Many are the brewery owners in San Diego County who are struggling to comply with governmental COVID-19 regulations. In the case of one company, Bolt Brewery, those mandates have proven too difficult to overcome, forcing them to close one of their two locations in La Mesa. Their production brewery and outdoor public tasting grounds will remain open, but they have shuttered the non-brewing bar and eatery, Bolt Brewery & Spirits.
“Bolt Brewery & Spirits closed permanently in June due to the COVID-19 shutdown,” says co-owner Molly Stromberg. “It was a really tough decision, but my husband, Clint, and I agreed that, in order to keep the La Mesa brewery and Little Italy restaurant strong, we would have to let this location go. Due to the nature of the COVID regulations, legally we wouldn’t be open today. Being closed four months just wasn’t feasible.”
The Strombergs took over the University Avenue location that previously housed Mr. G’s Tavern in February of 2019. A Type 48 liquor license allowed them to serve beer as well as hard alcohol at the 1,285-suare-foot bar. Contrary to some misconceptions, despite having the word “spirits” in the name, Bolt did not delve into the distilling industry, but its owners did forge some spirited relationships.
“We met some amazing friends at Bolt Brewery & Spirits and are so grateful for their love and support over the last year,” says Stromberg. “We hope to see them all again soon at our La Mesa brewery or in Little Italy. Both of those locations are and will continue to be fully operational.
Bolt Brewery’s brewery and tasting venue is located at 8179 Center Street in La Mesa, and its Little Italy restaurant is located at 1971 India Street