The op 10 Local Bars And Pubs In The Bay Area, California

Cato’s is a favorite in the Piedmont Avenue neighborhood of Oakland. The clientele varies from families with children to sports fans, beer enthusiasts, and trivia lovers. It’s a great place whether you want a meal or just to grab a brew. Their blackboard changes daily and there is the option of getting a glass or pitcher size. Cato’s is also right down the street from other great places including Fenton’s Creamery, the Piedmont Theatre and many restaurants and coffee shops. Their food is delicious and they have favorites like pizza by the double slice and whole pies. It’s always exciting to see what specials they have cooked up for the day, including a pot pie, soup, and dessert of the day among other sandwiches and specials. They provide entertainment and often have live music on Fridays or Saturdays. Monday nights are also busy due to their trivia night where a pitcher with the beer of your choice is amongst the prizes.

The Trappist not only has the best grilled cheese ever, but they have two bars with different taps. You can order from the front or rear bar. The bartenders are more than friendly and allow you to taste and recommend different beers depending on what you like. They also serve flights and when the weather is nice, it’s lovely to sit outside at one of their picnic benches with a big group of friends. They also have a smaller location on College Avenue that is primarily a bottle shop, but also worth a look.

E.J. Phair’s always has its own beer on tap, which tends to change each season along with a wide selection of beers in the bottle and wine. In addition, they experiment and add a new beer every now and then. Their bottle menu has a wide variety of stouts, saisons, farmhouse ales and sours. They have typical bar food – burgers, fries and nachos, along with some specials that change every day as well. Favorites include their quesadillas, fish tacos, and frickles for an appetizer.

The first time heading out to Port Costa it can feel like the start of a dreadful horror movie. The only route to take is winding and goes all the way through the very small town to the water where the railroad tracks are. Port Costa is an extremely small town and it is both creepy and cool to see. The Warehouse Cafe is a bar with one pool table and jukebox, and a huge polar bear encased in the main room. There is also a thrift store in the next room. It is an eclectic surf and turf restaurant if you’re interested in eating. Otherwise there is a smaller late night menu with items such as turkey and cheese, hot dogs, and other packaged snacks for the slightly tipsy. They have select beers on tap and bottled.

Located in North Beach in San Francisco, La Trappe is a go-to when in that neighborhood. The location has a large selection of abbey ales and quadruples, but there is something in the big, leather-bound menu for everyone as well. There is seating both upstairs where the brightness of the day can shine through ornate windows. When dining or sipping at a quadruple downstairs, the ambiance is dim lighting with large comfortable booths. It can feel like going back in time when heading down the castle-like stairs.