Road Trip - LA to SF

The obvious choice is Firestone Walker in Paso Robles, but I would also try Barrelhouse in Paso. While they aren't my favorite, most people are going to tell you to hit Alvarado in Salinas. You also might want to hit Shanty Shack in Santa Cruz

 

I moved out of LA a little more than 20 years ago, and I still have a hard time remembering you have any beer scene there now. It used to be such a waste land. I would skip FW if I were you too. People love Figueroa in Buellton too, although I'v been unimpressed.

 

I've been wanting to try Wild Fields in Atascadero. There was also a very tasty cidery in Atascadero that I visited a couple years ago that had some nicely dry ciders and also had some local wines available

 

About 10 years ago I had a condo I rented out in Westwood. It was cool, but man I don't miss that traffic.

 

I've heard good things about Wild Fields. I'm going to try to hit it next time I drive south and have some time.

 

Mead/Cider spot right off the 101 in Santa Barbara if that's your route.
https://drinkapiary.com/

 

That's a shame, i really enjoyed their ciders.

 

I'd hit Liquid Gravity during your SLO stop.

 

Depending on day off week, if your going to visit TDNE I would also stop in Liquid Gravity. Especially if there’s a band playing that day/night. Total opposite of TDNE. Otherwise what @unlikelyspiderperson said Wild Fields. My next visit to SLO I will rent a car and drive to WF first with a quick in & out stop at TDNE and finish off at LG hopefully with a live band that afternoon.
I like to that you have ToronadoSF. Not far from Tis Zeitgeist. A unique bar tucked away. I don’t see Zeitgeist mentioned much here. A great tap list. Large backyard venue with live music.

 

Bristol Cider. Amazing stuff. Owner makes wine for Tablas Creek and owns Lone Madrone. Wild Fields is making great beers, 4 golds at GABF, chill place with lots of area for kids. Ancient Owl is also near there, greta beer bar.

 

You’ve probably already checked out Tarantula Hill and Casa Agria, but those are both close to the 101 coming out of LA.
Silva Brewing and the attached Pour House could be worth a stop in Paso.

 

Wow Zeitgeist brings back some memories…

 

I think Wondrous in Emeryville is doing really good stuff these days. Personally, I'd prioritize it over Cellarmaker. Plus it's not too far from the new Sante location in Oakland.

If you need a second brewery in Santa Cruz, then most people would recommend Humble Sea. My suggestion is to go to Lupulo and drink some Cantillon if that's something you don't have regular access to. They also have a bunch of Private Press bottles for on-site consumption.

 

Rather than hitting ASB in Monterey, why not do a stop in Carmel (ASB Bistro) where Yeast of Eden used to be? I don't recall seeing YoE stuff in ASB Monterey the last time I was there.