The Central Coast of California is fast becoming known as Craft Beer Country. With over 20 breweries, brew pubs and beer bars located from Paso Robles to Buellton, beer buffs are sprinting to the area.
Pismo Beach is conveniently located halfway between Paso Robles and Buellton. The classic beach town is a prime starting point as you begin your search for award-winning beers and unique microbreweries.
Ready to explore? Meet 10 of our favorite Central Coast breweries (in alphabetical order):
1. Bang the Drum
BangTheDrumBrewery.com
This small batch brewery is pleased to be known as the “Smallest Brewery on the Central Coast.” They source fresh and local ingredients and focus on creating a variety of styles for their consumers to enjoy. Stop on by, taste some beer and literally bang on their collection of drums.
Portfolio Examples:
Bourbon oak aged Imperial Stout, German-style Weissbier and Gluten Free IPA
Visit:
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday and Saturday 12:00pm – 12:00am; Tuesday Closed
950 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, CA
805.242.8372
2. Barrelhouse Brewing Company
BarrelHouseBrewing.com
This Paso Robles brewery produces a palatable lineup of craft beers featured in their year round series, specialty small batch releases and the Salvaje de Robles (Sour of the Oak) series. The tasting room encompasses a half-acre beer garden with expansive views and a rushing waterfall.
Portfolio Examples:
Kolsch Style Ale, Clementine Citrus Ale, Rye IPA and Double IPA
Visit:
Monday through Thursday 2:00pm – 8:00pm; Friday and Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm
3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA
805.296.1128
3. Central Coast Brewing
CentralCoastBrewing.com
This premier neighborhood brewery in downtown San Luis Obispo produces a range of unique microbrews and signature ales. Experience fresh hoppy ales, stouts, barrel-aged beers and lagers.
Portfolio Examples:
Black Rye IPA, Vienna Amber Lager, Pale Ale and Belgian Wit w/ Orange Peel and Coriander
Visit:
Monday through Friday 12:00pm – 9:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm
1422 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
805.783.BREW
4. Creekside Brewing Company
CreeksideBrewing.com
From beers handcrafted onsite to hard-to-find bottled selections, this brewery is another downtown San Luis Obispo novelty. Expect seasonal beers to be regularly introduced and indulge on a full lunch and dinner menu. And don’t forget to check out the tantalizing dessert menu inspired by their favorite brews.
Portfolio Examples:
Wildberry Wit, Brown Ale, Pale Ale and Double Dark Stout
Visit:
Open Daily 11:00am – 1:00am
1040 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
805.439.4200
5. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
FigMtnBrew.com
Now with six taprooms located from Westlake Village to Arroyo Grande, this father and son run brewery is at the heart of the Central Coast. You will find top tier beers made from the highest quality ingredients. Their Arroyo Grande Taproom recently opened this summer and introduces you to a culture that thrives on making the very best beer even better, each and every day.
Portfolio Examples:
American Wheat, Kolsch, American Porter, Hoppy Czech Pilsner, Vienna Lager, American IPA and Irish Stout
Visit the A.G. Taproom:
Sunday through Wednesday 11:00am – 10:00pm; Thursday through Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm
1462 E. Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA
805.474.8525
6. Firestone Walker Brewing
FirestoneBeer.com
One of the most highly-decorated breweries on the Central Coast can be found in Paso Robles. The regional craft brewery passionately dedicates itself to world-class beers. Experience the brewery to its full capacity with a tour of the facility and a delicious lunch or dinner from a seasonally prepared full menu in the Taproom restaurant. The Taproom features 16 beers on draft and provides some of the freshest beers available as they are brewed right next door.
Portfolio Examples:
British Pale Ale, California Style Pale Ale, aggressively hopped West Coast-style IPA, Hoppy Pilsner and Oatmeal Stout
Visit:
Tasting Room & Visitor’s Center open Monday through Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm; Friday through Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm with brewery tour reservations available daily 10:30am – 3:30pm
The Taproom Restaurant open daily 11:00am – 9:00pm
1400 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, CA
Reservations 805.225.5913
7. ManRock Brewing Co
ManRockBrewing.com
This family owned and operated microbrewery is a real gem found in Grover Beach. Their specialty brews satisfy a variety of palates while a relaxed atmosphere, inviting Beer Garden and a delectable menu of “simple pub grub” entice you to stay all day.
Portfolio Examples:
English style and Barrel Aged Stouts, Amber, IPA, and DIPA
Visit:
Monday through Thursday 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday 3:00pm – 12:00am; Saturday 1:00pm – 10:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm – 8:00pm w/ extended NFL season hours
1750 El Camino Real, Unit A, Grover Beach, CA
805.270.3089
8. Pismo Brewing Company
PismoBrew.com
Embracing Pismo Beach’s laid-back, classic California mentality, this brewery is rooted in its community and produces uniquely handcrafted local beer. They strive to produce something for everyone and are proud to announce that they are the first microbrewery in Pismo Beach. Onsite you can enjoy a limited yet delectable menu specializing in pizza and brew food within a pet and family-friendly atmosphere.
Portfolio Examples:
Pale Ale, IPA, Blonde Ale, Red Ale and Brown Ale
Visit:
Monday through Wednesday 2:00pm – 8:00pm; Thursday through Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm; Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
500 Cypress Street, Pismo Beach, CA
805.295.6200
9. SLO Brewing Company
SLOBrewingCo.com
As San Luis Obispo County’s first craft brewery, this iconic establishment was founded in 1988 and has remained one of the most popular breweries in the area. Located downtown San Luis Obispo it attracts beer enthusiasts to its historical building where tasters and diners can take in views of the beautiful brew kettles while tasting a range of finely crafted beers. Don’t expect your average pub food at this brewery, here you will find full lunch and dinner menu’s of fresh ingredients that is designed to complement your beer of choice. The brewery will be introducing four IPAs this fall, including one made from locally sourced hops here on the Central Coast.
Portfolio Examples:
IPA, Lager, Wheat, Double Blonde, Reggae Red, Blueberry, Intro-IPA and Imperial Winter Brown
Visit:
Daily 12:00pm – 2:00am w/ extended NFL season hours on Sunday
1119 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
805.543.1843
10. Tap It Brewing Company
TapItBrewing.com
Experience serious beer from this family owned and operated microbrewery in San Luis Obispo. Their handcrafted, award-winning ales aim to please with fresh and distinguishable tastes. Stop on by their revamped warehouse space where you can watch your favorite brewers in action while enjoying the all-American beers.
Portfolio Examples:
American Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Pi Golden Ale, Stout, Imperial Red IPA and Double India Pale Ale
Visit:
Sunday through Wednesday 12:00pm – 8:00pm; Thursday through Saturday 12:00pm – 10:00pm
675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.545.7702
Wind Down at Shell Beach Brewhouse and the SeaCrest
If you are staying in Pismo Beach and craving another beer to taste or simply want to enjoy the convenience of a local establishment, try the Shell Beach Brewhouse. With 30 beers on draft you have the option of selecting a number of Central Coast favorites, plus many more. Additionally, you can enjoy four wines on tap, signature cocktails, nine flat screen TVs and a full lunch and dinner menu.
1.5 miles down the road from Shell Beach Brewhouse is the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel. It is where you want to put up your feet at the end of the day. The relaxed atmosphere is your perfect complement to an afternoon or evening of beer tasting.