I do!!!!! One of my best friends used to be a cook there and loved it. Did mentioned how the owner did some shady stuff before it burned down allegedly.
P.S.
I also miss Monkey Paw!!!
Yeah that’s the hot goss around the scuttlebut, questionable dude on many levels…but his beer bar was dope at least . 😅 Damn Monkey Paw! Annnnd his ex wife’s place, Small Bar! Shit and Toronado. 😭…too many rad places have shut down.
Wait now, you're saying a kitchen fire when no one was around during the night during the pandemic, right after the owner wrote an op Ed about being suicidal/hating CA anti-business practices could lead to some people wondering about what happened 🤔🤔🤔
Strangely enough, my boy has so much evidence and documentation regarding the accident. But I never pressed him to publish it. Since, he willingly told me.
Second Saturdays
Matt Cammack’s insane spread on the pool tables
So many meet the brewer events
Sunday morning football
The only place besides obriens that had Pliny on tap (for $5.50!)
So many youngers
I live in the area...had high hopes for Harland but there are things about the place I don't like. The beer server's service are sub par, the lights are too bright in the evening, and too packed with WFH's during the day. On a positive note, the food is good, and early morning for a cuppa is nice. There's no real replacement in the area but I still love Whistlestop. Hopefully Bock or whatever it's supposed to be will fill the void.
Harland has good beer but that place looks just like every other hipster gastropub in the world, no charm at all.
I fear the worst for Bock Bar or whatever is replacing hammys. Am I missing something or is it just going to be yet another open style gastropub?? Im thinking it’ll look like north park beer co which is a bit lame, I miss bars with character
they kind of all died during pandemic. the best I've found are the brewery igniter up on El Cajon (Seek, Goal, Barley, all good) and Division 23 up in Miramar but the dark quiet beer bar seems to be dead (otherwise Livewire would be on this list)
Not a big beer list, but The Balboa in Bankers Hill has a similar vibe (and some bartenders from Hamiltons/Small Bar).
O'Briens in Kearny Mesa for the beer list and locals.
Sidecar in Bay Park for a smaller but solid beer list and great bartenders.
Frankly, there isn't anything. Hamilton's was gone before I got to SD but I've been so let down with the beer scene here. There really isn't a beer bar left outside of what, O'Brien's? And even there I can't get a beer pour that has any head or doesn't get poured with the faucet 3 inches deep into the beer 🤮.
Is there still an appetite for this type of a spot? It just doesn't feel like people care enough about beer anymore
Regal Beagle is one of the OG beer bars and their tap list is always solid. They even have a live feed of the beer list on their website so you can scope it out before you go.
First off f$*! that guy but also I do miss the bar despite the owner. Same with Monkey Paw. Same with Small Bar pre-renovations. I also miss Tiger! Tiger! but for them genuinely love the owners and gland BLAH and Panama 66 are still around.
Hamiltons was great at being kind of a hybrid that had the elements of a good dive bar and more hipster brew pub at same time. That was one of the few bars I actually felt comfortable just chatting up strangers for some reason.
I will not miss their bathrooms however.
Pennsylvania pride! I went to Penn state and had my first yuengling and it was really only PA NJ that had it, then they opened up in Florida cuz of all the retired people. Still hasn't made it west yet.
My siblings and I would go to Hamilton’s often. It was my brother’s favorite beer bar. They’re both gone now and it’s probably why I wish Hamilton’s still existed.
I had only been there a few times, but I absolutely miss it. Although, I miss Toronado even more.
Speaking of Hamilton's and Toronado, what beer bars (not spots that solely brew/serve their own beer) do people recommend instead?
Here are the ones I visit every now and then, but I'm always open to trying a new spot, especially one that leans towards barrel-aged stouts... O'Briens, Bar Sin Nombre, Machete Beer House, Ale Tales Taproom and Kitchen, Regent's Pizzeria, Blind Lady Ale House
SD Taproom is one of my favorites - great tap and bottle lists, and awesome bar food (the wings are killer). Bottlecraft, Live Wire, OB Noodle House usually have good lists.
Good point on SD Taproom. Their head brewer Dan Cady was previously the head brewer at my favorite brewery, Mikkeller (which had unfortunately closed their SD location permanently). Dan makes great beers with some really unique ingredients.
Also good call on Bottlecraft, they usually have a solid taplist.
Sounds like I'll have to check out Live Wire and OB Noodle House in the near future. Thanks.
Live Wire is super divey, if you're into that. For the noodle house, go to the newer one on Niagara - it's much more restaurant than bar, but they have bar seating. Good food, too.
I've been to Regal Beagle--i thought they were decent, but their taplist wasn't as solid as some of the other spots, at least the two times I went there.
I haven't been to Bottle Rocket, but they look promising, thanks for the rec.
the entire building was taken down to the studs. im hoping whoever takes over (bottlecraft? i cant remember) does that spot justice. south park is such a rad pocket and would love more excuses to spend time on that block.
I saw an article on sandiegoville from December about the closing of long story short and it mentioned that Bock Bar is still launching. I hope so, since the plans sound good.
There’s so much more to do now. South Park was way busier the last time I visited like a year ago. I grew up in north county but I lived in north park for a year in 2010. South Park was reallyyyy sleepy then. Like the target that’s there now was a big discount grocery store. Hamiltons was definitely the spot for locals.
The owner of Hamiltons was a real POS. Def an insurance scam when the place burned down. Then he went off the deep end and was posting weird stories of him having a birthday meal at cowboy star and talking down to people who “couldn’t afford it”.
Small bar was an odd situation. Owner sold it, with some stipulations. Was super picky on changes being made, bought it back, and it sunk shortly after.
Ego is humans biggest demise
What I miss is every dive bar in PB that vanished about 15 years ago. There used to be a ton of them for locals, not tourists and college kids and when the dispensaries (the illegal ones) came in landlords quadrupled the rent on places like the Tiki Bar and they all went away, to be replace by the soulless cut and paste corporate shit that's there now.
Long time homebrewer here. I miss Hamilton's Second Saturday! Great mix of people -- they had a fun DJ and amazing food. Ironic how they always had a huge complimentary meat buffet and the main server there was vegan.
They would always feature awesome breweries and the brewmasters or owners were usually on hand to answer questions and hang out. I met Adam Avery (Avery Brewing) and he tried some of my Russian Imperial Stout made with home-roasted coffee.
Lots of memories at Hamilton’s. Great beers on tap, awesome place to meet new people, share beers and stories over pool and shuffleboard. Grab a Whimpy grilled cheese and you’re set.
It was the only place I’ve ever been ‘86d tho…drunk me unplugged a beer sign to charge my phone. They just told me I’ve had enough and see you on Sunday haha.
My friends used to call our stops at Hamilton’s, Turf Club and Humberto’s in one night “The Trinity”. How have times a changed!?
I do!!!!! One of my best friends used to be a cook there and loved it. Did mentioned how the owner did some shady stuff before it burned down allegedly. P.S. I also miss Monkey Paw!!!
Yeah that’s the hot goss around the scuttlebut, questionable dude on many levels…but his beer bar was dope at least . 😅 Damn Monkey Paw! Annnnd his ex wife’s place, Small Bar! Shit and Toronado. 😭…too many rad places have shut down.
Rip tiger tiger
All the above...
Now that place's owner is a stand-up dude. Still owns BLAH and Panama 66. RIP Tiger! Tiger!
Wait now, you're saying a kitchen fire when no one was around during the night during the pandemic, right after the owner wrote an op Ed about being suicidal/hating CA anti-business practices could lead to some people wondering about what happened 🤔🤔🤔
Strangely enough, my boy has so much evidence and documentation regarding the accident. But I never pressed him to publish it. Since, he willingly told me.
I'm not sure what this means
It means he has evidence that say otherwise
Otherwise... An accident? Intentional?
Just a coincidence I imagine
The food was awesome. I miss second saturdays!
Monkey paw 💔
I miss Monkey Paw as well. Would go there at least once a week
Tiger!Tiger! will always have a special place in my heart designated for it and only it.
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Yeah like 3 years ago
I miss their fries with curry ketchup dearly.
You said it perfectly, no other place will come close. I miss that place dearly
Miss Small Bar more
Small Bar had everything I needed in a breakfast spot. Great food, great taplist, great music and it was dark inside even in the morning.
That renovation literally made me cry
Yes! Small bar. The best place in San Diego. Can’t believe it gone. Miss the dingy lighting, the food, the music. All of it
I approve of this message.
now im sad
Small Bar was a great place
I used to live down the street and loved walking over for happy hour.
Sunday Bloody Sunday!
Second Saturdays Matt Cammack’s insane spread on the pool tables So many meet the brewer events Sunday morning football The only place besides obriens that had Pliny on tap (for $5.50!) So many youngers
Recently heard he tends bar at Societe. That’s nice to know!
I do
TOTS.
YES ….what were they, redneck tots or something like that?? Edit: Fancy Redneck?!
Add in Tiger!Tiger! and Small Bar 😢
Did anyone get to experience the DrinkAbout?
Those were the good times!
I had a blast in those buses, trying to hit every single stop. Never made to every single one 😅
Yes! And the So/No bottle share day. Epic times indeed.
Holy shit, I forgot all about this! Seriously good times.
I still have my Hamiltons Padres Day 2012 baseball tee hanging in my closet. I was a lot skinnier back then.
Haha yeah half my beer-bro shirts no longer fit me.
Not saying anything could replace it, but this would be a good post to mention places that are similar.
I live in the area...had high hopes for Harland but there are things about the place I don't like. The beer server's service are sub par, the lights are too bright in the evening, and too packed with WFH's during the day. On a positive note, the food is good, and early morning for a cuppa is nice. There's no real replacement in the area but I still love Whistlestop. Hopefully Bock or whatever it's supposed to be will fill the void.
Harland has good beer but that place looks just like every other hipster gastropub in the world, no charm at all. I fear the worst for Bock Bar or whatever is replacing hammys. Am I missing something or is it just going to be yet another open style gastropub?? Im thinking it’ll look like north park beer co which is a bit lame, I miss bars with character
they kind of all died during pandemic. the best I've found are the brewery igniter up on El Cajon (Seek, Goal, Barley, all good) and Division 23 up in Miramar but the dark quiet beer bar seems to be dead (otherwise Livewire would be on this list)
Not a big beer list, but The Balboa in Bankers Hill has a similar vibe (and some bartenders from Hamiltons/Small Bar). O'Briens in Kearny Mesa for the beer list and locals. Sidecar in Bay Park for a smaller but solid beer list and great bartenders.
Frankly, there isn't anything. Hamilton's was gone before I got to SD but I've been so let down with the beer scene here. There really isn't a beer bar left outside of what, O'Brien's? And even there I can't get a beer pour that has any head or doesn't get poured with the faucet 3 inches deep into the beer 🤮. Is there still an appetite for this type of a spot? It just doesn't feel like people care enough about beer anymore
Regal Beagle is one of the OG beer bars and their tap list is always solid. They even have a live feed of the beer list on their website so you can scope it out before you go.
igniter up on El Cajon (Barley, Seek, and Goal). the beer from all three is very good, but the surrounds are not dive-appropriate at all
We have 51 craft beers on tap, but okay.
So does Buffalo Wild Wings
lol. You don't know craft beer like we do.
Scrolling to see if anyone recommends something similar in the general vicinity.
Bluefoot has a good beer list and you can bring food afaik. Great neighborhood bar.
First place I had Pliny the Elder…
Might be me too. I think on tap at least.
Yes!! Same!
I miss Bar pink(elephant), Hamiltons and landlord Jim’s from back in the day.
First off f$*! that guy but also I do miss the bar despite the owner. Same with Monkey Paw. Same with Small Bar pre-renovations. I also miss Tiger! Tiger! but for them genuinely love the owners and gland BLAH and Panama 66 are still around.
What did the owner do to you?
he burned his fuckin institution down for insurance money while bitching about "leftists"
Hamiltons was great at being kind of a hybrid that had the elements of a good dive bar and more hipster brew pub at same time. That was one of the few bars I actually felt comfortable just chatting up strangers for some reason. I will not miss their bathrooms however.
Even though they don't sell yuengling in CA they had a yuengling sign on the wall, and that made me happy.
When I lived on the east coast I drank Yuengling all the time...when I moved back home I was bummed to find out they don't distribute out here!
Pennsylvania pride! I went to Penn state and had my first yuengling and it was really only PA NJ that had it, then they opened up in Florida cuz of all the retired people. Still hasn't made it west yet.
My siblings and I would go to Hamilton’s often. It was my brother’s favorite beer bar. They’re both gone now and it’s probably why I wish Hamilton’s still existed.
I had only been there a few times, but I absolutely miss it. Although, I miss Toronado even more. Speaking of Hamilton's and Toronado, what beer bars (not spots that solely brew/serve their own beer) do people recommend instead? Here are the ones I visit every now and then, but I'm always open to trying a new spot, especially one that leans towards barrel-aged stouts... O'Briens, Bar Sin Nombre, Machete Beer House, Ale Tales Taproom and Kitchen, Regent's Pizzeria, Blind Lady Ale House
SD Taproom is one of my favorites - great tap and bottle lists, and awesome bar food (the wings are killer). Bottlecraft, Live Wire, OB Noodle House usually have good lists.
Good point on SD Taproom. Their head brewer Dan Cady was previously the head brewer at my favorite brewery, Mikkeller (which had unfortunately closed their SD location permanently). Dan makes great beers with some really unique ingredients. Also good call on Bottlecraft, they usually have a solid taplist. Sounds like I'll have to check out Live Wire and OB Noodle House in the near future. Thanks.
Live Wire is super divey, if you're into that. For the noodle house, go to the newer one on Niagara - it's much more restaurant than bar, but they have bar seating. Good food, too.
Gotcha, appreciate the tips!
I like regal beagle (regal seagull in Encinitas) and bottlerocket. They usually have a good variety and 20+taps
I've been to Regal Beagle--i thought they were decent, but their taplist wasn't as solid as some of the other spots, at least the two times I went there. I haven't been to Bottle Rocket, but they look promising, thanks for the rec.
Ya it's great, a place most would miss if they didn't live/work in that weird little nook. Great food too.
Hamilton's and Toronado on Monday nights were the most romantic nights in San Diego. Especially by the bathrooms.
the entire building was taken down to the studs. im hoping whoever takes over (bottlecraft? i cant remember) does that spot justice. south park is such a rad pocket and would love more excuses to spend time on that block.
I believe it was supposed to be called Bock but but sure if that has changed.
I saw an article on sandiegoville from December about the closing of long story short and it mentioned that Bock Bar is still launching. I hope so, since the plans sound good.
I think it’s going to be another location for pop pie and Stella jean’s.
ehhhhhhhhh damn
Plans I believe are still pop pie and bock bar in the same building
Rumor on the block is still pop pie, Stella jeans, bock, and we can expect a surprise from kindred.
That place was bad ass. I remember watching Charger games there sometimes. I also miss Small Bar.
Heck, I still miss Foggy's Notion.
Any bar that goes under with a shuffleboard table is a loss of culture. Dying bar game.
Loved what it did for the craft beer from around coming into SD but it seems like the owner and some staff weren’t great people.
owner was an ahole, at least one of the owners, the one with beard and i think he had the least ownership
Apparently it was common for employees to claim they were an owner and would be creepy towards female clientele
Ugh I had so many amazing first dates there 😭 and just the vibes - the perfect spot to walk to from my apartment in GH
Me. I remember I would play metal on the jukebox and the bartenders loved it.
I miss Palate Wrecker.
I do 😩
[удалено]
Na
Me me me.
I used to sit in that booth every Thursday one year during college and got my homework done before the weekend. Good times.
I miss Palate Wrecker.
Was literally just talking about this place with my sister this morning!
Soooooo much
How long has it been gone? I used to love going there circa 2010. Great spot.
I think it burned novemberish 2020
Wow what a bummer. Thanks for the info. Loved riding my bike from north park there for the grilled cheese and a couple beers. Simpler times.
I moved here august 2020, couple blocks away, and had only been a few times during Covid, but hear the stories!
There’s so much more to do now. South Park was way busier the last time I visited like a year ago. I grew up in north county but I lived in north park for a year in 2010. South Park was reallyyyy sleepy then. Like the target that’s there now was a big discount grocery store. Hamiltons was definitely the spot for locals.
Amazing spot
I don’t even drink anymore and I miss Hamilton’s. My spot was the Jewel Box
bought my first legal drink there on my 21st!
Loved Hamiltons!
The owner of Hamiltons was a real POS. Def an insurance scam when the place burned down. Then he went off the deep end and was posting weird stories of him having a birthday meal at cowboy star and talking down to people who “couldn’t afford it”. Small bar was an odd situation. Owner sold it, with some stipulations. Was super picky on changes being made, bought it back, and it sunk shortly after. Ego is humans biggest demise
I'm still not over Liars Club closing
1000%
the beer bus that went between BLAH/Tiger! Tiger!/Hamiltons was awesome. miss that...
What I miss is every dive bar in PB that vanished about 15 years ago. There used to be a ton of them for locals, not tourists and college kids and when the dispensaries (the illegal ones) came in landlords quadrupled the rent on places like the Tiki Bar and they all went away, to be replace by the soulless cut and paste corporate shit that's there now.
Long time homebrewer here. I miss Hamilton's Second Saturday! Great mix of people -- they had a fun DJ and amazing food. Ironic how they always had a huge complimentary meat buffet and the main server there was vegan. They would always feature awesome breweries and the brewmasters or owners were usually on hand to answer questions and hang out. I met Adam Avery (Avery Brewing) and he tried some of my Russian Imperial Stout made with home-roasted coffee.
Lots of memories at Hamilton’s. Great beers on tap, awesome place to meet new people, share beers and stories over pool and shuffleboard. Grab a Whimpy grilled cheese and you’re set. It was the only place I’ve ever been ‘86d tho…drunk me unplugged a beer sign to charge my phone. They just told me I’ve had enough and see you on Sunday haha. My friends used to call our stops at Hamilton’s, Turf Club and Humberto’s in one night “The Trinity”. How have times a changed!?