Relentless Brewing & Spirits is moving into the former WestBrew taproom in downtown San Diego's East Village and bringing a new concept along for the ride: Feral Libations. The owners are pitching it as a craft-beer, cocktail and full-service restaurant hybrid and are aiming for an April 2027 opening.
Husband-and-wife founders James and Doris Hess said they wanted to create a place that celebrates craft in every form, and that Feral Libations will mix Relentless's own beers with a large rotating selection of guest breweries, an ambitious cocktail program and elevated bar food, the owners told SanDiegoVille. The company says it has applied for California Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses that include distillery privileges, although production will not be the primary focus of the East Village site. Relentless said it is pushing to open sooner if possible but is setting April 2027 as its target for a soft launch.
From Temecula Roots To An East Village Corner
Relentless began in Temecula and now operates a busy outpost in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, where the brand pairs craft beer with cocktails and chef-driven food, according to the company's website. A commercial listing for the East Village property also shows Relentless as the tenant at 701 Island Avenue, signaling a long-term lease for the corner space on LoopNet.
Space Keeps Changing Hands
The address has been a revolving door in recent years. Vista-based WestBrew opened the downtown location in early 2022 but closed the restaurant in 2024 amid rising operating costs. San Diego Beer News reported the pullback as part of WestBrew's move to refocus on distribution rather than multiple hospitality outposts.
The Hesses told SanDiegoVille that East Village's mix of locals, visitors and game-night crowds made the corner attractive, and they hope Feral Libations will become a neighborhood destination for discovery and regulars alike. The company is directing customers to its website for updates on the buildout and opening timeline.
