SoCal brewery takes over former WestBrew venue

When WestBrew shuttered its locations in 2024, shortly ahead of its full-on departure from the local beer scene, it left behind two fully renovated and reimagined spaces; great bones for tenants seeking attractive turnkey spots. The company’s Del Mar restaurant was snatched up by the restaurant group behind San Diego’s Queenstown family of New Zealand-inspired eateries, and now the 3,500-square-foot, kitchen-equipped East Village space has been taken over by Relentless Brewing & Spirits.

That name may sound familiar to local beer fans, as the Temecula-based company, which also operates a craft-cocktail bar, restaurant and distillery in Los Angeles, is a frequent collaborator with local beer companies, including Booze Brothers Brewing, Harland Brewing and Seek Beer Co. Yet, while owners Doris and James Hess are enamored with San Diego’s craft-beer scene, the focus of the concept they will be bringing to the East Village, Feral Libations, will extend well beyond ales and lagers.

“While it shares the same ownership as Relentless Brewing, it is not a second location or an extension of that brewery. Feral Libations is an entirely new concept created specifically for San Diego’s East Village and surrounding areas,” says Doris. “Our vision is to create a neighborhood craft beverage destination that celebrates independent producers through a thoughtfully curated selection of beer, cider, wine, hard kombucha and non-alcoholic options. Rather than focusing on one brewery’s products, we’ll showcase a constantly rotating lineup that encourages guests to explore new flavors and discover local favorites.”

The Hesses say their passion for craft beer is rooted in its ability to bring people together. They see their venues as gathering spaces fostering community and connection. Establishing that sort of atmosphere in the East Village is a priority, as is forging a venue offering an authentic snapshot of San Diego’s vast and diverse assortment of beverage producers. It’s why the couple has spent years in the area, building relationships, collaborating on beers and taking part in industry events with local brewers and artisans.

“San Diego has long been one of the country’s premier craft beer destinations, and we’ve developed a genuine appreciation for the community over the years,” says Doris. “When the former WestBrew location became available, we saw an opportunity to create something that complements the neighborhood while giving the space a fresh identity.”

The Hesses say to expect a warm, inviting, approachable atmosphere and interior-design featuring natural materials, greenery, custom artwork and elements they say will reflect the adventurous spirit behind the Feral Libations brand. Meanwhile, Feral Libations’ culinary program will center around elevated comfort food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors and dishes that pair well with a variety of beverages. The Hesses plan to offer shareable fare, hearty classics and seasonal specials.

“Feral Libations is being built from the ground up as its own brand with its own personality, its own culture and its own place in the neighborhood,” says Doris, who says the timeline for launching the new venue is spring of next year. “Our goal is to create a welcoming gathering place where people can discover exceptional craft beverages, enjoy great food and build lasting connections within the community.”

Feral Libations by Relentless Brewing & Spirits will be located at 701 Island Avenue in downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood.