While Paso Robles may be known for its incredible wine, vineyards, and overall wine vibes, if you’re a cocktail lover, then there are a number of places in town that you’re not going to want to miss.
Paso Robles wine country is a great place to visit if you’re looking to go wine tasting and enjoy all things wine, but a little-known secret about Paso Robles is its amazing cocktail bars. As you venture away from the wineries outside of town, downtown Paso Robles is filled with locally owned/sourced restaurants, bars, shops, and more. It has that small town built around a public square in the heart of downtown.
If you’re looking for a change from all the wine drinking, or maybe you’re just not a big wine drinker to begin with, you’ll have no problem finding a great place to eat and drink in downtown Paso Robles.
And while there are many more great cocktails to be found all over our beautiful city, these are 5 of our favorite places to go when we need to switch it up from a glass of wine.
Incredible Cocktails in Paso Robles Wine Country
The art of cocktail making is quite different from that of winemaking. While winemaking requires the use of grapes and certain growing/processing techniques, cocktails are almost limitless in the ingredients that can be used.
Because of this, cocktails can have a wide range of flavors and techniques associated with them, which means that mixologists must be skilled at what they are doing, just as winemakers are. So, while there are a lot of differences between winemakers and mixologists, there are also quite a few similarities.
The cocktails served at these 5 establishments in Paso Robles combine delicious flavors with incredible techniques and fundamentals that make them some of our favorite!
In Bloom
A relatively new restaurant to Paso Robles, In Bloom is a great place to grab a delicious bite to eat as well as indulge in one of their incredible cocktails.
The restaurant was opened by two Chicago natives who decided that, after visiting Paso Robles for the last 15 years, it was time for a change. The couple relocated to Paso in 2020 with the goal of giving back to the community in any way they could, and that’s how In Bloom was created.
The cocktail menu features some incredible margaritas as well as their unique take on other classics. The flavor profiles on these drinks are just outstanding, and are the perfect escape from a weekend of drinking wine.
Pony Club Bar & Lounge
The Pony Club Bar & Lounge is a classic staple in Paso Robles. This incredible cocktail lounge and bar is attached to the Hotel Cheval on Pine Street just south of the downtown city park. If you’re looking for a place that locals like to sit and enjoy a cocktail or two, this is your place.
Classic cocktails with a twist are a staple at the Pony Club Bar & Lounge. Here you’ll find cocktails like a rum old fashioned, a lavender bee’s knees, and even a passionfruit daiquiri. Pair these drinks with some incredible small food plates while enjoying good company and you’ll be set!
Alchemists’ Garden
Alchemists’ Garden is one of the most popular cocktail bars in all of Paso Robles. The creative twist they put on all of their drinks, as well as the flavors that they pack into each glass, makes them a great place to visit if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.
In addition to their amazing cocktails, their food is also outstanding, especially when enjoying it on their back patio.
1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy
Eleven Twenty-Two is a quaint cocktail lounge & speakeasy located through Pappy McGregor’s Pub near the rear patio. With seating for only about 30 patrons, this is a great place to go to avoid large crowds while enjoying a delicious cocktail.
Separated into four unique groups, the cocktail menu at 1122 has a little something for everyone. From seasonal cocktails and originals, to classic and forgotten cocktails, you can be sure you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
1122 offers up a glimpse into a 1930’s speakeasy with a modern twist on cocktails.
CANE Tiki Room
If you’re looking for something a little more tropical, then the CANE Tiki Room is exactly where you need to be.
CANE Tiki Room brings the look and feel of a classic tiki bar to the heart of downtown Paso Robles. With its island-themed décor to the bright tropical cocktails, this place will make you feel like you’re on an island paradise without ever leaving wine country.
Classic tropical cocktails as well as their own twist on classics can be found on this incredibly delicious drink menu. Mai Tai’s, Pina Colada’s, and Strawberry Daiqueri’s will bring that island flavor right to your lips, while the Zombie, Cane’s Groggy and Electric Sunset, will have you booking your next trip to paradise.
Paso Robles is Not Just For Wine Drinkers
Just because Paso Robles is known as wine country, doesn’t mean that you’re only going to find wine within our city limits. These five cocktail bars and lounges mentioned above are great places to visit when you just can’t look at another bottle of wine.
The Paso Robles influence on some of these classic cocktails will give you a nice break from wine tasting, while also allowing you to experience more of what Paso has to offer.
Next time you’re in town, don’t forget to check out these great places, as well as the many other restaurants and bars not mentioned in this list, to get a full feel for what Paso truly is like.