San Luis Obispo, CA – Downtown San Luis Obispo’s longest running brew pub since prohibition, SLO Brew, recently announced plans to expand and relocate. SLO Brew is debuting in its new location on Higuera Street early 2016 and will feature an upgraded brewery, restaurant, bar and music venue.
Careful consideration has been taken by the entire team to ensure the new location will keep its authentic local spirit, paying special attention to handcraft the SLO Brew experience for its loyal clientele. When doors open next year, SLO Brew fans can expect the venue to be enhanced and booked to the brim with local and world famous performers and bands.
SLO Brew would not be complete without the original copper brewing kettle and brewing tanks that have been cooking up SLO Brew beer since 1988. The iconic kettle and tanks will be transferred to the new location, and as a new signature amenity, several innovative self-serve taps have been added, offering up a variety of fresh SLO Brew beers.
State of the art kitchen equipment and an impeccably appointed dining room attest to SLO Brew’s commitment to an elevated culinary experience. Diners can order gourmet pizzas and mouth-watering burgers, as well as other hot and delicious pub-favorite foods, expertly paired with SLO brews.
Outdoor dining options include seating in front of the restaurant where patrons can take in the passing scene on Higuera Street and creek-side dining on the brick terrace behind the restaurant. A secluded and cozy alternative with fire pits, lunch, cocktails or dinner can be enjoyed there along with views of the picturesque San Luis Obispo Creek.
The expansion of the SLO Brew experience includes the addition of a Whiskey Lounge, located on the mezzanine level and overlooking the stage area. The Whiskey Lounge features comfortable amber-colored tufted leather seating, solid wood tables and a full service cocktail bar, which will offer SLO Brew Rye Whiskey among other popular and artisanal spirits and beer. Reservations for the Whiskey Lounge can be made in advance for parties and special events.
“We’re working very hard to smoothly bridge SLO Brew’s 27-year-old heritage with modern design innovations and amenities,” said SLO Brew co-owner Hamish Marshall. “I think our fans will be pleasantly surprised.”
The overall design of the new space will respect the historic nature of the 1905 Carissa Building where SLO Brew is located. The original ‘bones’ of the building have been exposed, including brick walls and beamed ceilings, with pressed tin ceilings added throughout. Floors will be wide plank Douglas fir with decorative blue and white encaustic tile at the bar, front patio and entry. Natural materials predominate – table tops are wood, the bar is topped with “leathered” finish stone and the bar stools are metal with leather seats.
Overall the ambiance will be rustic and industrial with touches of steampunk inspiration as evidenced by riveted sheet metal wall treatments, exposed pipe beer taps in the bar and wall sconces made from pipe and gauges with Edison bulbs.
The new SLO Brew is slated to open early 2016 at 736 Higuera Street, just a few hundred feet away from the original Garden Street location and still in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. The upper floor above the new SLO Brew will feature the SLO Brew Lofts – urban lodging designed to accommodate any type of getaway. The five spacious SLO Brew Lofts will feature one, two or three bedrooms complete with kitchens, dining areas and living rooms with fireplaces. The fully-furnished spaces are intended to be inspiring to their guests and provide a sense of genuine comfort. In the heart of the SLO Brew Lofts is the Carissa Club, casual entertaining or for private meetings. Another highlight of the SLO Brew Lofts is a 700 square foot private rooftop deck, overlooking San Luis Obispo Creek and the nearby Mission.
About SLO Brew
Since 1988, SLO Brew has been an integral part of the San Luis Obispo community, brewing award-winning craft beers, and regularly featuring live performances from local, national and internationally recognized artists. The restaurant, bar and intimate venue has made SLO Brew a popular hub for residents, music and beer lovers alike. SLO Brew plans to continue to evolve as one of the major destinations for food, great craft beer, and music in the state, offering a unique atmosphere for their guests to enjoy.
About SLO Brew Rock
Scheduled to open in early 2016, SLO Brew Rock, is the SLO Brew’s new brew facility with over 10,000 square feet of floor space that will feature a tasting room, beer garden, and event space. Located off Broad Street near the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, this new brewery will expand SLO Brew’s production capacity. Featuring a 35-barrel brewing system with a goal of producing 2,500 to 3,000 barrels by the end of 2016, and 5,000 barrels the year after, SLO Brew plans to increase distribution of some of its most popular brews.