Pacific Coast Brewing Company

Pacific Coast Brewing CompanyPacific Coast Brewing Company
Pacific Coast Brewing CompanyPacific Coast Brewing Company
Brewery, Bar, Eatery

906 Washington St.
Oakland, California, 94607
United States

// CLOSED //

Closed 9/17
BEER STATS
Average:
3.58
Beers:
14
Ratings:
75
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.84
Reviews:
26
Ratings:
43
pDev:
10.68%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by nmann08:
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Reviewed by nmann08 from Virginia

3.5/5  rDev -8.9%
Bumped into this place after we left a few other bars and were looking for a decent spot in Oakland. Overall, I was happy we found it.

Decor wise, it's a brewpub, very similar to Rock Bottom, Karl Strauss or Gordon Biersch. We hit the bar around 10:30pm and it was pretty dead. The kitchen was closing, but the bartender was willing to convince the kitchen to do a bar snack or two if we wanted something easy. A nice touch.

The beer was average to slight above average. A standard brewpub that mostly does standard styles with nothing too crazy (at least as far as what was on tap that night). They had pre-set flights, but the bartender let me switch one out. They also had a handful of guest beers on tap.

Overall, an average option if in this part of Oakland. I wouldn't go out of the way for it.
Aug 05, 2014
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada

3.28/5  rDev -14.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 4
Figured I better get my review in before they close this up on BA since it recently closed IRL. Located in downtown(?) but not super hood area, this is an older, almost Victorian era building. Unassuming from the outside, but really opens up on the inside, brick walls. Lots of beautiful wood inside, caramel dark colored and all. Very traditional. The bar itself dates from the 19th century in a saloon not in Oakland, but the frontier.

Its was always a very traditional vibe, where the hoppy beers aren't dry hopped, the hops aren't proprietary. Adjuncts are unheard of. Barrel aging? Nope. I mean, they at the end tried gravitating there, but too little too late most likely. Good was better than average for a beer place, and they used the beer in a lot of the dishes they prepared.

Was probably the first traditional English style pub place I had ever been in. They also had a lot of cask beer. Or at least one every time I was there.
May 11, 2018
 
Rated: 3.9 by sjrider from California

Jun 24, 2017
 
Rated: 3.82 by 22Blue from Kansas

Feb 01, 2017
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Reviewed by pritzlb from Wisconsin

3.55/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Been here a few times on business trips and happy for anything decent downtown -- that may color my review. Had good experiences here. Service was good and food/beer better than average. Not stellar but I am in downtown Oakland on weekdays and not in a mood to drive across the bay.
Mar 07, 2016
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Rated by WillDavis707 from California

3.5/5  rDev -8.9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.25
Pretty average spot with below average beers. Not impressed by anything. CAN miss this one
Oct 28, 2015
 
Rated: 3.68 by barleywin from Missouri

Oct 10, 2015
 
Rated: 3.78 by bumchilly25 from Canada (BC)

Jul 31, 2015
 
Rated: 4.63 by Geoffq from California

Mar 08, 2015
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Rated by alexander_ostrofsky from California

3.51/5  rDev -8.6%
vibe: 2.75 | quality: 2.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5
They brew a lot of different styles, but only two are worth trying: english statesman and old Oakland.
Jan 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.3 by KarmicSkrambl8 from California

Dec 27, 2014
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Reviewed by Yackmo360 from California

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
Was in Oakland for business and ended up a block away needing dinner. Oh well, better hit the brew house!

The service was very good. In fairness it was early and not very busy, so it shouldn't have been to hard to take care of me and my partner. Still very good. Waiter had worked there for over a year and had worked at other brew co pubs before, so he new his beer. Wasn't afraid to make a recommendation and we went for it.

Tried a couple of the beers the make there. They were good. They made them down in the basement, so not a big operation. Was basically told that most of what they come out with is limited release, as this was their only brewery site.

Food was not bad, wings good.
Dec 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by MadHopster from California

Dec 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by avwrite from California

Nov 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.2 by Reds76 from Maine

Nov 09, 2014
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Reviewed by Terry60430 from California

4.75/5  rDev +23.7%
Great selection of both self- brewed and guest beers, friendly knowledgeable staff, and a two minute walk from the BART. A must stop while visiting the Bay Area. I spent 4 nights in Oakland on business and tried every PCB beer on tap, my favorite being the red.
Nov 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.76 by peterlovesemail from California

Oct 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by atpca from California

Jul 25, 2014
Photo of shivtim
Reviewed by shivtim from Georgia

3.54/5  rDev -7.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3
Had dinner with a group here.
Atmosphere is OK. It's a generic brew pub. OK covered outdoor area. Nondescript.

Beer selection was really good. Lots of options they brew themselves, plus guest bottles. I had their IPA on cask, and it was good.

Food was OK. Pub food.

Average service. Waiter was nice, but there were some weird kitchen mixups and they were "out" of several dishes.

Wouldn't be my first stop in Oakland.
Jul 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by JHB-510 from California

Apr 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by MikeFox from Indiana

Mar 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by hayesjw from California

Dec 17, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by one800higgins from North Carolina

Oct 21, 2013
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Reviewed by Misajet90 from Montana

4.26/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
Went to visit my brother in Oakland and we went to the Trappist which is right around the block. Trappist is great but you are gonna spend a boat load of money if you stay for a while. This place is a block away and I thought it was pretty damn good.

Started with a Killer Whale Stout and then moved up to the Leviathan which was so good I had 3 more. Got an order of the Shepherd Fries both times I went, best appetizer they got. Prices are extremely reasonable for the location, worth a stop.
Jan 15, 2013
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Reviewed by colonelforbin from California

2.85/5  rDev -25.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 2
Located in downtown Oakland, Pacific Coast Brewing Company has been around for a few years. Their house beers are generally not very good. They are an all extract brewery and this shows in their house beers. Fairly bland and nothing that really stands out. Take a look at the reviews of their individual beers to get a sense of their quality.

The atmosphere is not too bad. Pretty spacious with a nice bar and a little outdoor patio.

Guest tap selection is pretty good and is the only reason I come to this place. Probably about 12-15 solid guest taps on at all times. They do have special events once in a while and the kegs from these events will linger for a week or two, so there is the opportunity to try some rare/unique offerings on occasion.

Food is decent, nothing to write home about.

Service has been pretty standard every time I've been here. Never have to wait too long and usually the bartenders know their stuff in regards to the beers. One nice thing they do is have a little double sided page listing the guest beers and nice descriptors of each one. This is particularly useful for people that are new to craft beer and may not know what to expect from a particular beer.
Jun 17, 2011
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Reviewed by brokensail from California

2.89/5  rDev -24.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 2 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Stopped in here with t0rin0 before going to The Trappist. Sort of wish we had not.

The place is very brightly lit, surprisingly, but that's not necessarily think that's a good idea, since the place looks old and weathered.

The young woman serving us was nice and quick with bringing the beers, and fairly attentive. Though she wasn't terribly knowledgeable about what it was that she was serving.

Unfortunately, the beers at this place are crap. These are some of the worst house beers that I've had anywhere, but especially in the Bay Area. Luckily, they have a pretty good guest tap list which is the main reason to come here.

Their prices are also fairly high. We each ordered a sampler which was $13 and the two half pints of beer were $4 each (WTF?).

I don't really recommend this place.
Dec 29, 2010
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Reviewed by isualum12 from Idaho

3.83/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Cool place for the most part close to the Bart so easy for walking and tourist. Beer sampler for 5oz pours 7 beers for 12.50. Good value. Rest od the food seemed over priced to me. Waitress is really nice. And hey I will say it she is great looking also. Not bad for a Sunday afternoon.

The garlic bread is good with a great feel in the mouth. They have probably 5 TV's with the games on and a sports themed restroom.

I am in the Bart and beer tour. Check it out it is great. No driving. The place seem nice enough
Dec 06, 2010
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Reviewed by mjl21 from California

4/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Been in here a bunch of times over the years for a quick pint. Pacific Coast is located right in the heart of downtown Oakland and is directly across the street from the Convention Center. It is a decent sized space. When you walk in the bar is to your right. There are a few areas with plenty of seating. The chalkboard that has all of the beers is hanging in the middle of the room.

They brew their own beer and also carry a good selection of guest taps. They usually have around 7 house beers plus one cask offering. The last time I was there their house beers included a Columbus IPA; Holiday DIPA; Gray Whale Pale Ale; Blue Whale Amber on tap and cask; Killer Whale Stout; Elephant Seal ESB; and Leviathan Imperial Stout. They also have around 16 guest taps. They almost always have Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig. They also had Lost Abbey Judgment Day; Double Bastard; Racer 5; Brown Shugga; Green Flash Trippel; Anchor; and a few others. They typically charge around $5 for a pint of their house beer and guest taps are typically a little more.

I have never eaten the food here. From what people order it seems they move a lot of cold and hot sandwiches. The menu includes all of the usual brewpub options.

The service at the bar isn't bad. They are quick to get you a drink. The bartenders seem to spend most of their time talking to their daily customers.

If you are in downtown Oakland this isn't a bad place to go for a pint. The prices are reasonable and they have better hours than The Trappist.
Jan 30, 2010
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Located on Washington Street, just up from the intersection with 9th Street, they had a long window front with the entry in the center. The "U"-shaped wood bar with its ornate wood, mirror, and stained glass back bar was off to the right, down a couple of steps. The left wall of the bar area was exposed brick with high tables and chairs, followed by a group of standard restaurant tables and chairs. A chalkboard hanging above the tables listed the available beers. The bar area also had a couple of TV monitors and a CD jukebox. The kitchen was to the extreme right of the bar. The restaurant area was off to the left and consisted of standard restaurant tables and chairs.

Beer: Code Blue Barley Wine-10.0; Leviathan Imperial Stout-10.0; #19 Anniversary Ale-9.1 (Trappist Style); Paul's Ley Warmer-7.9; Winter Warmer; Blue Whale Ale-7.0; Emerald Ale-6.0; Killer Whale Stout-5.5; and Gray Whale Ale-5.5; plus Blue on Cask. Fifteen (15) guest taps.
Nov 26, 2009
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Reviewed by hiikeeba from Texas

4.2/5  rDev +9.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I attended the National Homebrewers Conference in Oakland and we stopped in for dinner between sessions. It's in Old downtown Oakland, which is a little nicer than the surrounding areas, I'm told. It's a small little place, and since there were a lot of homebrewers in the area, the place was slammed, which is why I dinged 'em for the service. We actually had to flag the waiter down to get our ticket. Even though the whole staff was all assholes and elbows, he could have checked on us a bit more.

I had the meatloaf and potatoes. The mashed potatoes were real, complete with peels and lumps. yum. The serving size was more than adequate. The meat loaf was also good, with a brown gravy and mushrooms.

And as an extra bonus, they had free WiFi that even my finicky iPhone could connect to. I can't even say that at home!

I have two more days in Oakland, and I expect I'll be back.
Jun 20, 2009
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Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
During my recent trip to the Bay Area (See Reviews), I took the ferry over to spend a day in wonderful Oakland. I must disgaree with Ms. Stein; there is a "there" there. And there are several excellent purveyors of malted beverages ready to offer a quenching quaff to those who know how to find it. One place is the Pacific Coast Brewing Company. Located in Historic Old Oakland amid blocks of Victorian rows, it is a quaint place that seems to attract plenty of locals - and a few world weary BAs. Of moderate size, PCBC consists of a small bar area to the right of entry; opposite is a dining area with hightops and tables, the former being located towards the rear. The small brewery can be found down the stairs along with the urination facilities .. I mean, the bathrooms, of course.

As for their beer; well, they only had two of their own on tap: the Killer Whale Stout, which I had and reveiwed (See Reveiw) and their Leviathian Imperial Stout - I did not try this.

However, several quality guests were to be had: an IPA from Santa Cruz Brewing, Dogfish Head 90-Minute (I did not have this, since it is available back east) and the remarkable Pliny the Elder - and yes ... I did have this one.

The albacore sandwich was very good and filling; decent pub grub all the way. As mentioned in previous posts, PCBC is around the corner from the Trappist (my next destination) and is near the BART station.

An enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. I really would've liked to have tried more of their beers - but .... Pliny The Elder! [Sigh]
Nov 16, 2008
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Reviewed by Georgiabeer from Georgia

3.78/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
I really, really want to love this place, but I think its a little hit or miss. The beers are very solid- which is the most important thing. The thing is, on the two occasions I've been here they were out of almost everything interesting and only had a few basic brews. Don't get me wrong, these were good, but I left feeling disappointed in the lack of selection. The service is...serviceable, but not exactly excited- but they do know their beers. The food is not great. The building is a really nice older structure in a great historic neighborhood just up from Jack London Square near the convention center. It sounds like I should give it another shot based on some of the other reviews, I just didn't have the experience that it sounds like is possible at this place- but I'd return for the beer alone.
Oct 31, 2008
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Reviewed by ghostfacekilla69 from Virginia

4/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This is the local place in my neighborhood that is the least convenient for me to visit so I have actually only been twice before this time but now I feel i know the vibe and am comfortable reviewing it. the building is a nice historic brick building in downtown oakland with an interior that was also redone with some pretty cool period pieces. there is a nice bar area as well as a nice outdoor heated beergarden that is my personal favorite place to sit. the music is maybe a little loud but the atmosphere overall is pretty laid back and this is a great place to pick up a few. the owners normally have around 8 on-tap of their own beers which tend toward the more full-flavored styles and then around 10 that are local beers so you could come here and get a good sense of bay area beers.

all in all this is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, bp in the san francisco bay area in terms both of beer and atmosphere.
Jul 11, 2008
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Reviewed by barleywinefiend from Washington

3.55/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Visited here on a recent trip to Oakland before the Toronado Bwine Fest. My fav of the Oakland Breweries. Situated downtown Oakland. Parking can be tricky since it is downtown. Visited on a Friday night and it was not overly busy. Loud music filled the air but good music so it was OK! The staff was average and food was average as well. Had the brat sandwich and it was pretty decent. Had the sampler that came with EVERY HOUSE BEER!!! Almost 12 of them. I was impressed at the selection. Nice place and a good visit overall. I would love to go back and the Code Blue was a great barleywine but some of the others were hitting about average. Nice selection of beers from doppel to barleywine.
Feb 19, 2008
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Reviewed by Natural510 from Ohio

3.63/5  rDev -5.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
This is Oakland's only brewpub, located in the historic Old Oakland neighborhood.
Upon my first visit, I tried a few of the house beers...including the Pale Ale & Amber Ales. I didn't find them particularly impressive, so I ordered their Imperial Stout. The bartender then exclaimed "It's the best stout in the world!", to which I scoffed. I wouldn't go as far as his proclamation, but it WAS pretty damn good...much better than the other PC beers I ordered. So if you go, stick with the Imperial Stout or one of their many guest beers.
I've heard rumblings from friends the service here sucks, but my 3-4 visits I've always encountered efficient, if not downright friendly, servers.
The food, however, isn't much to boast about. The menu looks impressive, as they try to do more than just burger & fries, but once you get it you will likely be disappointed. But hey, whatever soaks up the alchohol...
Feb 11, 2008
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Reviewed by francisweizen from Washington

4/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is a really nice little brewpub in Oaktown. It's located in the historic Old Oakland district which is rapidly gentrifying to a mystifying degree. Anyways, I digress. The atmosphere is down-home pub like with lots of regulars and lots of old breweriana. Quality of the house brewed beers is very good, and they usually have a brew on hand pump and some good guest brews as well. Service has always been fine on my 4 or 5 visits and the food, whilst nothing too complex, is great simple pub grub. I really like the atmosphere here and I always end up having some great conversations in this place. Awesome.
Feb 09, 2008
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Reviewed by John_M from Washington

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I've been coming to Pacific Coast Brewing Company for many years, and have to admit that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I first started coming here back in the mid to late 80's, when what they were doing here was literally ground breaking. I still remember going in there the first time, and seeing a place with over 20 beers on tap, not one of them BMC.... and what beers they were. I saw beers with names like Devil Mountain, St. Stan, Santa Cruz brewing, Sierra Nevada and Anchor Steam. There were also beers from Spaten and Fuller, not to mention Guinness and Harp. I had never seen a place like this in my life. I wanted to try everything. Aside from these "guest" beers, Pacific Coast also brewed their own beers, making two excellent pale ales (Blue Whale and Gray whale), as well as a passable porter and stout.

Over the years Pacific Coast has expanded their guest beer line-up, though of course I no longer find their selection unusual. Still, how many brewpubs do you find that also happen to have 20 or so imports and micros not of their making? To this day I have to commend Pacific Coast for their selection and quality of the beers they have available.

As for atmosphere, I think to some extent this place is hurt by it's location The area tends to be very crowded, with bad traffic and miserable parking. It's also a bit hard to find if you've never been there before, and if you sit outside it can defnitely be noisy. As you walk inside from Washington Street, you see a fairly long wood and metal bar running along the right side of the room. The place has a comfortable, woodsy feel to it, with a TV over the bar, as well as few interpersed throughout the dining rooms. It's a nice place to hang out and have a beer.

Service has always been up and down here. I've had days where it's not bad at all, and other times when I've almost walked out in annoyance. Considering that I usually sit at the bar when I visit, this is especially annoying.

Like the service, the food here is also up and down. I've had a decent ploughman's plate here, and some decent entrees as well. On the other hand, simple dishes like a ceaser salad have often all but been tasteless. Sandwiches are a complete hit or miss.

Over the years the food menu has gotten increasingly ambitious, with an increase in prices to match. IMO, both beer and food prices are a bit high now.

Still, all the minor negatives aside, this is place I always like to visit whenever I'm in town. My tastes have changed over the years, when I first came here the Blue Whale ale was too big for me, and I prefered the Gray Whale. These days the Blue is my favorite, especially if they happen to have it on cask. The newer beers (code blue, trippel, etc.), are excellent, though I do wish they'd bring back the Hammerhead some day.

I should add that in addition to first learning about craft beer at Pacific Coast, the convention center next door is where I took the California Bar examination. I stopped by for a glass every day of the test, and to this day am convinced there is a connection between the beer there and my passing the exam. Like I said, this place will always hold a warm place in my heart.
Oct 26, 2007
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Reviewed by coombski from Maine

3.98/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
We had about four hours to kill before our flight left Oakland so we planned to spend some time at Pacific Coast. It was a great time. We started at about 1pm, the place was quiet and we decided to work our way through all of the hoppiest beers and we were not disappointed. The best was Pacific Coast's own Blue Whale. Although I hate to drink someone else's beer while at a brewpub, there were many other quality beers on tap that I could never try back home and it had to be done.

The bartender was wonderful. Too often bartenders know little about any beer, let alone what is made on the premises. This guy talked for hours about beer with us and another couple at the bar.
Most patrons that stopped in were beer smart as well.
A lot of fun. Hated to leave.
Aug 23, 2006
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Reviewed by bradybeer from California

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2
My partner and I were in Oakland to visit friends yesterday and since I had been wanting to visit Pacific Coast Brewing for some time we decided to end the day there.

Growing up in the Midwest I heard nothing good about Oakland-boy was I wrong. Oakland is wonderful city and for good beer Pacific Coast Brewing is the place.

Located not far from Jack London Square the building has charm. When you walk in you will notice the bar to the right and dining to the left. There is also an outside patio but it was too cold for that.

I tried the sampler:

Gray Whale Ale (Pale Ale) 5%
Triple 10%
Blue Whale Ale (Strong Amber Ale) 7%
Blue Whale Cask
Leviathan Imperil Stout 10%
Killer Whale Stout 5.5%
Porter

I enjoyed the Cask Blue Whale Ale-I found it hard to believe that they are working off an extract system. The only miss, in my opinion, was the Porter. I found this brew to be on the weak side.

The food was a complete miss-the hamburger while not bad-wasn’t good either. With the prices charged for the food it should have been better for example I ordered my burger medium and received well.

The service was excellent-the young lady was doing a great job keeping up with the tables and we never went without a beer for long.

The beer prices were reasonable about $4 for a pint.

All in all I would go back-but only after I ate elsewhere.
Jan 30, 2006
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Reviewed by Troyone from California

4.05/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
The atmosphere is comfortable with a lot of beer paraphernalia on the walls and shelves some probably historic. There is a lot of historical fixtures including the cabinet behind the bar and I think some stained glass. There is off setting spaces with tables and chairs including the outdoor patio. People who sit at the bar are always friendly with tons of conversation (maybe I'm considered a regular).

The tap nozzles for the beer are brass except for the one cask that is (I think) stainless steel. The bar and all the tables and chairs inside (I think) are made of wood. The mens restroom is clean with postings at the urinal, which may include the daily sports page. The kitchen is in the open and can be seen when one walks to the South end dining areas or the restroom.

Service is great and the bartenders are friendly.

The beer selection is great for the beer that is brewed there and the guest beers, however there is only one cask conditioned beer option. The Emerald Ale, Columbus IPA, and the hoppy amber Blue Whale are alright (preferably casked conditioned) that are brewed there. The guest beers that I like there are Pliny the Elder, Racer 5, and Arrogant Bastard.

I have eaten there quite often and the food is good. Recently they have been cooking outdoors on a real grill while they renovate the kitchen.

Reasonable for the times.
Apr 23, 2005
Pacific Coast Brewing Company in Oakland, CA
Brewery rating: 3.58 out of 5 with 75 ratings