(Drank 06/29/26 MO @ 3:45pm): During these modern times of craft breweries, welcome to…read more"flavortown"!
After a day spent with my general contractor and having waited for an appliance pick-up service to show up, I was finally free and made my way to Modern Times Flavordome. In my quest to explore and familiarize myself with the North Park neighborhood, this was the latest brewery that was within walking distance from our place that I had to try. Founded and opened in the San Diego's Point Loma neighborhood in 2013 by Jacob McKean, they were California's first employee-owned brewery and rapidly expanded into several locations along the West Coast. Over the next decade, the craft beer industry started to constrict, a mismanaged over-expansion, the pandemic, and scandal led to the downfall of its founder in 2021, new leadership, and then eventual new ownership by Maui Brewing Co. and contract brewing handled by local AleSmith Brewing Co. Today, only two standalone locations remained along with an added coffee line. Did I enjoy the flavors of their modern time beer!?
PURCHASE(S)
Modern Times Beer Orderville Hazy NEIPA Beer 7.2% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Hazy orange color, citrusy dank hoppy aroma, low body, citrusy dry hoppy flavor, drying finish, and citrusy dry hoppy aftertaste.
Kettle Brand Potato Chips Sea Salt 1oz Bag ($3.00): My favorite potato chips brand, these were the only thing to nibble on while I enjoyed a draft or two.
Modern Times Beer MT Pils Pilsner Beer 4.8% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Hazy amber color, citrusy malty aroma, light body, citrusy malty flavor, clean dry smooth finish, and citrusy malty aftertaste.
Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Classic Sea Salt Kettle Style Potato Chips 1oz Bag ($3.00): A brand I wasn't familiar with, again, I just needed something to snack on while I imbibed. These were rather tasty!
Modern Times Beer Black House Coffee Stout Beer 5.8% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Dark brown color, coffee roasty toasty aroma, medium body, coffee creamy roasty toasty flavor, mouthfeel smooth finish, and coffee roasty toasty aftertaste.
Modern Times Beer Tropicolossal IPA Beer 6.8% ABV 16floz (Draft $9.50): Rich amber color, fruity mango pineapple tropical aroma, light body, fruity mango pineapple sweet flavor, smooth finish, and fruity mango pineapple tropical aftertaste. This was my favorite of the bunch!
"Velvet Goldmine Original Soundtrack" Used CD ($6.95): An out-of-print CD from a fun movie, I had to add this to my expansive music collection!
Modern Times Beer Fruited Orderville Guava Hazy IPA Beer 7.0% ABV 16floz Can 4pk ($16.00): Hazy orange color, citrusy fruity guava papaya tropical aroma, light body, fruity guava tropical flavor, creamy finish, and citrusy guava papaya tropical aftertaste.
SERVICE
I was initially greeted by a friendly young gentleman behind the bar where I grabbed a stool, made myself at home for a couple of hours with 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on, and drank the afternoon away. Eventually, a young woman appeared behind the bar. Each one chatted a bit, made beer recommendations, and quickly served my beer - cheers!
PARKING
(Varied: FREE this instance): I simply walked the fine minutes from my place. Otherwise, there appeared to be some spots along the main drag of Upas St. and all surrounding roads (I didn't notice any lots) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
An open interior layout with a spacious outdoor patio, each area had many tables and chairs. The interior was a sight to see with lampshades hung from the ceiling, newspaper wallpaper, globes wallpaper covered the bathroom, and there were crates of vinyl and CDs for purchase. This was a funky groovy place! Plenty of natural lighting entered through the wall windows and doors, but I honestly couldn't recall whether or not there were any ceiling lights (I'm sure there were). There was at least one TV while classic rock & roll music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
It was a chill afternoon spent at Modern Times Flavordome, and I would definitely return. They had a decent selection of beers on tap, no served food so bring your own, the prices were comparable, the vibe was kick-back, and the service was very good. I'm sure furry family members were allowed on the patio, there were Happy Hour specials (MO-FR 12pm-5pm), and almost certain nightly entertainment such as trivia, music, and more were available. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $81.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS