out and about: public house la jolla spring '24

You know that spot that everyone in your house never says no to? The one that you can throw on a hat, catch a game on the big screen, try some new rotating beers, and just sit for a spell with some really good food. That’s public house for us.

Running errands and want something close to home. Check. Kiddos occupied and able to sneak out for a drink and some snacks? Check. One on one time with a kid, where they choose where to go? Check. Check.

I mean, really, what’s not to love about a local (and by local, I’m talking about 5 minutes away) spot that always leaves you satisfied, no matter the occasion?

ism western standard time: west coast ipa

pure project/north park/harland: back to the phuture: murky ipa

black plague/pure project transcendence: west coast ipa

burgeon fine tuned: hazy ipa

Love a taster. Especially when a bar has rotating taps and there is always something different on the menu. This one was jamie’s.

He found the ISM to be a straight forward ipa. Something you can’t go wrong with if you are an ipa drinker. Which, hello? Jamie.

The back to the phuture was his favorite - even though it was not his typical ipa profile.

He found the black plague to be super smooth (i may have snuck a sip and totally agreed), but at the same time, to not have any extra umph.

The burgeon was middle of the road. Not remarkable, and not to be turned away either.

What jamie loved most about this flight, was that there wasn’t a single one he tried that he wouldn’t drink again. Which comes in handy when we go out somewhere that doesn’t have his favorite ipa on tap - he gets to try different ones and know what to order in the future.

2 towns the baddie: apple cider

pfreim oude kriek: ba sour w/cherry

paulaner: hefeweizen

ism past return: red ale

If you know me, you know if there’s an option to have a flight, be it beer, margarita, or mimosa, I’m going to order it. I love having choices, different flavors, and trying new things.

I thought the cider was more of a rose cider, which i liked. It was just a little extra. And I liked it.

My fav was the cherry sour. I love, love, love sours. And this was no exception. Tart cherries lend themself perfectly to this style of beer.

The hefe reminded me of applesauce. I don’t know why. But it was the first thing that came in my mind. It was everything you’d want from a hefe… just apple heavy.

I love a good red ale. I also love a stout. And the ISM was the best of both worlds. It was a red ale with a coffee after taste… so stronger than your typical red, but lighter than a stout.

potato skins: crispy potato skins topped with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions, served with a choice of ranch dressing or sour cream

Always order the potato skins. Super crispy skin. Super melty cheese - and I am all about the melty skin.

Served with ranch and/or sour cream.

We may order different things every time we are here; but we always order the skins.

calamari plate: crispy calamari served with a side of spicy marinara sauce.

This was our first time ordering the calamari. We were pleasantly surprised to see that it was only the rings; and no tentacles (not that we shy away from them)… but for jamie, avy, and I (the three squid fans in our fam) they are our fav.

The squid was so tender. The crisp outer topping was reminiscent of mozzarella sticks; and the hint of spice in the dipping sauce? Perfection on the plate. 10/10 recommend… and now on our permanent reorder list.

dopff & irion: cremant blanc de blancs brut: creant d’alsace, alsace, france

What’s even better than a pub with rotating local beer taps? A pub that also serves decent wine. And a great sparkling brut.

Public house has my favorite mimosa champs - wycliff. Which, btw, is also completely drinkable on it’s own. Draft had it, sea world has it. And public house too. But, if you are feeling a little more brutish… This one has got you covered.

The perfect drinkable champs. Super dry with tiny bubbles.

burgeon flower fields: west coast ipa

When your flight is only 4 beers… but there are 5 ipas on the menu. #jamieproblems In jamie’s words, “this is the perfect beer for the beach.”

crab cake slider: blue crab topped with melted havarti cheese, shredded cabbage and sriracha aioli

Here’s the thing about sliders. They are small. They are shareable. And they enable you to get a whole lot of different flavors, if you order different ones. And who doesn’t like little burger bites.

Pro tip: order the tater tots.

We found the crabcake sliders to be spicy- we like spice so not an issue for us- The cake itself was delicate, and not fishy at all. Just spicier than expected.

patty melt: melted cheddar cheese, red onions and garlic spread on grilled sourdough bread

Public house is known for their burgers. And we love them. Love trying a new iteration every time.

Patty melts are the best of all worlds.

Only problem we came across was that we requested medium.. but received a more med-well/well patty. Which really wasn’t a problem at all.

Here’s the thing though. A) I’d always prefer my food more well done, than less, and B) the meat was so ridiculously juicy the cooked temp didn’t matter in the slightest.

Pro tip: order the onion rings and all the sauces. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

homemade bread pudding: chocolate chip

Bread pudding is my happy place.

It reminds me of my grandmother. It’s that one pot comfort food that you can’t let go off.

The process is also so similar to savory cooking, that it’s one I can get behind in my own kitchen..

But here, the combo of bread, chocolate chips, caramel, hot fudge and whipped cream all combine to make the perfect dessert bite.

Go a head… order it.

As for us? We’ll be here, on the regular. With or without kids in tow.