Veggie-Friendly Options You Can Find Downtown

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By Courtney Wood

As more people pursue diets that increase the inclusion of plant-based foods or reduce the consumption of meat products (for health benefits, animal rights reasons, religious reasons, environmental reasons, or simply a matter of personal preference), the demand for vegetarian and vegan friendly options has risen. Restaurants and food manufacturers have decided to step up to the challenge, and Downtown Stockton restaurants are in on this trend!

Having spent the past 16 years as a vegetarian, and the past 4 years working Downtown, I have decided to share a few of my favorite Downtown vegetarian lunches with you so that all the vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians, and omnivores out there looking for options can discover the veggie-friendly treasures our Downtown restaurants have to offer.

*Please note that when I use the term “vegetarian” in this article, I am using it to mean lacto-ovo vegetarian. Also, I want to stress that if you have dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies, always communicate them to restaurant staff prior to ordering for your own peace of mind and safety.*

#1 The Downtowner – VEGAN Nachos

The first dish on my list is The Downtowner’s Vegan Nachos, which are so delectable that you won’t want to share (warn your stay-at-home roomie or partner). The flavors in these nachos will definitely surprise you in the most “can’t stop eating them” way. The chips themselves are fried corn tortillas, and they are covered in a cashew-based sauce with a savory sage kick to it. The combination of the sauce with other awesome toppings like avocado smash, black beans, and pickled jalapenos will make you wonder if any nachos from your past life were ever actually good.

Aside from this filling nachos dish, The Downtowner has several other vegetarian and vegan friendly meals and sides to choose from, including the Portabello Sandwich, the Big V Burrito, and more. The Downtowner is a great spot for trying experimental flavors that will liven up your day.

Vegan Breakfast Burrito, photo by Natalie D. on Yelp

#2 Kabob & Gyro House – Falafel Salad

Next up is Kabob & Gyro House’s Falafel salad. Yes, I know, a salad. If you’ve been a vegetarian for a while or even if you’re not vegetarian, anytime someone mentions “we brought a salad,” you’re likely underwhelmed due to the insane number of sad iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrot shredded “salads” we’ve all been tortured with for decades.

I am happy to say that this salad is different! 

Many times a salad can miss the mark either due to a lack of flavor or lack of a substantial protein source and I am pleased to say that this salad suffers from neither problem. Romaine lettuce, deliciously flavorful olives, a tangy dressing, and a touch of feta (ask them to hold the feta if you are vegan) are topped with crispy, hearty falafel scoops. For those of you who are unfamiliar with falafel, it usually contains chickpeas, herbs, and wheat flour (check with staff if you are avoiding gluten) all mashed together in a dough that is then fried to golden perfection. If you want to add to your heavenly experience, order a side of hummus and add a dollop on top.

If this dish sounds appealing, but you want to try falafel a different way, they also offer a Falafel Burger, Falafel Wrap and Falafel Plate! If you are vegan be sure to ask staff about ingredients before ordering (some of the sauces may contain dairy or eggs).

Falafel Salad, photo from Yelp

#3 Moomoo’s Burger Barn – “No Moo” Burger

Are you surprised that I’m including a hamburger place?

Here’s why – Moo Moo’s is one of those awesome burger spots which understands that sometimes people who don’t eat meat still want something chargrilled and wrapped in a bun. Moomoo’s offers a vegetarian patty in place of a regular patty on any of their burger sandwiches – the “No Moo” as it reads on their menu. In addition to the vegetarian patty option, they also have a gluten-free bun (yay!) for those avoiding gluten (double check with staff if you are avoiding egg). This is my go-to place for a veggie burger in Downtown. The patty – topped with ketchup, mustard, a bit of onion, and a piece of crispy lettuce – nestled on the gluten free bun and plated with a pickle will make you forget beef is even a thing (we all know it’s the toppings and sauce that REALLY make a burger).

The “No Moo Burger”, photo by Megan S. on Yelp

#4 Cast Iron – VEGAN Brussels Sprout Tacos

If you’re looking for a late lunch, and are craving street food with a twist, look no further than Cast Iron Trading Co.’s vegan brussels sprouts tacos. Delicious, slightly crispy brussels sprouts are covered in a spicy vegan chipotle crema and wrapped in a corn tortilla. Try these with a cold craft beer or glass of on-tap kombucha and enjoy the restaurant’s new outdoor seating!

If brussels sprouts don’t excite you, Cast Iron also serves a Beyond Meat patty burger with a tasty pesto sauce.

Brussel Sprouts Tacos, photo by OMG. on Yelp

#5 Misaki Sushi & Bar – Vegetemp Roll

Misaki’s may be popular for their fish, eel, sea urchin, and crab-based based fare, but they also have savory vegetarian options, like the tasty Vegetemp Roll. This roll features lightly battered and crisply fried asparagus or carrot tempura pieces at its center, and arrives with those familiar sushi bar sidekicks of pickled ginger and wasabi. If you really want to amp up the yum factor, ask to add avocado and cream cheese (if you’re not vegan, of course).

More options can be found on their menu in the “Vegetarian Delights” section, but some notable ones include the Avokyu roll, the full order of Vegetable Tempura, Vegetable Udon, and the Chuka Wakame salad (made entirely of marinated seaweed – listed in the “Appetizers” section). Check with your waiter if you are gluten-free or vegan to see which options will fit your unique needs.

Wakame Seaweed Salad, photo by Lena on Yelp

#6 Thai Thai Restaurant – Yellow Curry

The red, yellow, pumpkin, and avocado curries from Thai Thai restaurant are the cure for anyone bored of boiled vegetables flavored with salt and pepper. Over the years, I’ve found that flavor variety can make or break your enthusiasm for your next plant-based meal. Fortunately, Thai food has a lovely mix of sweet, spicy, savory, and salty aspects to tickle all of your tastebuds.

Thai Thai’s Yellow curry offers perfectly cooked potatoes and onions in a slightly sweet, expertly seasoned sauce. I suggest adding basil to complement the curry’s flavor and tofu if you want to up the protein content. When placing your order, staff will ask you to note how spicy you want your dish – medium, hot or Thai hot – so there are options to suit everyone’s heat tolerance!

Aside from Thai Thai’s amazing curries, another vegetarian friendly option is the Pad Thai dish (order without egg if you’re vegan).

Yellow Curry, photo by Mystery M. on Yelp

Here are a few honorable mentions:

Papa Urb’s Grill – for a quick snack, try the veggie lumpia (check with staff if you are avoiding egg)

Casa Flores – for a build-your-own kind of lunch, order a side of beans (ask for no cheese if you are vegan), with salsa, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, and a few warm corn tortillas

Subway –  for a vegetarian, protein-filled sandwich, just “sub” the veggie patty for meat on any of their sandwiches or wraps (or add it to a salad if you’re trying to eat fewer carbs)

Alfalfa’s – if you need a slice of pizza to make your day, Alfalfa’s has individual slices of plain cheese as well as vegetarian pizza for you to enjoy while walking around downtown

Now that you know about these veggie-friendly choices, we hope you’ve been inspired to try something new, (or at least have found a few places where you can bring your vegetarian friends).

Takeout Tuesday: Kabob & Gyro House

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https://www.facebook.com/152150884082/videos/3040129792763519

Kabob & Gryo may be a small, downtown restaurant, but what they lack in size they definitely make up for in flavor! Just take a step into the eatery and you won’t be able to resist the delicious aroma of spices wafting from the grill. Don’t know whether to get the kabob or gyro? Get both!

Drop by to place an order for takeout or call ahead to place an order for pickup. If you’re busy, get it delivered through DoorDash instead.

Don’t forget to follow Kabob & Gyro on Instagram and like them on Facebook for news and specials!

LOCATION: 225 E. Channel Street
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-7:30pm; Sat 10:30am-7pm

Takeout Tuesday: Yasoo Yani

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https://www.facebook.com/152150884082/videos/717152258846354

Yasoo Yani is Stockton’s first Greek restaurant. Family owned and operated, they’ve been part of the downtown community since 1975! Come by for some lunch and satisfy your taste buds with some delicious Greek food.

They also have a small outdoor seating area if you’re looking for a place to sit and enjoy a quick lunch. If you can’t make it downtown, don’t worry- you can still get Yasoo Yani delivered to you through DoorDash.

Don’t forget to like them on Facebook for updates and specials!

LOCATION: 326 E. Main St.
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-1:30pm

Takeout Tuesday: Nash and Tender

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https://www.facebook.com/152150884082/videos/677931916122806

How well can you handle spice? If your answer is not well at all, EXTREMELY well, or anywhere in between, then you’ve got to try Nash and Tender (if you haven’t already)! Known for their delicious hot chicken, you can choose varying levels of heat all the way up to “XTRA HOT” and “STUPID HOT” (but you’ll need to sign a waiver for the latter). Don’t forget to add a side of their seasoned fries for a match made in heaven!

Skip the line and wait by placing an online order through Clover, or stay in your PJs and place a delivery order through DoorDash or Postmates. To stay updated on specials and news, visit the Nash and Tender website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

LOCATION: 222 N. El Dorado Street
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm & Sat-Sun, 11am-8pm

Takeout Tuesday: The Downtowner

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https://www.facebook.com/downtownstockton/videos/1394222907444015/

The Downtowner specializes in serving up Good Mood Food with a smile! What is Good Mood Food you ask? It’s comfort food with a healthy twist! From delicious and unique dishes to vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone at The Downtowner!

Place an order for takeout, call to place an order for pickup, or relax at home while your meal gets delivered to you (if you have trouble deciding what to order, we just want you to know that the Taco Salad featured in the video above was amazing). If you need to feed your entire family, The Downtowner’s family-style meals are the way to go!

To stay updated on specials and news, visit The Downtowner’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also learn more about The Downtowner in our past blog.

LOCATION: 40 N. Center Street
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am- 6pm

Put Cast Iron Trading Co. on Your List of Restaurants to Visit Soon!

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By Jessica Nguyen

If you live in Stockton, chances are you’ve been to or have at least heard of Cast Iron Trading Co. (and if you haven’t, here’s your chance!). Since it’s addition to the downtown community three and a half years ago, Cast Iron has continued to serve up both delicious specials and good vibes. It’s hard not to notice the positive energy in the space brought on by the friendly staff, happy customers, and local performers. If you’re interested in dining in an amiable climate complete with live music and craft beer (and of course great food- burgers and brussels sprout tacos, anyone?), this is the place for you!

About the Owner

Eric Lee, Stockton native and owner of Cast Iron, shares that he has always had a love for food and cooking- in fact, he describes his entire family as “foodies.” Before becoming a business owner, he worked in restaurants and soon after had the idea of bringing pop-ups to downtown. In fact, Eric explained that he and his business partner were among the first to introduce pop-ups to Stockton. They quickly gained traction and solidified a name for themselves within the community by setting up as a vendor at the Stockmarket, a Stockton marketplace that offers handmade crafts, live music, and street food. After that, they decided to turn their cart “into a full-time gig.”

Why Downtown Stockton?

During his experience as a street food vendor at the Stockmarket, Eric started seeing, “a lot of movement and blooming potential [in the area].” It’s true that downtown may have some challenges, he says, but he acknowledges the community’s contagiously positive energy in their efforts to revitalize the downtown area, and wanted to be a part of it. What else does Eric love about downtown? He enthusiastically cites the architectural history and unique infrastructure of its buildings. 

What Makes Cast Iron Unique?

It’s a given that Cast Iron serves up some amazing dishes and that their, “craft beer is easily the best in Stockton!” However, there’s another key feature that makes this restaurant unique:  its commitment, enthusiasm, and connection to the local arts. From the vibrant interior decor designed by local artists to the local musicians who enliven space with their performances, Cast Iron is committed to supporting local artists and in doing so, emphasizes the importance of community.

How Can We Support Cast Iron Trading Co. Amidst the Pandemic?

Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Cast Iron’s priority is to be “cautious for our staff and community.” Thus, they’ve reduced their indoor capacity to adhere to CDC guidelines. However, this doesn’t mean you have to put off your visit because we’ve got some GREAT news— Cast Iron recently got the go-ahead to convert the alleyway adjacent to their restaurant into an outside dining area! The space is newly adorned with new paint, greenery, furniture, shady umbrellas, and decorative string lights that tie it all together (don’t be shy, we know you want to come see it!).

Cast Iron is currently open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for dinner (4pm–10pm) and Sundays (from 10am–3pm) for brunch. They’ve also recently reintroduced Friday night live music in their new alley space! Eric is considering booking musicians for Saturdays too, and is also currently eyeing the possibility of putting on a couple pop-up events in July. Follow Cast Iron on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated! Also, if you’re a musician interested in performing, feel free to reach out to Cast Iron on social media (and no, mayonnaise is not an instrument).

To sum it up, Cast Iron has great food, a great atmosphere, and of course, GREAT beer- what more could you want? See you there! 🙂

Come Get A Taste of Downtown at the Downtowner!

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By Jessica Nguyen

The Downtowner is located in—you guessed it!—our very own Downtown Stockton! Not only does its name fit perfectly into its location at 40 N. Sutter Street, but so does its friendly atmosphere and incredibly delicious food items! The Downtowner specializes in “Good Mood Food,” which owner Kevin Gilman describes as “comfort food, with a healthy kick.” Sounds too good to be true? Come try it for yourself!

A firm believer in the idea that restaurants should be able to feed all who come, Kevin faces dietary restrictions head on by also offering vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and keto dishes at The Downtowner. This has resulted in a diverse and creative menu, including nachos that use a vegan cashew-based queso!

About The Owner

Kevin Gilman, one of the creative minds behind The Downtowner, grew up in Ashland, Oregon and worked at several restaurants throughout college. It was these experiences that sparked his passion in food and beverage, leading him to pursue a career in the food industry. He soon found himself managing the Food and Beverage Department at the Tetherow Golf Resort in Bend, Oregon, while simultaneously opening three restaurants of his own and working as a sommelier!

Why Downtown Stockton?

With a name like “The Downtowner” that could fit into any Downtown area and an owner from the state of Oregon, how did The Downtowner find its home here, in Downtown Stockton? Well, Stockton is the hometown of Kevin’s wife, Barbie. Once his position at the Tetherow Resort expired, they decided to make the move and start a life here. Coincidentally, Kevin fell in love with Downtown Stockton and its possibilities, noting that he particularly liked the beautiful historic architecture that’s found here. As fate would have it, a spot downtown became available for lease and he reached out to Doug, his business partner. A short while later, The Downtowner was open and running! They chose the name, “The Downtowner” because, “not too many business names tell you where they are located in the title!”

How can we support The Downtowner during this time?

The Downtowner has remained open for curbside pick up, delivery, and takeout, so your favorite items, such as the Cobb Salad or Big 10 Burger (which has been deemed by some as the best burger they’ve ever had!) are readily available! The Downtowner’s recently revamped menu also features new items, such as the new Southwestern Grilled Cheese (made with Genova Bakery Sourdough, and melted pepper jack cheese), Avocado Smash, and their house made pork carnitas. If you’ve got a big family and need a break from cooking, they also offer family-style meals for pick up! At the start of this month, the dining room was reopened with some restrictions—visitors can only eat with the group they came in with and are sat six feet away from other tables.

A Message From Kevin

Thank you for those who continue to support small businesses during this time. We are humbled and grateful to still be operating and hope to be able to continue serving you for a long time to come.”

To stay updated on daily specials and news from The Downtowner, be sure to follow them on their social media accounts!

Facebook: @thedowntownerstockton
Instagram: @the_downtowner_stockton
Twitter: @Downtowner_Stkn

The Heart of the Community

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By Jordan Rosales

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where families gather around the warm room for conversation and traditions. The kitchen is more than just a room where food preparation happens, its where bonding happens. Nothing brings people together quite like food. Downtown Stockton is no different because here, the kitchen is now the heart of the community! As of earlier this month, BellaVista is now home to the new Stockton Community Kitchen.

The Perfect Ingredients

Stockton Mayor, Michael Tubbs had long wanted a place where low-income folks with big goals could have their dreams realized, he just never had all the right pieces. Originally he tried to start the program from scratch by guiding a commercial kitchen downtown but that would’ve cost millions of dollars. Since he was never able to find the right person to lead the project, it never got off the ground. That’s when Rima Barkett came in to save the day. She had all the ingredients for the projects success, not only is she an accomplished chef, restauranteur, and author, but she also has an extensive history of philanthropy. Her main passion is giving women who lack opportunities and resources access to them in order to have a fair shot. Rima’s record of working with other non-profits made her the perfect fit to helm this proverbial ship. Rima was able to offer her commercial kitchen for the program’s use. Through her connections, she was able to build a team of experts from the business world and the food industry to volunteer and teach about all aspects entrepreneurs will need to run a successful business.

Cooking up a Brighter Future 

The Stockton Community Kitchen is a local non-profit partnership that aspires to help underserved communities achieve entrepreneurial success. It is a food incubator enterprise that provides its chefs and future business owners all the tools they will need to start a new local business. The goal of the Stockton Community Kitchen is to offer mentorship, support, and business expertise to under-resourced communities in order to help them succeed in the competitive world of food service. Essentially, the offer people who already have the skills in the kitchen, the skills to run a business as well.

A recipe for success

Anyone who wants to apply for the program must first meet the five qualifications. First and foremost, they must be a low-income individual as specified by the Housing and Urban Development guidelines of San Joaquin County. Since their mission is to help elevate those with the highest barriers to entry in the food industry, the Stockton Community Kitchen also takes access to opportunities into consideration. Second, you must have a business idea ready. Once in the program, a mentor can help you refine and build upon your idea but when applying, you must have an idea that is wholly your own. Third, you need to have product viability. When entering a highly competitive industry like the food industry you need to have a unique and innovative concept that sets you apart from other products on the market. Fourth, you must possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Starting a new business can be very demanding and without passion or a strong drive, it can become incredibly overwhelming. Applicants need to show they have a strong work ethic and the grit it takes to start a business from scratch. Lastly, the applicant must have community spirit. Because Stockton is an incredibly diverse community, participants must show that they are able to work with and serve people from all backgrounds.

Application process

Once you have met the qualifications you can go to an application workshop where you’ll be taught how to properly complete the application, while this step isn’t necessary it can be helpful. The program itself consists of four distinct steps. The first step is application and enrollment. The Stockton Community Kitchen accepts applications year-round but the program only runs three times a year. The second step is the pre-incubation. The pre-incubation period is a four-month process where participants will receive hands-on training from industry professionals. They will focus on business basics like product development, marketing, financing, and managing daily operations. During this period participants create their own schedules to meet with their mentors. The third step is the incubator. After a successful first four months, participants will continue their previous training and start to develop skills more specific to their individual business objectives while having access to the affordable commercial kitchen facilities to support their business. The fourth and final step is graduation. After successfully reaching all program benchmarks participants become graduates of the Stockton Community Kitchen.

The goal of the Stockton Community Kitchen is to help underprivileged and underrepresented groups achieve business success and shape the landscape of Stockton’s diverse culinary future

 For more information about The Stockton Community Kitchen call them at (209) 608-5455 or visit their website https://stocktoncommunitykitchen.org/

Dreaming of Warmer Days? Here Are Some Outdoor Downtown Events to Look Forward To!

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By Jessica Nguyen

Even though it’s still winter, days are shorter, and you can’t leave home without a jacket (even if its a light one), it’s never too early to start thinking about warmer, sunnier days, and the events they bring with them to Downtown Stockton! Trust me, you’re not the only one daydreaming about enjoying a walk by downtown’s waterfront, ordering an iced coffee at Empresso’s and relaxing in their outdoor seating, attending Ports games, or going for a Full Moon Riders bike ride in the evening! Below, we’ve put together a list of several outdoor events coming up in Downtown Stockton, just to get you even more excited about what’s to come and to give you a head start in planning! Make sure to visit our website’s Event’s Calendar and stay social with us on Social Media to receive updates on new events as soon as they’re added!

El Concilio’s Cinco de Mayo Family Festival

Love families? Love festivals? And love to have a good time? You’re in luck- El Concilio is putting on their annual Cinco de Mayo Family Festival at the Weber Point Events Center on Sunday, May 3rd! The largest Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta in the Central Valley, the celebration will feature Hispanic culture, dance, and music and will honor and recognize diversity. Various food, beverage and arts and crafts vendors will be present for you to enjoy. Oh and of course, there will also be a children’s activities area for the little ones. Admission is $5, and children 12 and under are free!

Feast at the Fox

Feast at the Fox is a highly anticipated five-course dining experience located on Main Street in Downtown Stockton, right in front of the iconic Bob Hope Theater. This year, Feast of the Fox will take place on May 8th. Put on by Visit Stockton and the Delta College Culinary Arts program, the event will feature a menu of delicious creations by local chefs, made exclusively with fresh ingredients that were harvested from local areas. Not only would you get to indulge in an extraordinary dinner, but you’ll also get to enjoy live entertainment and a silent auction. Check out Visit Stockton’s website for ticket information and availability.

West Coast Conference Baseball Championships

What better way to spend warm evenings than by viewing America’s favorite pastime and cheering on the red, white and blue of our Stockton Ports? The West Coast Conference Baseball Championships take place between May 20th and May 23rd. There will be a Kids Clinic on the 20th, several baseball games on the 21st and 22nd, and finally, the championship game on Saturday, the 23rd. Check our events Calendar later for more details!

CRAVE Food Festival

We heard you’ve been craving something new, so we found plans for you on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend: Stockton’s newest food festival, CRAVE! From 2pm to 7pm, stroll through four entire blocks to order at tasty food trucks, eat at the irresistibly-smelling street food stalls, savor artisan drinks, and enjoy foodie related surprises. When you need a break after trying the 4th food truck (no judgments here, only encouragement), play some games, or listen and dance along to the live music. Not only do you get to bring your friends, family, and even your enemies if you want to, the event is pet friendly. Free admission, food trucks galore, alcohol and free admission?! Say no more. See you there!

A Pitcher Perfect Beer Week in Downtown Stockton

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By Jessica Nguyen

Feeling thirsty? Downtown Stockton is a thriving community full of businesses teeming with diverse options to satiate your thirst. Name almost any type of beverage and we’ve got it- Tea? Smoothies? Coffee? Boba? BEER? Look no further than our local favorites!

Speaking of beer, we are amidst Stockton’s 8th annual Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer culture in various participating Stockton locations. From August 9th to the 18th, various breweries, bars and restaurants from the Channel Brewing Company to The Downtowner will be participating in this unBEERlievable annual event. It’s hard not to look forward to spending time with your buds while wallowing in the sounds of clinking glasses and conversation as the distinct scent of beer wafts into the air.  

How exactly did Beer Week start?

Robyn Cheshire, Visit Stockton’s Director of Marketing and Communications shares, “the idea was to try to bring craft brew to Stockton,” referring to craft beer’s near unavailability in Stockton years ago. Times have certainly changed, as she points out, “now we have great craft beer so it’s definitely evolved over the past couple years- there’s a beer culture we want to celebrate.” And celebrate we do- this year, there are over 20 locations participating in Beer Week throughout the city of Stockton doing tap takeovers, specials, beer and food pairings, and more! 

I know what you’re thinking- Downtown Stockton is LIT and you need to know where you can celebrate Stockton Beer Week there. Don’t worry, we got you⁠—below, we’ll be highlighting some Downtown Stockton Beer Week events so you’re in the know! For specific dates, visit our Events Calendar so you can easily mark them in your calendar (they’ll also be available at the bottom of this article)! Robyn also explained that Visit Stockton is “excited that Downtown businesses have always embraced Stockton Beer Week,” and that there are, “even more [participating Downtown businesses] this year than before,” so get ready to hit them all! Participating Downtown Stockton establishments include Cast Iron Trading Co., Channel Brewing Company, The DowntownerDeliberation Room, Empresso Coffeehouse, and Port City Bar N Grill

Cast Iron Trading Co.

Cast Iron Trading Co. is known for having trendy (and aesthetic) seasonal menu items and beverages. For Beer Week, they’re tapping a VERY special beer from a FAMED brewery: Pliny the Elder!  The Russian River Brewing Company who makes Pliny the Elder describes it as “well-balanced with malt, hops, and alcohol, slightly bitter with a fresh hop aroma of floral, citrus, and pine.” Cast Iron will also be hosting Gluten Free Brews & Bites Night, New Glory Brewing Night, and Kill the Kegs ($5 Pint Night). From gluten-free brews and treats from a local gluten-free baker to live music and special bites, what’s not to enjoy? 

Channel Brewing

Channel Brewing Company is a nano brewery and tap room, so you already know it fits perfectly into the Stockton Beer Week festivities! Known for delicious, unique beers and house pizza, Channel Brewing will host Succs & Suds, Beer Choir!, and an Adobo Loco Pop-Up. Participate in a succulent beer mug arrangement workshop, belt out some notes with the Beer Choir, and taste Stockton native Chef Rob’s delicious creations while sipping on beer specials. 

The Downtowner

The Downtowner specializes in comfort food with a healthy twist. For the entirety of Beer Week, they’ll have a special menu not only featuring High Water Brewing Beers, but also dishes that they’ve cooked with it such as Beer Ceviche and the Hop Burger! On the last day of Beer Week, the Downtowner is going out with a bang, hosting a Brewer’s Dinner complete with 5 courses, each paired with a beer. Seating is limited so reserve your spot ASAP.  

The Deliberation Room

 The 1920s Speakeasy vibes of The Deliberation Room make it a perfect addition to Stockton Beer Week.  Exclusively on August 16th, they’ll be featuring Stone Brewing beer on their menu. For only $25, you get an appetizer sampler, four Stone Brewing beer samples, and your choice of a full size beer in a Stone Brewing glass that you get to take home!   

Empresso Coffeehouse

The 222 N. El Dorado location of Empresso Coffeehouse will be hosting an Open Mic Extravaganza on August 15th at 7pm. Come perform a song and have a beer, or if you’re a little shy, have a beer and then perform a song! Local musician Seth Jacks and friends will be hosting and there will be beer specials all day long. All genres are welcome, so if that beer helps you invent a new genre, grab the mic and show what you’ve got! 

Now that you’re aware of the celebrations going on downtown, you’re ready to have a pitcher perfect Beer Week!  But here’s some advice before you head out: drink responsibly, and don’t drink past the pint of no return.

Cast Iron Trading Co.
Gluten Free Brews and Bites Night – Aug, 15th @ 5pm 
New Glory Brewing Night- Aug. 16th @ 5pm 
Kill the Kegs ($5 Pint Night)- Aug. 17th @ 5pm  

Channel Brewing Company
Succs & Suds- Aug. 15th @ 6pm 
Beer Choir!- Aug. 16th @ 7pm 
Adobo Loco Pop-Up- Aug. 17th @ 6pm 

The Downtowner 
High Water Brewing Menu- Aug 9th-17th all day 
Brewer’s Dinner- Aug. 17th @ 6pm, reservations only 

The Deliberation Room  
Stone Brewing Sampler- Aug. 16th @ 6pm 

Ports City Bar N Grill 
TBA- Check the Visit Stockton website at a later time!