Popular brewery takes over Atascadero Lake boathouse, selling cold beer and snacks
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- Wild Fields Brewhouse takes over Atascadero Lake boathouse, opening June 14.
- New location offers craft beer to-go for adult pedal boat renters and visitors.
- Business model includes boat rentals, concessions and community event support.
The popular pedal boathouse at Atascadero Lake will return this summer under new management — and it will now serve locally brewed beer.
Wild Fields Brewhouse soft launched at the lakeside location over Memorial Day weekend, but it will officially open up shop at the boathouse on June 14, serving to-go cans of their craft beer that adult pedal boat renters can enjoy on the shore.
“We’re just going to try to put our Wild Fields flair on it and really continue to be a big part of the community, support the people of Atascadero, do some really fun events and just try to activate that space and make it a really fun, family-friendly spot,” co-owner Ryan Fields told The Tribune.
Wild Fields Lakeside will be the brewhouse’s second location, with the main brewery located in Colony Square.
The brewhouse amicably took over ownership from the boathouse’s previous vendor, Mr. Putters, which is shifting focus to its successful downtown businesses, Mr. Putters Putt Putt and Andy’s Awesome Arcade, according to city spokesperson Terrie Banish.
Local brewery to open second shop at boathouse on Atascadero lake
Starting June 14, lake lovers who are of-age will now be able to enjoy an ice cold beer at the lake after pedal boating on a hot summer day.
Atascadero’s open container law allows people to drink in public spaces, making the new lakeside location possible, though drinks are not permitted on the boats.ejru45b h
“We’re just continuing the business model of renting out pedal boats, selling concessions, and we’re also being able to sell our beer to go in cans,” Fields said.
Ryan Fields co-owns Wild Fields Brewhouse with his wife and business partner Jacque Fields. The pair wants their lakeside location to be an extension of the family-friendly brewhouse in downtown, where parents and kids alike all have something to enjoy.
“We want to be a big part of the concert program and be open for those and then just be definitely in partnership with the zoo on stuff, and just be able to bring what we do over here at Wild Fields Brewhouse, bring a little bit of that vibe over to the park,” Fields said.
Atascadero’s Saturday in the Park concert series runs from June 28 to Aug. 30.
The boathouse has 10 pedal boats total, three 4-seaters, two 3-seaters, two 2-seaters and three aqua cycles. Hourly rates range from $25 to $35 depending on the boat, and beers go for $5 to $7 for a 16-ounce tall can, depending on the style, Fields said.
The brewhouse plans to offer a rotating selection of cans at the lakeside shop, featuring everything from their Atascadero Beach Mexican Lager to a variety of pale ales and West Coast IPAs, and even some malty beers like their brown ales or Oatmeal Stout.
Snacks and bait to support the local fishers will also be available, bu they will not be serving cocktails or a full service bar, Fields said.
Though their duplicate alcohol license wasn’t in effect yet, Wild Fields was able to pull a temporary permit from the Charles Paddock Zoo for a soft opening over Memorial Day weekend.
They rented out 80 boats and sold many drinks over the three-day weekend, some of the proceeds of which they’ll be donating to the zoo, Fields said.
“We just hit the ground running and did all we could,” Fields said.
Wild Fields Lakeside will host its grand opening June 14. It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer. After Labor Day hours will be reduced, but Fields hoped to continue operating during the fall and spring, and potentially even during the winter as well.
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 3:02 PM.
