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. Photo from Google Maps.
–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.
When doors open next year, SLO Brew fans can expect the venue to be enhanced and booked to the brim both local and internationally known performers and bands.
The original copper brewing kettle and brewing tanks that have been cooking up SLO Brew beer since 1988 will be transferred to the new location, and as a new amenity, several self-serve taps have been added, offering up a variety of fresh SLO Brew beers. Diners will be able to order pizzas and burgers, as well as other pub foods.
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, complete with fire pits, while partaking in lunch, cocktails or dinner.
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 amber-colored tufted leather seating, solid wood tables and a full service cocktail bar, which will offer SLO Brew Rye Whiskey among other 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. .
Overall the ambiance will be, “rustic and industrial” with, “touches of steampunk inspiration,” such as riveted sheet metal wall treatments, exposed pipe beer taps in the bar and wall sconces made from pipe and gauges with Edison bulbs.
The upper floor above the new SLO Brew will feature the SLO Brew Lofts. The five SLO Brew Lofts will feature one, two or three bedrooms complete with kitchens, dining areas and living rooms with fireplaces. Another highlight of the SLO Brew Lofts is a 700 square foot private rooftop deck, overlooking San Luis Obispo Creek and the nearby Mission.
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.
Also 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.
