Del Mar’s first brewery is opening this month! Occupying 7,000 square-feet of waterfront space, Viewpoint Brewing Co. will be an expansive drinking destination with an in-house chef-driven restaurant, all situated on the scenic San Dieguito Lagoon directly across from the fairgrounds.
Not only is it Del Mar's first brewery, Viewpoint will also be San Diego's first chef-driven brewery. Owner Charles Koll is a culinary school graduate that has worked in kitchens in San Francisco and San Diego, including at Mille Fleurs and PrepKitchen. It was at Mille Fleurs that Koll began home brewing and also befriended co-worker, fellow cook Gunnar Planter, who will serve as Executive Chef at Viewpoint. The menu at Viewpoint will offer familiar dishes reinterpreted, with preparations heavily influenced by classical cuisine yet executed for modern approachability.
Head brewer Moe Katomski, with the assistance of consultant Bill Batten of Alesmith & Mikkeller Brewing fame, will utilize the 15-barrel brewing system to provide Viewpoint's 20 taps with a mix of house styles, like a Kolsch and a saison, alongside a selection from some of San Diego's lesser distributed breweries. A unique addition to a menu at a San Diego brewery, flights of beer will be offered with paired flights of bites.
Viewpoint has been in the works for a couple years now and previously intended to open as Vigilante Brewing Company. The expansive indoor/outdoor space will offer a 4,500 square-foot interior with 2,500 square-feet of outdoor space with views of the San Dieguito Lagoon. Designed by Meghan Koll, the space draws from its origins as a warehouse and creative studio, with raw, industrial details giving way to warmer accents that connect with the surrounding natural beauty. Expect design elements like firepit tables, vintage Skeeball machines, bocce ball courts, porch swings and even custom tap handles designed by Koll's father.
Viewpoint Brewing Co. is anticipated to open the weekend of July 14 at 2201 San Dieguito Drive in San Diego's Del Mar area. For more information, visit viewpointbrewing.com and check out the menu below.
