Is there parking at Mike Hess Brewing in Gaslamp Quarter?

You're in Seaport Village, so parking is available in the surrounding lot and parking structures — it's not street parking chaos. Since this is a waterfront destination spot, expect to circle a bit during peak times (weekends, lunch rush), but it's generally manageable compared to other Gaslamp Quarter joints.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

They take reservations and accept walk-ins. For lunch or a casual beer run, walk-ins are usually fine. If you're coming with a group on a weekend or want to guarantee a table with the best view, calling ahead is smart — especially if you want the upstairs seating everyone raves about.

What should I order first?

The fish tacos are legitimately excellent — that's the recurring standout. The spicy shrimp tacos are equally good if you want heat. Grab the ceviche and tortilla chips as shareable starters, pair with a Hazy IPA or their sour beer, and you're set. If beer's not your thing, they make solid crafted sodas.

Is there a good outdoor seating situation?

Yes — outdoor seating with water views is the whole draw here. Upstairs is where the magic happens; that's where you get the bay views that make the meal feel like an occasion. Downstairs is fine too, but everyone agrees: book the second floor if you can.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid a wait?

Lunch on weekdays will be quieter than weekend brunch or dinner. If you're going for that post-beach vibe, late afternoon (3–5 p.m.) is your sweet spot — casual crowd, good light, no rush. Weekends and prime dinner hours can get busy, especially if there's nice weather.

Is this spot good for kids?

Absolutely — it's a brewery but functions as a full restaurant with a casual, family-friendly vibe. Kids will eat well here (tacos and burgers are universally appealing), and the Seaport Village setting gives families room to spread out, especially on the upstairs patio.

Outdoor seating is available, which is typically where dogs are allowed at brewery joints. Confirm with staff when you arrive, but the patio setup suggests it's dog-friendly in that area.

What about dietary stuff — vegan, gluten-free options?

They serve beer, wine, and food from a brewery kitchen, so vegetarian options exist (ceviche, potentially veggie sides). For specific restrictions like gluten-free, call ahead or ask your server — brewery menus can be flexible, but you'll want confirmation on prep and ingredients before ordering.

Mike Hess Brewing - Seaport Village — Tacos in Gaslamp Quar…

“Mike Hess Brewing's Seaport outpost does what most harbor-view spots won't: serves legitimately good fish tacos alongside their beer.”

**What makes this different:** While The Waves keeps calm and Señor Taquero goes cheap, Mike Hess splits the difference between actual brewery and bayfront tourist trap—then lands somewhere surprisingly functional. Most waterfront restaurants coast on location and serve forgettable food; this one puts out fish tacos that locals actually defend. The beer's legit because it has to be (it's their brand), but the kitchen earns its keep independent of the view.

The setup runs two floors, and if you don't know to go upstairs, you're missing the point. Ground level works fine for a quick beer, but the second floor opens onto bay views that justify the Seaport Village real estate. Service stays friendly without the performance—staff will walk you through the tap list, point you toward the sour beers if that's your thing, and not hover while you decide.

The fish tacos and spicy shrimp tacos do the heavy lifting here. They're proper-sized, not the two-bite tourist version most harbor joints serve, and the fish tastes fresh enough that people come back specifically for them. The Baja burger gets solid marks if you're not in taco mode. The hazy IPA selection runs deep, which tracks for a San Diego brewery, and they keep crafted sodas on hand for designated drivers who want something beyond Coke.

Parking's Seaport Village parking—paid lots, weekend chaos, the usual harbor drill. Weekday lunch runs smoother than weekend tourist hours. The spot works for business lunches (casual enough, reliable food), post-beach meals (outdoor seating, cold beer), and the rare downtown scenario where you can bring a group without shouting across the table. It's not trying to be the most authentic taco joint in the Gaslamp or the most innovative brewery in San Diego. It's just doing both things well enough that you don't have to choose between decent food and a bay view.