Is there parking near Draft House Belmont Park?

You're right on the Mission Beach boardwalk, so parking is street-level and lot-based—expect it to fill up fast on sunny weekends and during peak beach season. Get there early if you want a spot close by, or use the paid lots nearby. The tradeoff: you're literally steps from the sand and ocean views, which makes the parking hunt worth it.

What should I order first?

Start with the chicken—multiple reviewers called it 10/10, and that's rare consensus. The creme brûlée French toast is worth trying if you're going brunch-style. Then grab a beer from their 50+ tap selection, which leans hard into San Diego craft options. Portions are generous, so don't over-order.

Is Draft House good for groups?

Yes—it's built for it. The casual vibe, outdoor seating, and sports atmosphere make it perfect for group dinners and late-night hangouts. They host events like trivia nights, which keeps the energy high. Just know that service can get spotty when it's packed, so manage expectations during peak times.

There's outdoor seating on the boardwalk, which is typically where dogs are welcome at Mission Beach spots. Check with the staff when you arrive to confirm current dog policies for their patio setup.

What's the best time to visit to avoid a long wait?

Weekday late afternoons and early evenings tend to be quieter than weekends. If you're going for the sunset and views, aim for late lunch—you'll catch the light without the post-beach crowd crush. Beach days in January are slower than summer, so timing matters less then.

Is this place good for a post-beach meal?

Absolutely—it's basically the definition of post-beach dining in Mission Beach. You can grab a seat with ocean views, get comfortable food and cold beer, and stay casual in your beach clothes. The location is unbeatable if you've just come off the sand.

Do they have dietary options or accommodations?

The menu leans comfort food (chicken, French toast), so vegetarian and vegan options may be limited—call ahead to ask what they can do. Gluten-free or other restrictions aren't mentioned in reviews, so check with them directly when you visit.

Draft House Belmont Park — San Diego

“Draft House is the high-volume sports bar with 50+ taps that treats the Belmont Park boardwalk like a front patio.”

Most Mission Beach dining splits between rooftop sushi splurges and slider engineering — Cannonball chases sunset views from above, Rosemarie's obsesses over bun architecture. Draft House runs a simpler playbook: beer selection wide enough to satisfy craft nerds and domestic-lager loyalists in the same round, plus a perch where you can watch the Giant Dipper climb its first hill while Taylor Swift trivia unfolds indoors. The setup sacrifices intimacy for volume — this is group territory, post-beach territory, the kind of spot where nobody minds if someone's still wearing boardshorts at 8 PM.

The chicken gets consistent praise across brunch and dinner shifts, which suggests kitchen consistency even when the crowd tilts chaotic. The crème brûlée French toast runs large-format sweet, built for splitting or for people who treat brunch like fuel rather than fussiness. Pricing skews tourist-adjacent — you're paying a location tax for being steps from the sand — but portions trend generous enough that the math works if you're feeding more than two people.

The view reads less dramatic than Cannonball's rooftop angle but more functional: you're at boardwalk elevation, which means unobstructed people-watching and direct access to the bike path when you're done. Service gets spotty during peak windows — expect delays if you arrive during sunset rush or when events pack the park — but the tap list runs deep enough that waiting with a West Coast IPA feels less punishing than it would at a spot with six domestic handles and a wine list.

Park in the Belmont lot if you're driving; street parking along Mission Boulevard turns predatory on weekends. The trivia nights pull regulars who know to claim tables early.

Draft House Belmont Park

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