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The Resurrection Of Modern Times North Park: 7 Must-Know Updates On San Diego’s Iconic Flavordome

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The Modern Times North Park Flavordome is not just surviving, it’s thriving in a new era. As of late December 2025, the iconic tasting room on 30th Street remains a vital heart of the San Diego craft beer scene, operating under the new stewardship of Hawaii-based Maui Brewing Company. Following a tumultuous period of financial uncertainty and consolidation, the North Park location has emerged as one of the last two remaining bastions of the original Modern Times experience, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of exceptional beer and unique, thoughtful design.

This deep dive reveals the definitive, current status of the North Park location, the dramatic corporate shake-up that saved the brand, and the exciting new developments—including a major coffee expansion—that are redefining the Modern Times universe. Forget the old rumors; this is everything you need to know about the Flavordome’s future and its role in the revitalized brand.

The Phoenix Rises: Modern Times Beer’s Acquisition and Consolidation

The story of the North Park Flavordome cannot be told without understanding the dramatic corporate events that transpired in 2022. The once-sprawling Modern Times empire, which included a massive production brewery and multiple outposts, faced significant financial distress, culminating in a highly publicized bankruptcy auction. This period of uncertainty cast a shadow over all its locations, including the popular North Park spot.

The $15.3 Million Lifeline from Maui Brewing Co.

The brand’s salvation came from an unexpected source: Maui Brewing Company. After a dramatic bidding process where the initial winning bid by Brewery X failed to close, Maui Brewing Company stepped in. The Hawaii-based brewery, led by Co-Founder Garrett Marrero, successfully acquired the assets of Modern Times Beer for a reported $15.3 million. This purchase was a massive vote of confidence in the brand's core identity, particularly its beer and coffee programs, and a commitment to preserving its most beloved retail locations.

The North Park Flavordome: A Last Stand Location

The acquisition led to a significant consolidation of operations. The original, large-scale production brewery in the Midway District (Point Loma) was officially shut down, and the brewing itself was contracted out to Alesmith Brewing in Miramar. This move streamlined the business, allowing the new owners to focus resources on the most successful and profitable retail locations. The North Park Flavordome, along with the Encinitas outpost, was one of the select few tasting rooms preserved, solidifying its importance to the brand's new strategy and its loyal customer base.

7 Crucial Updates Redefining the North Park Experience

The North Park Flavordome, located on the highly competitive 30th Street corridor—often called the "beating heart" of the San Diego craft beer scene—is now operating with a renewed focus. Here are the most critical updates for anyone planning a visit or interested in the brand's future.

  1. The Flavordome’s Enduring Core: Beer Excellence
    The Flavordome remains fundamentally a tasting room dedicated to exceptional beer. It features 20 rotating taps, offering a constantly updated selection of Modern Times’ signature styles. Expect to find classic, fan-favorite IPAs, rich and complex Stouts, and barrel-aged Barleywines, all brewed under the new, high-quality production agreement with Alesmith.
  2. A Shift in Culinary Focus
    Unlike the Encinitas location, which features a full menu of staggeringly delicious plant-based cuisine, the North Park Flavordome remains primarily a beer and coffee destination. While the offerings may include small snacks or limited items, visitors should plan their trip around the libations, not a full meal. This focus ensures the tasting room experience is centered squarely on the craft beverage.
  3. The Rise of the "Cathedral of Caffeination"
    A major new development in North Park is the expansion of Modern Times Coffee. The brand is converting a former craft-beer incubator space in the neighborhood into its new "Cathedral of Caffeination." This will serve as a dedicated coffee roastery and tasting room, significantly elevating Modern Times’ presence in the coffee market and creating a dual-concept hub in North Park for both beer and java enthusiasts.
  4. The New "Timestead" Concept is Downtown, Not North Park
    There has been some confusion regarding a new venue called "Timestead." This "retro-futurist" pub concept is a separate venture located in Downtown San Diego (in the former The Local space). While part of the Modern Times family, it is not replacing or directly altering the North Park Flavordome, which maintains its original identity.
  5. The Vibe: Thoughtful Design and Community
    The Flavordome’s aesthetic—known for its unique, thoughtful design and relaxed sense of community—has been preserved. The space continues to serve as a proper home base for good humans and a creative powerhouse for the brand, maintaining the whimsical, slightly maximalist decor that made it famous.
  1. The Takeaway Option: CROWLERs and Merchandise
    In addition to on-site pours, the Flavordome offers a delicious array of CROWLERs (canned growlers) for patrons to take their favorite brews home. This retail component is crucial, ensuring that even with consolidated production, the freshest beer is readily available to the North Park neighborhood.
  2. A New Chapter of Stability and Growth
    The most important update is stability. Under the ownership of Maui Brewing Co., Modern Times is no longer a company fighting for survival but one focused on strategic growth and quality control. The North Park location is a cornerstone of this new, leaner, and more focused vision, guaranteeing its long-term future as a key player in the San Diego craft beer scene.

The North Park Flavordome: A True Creative Powerhouse

The North Park Flavordome, situated at the nexus of San Diego’s most vibrant brewery corridor, has always been more than just a place to grab a pint. It is a cultural landmark. Its continued operation is a testament to its success as a creative powerhouse and community hub. The new ownership recognizes the value of this specific location, which draws both dedicated local enthusiasts and tourists seeking the authentic, world-class San Diego beer experience.

The decision to consolidate production to a contract model with Alesmith Brewing allows the North Park team to focus entirely on the hospitality and experience aspects. They can dedicate their energy to curating the 20-tap list, ensuring the beer is served at its peak, and maintaining the unique ambiance that patrons have come to expect. This strategic shift is designed to deliver a consistently high-quality product and experience, which is essential in a competitive market that includes neighbors like Threelions Pub and other North Park Main Street establishments.

With the "Cathedral of Caffeination" set to open nearby, North Park will soon become the ultimate destination for both Modern Times Beer and Modern Times Coffee, solidifying the brand’s dual-identity. Whether you are looking for a hop-forward IPA, a rich Stout, or a meticulously roasted limited-anniversary blend coffee, the North Park neighborhood is where the new, revitalized Modern Times universe truly comes together.

The Resurrection of Modern Times North Park: 7 Must-Know Updates on San Diego’s Iconic Flavordome
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