Restaurant Review: Ballast Point Tasting Room & Kitchen

Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits has 6 tasting rooms in Southern California, with the most recent one opening up in Temecula about a year ago. Not very familiar with Ballast Point beer it took us awhile but we finally paid it a visit. The atmosphere was loud and a little confusing. Their were signs posted everywhere that said to order at the bar however once we took our seats we were presented with menus.

The drink menu has a large selection of craft beers. I decided to try the Flight of the Week which included four 4oz. testers of some of their light beers; Sea Rose, Tart Peach, California Kolsch, and Manta Ray.

Unfortunately I wasn't that impressed with any of them. Chris also ordered a flight of his creation. He tends to like darker beers, porters and stouts, but he also wasn't a fan of the ones he tried. I am not claiming to be a beer connoisseur though, I know many people who enjoy Ballast Point beers, don't  mind my opinion.

The food however was another story, I found it pretty good.

I ordered the BBQ Bacon Burger made with flavorful Wagyu beef, barbecue sauce, cheddar, smoked bacon and crispy onions on a buttery Brioche bun. It was one of the better burgers I have had in awhile. The side salad was fresh, but nothing fancy.

Chris had the Loaded B.L.A.T a toasted Sourdough sandwich filled with smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato. He thought it was also pretty good and enjoyed the smoked flavor of the bacon.

We had our daughter with us although the place is not very kid friendly, they don't even have a kids menu. So unless your child is an adventurous eater I would save this place for date night when you have a sitter available. She had the Fish & Chips made with the fish of the day which happened to be Albacore on this day. I had never had beer battered tuna so I was pretty interested in trying it. The batter was crisp and flavorful however the tuna was a little dry. Tuna does not make for the best tasting fried fish. The homemade tartar sauce did  help though, it was extra dill-y just like I like it. The fries were also crispy and pretty good.

This place is definitely for the beer drinker. The food is meant to compliment the large selection they offer. It looks like a fun place to enjoy with friends on a Friday or Saturday night. They also have a great outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your drink and meal around an open fire.

Ballast Point
28551 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92590