Mike Hess Brewing Partners With City Tacos For New Tasting Room

Mike Hess Brewing of San Diego (MHB) has announced the expansion of their premiere local craft brewery to Imperial Beach. In early 2018, MHB will open doors to a 4,300 ft indoor and outdoor tasting room, taco shop and beer garden located at 805 Ocean Lane and the adjacent vacant lot. The new location will be the first of Mike Hess Brewing’s locations to feature food, partnering up with Gerry Torres of North Park’s famous City Tacos.

Design and Concept

Mike Hess Brewing has partnered with Chris Bittner of OBR Architecture to create a multifaceted space centered around the community of Imperial Beach. OBR Architecture is locally known for their design on the Liberty Station Art District and other world-class projects around San Diego. The projected $300,000 project will accommodate 185 guests and feature ocean-inspired colors and textures.

The focal point of the casual and airy waterfront tasting room is a distinct two story container seating area with over 75 seats plus an adjacent, container-based satellite craft beer bar. In addition to the indoor space, a communal outdoor and recreational patio allows guests to play classic brewery games such as cornhole, jenga and darts and relax around a fire pit.

“Imperial Beach is a great town, full of character with lots of great things going for it. As a former Navy officer, I’m particularly excited about the Navy moving their facilities to IB, and being on the beach and on the main drag we’re hoping it will be the spot for locals and make IB residents proud,” said Mike Hess Brewing’s founder. “We’re also excited to provide a world-class tourist venue as well, showcasing what San Diego does best – beer, beaches and great Mexican food.”

Partnership and Food

City Tacos has partnered with MHB’s North Park location for over 3 years as a mobile food vendor. “We love the Hess family and are very enthusiastic about our sunny future in IB. Our guests will love the new space, menu and the added beer tastings.” commented founder Gerry Torres. “Imperial Beach represents the wholesome California dream and lifestyle that we as individuals pursue and sometimes, as in my case, are fortunate to live!”

City Tacos was founded on May 5, 2014 under four basic principles: quality, service, value and innovation. This driving force for their family owned and operated group of “street food made with love outposts” is comprised of gourmet taqueria shop, City Tacos and a new age cevicheria named Tostadas both in North Park, and IB Street Tacos, a traditional taqueria, all backed by a centrally located commissary that provides the group a unique opportunity to truly prepare food the way it was and should be done…con sazon—that special touch of positive emotions & seasoning that makes food pop!

The new brewery location will feature local favorites such as tacos, tostadas, chips and salsas as well as “New Mexican” affordable “ Cocina de Autor “—re-imagined small plates founded on rich culinary history.

Anticipated Hours of Operations:

Parking and Access

Street parking is available in IB up and down Seacoast Drive, as well there are several public lots on either side of the project. Guests are encouraged to ride their bikes—there will be more than 25 bike racks on the South wall—or walk in. Surfboard racks, and even a surfer and swimmers’ shower are incorporated into the project.