Mason Ale Works Opening In Former Border X Brewing Taproom In San Diego's Barrio Logan

Mason Ale Works is set to open a new tasting room and eatery in the space long occupied by the recently shuttered Border X Brewing in San Diego's Barrio Logan.

Mason Ale Works, under the operational control of hospitality group Tableside Partners, continues to broaden its presence in San Diego’s craft beer scene. The new Mason Ale Works tasting room on Logan Avenue will feature the company's lineup of beers, as well as selections from Border X, and its affiliated brands like Eppig Brewing Company, Second Chance Beer, alongside options from San Marcos-based Castellum Ciders. 

The number of taps will double from the previous setup, increasing to 16. Additional upgrades include new large-screen televisions, enhanced patio heating, refreshed restrooms, and updated furniture. While the initial goal is to maintain the essence of the former Border X space, branding elements from Mason Ale Works will be gradually introduced over time.

Tacos El Villasana, a Chula Vista-based eatery, will take over the kitchen, offering a new culinary component to the revamped location. The taproom will also introduce a retail merchandise area and a to-go beer refrigerator in the near future.

The expansion into the Border X space is the latest in a series of moves by Mason Ale Works and Tableside Partners. In late 2023, Tableside Partners took over operational control of Eppig Brewing, leading to the closures of Eppig;s La Jolla Village and Vista headquarters tasting rooms. However, Eppig still maintains its bay front space on Shelter Island and a collaborative tasting room in Vista alongside Mason Ale Works, Second Chance Brewing, and other partners. Eppig also briefly operated an East Village tasting room during the 2024 Padres season, occupying a space previously used by Stone Brewing.

Tableside Partners operates as the hospitality division of West Coast Ventures & Resources, a Newport Beach-based firm led by Randy Teffeteller. West Coast Ventures has been involved in various industries, including hospitality, seafood distribution, and waste management. The company has faced scrutiny for its handling of hospitality ventures, particularly following the financial collapse of TAPS Fish House & Brewery, which filed for bankruptcy in 2023 amid a $30 million downfall. TAPS founder Joe Manzella has since filed a lawsuit against West Coast Ventures and its leadership, alleging mismanagement and gross negligence.

In San Diego, several businesses formerly operated by 3 Local Brothers (3LB), including Urge Gastropub, have closed since coming under Tableside Partners' control. The only remaining Urge Gastropub location is in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Despite these challenges, Mason Ale Works is pushing forward with its expansion, with the Barrio Logan taproom expected to open in the coming weeks. As the new venue prepares to welcome patrons, Mason Ale Works aims to honor the legacy of Border X while integrating its own unique offerings into the Barrio Logan community.

As for Border X Brewing, the 11-year-old craft brewery has announced that it will unite with its sister concept, Mujeres Brew House, at 1983 Julian Avenue in Barrio Logan. Mujeres is operated by Border X Brewing company founder David Favela's wife, Carmen Velasco-Favela, making this unification a natural progression. 

Mason Ale Works is expected to open by month's end at 2181 Logan Avenue in San Diego's Barrio Logan. For more information, visit masonaleworks.com.