According to the official Bressi Ranch media information: "The two-story 37,050 square-foot building will be Pizza Port's fifth and largest location." As the closest Pizza Port to my house, the two-story, 40 beer pouring, mozzarella-scented slice of heaven will be Pizza Port's best location.
Pizza Port Bressi Ranch is celebrating its Grand Opening this weekend; Friday through Sunday, October 4th, 5th and 6th. They've been open and running smoothly for weeks, but they're calling this the Grand Opening, and offering a deal on pints and limited edition t-shirts, so we shan't split hairs.
The Bressi Ranch location, the largest and best, as indicated, stands proudly within the Pizza Port family of restaurants. The company philosophy and reputation hinge upon "great foods and craft beer," while boasting a comfortable, pleasurable, desirable place to come and enjoy each. Bressi Ranch shall, and indeed has already lived up to this high standard, and would be my preferred location even if it weren't in my neighborhood.
Our personal favorites, which we recommend with enthusiasm, are the Pizza Lahaina and Wipeout IPA. On a logistical note, if you are going to attend the Grand Opening, or are stopping by on some future weekend, understand that there will be a crowd. As every established, and now this new location will indicate, Pizza Port is a poorly kept secret. It's popular, for good reason, just know and prepare for it. One way to cope is to be aware of the separate beer and food lines, and for hops' sake get your beer first. The only people more pitiable than the those toiling in the food line empty handed, are these same pathetic fools who get to the front of the food line to learn they can't get beer there. Split up if you must but don't plunge your entire party into the wrong line, you are messing it up for the rest of us who stopped making that mistake weeks ago.
Also, and this article has apparently turned into an instructional for proper brewery restaurant etiquette, if you come in and it's a little busy (it will be) DO NOT send members of your group to save seats. Seating at Pizza Port is Oktoberfest style, so it can be tricky to get a table for your entire party. It becomes downright impossible, however, when there are groups of squatters taking up every available spot. If you send people to sit down before you've even ordered, you take up room better meant for people with food. Go through the line, place your order, then look for a table. You may have to search, stand and wait for a bit, but turnover is pretty steady. And if you're not afraid to sit next to someone you don't know, your chances increase greatly, as they do for anyone carrying a full pitcher.
For those not wholly familiar, Bressi Ranch is in Carlsbad, a little east of Palomar Airport. To find it search:
2730 Gateway Road
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 707-1655
