Kearny Mesa Gastropub Common Theory Opens in Chula Vista | Eater San Diego

"I'm looking forward to the new Common Theory Public House opening March 4 at the Mix at Millenia in Otay Ranch; the crowd-pleasing, beer-focused pub expands its Convoy Street roots into a more refined, modern and airy 4,500-square-foot space surrounded by windows with a mix of seating, including a 26-seat communal table. A large-scale 3D dragon by San Diego artist Christopher Konecki presides over the 18-seat, 30-tap bar where they'll continue to offer a mostly local beer selection — including coveted beers from Russian River Brewing — and beverage director Chris Lee (creator of the cocktail Realm of the 52 Remedies) will also be offering low-ABV drinks until a full liquor license is acquired. Owners Joon Lee and Cris Liang, who grew up in Chula Vista and attended UCSD together, are bringing many of the Kearny Mesa signatures (the Szechuan spicy chicken sandwich, salt-and-pepper chicken wings, and kimchi fried rice) while executive chef Steven Lona will add more Mexican options and expand Asian dishes to incorporate Filipino and Vietnamese cuisine. Because the restaurant sits at the edge of a large park, the kitchen is creating takeout-friendly bento boxes for picnicking and the bar can can crowlers of any beer on tap, all of which should be a boon to the 3,000 housing units nearby and the wider Otay Ranch community." - Candice Woo