Originally published at https://www.escondido.org on May 3, 2021.
New on Grand, Barrel Republic pours good times and great taps.
Dave Pike was out dining with his wife one night and sampling some San Diego craft beers at a crowded bar when he had a thought. He told his wife, “Wouldn’t it be nice to sample all of the beer list without having to wait in line every time to try them?”
From that idea, Barrel Republic was conceptualized and created. With four locations throughout San Diego County, the newest one just opened in April on Grand Avenue in Escondido. This unique, family-friendly restaurant and bar experience - with the motto, Freedom to Pour - allows diners to pour their own beverages from an assortment of over 60 taps filled with local and craft beers from around the country, cider drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks such as handcrafted sodas, coffees, teas, and Kombuchas.
“We have a super venue with super food and our unique way of having our customers try different beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks,” said Pike. “There’s something for everybody.”
At Barrel Republic, the guests are their own bartenders. “Barrel Republic was the first restaurant or bar that did not have a bartender,” said Pike. “It is exclusively self-pour.”
Attendants are available to answer questions and serve food and the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help guests make drinks or food selections. But when it comes to pouring, it is a self-serve process.
Guests receive a bracelet when they enter the restaurant that tracks their pours. “You can pour a pint, you can pour one ounce, or do a dash,” Pike said. The bracelet limits alcohol self-pours to 36 ounces to ensure that no one is over consuming.
Taps provide detailed information on iPad technology.
Each tap also has an iPad located next to it with information about the beverages. It contains information including the name of the beer, its alcohol content, the brewers, and even added details such as the types of notes you can expect to taste when drinking it.
“You can browse around and decide what to try and have some kind of content to go along with your decision-making process,” said Pike.
Besides giving guests the ability to pour as they wish, Pike believes this type of atmosphere gives guests the opportunity to discuss the craft drinks with others who also enjoy tasting new flavors.
“It gives everyone the ability to buzz around the room and socialize,” he said. “It kind of creates a fellowship between the people who have similar interests.”
Of course with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, social distancing protocols are still adhered to. However, there is plenty of outdoor space.
“We have tons of back patio, front patio, and street seating,” said Pike. “We’re really entertaining a lot of people while still respecting COVID regulations.”
While Barrel Republic only opened in Escondido in April, it was a location Pike had set sights on for a while. “My mom worked across the street at the antique mall for many years so I knew the area,” he said.
Barrel Republic is located where the Avocado Grill used to be, and even though it is deemed a historical location, which came with considerations for remodeling, Pike is glad to be in Escondido. “We feel really embraced by the community and it’s been exciting; it’s what I have hoped,” he said. “Everyone who I have met who works with the city has been supportive and encouraging. I appreciate all the support.”
Joanna Axelrod, Escondido’s Deputy City Manager/Director Communications and Community Services, said Barrel Republic is a welcomed addition to the other restaurants and businesses on Grand Avenue.
“Barrel Republic has such a fun and vibrant concept that has already been embraced by the community,” Axelrod said. “It’s a great place to go with friends or with families. There is no question that our locals have welcomed this new bar and restaurant and will frequent it often.”
In addition to the vast selection of beverages, the food menu is also quite tasty. “None of the Barrel Republics have a freezer,” said Pike. In fact, they are all scratch kitchens that make all the food selections fresh daily.
Guests raise a glass to Escondido’s newest restaurant and bar.
It’s an American eclectic family menu that includes starters, salads, flatbreads, tacos, burgers and desserts. For diners looking for a deal, Monday nights are Burger Mondays. Guests get a Barrel Burger with fresh, hand-cut potato fries for $7.00. This special has been embraced by customers and has made Monday nights one of the busiest nights for the restaurant.
Pike has plans to expand the Escondido location. Phase II, which is in the planning process, will connect with the neighboring property and give Barrel Republic an additional patio space with more seating and an outdoor game space, including cornhole.
Ample indoor and outdoor seating gives guests plenty of seating options.
Pike is glad to be in Escondido and provide the community with a fun, family dining option and hopes the locals will become regulars. “We just want to be part of the community and thrive with the local residents,” he said.
Barrel Republic is located at 136 W. Grand Avenue. For more information or reservations, call, 760-479-7001.