There Does Not Exist - San Luis Obispo, California

Brennan R.

There Does Not Exist is an absolute labor of love for craft beer fans to enjoy on the Central Coast. I've tried many fantastic beers made in this county over many years, but since trying TDNE for the first time in 2020, they absolutely take the cake when it comes to the best varietal beers top to bottom in this county.

Max's talent as brewmaker shines with every sip. Whether it's a low ABV Kolsch, a higher ABV IPA, a middle of the road Pale Ale, or even a strong dark ale like Feathers, Bone Chimes & Eternal Rest - everything made here is easily drinkable & enjoyable. Max spent several years earlier in his career within the industry brewing for the county heavyweight at Firestone Walker before starting this brewery where he & his team are now showcasing phenomenal smaller batch craft beers. They have an unassuming micro brewery persona to the naked eye, yet they've collaborated with some large scale breweries in the industry including Cellarmaker, Humble Sea, Green Cheek, Cloudburst, Altamont, Horus Aged Ales, Firestone Walker, Casa Agria, Riip, Everywhere, and Liquid Gravity (another SLO favorite).

I personally am a hazy fanatic (I know - eye roll) and I'd argue (biases aside as a big fan & SLO resident) that several of their Hazy IPA's hold a candle to other elite CA breweries known for Hazies. DDH Light Lost, Star God, and Star & Stone are hazy IPA's that I'd put in the same realm + weight class of flavor/balance/velvety mouthfeel as breweries like North Park, Green Cheek, Moonraker, Alvarado Street, Fieldwork, Monkish, and others. It's nice to have the luxury as a SLO resident and to be able to grab fresh IPA's on a draft system of this caliber by just driving 5 minutes from our home. My wife & I also rave about their mastery of simpler, easier drinking beers like their Sowing the Sun Kolsch ($3 on Sunday's!) and their Stag West Coast Pale Ale.

Their location on Earthwood Ln matches the unorthodox nature of their name which I find symbolic of their mystique. This is also evident in their branding + marketing approaches. The taproom is perched away from Downtown SLO behind the Trader Joe's parking lot without a formal entry sign. When you enter the taproom it's modern, sleek, minimal, and has it's own simple/refined personality. It trades some cliche items you see at other breweries such as TV's on the wall & trades these items for large murals that match the detailed art you see displayed on their cans. These illustrations to me personally are reminiscent of the upside down in Stranger Things - dark, detailed, and portray elements of the unknown. This is not your average brewery footprint, and I think many local's here have come to love it that way. It's a one of a kind experience where the beer and the purveyors behind it speak for itself.

As a local, I couldn't be more thrilled to have discovered TDNE when I did. Many SLO friends of mine share the same sentiment that we're extremely fortunate to have a talented SLO native like Max behind this concept. This is especially true given the lack of this level of operation being available before their existence without having to drive up the Cuesta Grade or down the 101 South.

We are extremely thankful for their consistently gracious staff over the years (Mitch, Kelly, so many others) that have poured us (+ our friends & family) many amazing beers with plenty of pillowtops over the years. The welcoming nature of the staff keeps us coming back as much as anything else over the years and speaks volumes to the people they choose to bring in & work behind the counters as part of their family.

TDNE has quickly become the gold standard for beer made right here in SLO Proper, and I'm so glad they do exist in this town. I look forward to them carrying forward their well respected flag that they've earned within the craft beer industry as they continue push forward, innovate, and do things their way. Thank you for being the incredible asset + representative that you are for San Luis Obispo.

KDG

Cruising through SLO on business and didn’t have long to stay, but dropped in for a four pack and a pint. This under the radar brewery may make the best beer in SLO. I haven’t come across any that knock IPA’s out of the park like they do. And they don’t even use human growth hormone to do so, Mark McGuire.

Place is clean, well lit, with wonderful staff.

It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but well worth it. If you’re a beer lover and haven’t stopped in, slap yourself silly.

dee- L.

So I drove up to SLO to go see a show and I had a lot of time to kill, so I hopped in this brewery to see what the hype was all about, as I’m a big craft beer aficionado. All three beers I drank were fantastic and interesting. The chick serving me even let me make paper cranes to help kill the time, and it really made my night 🙂

Christopher O.

Soooo, Carms and I took a trip up the coast on the 101 freeway to Paso Robles for the weekend celebrating a friend's 50th birthday, and you just know we had to stop at There Does Not Exist Brewing. Guys, this is a must stop if your passing by San Luis Osbispo (SLO for the locals). I have been a fan of these guys ever since they hit the scene about 3 years ago? All of their beers are done correct. My favorite is their 60 Days in Helles. I also recommend their Vienna Lager and any of their Pale Ales and IPA's. Plenty of space for large groups, and they usually have a food truck out there for something to munch on. Take it from me guys, this is one spot you want to visit.

CHANEL C.

Very trendy, open, and laid back space. The aesthetic is very modern and clean. The patio is surprisingly nice and has a decent view. I didn’t think being so close to the parking lot and the street in this weirdly-zoned area would be pleasant, but it was really peaceful and chill. Friendly staff, good music, and great beer without the frills.

We came on a Saturday mid-day around 2:30pm and it was superrrr chill. The crowds started rolling in around 3:30 and the place was filling up — our que to move on. I’d love to come back again during the weekday and work. They have plenty of power outlets along the back wall which is ideal for remote workers like myself.

Tom B.

TDNE, as their acronym goes, is one of our favorite new spots for beer! Their vibe is one that they don’t really advertise on the outside of their building, and we didn’t see any signs directing the way. It’s up to you to navigate. The inside is a little small area with bar seating. We went just as they had opened so we were the only patrons for about 30 minutes! Had some great conversation with the beertender! Their beer stands out among most, and I’ve had a ton of beer in my day! Their hazys are out of this world! Definitely make this a stop if you’re near SLO or passing through! You absolutely will not be disappointed! Cheers, and great job TDNE! Can’t wait to come back.

Matt W.

TDNE as the name goes, actually does exist here in the SLO area of Cali, and I am glad it does. I have hit a couple of breweries during this work trip, and this one feels more in the spirit of what I would consider being worth the stop!

While California has a phobia of calling a Hazy IPA the proper name, NEIPA (New England IPA) This place does deliver in both quality and appearances! I was taken aback by the friendly customers as well as staff here at TDNE, and I will be sure to visit again when I continue work on my local project.

Don't let random comments "Excellent food" fool you, this is a brewery (FULL STOP). Food trucks or other popups may be part of the scene at times, but it is not a permanent guest.

Only critique. Brewery DESPERATELY needs some type of acoustic abatement. Padding under benches, under tables, and even sound foam on the ceiling will greatly increase the acoustic comfort in this establishment!

Richard

The Psychic Advisor and Stellar Fawn were tasty, but the Return to Earth was a pretty incredible oatmeal stout. Like, so good I’d skip everything else and only drink that. Lol! Actually, give it all a try. Can’t go wrong.