Background
Mason Ale Works began with long-time friends Zak Higson and Grant Tondro. They met in high school had both gone to college and gotten degrees. They had begun their careers in corporate finance and banking before they decided to take a chance and start their own business. Both had been involved in the wine industry through college and the new venture would be an opportunity to put that knowledge to work. In January of 2007, The Barrel Room, Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro opened its doors. While Zak and Grant both kept their day jobs for several years, they added Zak’s brother Nate to the ownership and began planning for the future. The trio chose 3 Local Brothers to represent the new parent company of their future endeavors.
Eventually, the restaurant next door to The Barrel Room was listed for sale and in 2010, Urge American Gastropub was born as a craft beer and burger concept. In 2012, Brothers’ Provisions, an artisan market and deli with a killer bottle shop was opened. Three years later in 2015 Urge Gastropub & Whiskey Bank and the first location of Mason Ale Works came into existence. Finally, Urge Gastropub & Common House with the second location of Mason Ale Works their doors in San Diego in 2017.
Experience
We arrived on a Monday afternoon. If you drive, you must park in a parking garage nearby Mason Aleworks. Both the garage and entry into the Aleworks is handicapped accessible. The place is immense. One side of the building is the production brewery. As you walk in, you can see the brewery through another door. Nearby is the 8 lane bowling alley. How is that for unique? The restaurant area is huge in itself with large communal areas and private dinning areas. The bar area has an L shaped bar surrounded by tables and couches.
There were very few people there when we arrived. The talk of Corona virus had just gotten a little louder. We ordered a flight of IPAs including Peer Pressure, Mason’s Revenge, Do It For The Rind, Locker Room Supply Hazy IPA and Swearwolves. All were drinkable but nothing was outstanding. All lacked depth and had a light mouthfeel. I probably enjoyed the Swearwolves the most. We did enjoy a sandwich and an order of tacos as well.
There is a Hampton Inn San Marcos hotel nearby. When in the area, check out Modern Times, The Wild Barrel, Little Miss and Abnormal Beer Company !
