December 2, 2009
This is a nice brewpub that seems to be flying under the radar in the bay area craft beer scene. Its located in a really nice part of downtown Oakland in a cool old brick building , sort of like old school brew pubs should be. I haven’t heard much about their beers, but you can see they have won many awards at the GABF, just most of them were in the 90’s. The bar and wait staff were very friendly and attentive and the clientele seemed like a mix of local regulars and business people taking in lunch (It was a Wednesday afternoon). Inside was also very classic brewpub decor with a very small bar and a large seating area. The food was a little disappointing, but the beers, while not outstanding, were good and best of all ambitious. They had seven house brews among them were a 07 barleywine, a Belgian triple, and something of an imperial amber ale. All were tasty and satisfying. A nice surprise were the guest taps. About twelve all together including Dogfish 90 minute, Oskar Blues Gordon, Russian river IPA, and a few others. Another good plus is that its very close to BART and the Trappist. I would definitely come back.

October 15, 2009
Stopped by here when we were dropping off our extra vehicle in Oakland, after seeing that they had the Drakes Denogginizer on tap. Nice, low-key pizza-joint sort of feel to it, immensely friendly and talkative barkeep, and just a comfortable feel to it. A nice place to visit for the first time. Maybe 5+ Pacific Coast beers on tap, including their imperial stout, but the main pull (for us) were the guest taps, which included a number of rare seasonals: Denog, Sierra Stricklander (not good0, Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest, etc. PtE and Death and Taxes, plus some other small seasonals round out the bunch. Right near the Trappist.

July 7, 2009
Oldest brewpub in Oakland. Historic antique bar back is worth a look even if you don’t stay for a drink. Commercial extract brewer, due to very small production space. The "kitchen" is tiny too. Own beers are OK and have dedicated fans, and they are not afraid to have top-notch guest beers on beside them, Relaxed family-pub feeling, patio for when it’s warm, free Wi-Fy. Food is unpretentious. I usually like something simple like a sandwich here, but if I want a fancy meal there are other restaurants worth visiting nearby, after a beer here. Nice special events like the opening of the Christmas beer season.

July 4, 2009 [ Updated July 5, 2009 ]
Classic downtown brewpub.Good food and good not great beer.

April 3, 2009
Cool spot with several good beers on tap.

March 26, 2008
This place is in a great location in downtown Oakland fairly close to Jack London Square. The building is really cool with the brewery in the basement. The food is great. The service is friendly, but the beers suck. The guest beers on tap from other microbrewers are probably better selections. I would also mention that the price for the sampler is pretty high for 8 beers $11 freakin’ dollars!!!

March 3, 2008
Nice beers on tap including some great guest barley wines. There are some nice characters at the bar, the service is a little off at times though. The food is hit or miss with most selections being the greasy pub type. I sat at the bar so the service was good and the conversation great. Go for the beer its good.

September 2, 2007
Good beers. Food worked for me. Hit it when there wasn’t a crowd, so the service was very good. Definitely worth a visit.

May 12, 2007
I had looked forward to going to the brewery for a week after viewing it’s website. What a let down. The beer was the only bright spot. I sat and waited over 30 minutes before someone would help me. The food was microwaved. I get the feeling that it won’t be around long. At least that’s the impression the staff left me with.

January 14, 2006
Nice environment , with around 8 taps of BOP beers, and a decent selection on foodmenu. Service was unattentive the night I went there, even though the place wasnt packed. Was disappointed with my crab and artichoke salad, served on iceberg lettuce and commercial dressing.... beer quality is good.