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There are three options for driving between San Francisco & Los Angeles, depending on how much time you have for the journey. Following the 101 is the middle-speed option, taking a somewhat less direct route through the small cities of central California. These cities make for nice weekend getaways or stopovers along the way. On a trip from San Francisco to San Diego & back, I stopped for a few nights in various cities along the 101. On the final evening of my trip, I visited Atascadero, which is about halfway between San Francisco & Los Angeles. It’s a cute little city with a small downtown with several wine bars, art galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries. I was pleasantly surprised by how charming it was, particularly the gorgeous city hall & sunken gardens, which I walked through in between visiting breweries. Here’s where you can find the best craft beer in Atascadero, California.
The best breweries in Atascadero
Tent City Beer Company
Tent City Beer Company is the oldest & largest brewery in Atascadero. The bar has around 17 or so taps of their own beer, along with plenty of space to enjoy it in. I particularly liked their black IPA.
Outside, you’ll find a massive outdoor patio perfect for Atascadero’s year-round great weather.
Should you want to be inside, Tent City also has you covered, as they have bar games, including a nice shuffleboard table & a Super Nintendo. The bar also hosts trivia nights on Sundays.
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Address: 4205, 6760 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 (map)
Wild Fields Brewhouse
Wild Fields Brewhouse is a family-friendly brewpub with 15 taps, featuring bowling, arcade games, foosball, air hockey, and a children’s play area.
Address: 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 (map)
The best craft beer bars in Atascadero
Street Side Ale House
Street Side Ale House is the best craft beer bar in Atascadero if you’re looking for a full meal, full bar, & rotating selection of beers. It’s a big, busy place on a Saturday night, but I still had no problems getting a seat at the bar, which had several TVs hanging over it.
The bar has a total of 25 taps, 10 of which are rotating. The list isn’t as locally focused as some places, though there are still several beers from smaller California breweries. They are also opening a second location in for beer in Paso Robles.
Address: 6155 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 (map)
The Raconteur Room
The Raconteur Room is a lively hangout with a quality list of craft beer & wine, plus live music & a great record collection. The bar was opened by Tyler & Shannon Clark, who have extensive experience in the local bar & brewing scene. Their beer selection focuses on small producers from around California
Address: 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422 (map)
In addition to these Atascadero craft beer bars & breweries, long-time Central Coast brewery Santa Maria Brewing Company is opening a brewpub & distillery in Atascadero. I visited one of Santa Maria’s former locations when I was drinking craft beer in Paso Robles.
Hotels in Atascadero
Atascadero’s small downtown means it’s easy to check into a hotel & then walk around to the various breweries. I stayed at the Vino Inn & Suites
. The historic Carlton Hotel is another convenient option.
While the region is best known for wine, there’s also something for beer drinkers. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a weekend getaway, Atascadero has a nice selection of places to drink craft beer.
Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!
