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Now Open: New Zealand-Inspired Food & Beer at Kairoa Brewing Company in University Heights
San Diego has no shortage of places to enjoy craft beer. But every once in a while, a new project enters the scene with something unique to offer. Kairoa Brewing Company certainly qualifies.
The brainchild of co-founder and general manager Shanan Spearing (a New Zealand transplant), a kiwi-inspired concept carries throughout the entire experience, from the brews to the food and even the decor itself.
The sprawling two-story, 10,500 square foot brewpub at the corner of Park Boulevard and Madison Avenue in the heart of University Heights has been in the works for years, and, so far, seems to have been well worth the wait.
The Vibe
A futuristic black exterior flanked by palm trees leads into a bright, airy dining room dominated by a custom gold backsplash with a traditional New Zealand fern design running behind the bar.
Nods to the founder’s home country are everywhere and pops of turquoise keep the aesthetic from becoming too stark.
The active brewhouse is along the far wall so visitors can observe a working brewery without feeling imposed upon.
Upstairs, an open-air patio invites patrons to lounge and relax above the bustling street below. The iconic University Heights gateway sign crests near the middle of the expansive space, so it’s sure to become a staple backdrop on Instagram.
Although the total capacity for the space is 450 people, well-planned areas keep both the indoor and outdoor areas from feeling cramped. Families, singles, couples, locals and visitors from afar are sure to enjoy the variety of seating options.
What To Drink
Head brewer Joe Peach, also a native of New Zealand, plans to focus on using New Zealand hops in most of his brews.
“What we want to do is make different beers all the time,” Peach says. He explains that rather than have a core lineup of flagship styles, Kairoa will fill its 10-barrel system with “whatever I want!”.
However, Peach plans to keep at least one of his beers in regular rotation: his Back Paddock New Zealand-style pilsner.
“It’s kind of like a Northern German pilsner. It’s a little more hop-forward, but not super hoppy. It uses New Zealand hops instead of German hops, so it’s more of a lemon-limey character,” he explains.
He also promises that barrel-aged beers will be part of future offerings, and plenty of food pairings to coordinate brewhouse efforts with the kitchen.
Hoppy offerings such as the 4 Gables IPA (very fruity aroma with a juicy, piney finish) are sure to be crowd favorites, but diners would be remiss if they abstained from the more malt-forward options. The Ostrich oatmeal stout is rich and chocolately without any lingering bitterness. Plus, at 5.3% ABV, it’s a wonderful choice for anyone considering an after-dinner “beer digestif”.
What To Eat
Former Ballast Point chef Rocio “Ro” Fleckenstein is now the executive chef at Kairoa, where she has created a San Diego-New Zealand fusion menu that features plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-forward dishes.
Traditional New Zealand fare such as sausage rolls and New Zealand mussels aren’t to be missed, but brunch is sure to be the most popular time for the neighborhood pub.
Creme brulee French toast comes piled high with berries and maple syrup marscapone—decadence at its finest.
The shrimp & grits is comfort food at its best. And a mini scone basket featuring both cheesy and fruity selections is a great choice for those who can’t choose between sweet and savory.
For dinner, those who seek a more traditional experience should opt for the New Zealand shepherd’s pie featuring stewed lamb and seasonal vegetables.
A robust small bites menu means groups are encouraged to share the likes of lamb barbacoa hot “chips” with mint chimichurri, although I wasn’t terribly interested in sharing once I had a bite.
You’ll also find classic bar fare, like the Kiwi burger, and inventive options like the vegan grilled cheese, Everything on the menu comes in at under $20, which given the impressive decor, is a pleasant surprise.
Kairoa doesn’t seem to need ostentatious trappings to make guests feel right at home.
Plan Your Visit to Kairoa Brewing Company
4601 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Hours: Dinner: Monday to Thursday, 3pm - 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am - midnight; Sunday, 3pm - 10pm | Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 2pm
*Kairoa’s grand opening is scheduled for March 2019, but they are now open during all regular business hours.
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