It goes without saying that, in no way is this list a definite one, but a mere summary of this year's best, which was determined by our readers, and presented to you with gladly by the SanDiegoRed Staff.
"Best Brewery"
Mamut Brewery Co.
The exponential growth of this handcrafted experience has been so surprising, as well as memorable. This "little brewery that could" from Tijuana, expanded to two more branches this year, offering a unique, as well as pleasant, experience. Located on Pasaje Rodriguez, Mamut, offers an intimate and casual experience, while its terrace above Calle 3ra in Downtown Tijuana offers a not so distant ambiance of what you would have seen on "Cheers".
The kindness in their service in both places is unique, functioning as tour guides for craft beer rookies and as allies to clients with a more experimented palate. Combine this with a menu that is excellently paired up with a warm environment; there is no doubt that Mamut, provides the best craft beer experience. We anxiously await their upcoming opening, which will expand their small empire in 2015 to the famous Plaza Fiesta.
Oficial site.
Runner-up: 1994 Bar
"Best Craft Beer"
Milo Goes To Brunch from Clampdown Brewing Co.
Possibly one the last craft beers to be released this year, Milo Goes To Brunch from Tijuana's brewery Clampdown Brewing Co., was talked about non-stop due to its limited production and original design, making it one of December's most requested beer as well as the most voted one by our readers, who were fascinated with this seasonal drink.
This beer is a Spiced Milk Stout that has a strong scent of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, and the use of milk gives it a sweet taste as well as silky texture. Also, it only contains 5.1% alcohol proof, making it perfect for this cold weather, along with a nice dessert. This beer pays tribute to one of the best punk bands of all times.
Official site.
Runner-up:
"Aura" from Lúdica Artesanal
"High-End Dinning In Tijuana"
Caesar's Restaurant
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but Caesar's restaurant pleasantly breaks this rule. For a very long time, Caesar's was considered as Tijuana's gastronomic epicenter, this being backed-up by decades of tradition and history. This restaurant has done what only few have been able to do over the past few years, which is to reinvent their culinary proposal without losing their classic elegance ambiance.
With a whole new generation of pups roaming around, this Alpha Dog is still beating them in the culinary game.
Official site.
Runner-up: Casa Plascencia
"Best Dive Bar"
Dandy del Sur
When we posted this category, the idea was, Where to place these very typical places in Baja and Mexico that don't really fit under the definition of "club"? This is a place where glamour does not exist. There were several candidates, but none of the have the back story of Dandy del Sur.
Dandy del Sur may not be glamorous but it sure is elegant. The string lights that illuminate
[p]the bar, its historic photographs on the wall and its jukebox with romantic songs, make this bar a must for tourist as for city natives who want to savor the city's past and present.
[/p]
Official site.
Runner-up: La Mezcalera
"Best Food Patio"
Colectivo 9
Food Patios are concept that each time are becoming something characteristic of Baja Califiornia (and changing as well). According to our readers opinion, Colecitvo 9 is the one that best represents this new trend, and it's easy to see why.
The food options in this "gastropark" go from homemade experiences (Chalita, Santa Brigada) to wild and exotic ones (Beirut, Tatami), finishing of with classic comfort food (Indie Burgers). This place is ideal for the whole family or a group of friends who can't
[p]decide on just one place. There is something for everybody.
[/p]
Official site.
Runner-up: Telefónica Gastro Park
"Best Food Truck"
Maquina 65
This was the hardest category, given that this year brought a lot of interesting new proposals regarding this new casual option of eating. However, Máquina 65 fusion surprises us with the way it plays with the lunchbox or dinner concept. It doesn't push the affordable meal concept aside, it just simply elevates it to an unmatched quality standard. A clear example of this is their octopus burger. Yep. You have to try it.
Official site.
Runner-up: The Rib Shop
"Best Quality Dinning In Valle de Guadalupe"
Fuego Restaurant and Lounge
Executive chef of Fuego, Mario Peralta, is no stranger to the state's culinary scene. Nonetheless, Fuego has accomplish an excellent harmony between high-end cuisine and casual homemade food, which is its main influence.
The restaurant's environment has an aura of elegance about it, but once you had a first bite of you dish, you will feel right at home.
Official site.
Runner-up Finca Altozano
"Best Street Food"
La Guerrerense Seafood
We don't need to say it, just ask any tourist that lines up on Sunday morning after traveling for hours on a bus just to taste a tostada, or ask residents from Mexico City who pay outrageous amounts of money just to take Doña Sabina so she can prepare exquisite dishes for their events, o the world renowned chef, food critic, and television presenter Anthony Bourdain, who has mentioned in his TV show how this little street cart has provided him with the best seafood of his life.
Without a doubt, Mariscos la Guerrerense is on a whole other level of distinction and this list is no exception. It's sort of an ironic pride thing, that proves just how spoiled we our in own state, seeing as how people from around the world travel just to delight themselves with little place that we have just around the corner.
Official site.
Runner-up: Tacos El Yaqui – Perrones
But wait, there's more to come! Keep checking our site for our Editor's Pick awards and a few more winners from our polls soon.
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