Founded by local entrepreneur Cameron Valentine, Breeds & Brew is set to blend the best of two worlds: a dog-friendly playground and a full-service craft beer and beverage venue. The 5,000-square-foot property - once home to Bolt Brewery’s flagship location - features shaded outdoor seating, turfed areas, a container bar, and a ready-to-go brewery setup, making it an ideal fit for Valentine’s vision.
Breeds & Brew will offer a curated experience that includes craft beer, non-alcoholic specialty drinks, dog treats, pup cups, and hydration stations, all designed for guests to enjoy alongside their four-legged friends. Planned programming includes puppy yoga, movie nights, adoption events, enrichment workshops, seasonal celebrations, and live music, making the venue more than just a dog park - it’s a social destination.
The La Mesa location surfaced after months of property hunting and a chance glance at the city’s commercial vacancy listings. In addition to everyday access, Breeds & Brew is launching a limited-run Founding Fathers Membership, capped at just 25 members. Perks include naming a beer, a catered soft opening invite, event access, private event priority, and a Wall of Fame mention. Founders can also earn lifetime membership by referring ten new annual members.
Renovations will be light but thoughtful, with plans for high-end turf, agility equipment, misters, shaded areas, and water features to enhance the dog-friendly experience. Valentine also plans to paint and modernize the brewhouse and container bar, while keeping the overall relaxed, pet-forward atmosphere intact.
There are no breed restrictions at Breeds & Brew, though dogs must be spayed or neutered if over a year old, and owners must remain attentive to their pets at all times. The venue is not a boarding facility but rather a social club for dogs and their humans, offering limited Wi-Fi and discouraging use as a remote workspace. Breeds & Brew will also introduce a nonprofit arm, with a mission to match shelter puppies with disabled veterans for service animal training, continuing the founder’s commitment to giving back.
With Bolt Brewery’s original La Mesa location closing in December 2024 after a decade of service - and its other locations now operating under the Taco Loco brand - Breeds & Brew offers a fresh new chapter for the beloved site, keeping its communal spirit alive while wagging into the future.
There are no breed restrictions at Breeds & Brew, though dogs must be spayed or neutered if over a year old, and owners must remain attentive to their pets at all times. The venue is not a boarding facility but rather a social club for dogs and their humans, offering limited Wi-Fi and discouraging use as a remote workspace. Breeds & Brew will also introduce a nonprofit arm, with a mission to match shelter puppies with disabled veterans for service animal training, continuing the founder’s commitment to giving back.
With Bolt Brewery’s original La Mesa location closing in December 2024 after a decade of service - and its other locations now operating under the Taco Loco brand - Breeds & Brew offers a fresh new chapter for the beloved site, keeping its communal spirit alive while wagging into the future.
Breeds & Brew is anticipated to open this summer at 8179 Center Street in La Mesa. For more information, visit breedsandbrew.com.
Originally published on May 10, 2025.