I & I Brewing in Chino is closing – Press Enterprise

This one stings.

Oh, we knew it was coming when I & I Brewing held what was likely its last big concert back in April.

We knew the brewery would likely close in September when the lease was up.

We just can’t believe it’s actually happening.

The Chino brewery will close its doors Saturday, Sept. 20.

The brewery, which opened in 2012, turned out to be a great place to hang out, meet new friends, drink some tasty beers and catch the occasional reggae concert.

I’ve been a fan pretty much since they opened in a tiny taproom that could hold about four people before being crowded.

The brewery eventually moved to a larger space nearby that could accommodate more people … and host those concerts.

But now it’s over.

The brewery is expected to be open 1-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, through Saturday.

One final concert featuring SGV Vibes is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.

However, the brewery will live on.

Metabolic Brewing Co., which opened last year in Ontario, announced this week it will be taking over the space as its second location.

For now, I & I Brewing is at 5135 Edison Ave., Suite 1.

Thompson Brewing turns eight

Things are a little happier over at Thompson Brewing Co. in Riverside, which is celebrating its eighth anniversary Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20.

The event will feature music both days, raffles on Friday and a Golden Ticket hunt and a sundae bar on Saturday.

Of course, there will also be delicious Thompson Brewing food and drinks.

On Sunday, Sept. 21, the brewery will host a Back to the ’80s Pups and Brews.

From noon-2 p.m., the brewery will give out free pup cups (dog-friendly desserts) and free printed photos of your pup.

Dressing your dog in ’80s attire is optional, but encouraged. (Now where did I put those doggie leg warmers?)

Attendees can register on Eventbrite for a free goodie bag for their pup.

For updates, visit the brewery’s Instagram page, @thompsonbrewingco.

Weekend hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Thompson Brewing is at 9900 Indiana Ave., Suite 7.

Now in Colton

Recently, I noticed activity at the former Colton Taco Joe’s at 1431 E. Washington St.

Eventually a sign went up for Chick-N-Falafel.

The Mediterranean restaurant serves, well, chicken and falafel, in a variety of ways, along with beef shawarma.

Wraps, burritos, bowls and plates are among the options.

The restaurant also offers something I’ve never seen here in the Inland Empire, koshari, an Egyptian dish made with rice, pasta and black lentils and topped with a tomato sauce.

Hours are 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily.

Mountains update

Frequent contributor Kevin emailed me a little while ago with some restaurant happenings in the Crestline area.

He notes that the The A Restaurant (a former A&W Restaurant) had reopened in August.

Now going by A Burger, the restaurant offers a little history on its website.