OC Beat

South County Openings 

Preface: Much of this column had been written prior to the most-recent manipulation of the state-established COVID-19 Restrictions in early December. After 12/6, we again find restaurants, pubs and breweries closed for onsite service. Your support via their to-go processes and purchasing of gift cards for those on your Christmas and holiday lists will help with their efforts to stay afloat. 

Artifex on Del Mar

San Clemente’s Artifex Brewing Co opened its satellite downtown tasting room in late November. The 1120 square foot space, located close to the corner of Del Mar and El Camino Real received initial approval for build-out from the city in August of 2019. Normal delays were obviously exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. Artifex on Del Mar’s intimate and well-appointed setting, reflecting a restored rustic mission/Ole Hanson style, is accommodating to the outdoor life we are growing accustomed to. The entire front unseals and tucks away, providing an airy, open, extended patio space. Expect all of the fresh and currently offered Artifex brews prominently dispensing from 20+ taps behind the bar.    

Artifex Brewery: 98 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente  

Rad Brat: Dogs, Brats, Sausages & Craft

Briefly open for onsite consumption in early December, Rad Brat, in Dana Point, is an inspired craft beer focused restaurant model brought to us by a talented team dedicated to community, experience, and the best of craft beer.  

Cameron Collins’ (founder of Brew Ha Ha Productions) inspiration for Rad Brat came a few years ago while touring the Pacific Northwest with Brew Ha Ha festivals. In Tacoma, WA, The Red Hot was recommended as a great place for good food and beer. It possesses a similar concept and a resonating slogan, “Craft Beer. Hot Dogs. No Jerks.” Cameron’s description: “loud, cool and a little rambunctious!” He recalls becoming immediately enamored and vocalizing, “Someday, I’m going to open one of these in Southern California.” Someday has arrived. 

Collins shared his vision with Industry friends who were quickly onboard to join in fashioning the vision into reality. The team: Dylan Mobley (head brewer at Helmsman in Newport Beach and former head brewer for Anaheim’s Bottle Logic); Joe Wilshire (co-founder of Project Social and Docent Brewing Co); and Steve Martin (co-founder of Project Social and an investor in Docent Brewing Co). 

Close to the ocean and community-centered within the La Plaza Park Complex, Rad Brat’s casual atmosphere promotes a welcoming, high energy, vibe. Roll-up garage door-style windows open onto a pleasant patio area, enhancing ocean breezes and indoor/outdoor feel. Bike racks accommodate those cruising in on beach cruisers and neighboring businesses catering to prospective Rad Brat clientele solidify a sense of community. 

The plan for December was to open for outside service at first, because of heightened state COVID restrictions. Adjacent parking spaces were approved and licensed to expand the patio space and accommodate patrons. While the Rad Brat team did manage to soft-open for the 12/4 weekend, focus has quickly shifted to accommodating offsite to-go orders.

Reportedly, the city of Dana Point, in an effort to assist its restaurants and pubs, is considering lifting an ordinance that currently prohibits consumption of alcohol in city parks. This could prove beneficial to Rad Brat and other businesses that encircle La Plaza Park. Patrons would be able to order food and drinks to go and not have to venture far to enjoy.

A prominent 28 handle tap tower and bar runs the length of the indoor space. TV screens will typically stream surf, skate, seasonal snowboarding, etc., but, while not a sports bar, big games and matches will also be shown. 

The menu provides an abundance of family-friendly choices. There are at least 10 different hot dog formulations, corn dog and cheese sticks. Those are countered by as many sausages and brats. 

One of the many compelling choices, the Angry Samoan, consists of fried SPAM, spicy mayo, jalapeño and pineapple on an all-beef dog. Burgers, sandwiches and vegan choices also abound. Sides and salads are available too. Milk shakes and malts can top things off.

Plans are also in the works to have a couple of handles dispensing house beer at both Rad Brat and Project Social before long. Dylan’s award-winning talents will be tapped on the brewing end of things and the team is actively looking at adding a brewery to the mix. 

Future plans also call for additional Rad Brat locations in other locales once the concept has been refined on the home-front.

Rad Brat: 34091 La Plaza, Dana Point 

Project Social

Also dedicated to the best of craft beer (and coffee and food), Project Social has been open just over one year (7 of those months have been during the COVID19 pandemic). Thanks to a very supportive community and a great staff, they have managed to keep everyone employed. The concept for PS included building out a significant part of its space as patio. This proved both beneficial and crucial in surviving this crazy time. Its Unique Outdoor patio with olive trees provides a beer garden feel, and has promoted a level of non-pandemic normalcy.  

Project Social: 24040 Camino Del Avion Suite J, Dana Point 

Station Craft 

Stay tuned for news of the soon to open Station Craft Brewery + Kitchen located very close to Rad Brat.

Station Craft: 34150 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point

David Mulvihill thirsts to experience and promote the best of craft beer. He also provides business-side support to local breweries and brewers guilds (reporting, excise tax, regulatory compliance, policies & personnel) (SoCalCraftBeer.com). david@socalcraftbeer.com