Living in Style
Beer Advocate
Beer Magazine
East County Magazine
Story and photos by Jolene Crowley
Courtesy of Main Tap Tavern.
Main Tap Tavern in El Cajon boasts 24 hand-blown glass tap handles created by local artist Dan McStocker.
The rehabilitation and beautification of Main Street in El Cajon continues with the July opening of Main Tap Tavern. Currently owned and operated by the East County father and son team, T. L. and Zack Summers, this prime location had been a dive bar since the ‘60s.
Remodeling the bar earlier this year was the Summers’ last construction job. “We hired ourselves to do almost all the renovation work,” said Zack. Three months and half million dollars later, Main Tap Tavern has been converted from a rather dark hole-in-the-wall to a sparkling clean (yes, even the bathrooms), breezy joint with over-sized punched-out windows in the front facing Main Street, and large French doors opening to the back-side patio creating a breezy, nicely lit atmosphere for a game of pool, foosball, darts and visiting.
The most stunning feature of Main Tap Tavern is the two dozen hand-blown glass tap handles, each with a unique design accentuated by tiny colored lights. The inspiration for the elegant pulls came from necessity being the mother of invention. “I have a kegerator at home,” Zack explained. “About a year ago, I was putting in a keg that didn’t have a handle. A friend recommended a local glassblower, Dan McStocker of the fledgling Liquid Glass Company, who blew a clear glass handle with blue swirls. Everyone who saw and used it commented on the piece of art not for its practicality but for its beauty and novelty. “When we were fixing up the bar, one of the first things we did was commission Dan to create another 24 handles,” Zack said.
Jolene Crowley.
Bartender Cody Summers serves a taster flight of craft beers at Main Tap Tavern in El Cajon.
Main Tap Tavern is located at 518 East Main Street in El Cajon. Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with the exception of select holidays. During regular season NFL football, opening time is 9 a.m. on Sundays. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check the web site for no-cover charge live music dates. Ample parking in the back. maintaptavern.com. 619-749-6333.