The Definitive Answer: What Happened To Craftsman Tavern In Encinitas And Chef Wade Hageman’s New Legacy
For years, Craftsman New American Tavern was a cornerstone of the Encinitas dining scene, celebrated for its elevated, farm-to-fork comfort food and stylish, rustic ambiance. The curiosity surrounding its status remains high, particularly among long-time North County residents and food enthusiasts who remember its signature dishes. As of December 22, 2025, the definitive answer is that Craftsman Tavern is permanently closed, having shut its doors several years ago due to a failed lease agreement. The space it once occupied on North El Camino Real has since been repurposed, but the legacy of its innovative cuisine and the journey of its acclaimed chef live on through other successful ventures in the area.
This article provides a comprehensive look back at what made Craftsman Tavern a beloved Encinitas institution, the specifics of its closure, and the current, most up-to-date status of the culinary team behind it, including their subsequent project, Open House Asian Kitchen, and their enduring flagship restaurant.
The Culinary Visionaries Behind Craftsman Tavern
The success and high regard for Craftsman Tavern were intrinsically tied to the vision of its owners, restaurateur Wade Hageman and his wife, Kristi Hageman. The couple are well-known figures in the North County San Diego food community, establishing a reputation for simple, high-quality food done exceptionally well.
A brief biography of the key figures includes:
- Wade Hageman: A talented chef who previously worked in fine dining, notably at the acclaimed Blanca, before shifting his focus to more approachable, yet equally refined, concepts. He is the culinary mind behind the menu and the farm-to-table philosophy.
- Kristi Hageman: Co-owner and business partner who manages the operations and hospitality, ensuring a welcoming and stylish atmosphere for their guests.
- Flagship Restaurant: The Hagemans are the long-time owners of Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria in Encinitas, which opened in 2010 and remains a popular, award-winning establishment.
- Craftsman Tavern Concept: Opened to offer a "New American Tavern" experience, focusing on comfort food with a sophisticated, hand-crafted touch, contrasting with the pizza focus of Blue Ribbon.
The Rise and Sudden Closure of an Encinitas Hotspot
When Craftsman Tavern first opened, it quickly garnered a loyal following. It was more than just a restaurant; it was a stylish watering hole that perfectly captured the casual-yet-refined coastal charm of Encinitas. The interior featured a rustic, yet modern, design with a cozy bar and an inviting patio, making it a perfect spot for everything from a family brunch to a date night.
A Menu Defined by Farm-to-Fork Excellence
The core of the tavern’s appeal was its commitment to the farm-to-fork movement, utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to elevate classic comfort dishes. The menu was constantly evolving, but several dishes became signature items that guests still rave about today:
- Merlot-Braised Short Ribs: A rich, tender, and deeply satisfying dish that exemplified the "comfort food" ethos.
- Goat Cheese Agnolotti: A delicate pasta dish that showcased the chef’s technical skill and ability to blend simple flavors.
- The Devil’s Free Range Chicken: Often cited in reviews, this dish was a testament to the kitchen's ability to turn a simple protein into a memorable meal.
- Truffled French Fries and Sweet Potato Tots: Popular appetizers that were perfect for sharing at the stylish bar.
The Unfortunate End: A Failed Lease
Despite its popularity and critical success, Craftsman Tavern’s run came to an end. The closure was attributed to a failed lease agreement at its location at 267 N. El Camino Real. This is a common and often unavoidable business challenge in high-demand real estate areas like Encinitas, regardless of a restaurant’s performance. The closure was a significant event in the local dining community, marking the loss of a truly unique New American gastropub concept. The former location has since been redeveloped, now housing various small businesses, including a Montessori school and a smoke shop, which definitively confirms the end of the Craftsman Tavern era at that address.
The Next Chapter: Open House Asian Kitchen and The Hageman Legacy
Following the closure of Craftsman Tavern, Chef Wade and Kristi Hageman quickly announced their plans for a new venture, keeping their culinary focus within the Encinitas community. This new project was Open House Asian Kitchen, an Asian-inspired, Asian fusion bar and eatery.
The Open House Concept: A Different Direction
Open House Asian Kitchen represented a significant pivot in cuisine from the New American fare of Craftsman Tavern. It was designed to be a vibrant, open, and welcoming space—a true "open house"—offering a diverse menu with an Asian influence. The restaurant was located in the Moonlight Plaza area, another key dining hub in Encinitas, and was intended to be a multi-concept space.
Current Status: Open House is Also Closed
In a further twist of the Encinitas food scene, Open House Asian Kitchen also eventually closed its doors. While it was a highly anticipated and well-received concept, it did not endure long-term. This confirms that both of the Hagemans' subsequent ventures after their flagship pizzeria have concluded, leaving their original project as the enduring symbol of their success.
Wade Hageman's Enduring Encinitas Legacy: Blue Ribbon
For those mourning the loss of Craftsman Tavern and Open House Asian Kitchen, the good news is that the Hagemans’ culinary influence in Encinitas is far from over. The most current and stable venture is the one that started it all:
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
The definitive, latest status on the Hageman Restaurant Group is that Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria remains fully operational and highly regarded. This restaurant, which specializes in wood-fired pizza and simple, seasonal appetizers, is the true anchor of their Encinitas portfolio. It continues to be celebrated for its commitment to quality ingredients, a principle that was also at the heart of Craftsman Tavern.
Entities and Keywords Related to the Hageman Legacy:
- Encinitas Dining Scene
- North County San Diego
- Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
- Wood-Fired Pizza
- Gastropub
- Seasonal Menu
- Hageman Restaurant Group
- Moonlight Plaza
- 267 N. El Camino Real
- New American Cuisine
- Culinary Entrepreneurship
While Craftsman Tavern in Encinitas is a fond memory—a chapter in the city's rich culinary history that ended too soon due to unfortunate real estate circumstances—the core of its quality and innovation lives on. Fans of Chef Wade Hageman’s approach to food can still experience his dedication to simple, well-executed dishes by visiting his enduring restaurant, Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria, ensuring that the Hageman legacy continues to thrive in North County San Diego.
Detail Author:
- Name : Victor Torphy
- Username : schoen.isaac
- Email : hahn.cayla@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1979-07-13
- Address : 4795 Huels Flats Ritchiebury, PA 40827-7353
- Phone : (856) 384-6617
- Company : Treutel-Gerhold
- Job : Nuclear Technician
- Bio : Laborum sint eum temporibus magnam. Quaerat et magnam esse molestiae. Non fuga pariatur dolor esse.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ankunding2015
- username : ankunding2015
- bio : Nesciunt cupiditate vel aut. Nostrum eligendi id dolor aut odio.
- followers : 1656
- following : 602
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/ankunding1993
- username : ankunding1993
- bio : Ut unde est cum magni occaecati. Sint vel sit fugit mollitia.
- followers : 4164
- following : 744
