Main Street Pour House - Vista — Restaurant in Vista

I visited this establishment recently and feel compelled to write a review, even though I usually only write reviews when I have a positive experience. I like to promote small businesses, not hinder them. I was stoked to have a beer in this building again, as I used to be a regular when Mother Earth was based there. What a mistake... I was "greeted" by a woman, who I figured out was the manager after overhearing a conversation. It was as if me walking through those doors was a huge inconvenience to them, even though they were empty. I ultimately just wanted to have a pint in that building again for old time's sake, so I bought one anyway. The beer had a very distinct "funk" to it. If you own a kegerator or have worked at a bar before, it's what you taste when your lines are way overdue for cleaning. That's disappointing for a business who just sells beers made by others, as the operations are so minimal when you don't have to brew your own beer. I would be a lot more understanding if it were a small brewery struggling to juggle production and operations, but there's just no excuse to pour infected beer when cleaning, pouring, and handling transactions is pretty much the extent of their responsibilities. To top it all off, she seemed bothered that I wanted to pay cash when I closed out. Needless to say, there are several businesses within a few hundred feet of them that I will happily support since they seem to value my business and know a thing or two about quality control...

I love this place! It has become my favorite spot on Wednesday nights because of the open mic night. There is a wonderful community of musicians and patrons that have become regulars, because we are all made to feel very comfortable here. Natasha has been an incredible support, whether through her encouragement of our weekly event or service at the bar. I appreciate that she makes herself part of our crew and even joins in with our monthly potluck by adding something to the table--it really feels like family!

While their beer selection is vast and varied, not being a beer girl myself, I appreciate that they serve more than just beer--there's an excellent selection of nonalcoholic drinks, and several choices for wine, hard kombucha, yerba mate, and cider as well.

I also love that there is a large room attached that can easily be made private for special events and celebrations. I already know two events I will be celebrating there in the near future because I can't think of a better place, with better service, that has welcomed and supported their customers and our local musicians in such a...

I remember coming to this place back in the Mother Earth days and was sad to see they are no longer here. That being said, I'm happy to say that Barrel & Stave has taken their place, and greatly improved the place! They have digital menu boards (thank you) with clearly written names of all of the craft brews they have on draft. I imagine this list probably changes periodically but honestly it shouldn't matter much as they have a wide variety of strong to weak, hoppy to sweet, pricey to cheap choices...whatever floats your boat! They have two restrooms (unisex) with locks and hand dryers. They also have beer & wine to go in a large, really cool & modern refrigerator right near the entrance. While we were there, a large group was celebrating (something) in a private room adjacent to the tap room, so it's nice to see they do support hosting events if you're looking for this. Overall nice joint, really clean and although they don't really offer food (outside of chips or cookies), URBN Pizza is literally across the street and they will even deliver the pizza right to you. Big bonus...