Out of the Barrel

A craft beer taproom at the San Carlos Caltrain station plaza with 32 rotating taps, cans and bottles to go, cider, kombucha, small bites, and a dog-friendly patio.

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Out of the Barrel at 555 El Camino Real in San Carlos is a craft beer taproom and bottle shop planted right at the San Carlos Caltrain station plaza, making it one of the most conveniently located beer spots on the Peninsula for both commuters and downtown regulars. The taproom’s mission is direct: immerse guests in the small, independent craft brewery experience by partnering directly with breweries and rotating their beers as frequently as possible.

The main bar runs 32 rotating taps covering the full range of craft styles, with a particular depth in IPAs and hazy beers. The fridges function as a bottle shop, stocked with cans and bottles for drinking in or taking home. Beyond beer, the menu includes cider, kombucha, and hard seltzer, making the taproom workable for groups where not everyone drinks beer. Small bites including empanadas and pizza are available, and dog treats are kept on hand for four-legged guests.

The space offers both indoor seating with a few TVs and generous outdoor seating on the upper patio and around the Caltrain plaza courtyard. Weekly programming includes trivia on Tuesdays, themed trivia on the last Monday of the month, and bingo on Wednesdays. Out of the Barrel San Carlos also hosts the SF Beer Week Craft Beer Fest and Invitational Competition annually. The taproom is part of a small chain with locations in Campbell, Los Gatos, Fresno, and Monterey.