BarrelHouse is the most prominent of Paso Robles' craft breweries, operating out of a large taproom a short walk from downtown. The beers are solidly made, with a particular strength in IPAs and Belgian-influenced styles — the Buckwheat Session Ale has a loyal following. There is a rotating selection of limited releases on tap.
The outdoor patio is the draw in good weather, and it is almost always lively in the late afternoon when winery visitors transition to beer. Food trucks park outside on weekends. If you are tired of tasting wine, this is the obvious alternative and does not require planning ahead.