Must-see nightlife in Central Coast

Joining the tangle of breweries, distilleries and wine-tasting rooms in Paso Robles' Tin City neighborhood, Tin City Cider's thoroughly modern tasting…

Vintage beer advertising punctuates Alvarado Street's brick walls, but that's the only concession to earlier days at this excellent craft-beer pub…

This locally beloved cocktail parlor is the perfect place for a night of dapper drinking. Settle into a huge armchair amid the vintage-chic decor to…

Stroll down to the Embarcadero for barrel-aged and sour beers from one of California's most interesting breweries. Lots more excellent American craft…

To sip finely roasted artisan espresso or a cup of rich pour-over coffee, join the surfers and hipsters at this high-ceilinged industrial-zen cafe. Single…

Named with the Spanish word for hops, Lupulo Craft Beer House is an essential downtown destination for traveling beer fans. Modern decor combines with an…

Paso Robles' first micro-distillery makes crisp botanical brandy (gin) and also whiskey and flavored vodkas. Scores of lemons were being zested when we…

An essential part of the eating and drinking scene in the Ingalls St Courtyard on Santa Cruz's Westside, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is a rustic spot to…

Detour south of downtown, where locals chill in the outdoor beer garden with ales, stouts, zingy sour beers and fruity Belgian-style brews. Live bands…

Californian craft beers and West Coast wines come with a side order of stellar sunset views of Avila's pier at this recent opening. Relax on a comfortable…

Another recent opening amid the gathering of brewpubs, cafes and wine-tasting rooms in the Ingalls St Courtyard, West End Tap & Kitchen combines beers…

Often heaving with locals and tourists, Peter B's combines huge meals – the burgers are really good value – with a solid array of craft beers brewed on…

Chuck Silva is US brewing aristocracy – he was previously with Green Flash Brewing in San Diego – and now he's crafting his own brews in a compact space…

Barrel-aged and sour beers are the standout brews at this recent opening on the edge of downtown SLO. Saisions, kettle sours, goses and grisettes all…

SLO Brew's versatile setup incorporates an on-site brewery with good pub meals – combine the Red Reggae wheat beer with the Yard Bird roast-chicken pizza …

This downtown wine bar is an urbane but unpretentious alternative to SLO's more raucous student-heavy drinking dens. About half of the roughly 60 wines on…

A laidback spot for a quiet drink or game of pool during the week, The Siren is transformed into a rockin' live-music venue on Friday and Saturday nights…

This shabby-chic coffeehouse and roaster has earned a fervent following with its comfy couches, sprawling bookshelves and local art. Look forward to…

An exemplary range of craft beers – mainly from the West Coast of the US – combines with knowledgeable and friendly bartenders at this easygoing bar with…

Down California craft beers and regional wines on the back deck or by the fireplace inside this high-ceilinged wooden bar. There are board games, sports…