Dunbar Brewing

I wish I would have visited Dunbar more during my college career, being that I only lived ten minutes away in San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, that era ended less than a week ago.

Dunbar Brewing Co. is certainly a locals' hang-out, and new-comers will likely have a hard time spotting it along the side of Hwy 58. The establishment sits in the back corner of a small shopping complex; has no windows and only one, modest sign right above the door. The interior sports six or seven bar stools and maybe 30 sq. ft. of floor space. Cramped and windowless, it feels a bit like the the Little Rascals' hide-out. Beer swag/memorabilia coats the walls and loft. A crowd of local regulars typically fills Dunbar's seats, and the group is pretty friendly.

Chris Dunbar, the owner and bartender, offers the best craft beer selection in SLO county - hands down! From what I've heard, he's got special connections with the local distributors and head brewers across the state. His bar only has six tap handles, but he always puts unique, top-notch beers on draft (along with one, sometimes two of his own brews). Last time I was in, Hoptimator, The Abyss, and Bigfoot occupied three of the taps. Chris is very generous, and he loves sharing special bottles with people he knows will enjoy them.

I've never had the food at Dunbar, but I know that Chris routinely hosts beer dinners, and the pairings sound delicious (go to Dunbar's Facebook page for more details).

Dunbar Brewing Co. is a true gem, and well worth the visit if you're staying in San Luis Obispo or the north county. Chris is a true fan of craft beer, and he'll make you feel right at home.

NOTE: Dunbar Brewing only accepts cash - no credit or debit (as of April 2011).

Please visit Dunbar Brewing. Chris, the owner, brewer, bartender, and builder, will serve you his excellent homemade beers, tell you about his brewery, and thank you deeply for your feedback.

A green crest is painted on the front door featuring the brewery's name and the phrase "forty deuce." Walk in to find a small right-angle bar made of two huge pieces of richly lacquered solid wood. Behind the bar are wooden shelves and paneling hosting a chalkboard and placards that make up the tap list, as well as the bar's label-printed pint glasses.

Opposite the bar is a black cage enclosing the brewery's three-barrel system. An older three-tier 10-gallon system sits on the side along with an immersion wort-chiller and counter-pressure bottler. A steam hood is hung over the caged-in area.

A temperature-controlled back room contains three three-barrel stainless fermenters.

Chris's tap list includes two of his own beers, plus selections for every level of beer-nerdery, from Pacifico to Port Brewing. The entire experience is the result of Chris's personal effort, from the self-built brewery and bar to his detailed descriptions of brew recipes.

Chris welcomed us to his bar after hours, even though guests for his beer-pairing dinner were filtering in as we arrived.

Dunbar Brewing has a consummate host at its helm. You will be impressed by Chris's attention to the complete beer-drinking experience.