Since Burgeon Beer Co. announced plans to construct a kitchen-equipped tasting room in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy community last January, the project has been one of the most highly anticipated among local beer fans. At the time, the company estimated a late-summer arrival, but as with all things, the pandemic impacted that timeline, extending it so far out that Burgeon has since opened a new private-event space at its Carlsbad headquarters as well as a satellite tasting room in Escondido. But as of this week, Burgeon has an updated and firm debut plan for its Little Italy spot, which will soft-open on Saturday, April 17.
Dubbed The Arbor, the venue comes in at just over 2,000 square feet with floor-to-ceiling roll-up doors giving way to a pair of patios with views onto Kettner Boulevard. With San Diego County’s recent move into the state’s “red tier,” a mix of indoor and outdoor seating will be offered in keeping with governmental mandates related to COVID-19. Visitors to The Arbor will be treated to interior design in keeping with Burgeon’s applauded, flora-rich motif. As implied by the venue’s name, there will be plants climbing a cedar trellis extending to the heights of the 17-foot ceilings. Other lush greenery will be present along with twinkling lights for added ambience, and the service bar is constructed of reclaimed wood from the 2003 Cedar Fire.
Since opening in 2016, Burgeon has experienced great success, quadrupling sales over the past four years and upping annual production to around 7,000 barrels, despite its presence being limited mostly to coastal North County. But the brand’s name has made it far beyond its immediate area, thanks in large part to frequent collaborations with popular breweries throughout California. Establishing a physical location in San Diego proper will assist Burgeon in providing fans easier access to their products.
“By bringing independently, locally brewed craft beer to this neighborhood at an accessible price point, it’s our goal to deliver Burgeon beer close to home for our current fans in San Diego and connect with a new audience of craft-beer drinkers,” says Zirpolo. “The Arbor will also provide improved accessibility to our beer for those who are visiting San Diego since it is in close proximity to the airport, Santa Fe Depot, Waterfront Park, hotels and conference centers.”
To celebrate The Arbor’s arrival, Burgeon has brewed a specialty beer, Burgeon in Little Italy. That hazy IPA will be packaged in 16-ounce cans featuring prominent downtown San Diego landmarks. Following the soft opening, The Arbor will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Burgeon Beer Co. – The Arbor is located at 1326 Kettner Boulevard in downtown’s Little Italy neighborhood