Liberty Call Distilling Opening Tapas-Style Restaurant And Distillery In Barrio Logan In April

More than a year after first revealing plans to open in Barrio Logan, San Diego’s Liberty Call Distilling announces the wait is over. The award-winning craft distillery will open at 1985 National Avenue during a grand opening weekend beginning Thursday, April 2.

As a pioneer of San Diego’s craft spirits movement, Liberty Call Distilling’s newest concept will center on California tapas and craft cocktails served in a fast casual restaurant adjacent a glass-enclosed distillery. The project is designed in large part by well-known chef Miguel Valdez,born and raised in Barrio Logan, and is Liberty Call’s first addition to its original Spring Valley distillery, founded in 2013.

Liberty Call Distilling Opening Tapas-Style Restaurant And Distillery In Barrio Logan In April

The space

The space will encompass nearly 3,300 square feet designed by Hurkes Harris Design Associates, who have developed such industry hot spots as The Local, Breakfast Republic and Resident Brewing. An open floor plan with lounge-like ambience will showcase a working still behind a glass partition, inviting the public to see first-hand where Liberty Call’s expansive portfolio of gin, white and spiced rums, bourbon and American single malt whiskey is made.

Within the restaurant, a full bar will serve craft cocktails while California tapas will be available via counter service. A large, garage door-style wall will roll up to reveal views of Coronado Bridge and an outdoor patio with a fire pit, herb garden and high-top tables along the perimeter. Liberty Call Distilling will seat approximately 75 guests.

A local and well-known chef in the house

“I have a deep connection to this community and its values, and it humbles me to see people embracing the food I grew up enjoying,” said Chef Miguel Valdez. “I look forward to recreating these memories as California tapas on Liberty Call’s menu, and above all, I want people to share in these memories and leave with a smile on their face. That’s why I always go back quality comfort food. I’d love to bring it back to this community which is where I grew up and where I started.”

Valdez, who gained acclaim for seasonal and sustainable fare during his time at The Red Door in Mission Hills, grew up in Barrio Logan and has designed Liberty Call’s dinner, lunch and brunch menus to align with the meals he enjoyed in his youth and his vision for the culinary future.

Standout food and signature sauces

Lunch menu standouts include Tommy’s Tuna Melt (named after the well-known local fishmonger) and the house special Liberty Dog, a smoked bacon wrapped hotdog with seasonal pico de gallo and Liberty Call’s signature Gin Chili Rojo Sauce. Liberty Call will be the first restaurant and distillery in San Diego serving signature sauces made with the distillery’s own spirits; further examples include the dinner menu’s Bone Marrow with Filet of Beef Tartare with a Bourbon Mustard, and Grilled Lamb Lollipops featuring Liberty Call’s signature Spiced Rum Chimichurri.

“I’ve been working with a wide range of Liberty Call’s spirits while planning this menu. This creation of new sauces using the distillery’s own craft spirits is pushing new boundaries and allows me to incorporate additional and unexpected layers of flavor,”
said Valdez.

Liberty Call Distilling’s kitchen will also serve as Valdez’ playground for designing frequent Chef’s Table pop-up dinner events designed for no more than a dozen guests at a time. Valdez will also use the kitchen to continue creating fare for farm-to-table offsite catering.

Cocktails to watch out for

A carefully planned beverage menu emphasizes the distillery’s original low abv draft cocktails as well as seasonal and barrel aged cocktails, plus local non-alcoholic options. Among its craft cocktails—created with house made simple syrups, bitters and shrubs—Liberty Call will offer variations of classic libations such as the Paloma-inspired Working Person’s Drink and the Menudo Mary.

A rotating monthly featured cocktail begins with April’s Showers & Flowers with Szechuan peppercorn infused Liberty Call gin, lavender and rose simple syrup, Key lime juice, sage and an edible floral garnish. Local craft beers and Valle de Guadalupe wines will also be served.

Upon opening to the public, Liberty Call Distilling’s hours will be Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About Liberty Call Distilling

Founded in 2013 and today considered one of the pioneers of San Diego’s booming 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. Liberty Call Distilling’s two locations include its manufacturing distillery in Spring Valley and its soon-to-open distillery and kitchen at 1985 National Avenue in Barrio Logan.

See you there!

Share This Post
The Latest
Mt. Ada
The perfect pop-up escape awaits just 22 miles off the Southern California coast. Catalina Island debuts exciting new summer adventures that blend beachside relaxation, small-town...
victorian hotel room
The legendary Hotel del Coronado announced the completion of its Victorian building revitalization, marking the final milestone in Blackstone Real Estate’s comprehensive $550 million transformation...
Daybreaker SD
Something magical happened last time Daybreaker Coffee Club took over Quartyard, and now it’s happening again. This isn’t your typical morning gathering—it’s a full-throttle celebration...
Medieval Festival at Serpentine Cider
Huzzah! Time travel becomes reality this weekend at Serpentine Cider’s Medieval Festival. Step back to the Middle Ages for an afternoon of knights, maidens, craft...
Annual Art In The Village In Carlsbad Returns For Its 24th Year
Two and a half decades of artistic excellence return to Carlsbad Village. Art in the Village celebrates its 27th year bringing together more than 150...
Mirae kh RHEE Constellations
Art meets personal narrative in one of this year’s most compelling exhibitions. “Mirae kh RHEE: Constellations” opens at MOPA@SDMA, presenting a deeply moving exploration of...
Recently Featured Restaurants
San Diego got a serious culinary upgrade with Little Italy’s Barra Oliba, the Spanish-inspired bistro that opened late in 2024. The restaurant has already established...
The bayfront dining scene at Mission Bay has a new star, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Bianchi Pizza & Pasta has opened...
A new fire has lit up Little Italy—Piedra Santa, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, is now open and bringing the bold, smoky tradition of open-flame grilling to...
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...