Oak and Otter Brewing Company

In an industrial area at the edge of Edna Valley, this brewery welcomes beer lovers and the beer-curious to taste their small-batch brews. Just off Tank Farm Road, the Oak and Otter Brewing Company taproom offers something for everybody. Like so many of the Central Coast’s ace brewers, owner Dylan Roddick started brewing at home years ago. After winning many brewing awards, including one for Best in Show at the 2017 Mid-State Fair, he decided to open his own brewery and taproom. He has created a substantial lineup of beers, with several types along the spectrum from light to dark. For lightweight brews, pick up a blonde, Kolsch, or a German-style helles lager. (Oak and Otter Brewing also makes low-ABV hard seltzers in house for those who don’t like or don’t drink beer.)

Hop heads will like the selection of hazies, pale ales, IPAs and a double IPA. In fact, IPAs come in a range of styles, from a late-90s style IPA and New England-style IPA to hop-forward West Coast-style IPAs. Sales from one of those IPAs, “Keeping It Wild,” benefit a local wildlife rescue organization. For amber and brown ale-lovers, Oak and Otter makes several nutty and malty brews in English and Irish styles. And for those who like it dark and stormy, Roddick brews a selection of porters and stouts. (Check out the Otterversary Ale, a Russian Imperial Stout made to celebrate Oak and Otter’s first anniversary.) The brewery offers a menu of simple yet thoughtful dishes to accompany their beers. Shareable orders include pub pretzels, nachos, and a substantial charcuterie board, as well as flatbreads in several styles. Tacos, brats, and a mini menu of hot dogs keeps grownups and kids happy at the brewery. Seating is available indoors and out, and dogs are welcome on the patio.