Churchill's Pub & Grille

dvmin98

North Carolina

4.64/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25 | $$

A: Typical English pub. The pool table was a bit too close to the tables, so we often has a poolstick in our grills. Parking lot is a bit tiny, but I took my dad and he has a handicapped plate.

Q: The quality of their drafts was amazing. Great barrel-aged items, some good locals, etc.

S: Not bad. Took them about 10 mins to get to our table, but after that, it was great

Sel: Lots of great stuff on tap. Tons of bottles to choose from

F: Good pub food. Had the fish and chips. My dad had the Prime Rib Sandwich. Good quality.

V: Not too shabby, especially for the drafts they offer.

05-02-2013 17:13:34 | More by dvmin98

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4.15/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5 | $$$

Located in San Marcos amidst lots of good breweries, this place is a natural fit for the clientele that make the area the best beer city in the world. The usual stuffy English bar layout, lots of wood, I think when you enter, its bar to the left, dining area to the right, patio area even further to the right.

I really like the ambience on the patio, there's some fire pits, very nice, where I'm from there'd be some BMC douches getting wasted and falling into the fire pit, suing the establishment and voila!, no more fire pits, but thankfully, this place doesn't seem to enable such people, so instead, we just had a nice cozy night by the fire with pleasant people around us. Its true, good people do drink good beer.

Quality of the beers was awesome, almost everything I drink there are things I've never had before. And most of those turn out to be pretty damn good too. Drank a lot of Societe and Iron Fist taps while we were there. Disappointed by the lack of Alpine, also disappointed that they never, NEVER have Churchills Finest Hour bottles available when I'm there, despite some BA's claiming they always have it, its been my exact opposite experience. Who knows, maybe I'm not local or cool enough to get a bottle, or maybe the waitress I get is always the clueless one, because the last one I had acted like she didn't even know what I was talking about, then when I informed her a little more, she kind of guessed that it was only available one day a year. Who knows, disappointing in the end, regardless of the reason.

Did enjoy a Cascade Figaro out of the bottle. $40 for something I couldn't order online, that was $25 I believe before shipping, seemed like a good deal. Was quite enjoyable. Food was decent, typical pub stuff, I think we had some irish nachos or something, was like potato skins with bacon and cheese on it. They offer smaller pours, but really kill you on the price per oz when you do it that way.

Really hate the slanted driveway out front, I only had about a gallon of gas in my truck, and because of the incline, I had to walk to a gas station, buy a gas can, fill up the truck. Nobody from the bar, not even the doorman who watched the entire time, offered any help. Not a big deal, but damn, last time I park in that spot again, we missed our reservation at Stone because of it!

In the end, I can see how Churchills could be a big favorite, especially if you have access to their unique offerings.

12-27-2012 18:04:22 | More by Beerandraiderfan

fox227

California

4.9/5  rDev +10.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

The look of the pub is fairly ordinary, which several televisions displaying sports games, random pictures on the wall, presenting a very casual atmosphere the belies how very great the food and beer is.

The tap list is exceptional. I spied five different vintage beers, and there are enough fresh IPAs to make any hop-head feel in heaven. There's also an extensive whiskey list if that is your fancy.

Service was great. We scored free desert because a friend on mine spilled ketchup on her pants. Service was always prompt despite being very busy.

The food is also exceptional. A simple item like Grilled Cheese is made delicately with gourmet ingredients. There's a good mix of items around ten dollars, and more expensive choices.

09-18-2012 16:06:10 | More by fox227

FosterJM

California

4.45/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I've been to Churchill's a few times and because Ehammond1 keeps telling me to. I am reviewing it.

Atm- A nicer smaller version of a traditional English Pub. The two sides are seperate with a long L shaped bar dominating the left side of the place. Some booths and tables on the right for the pub side. Big board with taps going. A fairly well lit place with some decent seating. Nice decor on the walls and a dart board as well as a pool table.

Quality- Really well done bottle list as well as a draft board. They keep a good selection rotating from SD locals to harder to find out of state beers. Nice thing is they keep the website fairly updated.

Service- Everytime I have visited the staff here has been nothing but helpful and attentive. Knowledgeable and will to offer suggestions and banter for a bit.

Food- Just order a burger. Any burger. Just pick one. I think ive had all of em them now. Cant beat em. The KOBE burger is just amazing and the black and blue is great as well.

Value- Burger runs about 12 bucks, pints in the 5/6 range. Its a nicer establishment in North SD County. Although you do get great service for the price.

05-18-2012 15:18:32 | More by FosterJM

UCLABrewN84

California

4.53/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

I visited Churchill’s for their Renaissance Festival this past weekend. Obviously the festival was going to be pretty crazy but it ended up being a great time. My wife and I went back the day after too. The building is fairly large with a bar area and separate seating areas. They also have a patio where you can hang out. The walls are decorated with lots of beer memorabilia, especially lots of UK beer stuff. They have a couple of TVs set up around the building that were broadcasting sports all day. Even with it being super crowded it was still a great atmosphere. Service was extremely good both days, which was very surprising during the fest because there were just so many people. Staff also didn’t mind people bringing in their own bottles to open and share. The quality of all the beers I tried was very good. The selection was obviously pretty ridiculous but I have seen their list of stuff on tap when there aren’t any festivals and they always seem to have an awesome tap list no matter what. The food we had was good with some pretty savory burgers and spicy fries to go with all the beer. Prices were very reasonable for everything as well. My favorite thing about this establishment was the offering of taster sized pours for all their beers. Overall, this is a great place to come visit and I won’t soon forget the awesome weekend I had here at Churchill’s.

03-05-2012 16:53:38 | More by UCLABrewN84

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -14.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

a good bar but overrated. Selection was good,service was good, the beer was bigger than average. The place was a bit snug, its a restaurant with a good sized bar area. Lots of older guys about. One major issue,The beers did not all taste right, whether its the lines or the age of what was on tap. Bottle selection was decent. A big drop coming from Stone, but different choices and more of a neighbourhood good beer bar. Bartender knew his beer. A bit of a buzy street to sit outside (if the weather was good). I would skip this on the next trip to Stone and head down to Diego instead.

01-18-2012 14:05:09 | More by northyorksammy

ehammond1

California

4.88/5  rDev +10.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5 | $$

Churchill's is a comfortable, relaxed English-style pub with a pool table, darts, indoor, outdoor, and barstool seating. There's often lively discussion at the bar, a quiet corner to read in, a game on TV, or welcoming firepits outside, whichever sounds best to you. Now that the men's bathroom door is fixed, the atmosphere is perfect.

Clean tap lines. 2 casks. 50 rotating taps, always with a good assortment of locals, other domestics, seasonals, and a few Belgians. There is (almost) always Ballast Point Sculpin and a Russian River hop-forward beer on tap, whether it be Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig, or the underrated, though delicious, Russian River IPA. Terrific bottle list with reasonable prices. Full assortment of spirits as well, including a long list of bourbons/whiskeys.

The staff is knowledgeable, efficient, and personable. I've always received outstanding service.

Outstanding selection. I'm holding off on giving a 5 until they routinely offer Alpine beers on tap. A place that wants to be deemed San Diego's finest beer bar needs to carry San Diego's finest IPAs.

The food is high-quality, affordable, and delicious, with rotating specials daily. The chef is innovative and skilled. Everything on the menu I've had is terrific, and the fries (or chips) are the best in the city, as far as I'm concerned.

Reasonable/typical San Diego pub prices. They do offer all beers in 4oz. taster glasses upon request, which I find especially appropriate for (pricier) beers I'm unfamiliar with.

Also, there's Churchill's Finest Hour bottles available year-round. What's not to love about that?

01-12-2012 18:18:24 | More by ehammond1

tastyales

Nevada

4.78/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $

OK what can i say this place is topnotch the whole way through. Beer selection incredible food awesome customer service even better. When going to a lot of craft beer spots i always think they loose sight on the 2 most important things Beer and Service. This place is on it they have you covered. 50 taps i thin and a good little bottle selection they also have an outdoor patio with fire pits also a nice touch. Its in North County but well worth the drive. This place will take the Pepsi challenge with the best of em. Highly recommend. Oh ya did i mention i dont think they have a draft over $5....

12-19-2011 08:46:04 | More by tastyales

dannyhipps

California

4.63/5  rDev +4.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? Has anyone mentioned the killer patio and fire pit area?

A can't miss place when you're in the area, Churchill's pretty much has it all and then some. Not only do you have a GREAT selection of craft on tap, they're also a full bar, and to top it off, the food is good enough on it's own to come for. Very talented chef and crew,so look for the specials. The burgers alone are to die for, and the fries, or "chips" are like crack. Great spot for craft beer events, my buddies and I had an outrageously awesome time here following the Zwanze Day at Stone... Ivan had a mind-blowing array of sours on tap, it was a true tasting fest! As a BA, ya gotta love that the cool cat who owns this joint knows and loves craft beer!

12-18-2011 03:21:28 | More by dannyhipps

HopHead84

California

4.58/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I usually visit Churchill's a couple times a week. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an English pub, with various pictures depicting English people and landscapes. There is a bar side with 8 or so tables, a pool table, TVs, darts, and a jukebox. The internet jukebox allows me to play 20 or so Symphony X songs, which I appreciate until Tony overrides the selections, at which point I shake my fist. There is also a side that is not the bar side, where a hostess will seat you and you can plot and scheme to your heart's content in this darker setting. A foosball table is located here. There is an outdoor area with a few tables, but this is usually filled with cigarette smoke. Churchill's also has a full bar, if you're in the mood for liquor.

Quality: Quality is very good. Quality of service, quality of food, quality of drink. It's all good.

Service: The service is usually very good, but like all bars, sometimes they get slammed (wing night, for example) and then you wait a little bit longer, but you can pass the time by looking at the soothing English pictures and listening to the 30 minute epic progressive metal track, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, which I've just played on the jukebox. The servers are very friendly and won't scowl at you if you ask for a snifter with your 4oz taster.

Selection: The beer selection is extensive. Ivan boasts something like 50 taps. There's a lot of local stuff, which is awesome, but there are also offerings from all over the country, as well as international beers. The bottle list is quite good as well. If you're lucky you might come across Churchill's Finest Hour, a Jack Daniels barrel aged and blended strong ale made especially for Churchill’s by Port Brewing. Just make sure not to order it. I'd be disappointed if you got the last bottle and it wasn't there the next time I visited. But definitely check out the bottle artwork.

Food: The food is very good for a pub. Actually, it's just good food in general and reasonably priced at that. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anything on the menu. Wings, Tikka Masala, Fish & Chips, Burger, French Dip, Salads (are these proper nouns?), they’re all good. The chef is great.

Value: Reasonably priced beer and food.

Overall: This is one of the best spots in North County, if not all of San Diego. The environment is more relaxed than some of the beer bars in San Diego. The owner, Ivan, is very friendly and knowledgeable. You can view their food menu on their website, where you can also view the current list of beers on tap.

11-18-2011 01:07:29 | More by HopHead84