Chug a mug of microbrew, raise a fancy glass to your lips, and savor everything from
Berkshire hot dogs to Guinness Braised Short Ribs at these palate-pleasing and somewhat
quirky neighborhood-style gathering spots known as gastropubs. Who knows, you may discover a new concoction you like to sip on, a much loved food you can’t resist, or at the very least, a favorite hangout. Here’s a handful of San Diego standouts.

Craft & Commerce
From the Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuits to the radically named cocktails such as Hell’s Kitchen, Silk Road, and Enough Said by award-winning cocktail-creator Phil Ward, this unique neighborhood-style dining hall downtown will give you something to talk about. “We only use fresh squeezed juice made daily and we infuse all our own liquors in-house,” says owner Arsalun Tafazoli. “We were the first in San Diego to bring in a Kold-Draft ice machine that makes perfectly dense inch-by-inch ice cubes and all our glassware is frozen. (619/269-2202, www.craft-commerce.com)

Dolce Pane E Vino
Definitely a staple in Rancho Santa Fe, Dolce offers a quintessential vino experience within a cozy and stylish eatery boasting beautiful artisan furnishings, a full bar, and extraordinary meats and cheeses. A wine bar loaded with labels keeps oenophiles lingering over Olives Al Forno, Chino Farms Summer Vegetable Flatbread, Truffled Egg Bruschetta, and Toscano Salumi. An attentive and helpful staff is available to share advice about the wines and cater to your every whim. (858/832-1518, www.dolcepaneevino.com)

Jaynes Gastropub
Owner Jayne Battle of Jaynes Gastropub in Normal Heights believes a gastropub is not a far cry from a British pub. “My family presided over some of the finest in Liverpool's history, most notably the Shipperies and the Crocodile,” she says. “These were very warm and welcoming places that catered to the locals and British cuisine and drinks must be represented.” Don’t miss the Newcastle Batter Sea Bass Fish and Chips with Garlic Snap Peas or the bestselling Jayne Burger. (619/563-1011, www.jaynesgastropub.com)

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
The use of warm colored leathers and fabrics, recycled woods, polished concrete, and roll-up garage and pocket doors results in an ambience that is stylish yet very comfortable at Jimmy’s on the harbor in Point Loma. “Our menu is unique in that, versus other gastropubs that feature more of an eclectic Euro-flavoring menu, our focus is really on pure Americana; a celebration of regional American comfort foods,” says operator David Wilhelm. Big sellers are the Fish & Chips, Fried Chicken, Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs, and the Prime Rib Melt Sandwich. (619/226-2103, www.j-fat.com)

Neighborhood
Grab a barstool at this chic hangout in the East Village. With 27 microbrews on tap, you’re sure to find that special ale. Food choices are easy here. Just glance through the crowds to see popular dishes such as the Pale Ale Battered Onion Rings, Chorizo Corn Dogs, or a Spicy Cajun-Rubbed Burger with all the fixings. “The best chefs in the world are now focusing on ‘comfort food’ or ‘haute bar fare’ and gastropubs are now along that line,” says owner Arsalun Tafazoli. “We ultimately focus on achieving flavor the simple way, you don’t need 18 ingredients on a plate for it to be good.” (619/446-0002, www.neighborhoodsd.com)

Proper Gastropub
“A gastropub is not only a laid back neighborhood bar that you can walk into and feel at home in, it’s a place that serves great food that you would expect to find in a high-end establishment,” says executive chef Sean Magee of Proper Gastropub, located a mere foul ball away from Petco Park. “Along with food quality, you would also experience a level of service that is more personable and attentive without coming across as stuffy or pretentious.” Don’t miss the fried Mac n Cheese balls. (619/255-7520, www.propergastropub.com)

Quality Social
Quality Social offers an uncommon experience when compared to the rest of the downtown San Diego bar scene, setting out to be inclusive rather than exclusive. “At the end of the day, we seek to present a local option that is refined, fun, approachable, and comfortable,” says chef Jared Van Camp. “Fifteen dollar martinis and long waits are not our style.” Taking pride in its charcuterie offerings, Quality Social is equally committed to its mixology program, an approachable yet savvy wine and spirits list, a strong craft beer offering, and a seasonal food menu that seeks to offer something new every time you come in, even if it’s several times a week. (619/501-7675, www.qualitysocial.com)   MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA