Margaritas or Wine? Old Town Here We Come! – Shawn’s On Congress

Margaritas may be ubiquitous in Old Town but what if you prefer to drink wine?  It can easily be had at Shawn’s on Congress.  With ample patio seating outdoors year round and indoors at the lengthy granite bar or back room, the elegantly casual ambiance is a good place to visit for a pre-theatre apertivo, for happy hour (3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday), or watch a game with the regulars. From the friendly proprietors, Shawn, and his lovely spouse, Karina, to the diverse wine and beer selections, there are bountiful charcuterie plates, flat breads, and salads available.  Besides, Shawn also weaves a good yarn and the witty banter between him and the cook, Tony, is very entertaining.

Originally, from Poughkeepsie, New York, Shawn made San Diego his home via his time as a Marine.  Now he is the only licensed, bonded, residential wine maker in San Diego under the label Blue Felt Winery. This San Diego “vins de garage” winemaker produced a very impressive Syrah (2014) from Jamul-sourced fruit that is rich in dark berry fruit, savory black olive and umami aromas with a delicate tannic grip. His strawberry Riesling is also quite popular and both are available for purchase at the wine bar.

The wine list contains a nice selection of Old and New World choices from France, Spain and Italy, Chile, Argentina and California. There is a nice representation of sparklers, ports, blends, and reserve wines (Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1964, for example).  San Diego County wineries are also well represented here and I understand that there will soon be at least one Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico, winery featured.  And did I say beer?  San Diego craft beers are on draft and change regularly as well as California bottle selections and some ciders from Washington.

Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Friday and Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Or join us on the Winery Train Tour and we’ll take you to Shawn’s.

Post a photo of yourself on San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours Facebook Page eating or drinking at Shawn’s on Congress, tag Shawn’s on Congress, and get a coupon for $10 off any of  our beer or wine tours, AND a chance to win 2 free tickets to the Winery Train Tour! 

Marti Bommarito, WSET 3, Tour Guide for San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours