Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery (San Diego, CA)

I've been to several Rock Bottom locations before, and can't say that I was overly wowed when I heard that a location opened downtown in The Gaslamp district (at the old Cheese Factory location). I used to live in the East Village, and was eating/drinking in The Gaslamp more-or-less every night. But I think that even if I still lived on the corner of 10th and E Street, I wouldn't stop in to the Rock Bottom more often once or twice a year.

There are many reasons why I don't care for the Rock Bottom mega-ultra-chain -- the Starbucks of brewpubs. Strictly average and way-too safe and boring. Seems to try too hard to be too popular for too many people, with strictly marginal results. Keeping in mind that these comments can refer to both the Rock Bottom chain, and their beers.

Like every other Rock Bottom I've been to, a rather pedistrian selection of non-descript brews: "Light" "Pale", "Stout", "Porter", "Red", and so on. The few times I've stopped by, they've also had various "seasonal" selections, including a Hefeweizen during the Summer, and a semi-obligatory Oktoberfest. Never anything that really stands out, IMO.

Food and atmosphere fine, nothing to get excited about. The Gaslamp location in particular seems to cater more to the yuppy bar-hopping tourist sect than most, but that's just the nature of The Gaslamp area in general. A touch hoity-toity.

Really nothing to go out of your way for, but ok for a stop if you happen to already be in The Gaslamp/Convention Center area.
//TB