New Little Italy Hops: Bottlecraft, 98bottles

With San Diego already recognized as a landmark for some of the top craft breweries in the nation, Little Italy is ‘hopping’ on board and fast becoming a niche haven for local craft beer lovers. With the opening of Bottlecraft, a tasting room and beer shop, and the soon-to-be open 98 bottles, a boutique retail and entertainment lounge; Little Italy is welcoming the world of craft beer.

Brand new on the scene, Bottlecraft has locals buzzing about this new hot spot. The rustic tasting room is a perfect spot to sit and sip with friends as you explore the world of craft beer. This shop plans to host monthly events which give brew enthusiasts a chance to mingle with local brewers, sample unique craft brews, delight in food pairings, and learn more about the entire brewing process.

Each day at Bottlecraft brings with it a set of flights to be sampled, with a blind tasting night also set to take place. This beer shop is proud to spotlight many San Diego breweries, such as Iron Fist, Port + Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, Stone, Karl Strauss, and Green Flash. Many other regions of California are represented as well, with the inclusion of brews from Bear Republic, Anderson Valley, Mad River, and Lagunitas. Other craft brews come from different states, and are even imported from countries such as Belgium, Scotland, and Japan.

For those excited about the opening of Bottlecraft, the good news gets better! 98 Bottles, a unique food and drink locale, is also arriving in Little Italy this summer. Many craft beers will be available at this new lounge, along with sake and wine-based concoctions. Food will also be served here, with an emphasis on shared-style indulgence, with items such as dipping platters, antipasto, flat breads, and desserts.

Guests will be happy to know that 98 Bottles is planning tons of entertainment to go hand-in-hand with food and drink pairing events. Entertainment will include Comedy, Open Mic, Game Night, Vocalists, and Jazz Trio’s. In addition, a small boutique retail space will be found inside 98 Bottles, where guests can purchase custom-made gift boxes with items such as oils, spreads, vinegars, and other gourmet goodies. Kitchen novelties and artistic creations will also be displayed and sold in this area.

So if you have a penchant for good brews, stop by one (or why not both!) of these locales this summer to grab a bottle and see what’s new in Little Italy. Bottlecraft is located at 2161 India Street. 98 Bottles is located at 2400 Kettner Blvd, Suite 110.

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