Tl;dr - A true beer garden ala Texas/Midwest, with the food, beer, and relaxed summer vibes you all…read moredream of. There's something for the whole family aside from some truly tasty beers. I've been coming here for awhile, ever since one fine afternoon I was in town on business and was feeling a need for craft beer. I was once the world's predominant authority on craft beer in my own mind, but years of chugging ales have decimated my tolerance for it. Anywho, the first thing you'll notice about this spot is it's out there, pretty far off from downtown Alameda tucked away in an old military pier alongside some other more enterprising establishments. Lots of parking so there's that. Inside, they are definitely doing that thang, massive brewery stacks dominate the background but the space is massive so it supports an almost endless amount of tables, benches, and spots to hide out. Arcade machines, outdoor activities (even a kids sandbox) really add the "Adventureland" elements that make it more than just a standard brew joint. If you've had their beer, it's definitely on the expensive side, but they keep a healthy variety that I would say is all reliably refined and delicious. Its no 2000 era Bells or modern day Founders, but I particularly like their love hazy and the Mexican style lagers. My friends who like sours say they are also quite good. Although this place is really not directly affiliated with the business it's definitely a reason I go so I can't leave it out -- they have food trucks outside that handle most of the food there and the one they have there always has one of the best burgers I've ever had in the bay, hands down. It's a blackened blueberry and blue cheese burger and even though I don't like blue cheese, this unholy alliance is faaaaaaan-friggin-tastic. Must try. Service is casual, they do flights which is a great way to try things. Not sure about any happy hours, would love to see them get a mug/growler thing going here for discounts, they might have something already I'm just not aware of but nothing is obvious when I've gone. It's a great spot to kick it with some friends on a nice day or late afternoon, having a few beers and relaxing. California doesn't really do the beer garden thing like we do in the Midwest, you'll find spots like this all over Michigan so it's nice to see something of the same type here finally. I believe dogs are allowed too ala Texas vibes, but not 100% on that so I'd check ahead of time. Personally, I cannot stand seeing dogs at restaurants and bars so even if they do allow it, those aren't your kids, can we start reporting places that allow dogs without signage? If I brought a raccoon in on a leash would you be fine with that? It's a sanitation issue. Anyways, I digress, if you like beer, you like fun, and you like damn fine burgers, this is the best spot on the other side of the pond. 'nuff said.

Good selection of food and drinks. We bought alcoholic slushies and went to Scolari's food truck…read more We had hotdogs and fries. We enjoyed it all. The vibrant atmosphere is friendly for individuals, couples, and families. Easy parking across the street. The weather was good. High fences helped keep the wind down. Overall, a fun night out.

I do appreciate having a local store stocking a range of craft beer. Service is always friendly and…read moreevery time I go, I find a new great, different beer (including a few from OR that I never got to try on my trips up that way).

Excellent selection of alcoholic beverages, with an owner operated setting and top notch service…read more This tiny store out does the other retailers in price, design and experience. Whether shopping for a gift, a dinner party or a date this store stands alone as the best of Alameda.

I appreciate the customer service. I took am in retail and I know how brutal it can be, but when I…read morego in, I am always greeted with a smile, and my bourbon is always in stock.

Haters convene elsewhere. The AC is tight with cold…read morebeverages just right. In a pinch or for a party they got it all. Just remember this is the coldest fridge on the island. Again 1-3 star fools to the back of the line.

I reserved a tasting on a Saturday and it was a seamless experience. I was even able to bring my…read moreyoung child, which was nice since I was the designated driver. The team was super nice and accommodating. They let us peak at the distillery, even though we didn't reserve the tour. They were very informed about the brand and the history of spirits. We had so much fun. It was super chill and not too packed. Of course we went home with a few bottles to have my own tasting at home. We will definitely be back.

This distillery makes a nice variety of wonderful spirits at a fairly approachable price point--so…read moremuch so that you should not be surprised if you go home with a few bottles. We arrived on a Sunday, just as Eric was unlocking the door and opening up. We had a great tasting experience! Eric is incredibly knowledgeable about the distillery's history and the spirits they produce--he brings it all alive in the telling. When we asked for cocktail suggestions, a few other staff overheard us and helpfully contributed to the discussion. The pour sizes on a flight are legally regulated, so there's no real concern about over drinking Just be ready for a fun afternoon!

Under new management! So guess what? No lottery ticket sales for the big jackpots! Yes, I…read moreknow....you're not going to win anyway. But they had good prices for milk, so I bought a gallon. Store looked clean, well lit, and clerk was really friendly. Clerk apologized for low stock, because they just took ownership. But the stock is well organized and not cluttered. Located at the corner of Lincoln x Grand St, across the street from the SAGA Kitchen. Street parking

The new owners are so polite and congenial, always a pleasure to go there daily....They take pride…read morein keeping the store very clean and follow all rules of Covid !! They will even try to order something to carry if you're going to buy it now and then...In 15+ years living down the street these are the best workers the store has had !!! Wish them the best

We were waking around the area and popped into The Rake at Admiral Maltings…read more The staff was very friendly and helpful in explaining their offerings. They even poured me a sample of their Nitro Horchata Cream Ale. Wow, smooth, creamy and deadly (for me). As I am a lightweight, and could drink several of these and get totally plastered without knowing it until it was too late. A good selection spirits, beer, wine, & crafted food. Come check them out!

Popped in for a Saturday flight with a buddy. Great atmosphere, very fair pricing, fantastic beer…read moreselection. Since Admiral Maltings supplies many local breweries with their malts, they have some awesome beers on tap. The beertenders knew the product profiles and make some spot on suggestions for us to sample. Great attitudes and service with a laugh! We will definitely be coming back!

This market is the best! Their prices are sooo reasonable…read more Need just one item like pasta sauce or an avocado or even a tomato and don't feel like going to a big chain store- go here! They have unique foods that some stores don't even carry. The staff is always very welcoming and warming. We love this market!!!

This is, hands-down, the best and most special neighborhood market ever. I've lived near it for…read moremuch of my life, and Sam (plus his wife, and Amy, and Carl's brother whose name I can't recall, and Carl himself who now owns a market in Dublin) has made it the greatest. The pricing is always on par or usually lower than other spots in town. During the pandemic, a beloved clerk there (Kenny, miss you!) told me that a customer had told him they should raise prices on an item, because another market in town was selling it for 30% more or so. Kenny mentioned that to Sam, who firmly said, "no, I'm not raising prices." Our hero. He also stocks things for neighborhood locals if they even mention wanting them. It's the spot for every kid to run into and pick out an ice cream or candy (and maybe tell Amy about their baseball game, she always asks). I went in a few years back after living elsewhere for years, and Sam was so lovely. He also knows my entire family - Mom and Dad go in all the time; Dad is now buying most groceries there; my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews lived in the neighborhood for most of the last years and they travel here weekly now and usually hit up A-1 to get favorites. They have amazing vegetarian and vegan options; the produce is ALWAYS fresh and well-picked (and priced - best price for avocados); the frozen foods are always interesting and tempting; and they have fresh Firebrand bread every day! It's also a really safe space for everyone - kids, adults, all of us. Between the lovely culture he's created, and the insane merchandising skill, and the products... I think Sam might be a magician. Go! You will not be disappointed.

Ask for Angela! She is a gem! She was quite knowledgeable about the wine and was able to give me…read moresome background information. Her style was warm and inviting. She also informed me of the tastings coming up over the weekend which I look forward to telling my friends about, as well as attending myself!

Hats off to Farmstead for carrying Rebel vegan cheeses! I love Rebel (see my review for this…read moreawesome company), but shipping costs if you order directly from them are steep, so it's great to come across a local store that carries their products. We got the brie, truffle brie, and smoked cheddar. 100% plant-based, clean ingredients, 'cheese' I actually feel good about eating. And the flavors are amazing. These won't last long in our household, so we'll be back soon for more. Farmstead is also a wine shop that carries an assortment of unique wines you're unlikely to find in big-box stores. We might get a bottle next time to pair with our Rebel! Thanks, Farmstead!