews in 4-beer samplers as well. Both food and beer orders are taken at the front counter. As such you roll the dice as far as beer knowledge goes. Luckily I interacted with the bartenders who were fast and knowledgeable. One of them had an OSU hat on and we ended up discussing some of Ohio’s finer beers. Small world. I ordered the cheese sticks and passed on the pizza due to time constraints. The appetizer was really good and I hope to try the pizza next time. Overall, Pizza Port is a must stop in the San Diego area and I cannot wait to visit again.

Spent the afternoon here with Tomme Arthur, so my comments might be a bit biased. The feel is the same as the Carlsbad location, except in a smaller, more homey feeling. The standard pub beers are very good, Swami’s IPA being my standout, but what makes this place special are Tomme’s unique Belgian-style creations, world-beaters in every case. This man is doing incredible things and will put his mark on the brewing world I am sure if he gets a bit more exposure. The pizza is as marvelous as other PPorts which is why I recommend you have a meal here. You’ll be able to have more beer!! And please, do not be afraid to pay the 10$ or 12$ for the 750ml bottles they sell here. There is an enormous chance that you will be buying one of the rarest, soon-to-be international superstars...

I was at this place and at Carlsblad. This is clearly smaller, 5 minutes from the Solena Beach hotels where I was staying, and right at the ocean. There is less beer taps, it’s a scale down from Carlsblad. I had to stand. But what a great time I had - it was one of the best "beach" party places I have been to, and I have been down here since grad school 30 years back. Lou was tending bar, he was pouring beer every minute and said he was at 25% capacity on a Tuesday night. So he had a lot of time, was an athlete of a bartender, and he brought out for me extra pints including a 2003 Cuvee de Tomee that was one of the best beverages ever. His knowledge of the operation was excellent-his passion for beer impressive- he is an up-and-comer and I got after going to an after-hours (after 10 in California) bar with some of the crowd, after 1 am (4 am on our time). There is different bottles to sell here, different brews on tap. I am glad that I stayed up here, took the coaster around, instead of staying like a typical tourist downtown.

Easily the smallest of the Pizza Ports. Small location, small tap list, and just a general sense of depression hangs around the place when I’ve been there. The beers and food are still good, so it can really only get so bad.

Visited for lunch with the family during my vacation to San Diego. Really relaxed vibe with picnic tables jammed in to accommodate communal seating. All services is order at the bar (food and beer are separate queues). With the kids in tow, I didn’t mind this too much. The beer list was really good - both PP beers and well chosen guest beers. The pizza and apps we had were really tasty, and was really the perfect lunch before heading (walking) down to the beach. This was just a really comfortable, friendly place.

The smallest of the Pizza Ports and also the original. I loved the vibe here- similar laid back family casual dining atmosphere with a brewpub mixed in. Lots of kids and families and beer loving adults. The 40 year old woman in front of me in line scarily knew a lot about beer. Service was super friendly. The beers here were a little lacking compared to the other Pizza Ports not in quantity but in house beer quality. A few were quite good and even GABF medal winners. One homebrewed competition winner beer was a drain pour. But you get $1 flights of 4 at a time, which is a steal. $5 pints of almost everything else! Excellent guest taps. I mean, all the Pizza Ports are like dreams come true: awesome beer, awesome pizza, awesome prices, awesome atmosphere, awesome location. A world class model.

Small and crowded but the original. Pizza and waitstaff are typical. Beers are Pizza Port (which is solid across all locations). A bit crowded and quirky compared to the others. Not as nice of an atmosphere as San Clemente (probably the best ambiance of the 4). They seem to have quite a few less taps than the other locations. Parking is a bit tight. A great stop if you are in the Del Mar area.

This is like an adult Chucky Cheese with people buzzing around everywhere in a packed atmosphere chowing on pizza and tipping back pitchers. Great selection from the brewery along with Russian River selections and beers like La Folie on draft. Somewhat annoying, but worth the bother, for sure.

Small as hell location, especially on a packed friday night. HOwever, i was by myself and just sat at the little "bar" if you want to call it a bar. Had some decent taps of their own stuff as well as guests. food was tasty and there was this hot as hell blonde with tattoos who i just stared at the entire time while i enjoyed my beers. Im glad to have been able to go to this location, but i will proably not go back.