The Craftsman New American Tavern Awards

The Craftsman New American Tavern Restaurant Review:

Chef Wade Hageman, who mastered thin-crust pies at Blue Ribbon Pizzeria, and his wife-general manager Kristi’s second eatery in Encinitas delivers compelling comfort food. Reclaimed wood from an old Amish barn sets the nostalgic tavern tone, while modern twists on traditional fare entice, like deviled eggs and Serrano ham, lobster corn dogs, deep-fried Brussels sprouts and duck fat fries with black garlic aïoli. The menu features juicy burgers like the Craftsman, grass-fed-beef with bacon-onion marmalade; and the Speakeasy with smoked bacon, a sunny side up egg, tomato confit and arugula. Hearty steaks, chops and braised short ribs carry on the meat theme. Mussels and a fresh daily catch appeal to seafood fans. Brick-oven flatbreads are innovative, like the pulled pork, barbecue sauce, Canadian bacon and jalapeños version. Sunday brunch calls for bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys and short rib beef hash and made-to-order omelets. Fresh fruit-infused moonshine cocktails come in Mason jars, and there are plenty of beers on tap, unless you prefer tall boy PBRs, a signature beer at all of Hageman's haunts. Communal tables and attentive servers further enliven this fun gastropub.