Main Tap Tavern

A decent beer bar in East County? I found one. Main Tap Tavern, located in El Cajon, is a hidden gem in the otherwise beer bar barren East County. The storefront is unassuming, and blends into the Main Street line of stores, businesses, & restaurants that runs East/West through El Cajon. Inside, the decor is nice and newly remodeled. Your eye is caught immediately by the 24 backlit glass tap handles that shine in the dimly lit bar. That's right, 24 taps with craft beer from around the world flowing from each. They appease the uninitiated beer drinker with a tap each dedicated to Bud and Bud Light. Beyond that, you will find local favorites from Alpine, Ballast Point, Coronado, & Lightning to name a few. You will also find regional favorites from places like Lagunitas, Lost Coast, & Sierra Nevada. You will even find beers from around the world such as Belgium's Brasserie D'Achouffe. These are all on tap! They also have a two handled beer engine (see What is cask-conditioned beer? post) which allows for special cask-conditioned beer offerings. Looking for a bottled favorite? They keep an extensive bottle list of at least 50 different varieties to choose from. The taps and bottles are rotated regularly, so there is always something new to try. The only problem I have with this place is the fact that there is a $15 minimum when using a credit card. I am hopeful that this will go away as their business grows, but who knows. Check them out at http://www.maintaptavern.com If you find yourself in East County, and are looking for a good brew, find your way to Main Tap Tavern, and be sure to ask about their VIP wall!