Updated June 2022
ENCINITAS, CA
I was totally heartbroken when, earlier this year, Modern Times went from eight breweries and tasting rooms to four. My three go-to locations—Santa Barbara, Portland, and Los Angeles—didn’t make the cut! The spots that remain are The Lomaland Fermentorium and Flavordome in San Diego, The Far West Lounge in Encinitas, and Leisuretown in Anaheim. The latter two still feature all-vegan food menus.
✨ Hoping for a major comeback!! ✨
I’ve been such a huge fan of Modern Times since my first experience in Portland. Everything they do deserves applause. From the themed decor to the all-vegan food to their brand of brew, so much care has been put into every detail.
Modern Times’ dank brews are distributed throughout Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. No doubt it’s the cleverly marketed liquid concoctions that Modern Times is best known for. Any time I’ve visited, the place has been packed with fans, some committed to a particular IPA, stout, or hybrid, and others sipping from tiny 2-ounce glasses hoping to find the right medley of flavors to satisfy their taste buds. Fruitlands is my personal fave.
Serious question: Who doesn’t get the beer munchies? If you’re at The Far West Lounge or Leisuretown, lucky you! You get to choose from a killer, all-vegan menu. I can’t count how many times I’ve chowed down at Modern Times, and absolutely everything has been dank AF. Like seriously, who knew vegan food could be so damn good?? Well, me, actually. 😁 But that’s precisely what’s so amazing about plant-based chefs putting their heart and soul into creating the most delicious dishes… Their passion and creativity are rewarded in the most beautiful way: unsuspecting omnivores getting turned on to kinder meals that are just as yummy or more so than their usual choices.
So what kind of bodacious bites are we talking about? We’re talking about deeply satisyfing and savory noms like the Deluxe Burger (featured image): smashed Impossible patty—single or double—Violife cheese, shredded lettuce, shallot jam, smoky seitan, and thousand island sauce on a butter-steamed bun.
When I finally get down to Encinitas soon, I’m ordering the Mac N Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Sando: buffalo fried chicken, smoky ranch, pickle, and slaw on a brioche bun. 😋
Here’s a quick tour of more amazing, edible art by Modern Times:
Chorizo Burrito
Classic Munchwrap
Asada Fries
I implore you: Try this sh*t out. You will not regret it.
Until I see you again, Modern Times!
