Over the past few months, amidst the hustle and bustle of San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, many passersby could not help but be intrigued by all the construction going on at the very prominent corner of Fifth and Market. With the transformation of the space finally complete, the Verant Group readies to drop the veil of banners and curtains that cloak the edifice and open the doors of their latest venture and first downtown location, barleymash.

barleymash is San Diego’s fun, high-energy eatery that takes full advantage of all that San Diego keeps on tap — the weather, the people, and of course, the local brews. At the heart of it all, barleymash aims to deliver a truly authentic San Diego experience, where locals will get the chance to celebrate their home, and tourists will have a beautiful snapshot of life in America’s Finest City. Massive garage-door style windows roll up to let in the cool city breezes and warm rays of sunshine fill the space daily. Three large community tables foster a vibrant social scene, and the reclaimed wood from the original foundation adorns the main bar giving a nod to the building’s history. The name, in fact, refers to the typical grain mixture used in the brewing and distillation process of both beer and bourbon. Keeping true to its name, barleymash offers a diverse array of the finest beers and bourbons, and pays homage to the many local brewers that have helped pin San Diego as the best beer city in the country. With 30 beers on tap, there’s surely something for everyone’s palate. Thankfully, these tasty beverages are not merely reserved for the bar. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Kevin Templeton masterfully incorporates them into many of his delicious recipes that make up barleymash’s creative menu of progressive bar fare. Tantalizing beer- and bourbon-based food emphasize organic, locally grown and sustainable ingredients with everything made from scratch. Look no further than the menu for the “proof in the pudding:” flatbread pizzas are called Barley Pies and made with Red Trolley, homemade ketchup is whipped up with PBR, and barleymash burgers are topped with “ale-oli”.

Located directly below barleymash is ginger’s, a sexy and sophisticated lounge, where the beer taps give way to martinis and crafted cocktails. It’s the ideal place to chat, sip and socialize with friends. This innovative design offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to cheer on the home team with the local faithful or meet up with friends for a relaxing drink after work, visitors will find a space just right for them. To fuel the evenings, co-founder Eric Lingenfelder of the Verant Group, promises entertainment seven nights a week with bands and deejays, as well as various special events to keep San Diego’s social calendar full.

It’s barleymash’s philosophy that life is meant to be sipped and savored, not gulped. This restaurant is a true San Diego original that creates a unique taste for everyone who stops in and understands that the real secret behind what makes this city great are the passionate, creative people who live here. Come by, raise a glass and feel proud to call yourself a local…even if it is just for the weekend.

For the past three years, Alternative Strategies has proudly worked with the Verant Group and their seven hugely popular restaurant locations. We are excited to continue this relationship collaborating on the opening of their latest venture, barleymash and ginger’s. To that end, we shall be managing all their public relations initiatives, social media and marketing, and ushering in yet another success for the Verant Group.

For additional information, please visit barleymash at www.barleymash.com, Ginger’s at www.gingersgaslamp.com and Alternative Strategies at www.altstrategies.com.