A Beer Lovers Guide To The East Bay

3,900 years ago, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq, ancient Sumerians wrote a poem honoring Ninkasi, their patron saint of brewing. This sublime piece of art has the earliest known brewing recipe, describing the use of barley to create this glorious beverage. Check out our favorite East Bay watering holes in the area.

Beer Revolution

Beer Revolution is a working man’s beer heaven. The selection here can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for; with over 30 beers on tap from all over the country and three refrigerators full of bottled beer, you could spend all day reading the menu and learning about the different breweries represented. Start at this one-stop craft beer buffet, especially if you only have enough time to see one East Bay spot.

The Trappist

Pub, Bar, Pub Grub, American

Trappist is a pricier pub that is perfect for the beer lover with a more sophisticated palate, with options such as the 10% ABV Belgian Brown Ale, St. Bernardus. Two bars, front and back, and a wonderful patio make for a great atmosphere to enjoy some unique and hard-to-find beers in the middle of downtown Oakland.

Drake's Barrel House

Drake’s has become a household name in Northern California. It offers seven rotating seasonal beers and 12 year-round selections, including the award-winning 9.75% ABV Double IPA, Drake’s Denogginizer. Drake’s describes its barrel house as a ‘no-frills, warehouse style tasting room’ that offers pints, taster trays, growlers, and kegs. The barrel house has plenty of seating inside and an outside patio that also allows you to bring your own food or order delivery right to your table. Children are also welcome making Drake’s a great place to stop for lunch and a pint.

Cleophus Quealy

Cleophus Quealy has a tasting room which is constantly rotating through new batches, with everything from Triple IPAs to Coffee Milk Stouts. Cleophus Quealy offers live music and easy access to food vendors outside the tasting room.

Caps & Taps

Caps & Taps is always providing thirsty patrons with new batches of craft beer from all over the country. Its 18 taps are regularly rotated, featuring old favorites and new releases, while the Bottle Shop has even more obscure brews. This family-owned business has a laid-back environment with seating inside and an outdoor patio where you can bring your own food to enjoy with a couple pints.