Looking for some recomendations for some stops on an upcoming trip. It's a bit of staggered trip. Traveling up the coast from LA to San Luis Obispo one night, then the next day up to Monterey for a night, then way east to Bass Lake (for my brother's wedding). With that said, won't be going any more north then that, so as much as I'd like to hit the bay area (Triple Rock, Bear Republic to name a few) those are just too out of the way. Seeking off the beaten path suggestions primarily, or a bit of just confirmation of what beerfly reflects. I'm by-passing a few spots along the way that I have been to before (such as Island Brewing, Telegraph, Firestone, Figueroa mountain) and mainly looking for something near San Luis Obispo the first day (or south of it) and Monterey the next (or reasonable nearby) that I haven't already mentioned. I do see Creekside brewing in reviews, as well as Monterey Coast Brewing, is there something better near either? Since were traveling on a Wednesday & thursday, (4/25-4/27) this limits our options a bit for any weekend only spots as well. Thanks
You're doing a great trip for a wine drinker, passing through Paso Robles and Monterey (Santa Lucia Highlands Region).
Check out Hollister. Old Pizza Port brewer up there making some good hoppy stuff. Right off the highway just past Santa Barbara.
Hit one of the Firestone walkers on the way up. There's one near Santa Barbara (brewpub) and one in Paso Robles (brewery and restaurant.)
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery is an interesting place. Has some decent organic brews and the tasting room is nicely done - if you go, be sure to ask about the etched mugs hanging from the gold tree behind the bar.
The review in places/beerfly is actually mine, lol. Good place, but they won't be open when we drive by that area. Thanks for that. Our route actually does go by Fresno on the way back ( taking the 101 coast route on the way up) Never heard of this one, thanks. will take a look. Have hit those up several times, and will be there in June for the Fest, so why were by passing those this time. Cool, this sounds like a nice treat, thanks! Great tip, will check them out, thanks! Think that's eveyone that replied. Thanks for the tips.
The quality of the beers brewed at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is debatable, but one thing that isn't, is the location. Depending upon where you are in Monterey, you can figure on roughly a one hour drive up to the tasting room in Santa Cruz. If traffic on Hiway one is bad, it can end up being a lot more than that. Personally, I don't think the beer at SCMB is nearly good enough to warrant that kind of drive. Also, if you did feel compelled to drive up to Santa Cruz, I can think of a number of better options up that way (Burger, the Red Room and the 515 Kitchen). If you want to try something delightfully kitschy (IMHO), consider stopping off at the Giant Artichoke for lunch in Castroville on your way to Bass Lake. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/4024 The beer selection there is no great shakes, but if you have a sense of humor and like artichokes, you'll probably have a good time there. Have fun...
Another that's an easy drive from Monterey is El Toro Brewing in Morgan Hill. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/640
You probably read my review for Creekside in SLO, I definitely recommend it. Also, if you are in Pismo, The Boardroom had a decent tap and bottle selections, at least as far as central-coast area beer selections are concerned.
When in Monterey, the aforementioned English Ales is an excellent stop for their beers. They do not have guest beers, but they do have a cask. Hopefully the cask will have something on it. Their Corkscrew Ale off the cask is excellent. The food at EA's is fine, but it will not 'wow' you. Cannery Row Brewing has a large selection of taps and a much larger and better menu. Peter B's has a pretty good menu. The clams are very good. The beer at Peter B's are well made, but for the most part they are not pushing the limits. Trailside Cafe has a very healthy menu, but only a few taps and bottles. Cash only place. Looks over the water. A very relaxing spot. The Mucky Duck sometimes and I reiterate 'sometimes' has a few Sierra Nevada beers on tap that I have never had in southern California. It might be worth a look. I have not had the food in a long time, so I cannot comment about the quality of their menu. I don't recommend the MD at night. I don't know if they still do this, but they used to turn the place in to a club at night and it got a pretty crazy crowd. You might want to call if you try this spot at night. English Ales is the most off the beaten path place to choose and it would be my choice if I could only go to one place on the Monterey, Marina, Carmel list. http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/list?city=Monterey&c_id=US&s_id=CA
I had heard of a place in Sand City (10 min north of Monterey) called Post No Bills Craft Beer House. May be worth checking out.
Thanks for all the great tips everyone. Definetly nailing it all down. So far Hollister & Creekside the first day. English Ales the second Day. Trying to decide on a second brewery stop in or near Montery though.
My good friend, if you haven't been to Hollister, it's a must do. Hopefully I will see you on monday night. If you want I can bring you my growler to use for Hollister too.
Thanks Stan. Just saw the update on the instant replay FB page, I will be there. As for Hollister, were are defintely going to be there next Wednesday.
