Popular brewery closing downtown SLO taproom after 8 years. ‘Time to raise a bittersweet pint’

After more than eight years, BarrelHouse Brewing Co.’s downtown San Luis Obispo taproom is set to serve its final pint this month.

BarrelHouse plans to close its taproom located at 1033 Chorro St. on Dec. 22, the company announced in a news release.

“This was our second taproom and a true labor of love,” the company said in the release. “Built literally from the sand up, this unique space will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

According to the release, since it opened in January 2016, the downtown space has been a “vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, loyal customers and our hardworking team, creating countless memories that will live on far beyond its walls.”

The spot was one of two taprooms for the notable brewing company in San Luis Obispo County. The other is located at 3055 Limestone Way in Paso Robles, in Tin City.

It also operates two other taprooms outside of the county, one in Fresno and one in Visalia.

In an Instagram post announcing the impending closure, BarrelHouse said it was, “time to raise a bittersweet pint.”

“For now, let’s make these final weeks unforgettable,” the post said. “Stop by, grab a pint, and toast to the memories we’ve shared here.”

Numerous fans commented below the post, saying goodbye to what had become a beloved spot for many local residents.

“Definitely the end of a great era!” one said. “Downtown SLO won’t be the same without you there.”

Why close downtown SLO taproom?

The company decided to close the San Luis Obispo location to focus on larger spaces with outdoor features — “two elements that we can never fully replicate at this downtown SLO location,” the release said.

“Our decision not to renew our lease reflects our commitment to staying true to what makes BarrelHouse Brewing Co. special,” the release continued. “This is not an end, but a refocusing of our efforts to create even more spaces that embody the community, freedom and good vibes we hold dear.”

Along those lines, the company said it is planning to open a new Bakersfield location, though details were not yet available on that space.

The closure will leave yet another prominent space vacant in downtown San Luis Obispo, joining two closed eateries along that same stretch of Chorro Street.

The former Wingstop location next door at 1029 Chorro St. has been vacant since early 2023, while across the street, Ike’s Famous Sandwiches closed abruptly in early November.

In the release, BarrelHouse thanked its staff and customers for their support through the years.

“We are incredibly grateful to our passionate staff, who have poured their hearts into making this taproom the unforgettable place it is, and to our loyal customers who have walked up and down those grand steps for years,” the release said. “Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting us through this chapter.”