If you’ve ever driven up the winding 78 into the mountains of San Diego, you know the drill. You go for the apples, you stay for the mountain air, and you inevitably end up standing in a line that wraps around a building for a slice of pie. But honestly? There is a better way to spend your afternoon in the historic district.
The Julian Beer Co menu has quietly become the real reason locals make the trek. It’s a messy, glorious collision of low-and-slow Texas-style BBQ and high-altitude craft brewing. Housed in the 1876 Bailey House, the place feels like a time capsule that just happened to install a massive pizza oven and some tap handles.
Most people walk in expecting standard pub grub. They leave talking about the bark on the brisket. Let’s break down what’s actually worth your money and what’s just filler for the tourists.
The Meat of the Matter: BBQ and Brisket
You can smell the smoker from two blocks away. That’s the "Fire Pit," and it’s the heart of the operation. If you’re looking at the Julian Beer Co menu, the BBQ section is where you should probably live.
The Brisket Sandwich ($11.00) is the heavy hitter here. They smoke the beef until it’s basically a structural hazard—if you poke it, it might just collapse. It’s served on a toasted bun, and while you can get it plain, you’d be making a mistake if you didn't add the slaw and pickles. The tang of the house-made slaw cuts right through the fat of the brisket.
Wait. There is a "Dino" beef rib that occasionally makes an appearance as a special or a high-end plate ($36ish). It looks like something out of The Flintstones. It’s tender, juicy, and has a crust so dark and seasoned you’ll want to take a photo of it before you destroy it.
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Other Smoked Hits
- Pork Ribs: You can grab a quarter rack for $7.50 if you’re just snacking, but most folks go for the full rack ($28.00). These are "low and slow" personified.
- The Reuben ($14.00): This isn't your deli Reuben. It uses house-smoked pastrami and a zesty sauerkraut that actually has some crunch left in it.
- Kielbasa Sausage ($7.00): Simple, snappy, and served with a side of beer mustard that’ll clear your sinuses.
The Pizza Pivot
It’s a weird combo on paper—BBQ and Pizza. But at Julian Beer Co, it works because they aren't trying to do New York style or Neapolitan. They’re doing mountain pizza. The crust is thick enough to hold up a mountain of toppings but light enough that you won't need a nap immediately after.
The BBQ Pie ($24.00) is the bridge between the two worlds. It’s loaded with smoked beef brisket, smoked pork shoulder, and onions. They finish it with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a hit of green onion. It’s basically a BBQ platter on a disc of dough.
If you want something with a bit of a kick, go for the Fire on the Mountain ($24.00). It uses a buffalo sauce base, smoked pork, and those house-pickled jalapenos that actually pack heat.
Beyond the Main Plates: Sides and Snacks
Don't ignore the side items. Seriously. The Pork N’ Beans ($5.00) are a sleeper hit. It’s not just a tin of beans; it’s a "stewed" mix of white beans and chunks of smoked pork shoulder. It’s a meal in a cup.
Then there’s the **Elote ($6.00)**. In a town famous for apples, finding a solid street corn is a nice surprise. They do it with the classic cotija and tangy dressing, but they also offer a "Street Corn Mix" ($5.00) if you don't feel like gnawing on a cob in public.
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One thing to watch out for? The Mac n' Cheese. It's an oven-baked classic ($6.00), and while it’s good, some regulars find it a bit hit-or-miss depending on the day. Add the bacon bits for an extra buck; it helps.
What’s on Tap?
You can’t talk about the Julian Beer Co menu without the "Beer" part. They brew a lot of their own stuff a few doors down in the oldest house in town.
The Martian IPA (7.3% ABV) is their flagship West Coast IPA. It’s got that piney, citrusy bite that people in San Diego crave. If you want something a bit more unique to the region, look for the Julian Apple Pie Cider. It’s 7.0% ABV and tastes like someone liquefied a Grandma’s kitchen—cinnamon, spice, and local apples.
They also lean into the Belgian styles. You might see a Belgian Strong Pale Ale or a Dark Tripel on the rotating handles. If you're overwhelmed by the list, just grab a flight. It's the best way to navigate the menu without committing to a full pint of something 10% ABV before you have to drive back down the mountain.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
Julian is a small town, and Julian Beer Co is popular. Like, really popular.
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If you show up at 12:30 PM on a Saturday in October, expect a wait. The good news is they use a QR code system for online ordering once you're there, so you can skip the main counter line if you’re just grabbing a quick round of drinks and snacks.
The seating is mostly communal and "mountain rustic." There’s a huge outdoor area which is great if you brought the dog (they even sell dog leashes and collapsible bowls in the merch shop).
Quick Facts:
- Address: 2307 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036.
- Hours: Generally 11 AM to 8 PM or 9 PM, depending on the day. Check their socials if it’s a holiday.
- Vibe: Very casual. Counter service. High energy.
The Verdict on the Julian Beer Co Menu
Is it overpriced? For some items, maybe. A $36 rib is an investment. But you’re paying for the fact that they are smoking meat at 4,200 feet in a building that was around when Ulysses S. Grant was president.
If you want the best experience, stick to the Brisket Sandwich, the Pork N’ Beans, and whatever IPA is freshest on the board. Skip the "Classico" pizza—it’s fine, but you didn't come to Julian for a basic cheese and tomato pie. You came for the smoke.
To make the most of your trip, head to the brewery shortly after they open at 11:00 AM to snag a spot on the patio before the lunch rush hits. If you're visiting on a weekend, keep an eye out for live music, which usually starts in the early afternoon and pairs perfectly with a pint of the Martian IPA.