WHY At least two cask-conditioned ‘real’ ale firkins always on tap and what has to be the largest Scotch collection in California.

WHAT This dark, tattered bar hardly looks like much—until you open the menu and discover hundreds of interesting beers and whiskeys. The cask ales, typically from San Diego breweries, vary weekly, and the fantastic house-made potato chips go down just as easy.

WHO Regulars who look as tired as the barstools, home brewers after a club meeting, and college students pretending that they always spring for good beer.