After two years of planning, permits and pandemics, the wait is over as Liberty Call Distilling in Barrio Logan has opened its doors to dine-in guests for the first time.
June will serve as a soft opening phase for the new restaurant-distillery as it ramps up a California tapas-style menu while ensuring adherence to CDC safety guidelines.
“This has been the most unusual soft opening ever. COVID-19 has almost helped us keep our crowds down as we start to open, which has been great as we train our staff,” said Bill Rogers, founder of Liberty Call Distilling and longtime resident of Coronado Island.
Liberty Call’s menu is created by farm-to-table chef Miguel Valdez, who focused on comfort foods of his youth when designing each dish. Current comforting options include Braised Short Rib Tacos with birria, Liberty Call Seasonal Poutine with beer cheese sauce, Chorizo Pigs in a Blanket, and Chef’s Cashew Wings in a chili glaze with chive ranch.
“I have a deep connection to this community and its values, and it has always humbled me to see people embracing the food I grew up enjoying,” said Chef Miguel Valdez, who was partially raised in Barrio Logan. “I always go back to quality comfort food, and I’d love to bring that back to this community where I grew up.”
The cocktail menu, available for dine-in and takeout, emphasizes low abv, barrel-aged and craft cocktails. Among these libations—created with house made simple syrups, bitters and shrubs—are variations on classics like the Liberty Lime Margarita and Mucho Mint Julep, plus an interactive dealer’s choice drink that promises a unique experience.
Guests can also enjoy craft beers from San Diego and Mexico, like the organic Mosaic Hazy Pale Ale from Navy veteran-owned Protector Brewery, and wines from Valle de Guadalupe are also available.
Liberty Call Distilling continues to offer takeout for those dining at home as well as pickup of its best-selling Constitution Bourbon. Building on an earlier initiative with the San Diego Distillers Guild to help support the community during COVID-19, Liberty Call also continues to make hand sanitizer in personal and gallon-sizes available for visitors.
The nearly 3,300-square-foot open floor plan showcases a working still behind a glass partition, inviting the public to see first-hand where Liberty Call’s expansive portfolio of artisanal spirits are made. A garage door-style wall at its west end rolls up to reveal views of Coronado Bridge and patio with fire pit.
Founded in 2013 as one of the pioneers of San Diego’s local craft spirits industry, Liberty Call Distilling specializes in hand crafted grain-to-glass whiskey, bourbon, rum and gin while acknowledging its hometown’s historic ties to the United States Navy.
Current hours are 3 to 8 pm Wednesday through Friday and 12 to 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays at 1985 National Avenue, San Diego. This is the first addition to Liberty Call’s manufacturing distillery in Spring Valley. A Grand Opening and expanded hours are being planned for summer 2020. Visit www.libertycall.com and follow @LibertyCallDistilling.
