The Trappist

 

My favorite Oakland beer joint. Always well-curated selections of beer on tap and a solid bottle and can selection. The tiny kitchen makes/serves great good.

 

 

 

I started frequenting this place when I moved to the East Bay about a year ago and keep coming back because of the vibe, the people, and the beer. The bar is beautiful with old dark wood and bottles lining the shelves. The bar tenders are always willing to talk about the beer they serve and the selection is like none other in the East Bay. They always have at least half a dozen beers you won't find anywhere else in the Bay Area. Highly recommended if you visit the the area!

 

 

 

 

The big problem here is they tap-out early. Need to replace kegs more frequently or cross off what's out.

 

Found this establishment via Beer Advocate and what a find! Very cool place and a nice beer selection. The staff was cool to talk to and I had the "Sump" while I was there which was fantastic! Both my buddy and I felt that if you are coming to Oakland, you must stop at the Trappist !!

 

Another great beer bar in downtown oakland.
Always have some interesting beers on tap.
A little on the pricier side, and service is at times questionable.

Vibe [4.25]: Dark and mysterious. Two separate bars (although you can order from either bar and they will bring you your beer). And a great little outdoor area in the back.
Quality [4.0]: Always a great pour here and they have an extensive glassware selection. The price is more than most places (~$8 for a typical pour). High bottle prices plus corkage. I would stick to the draft menu.
Service [2.5]: Typically the service is ok. Never had a great experience here, but definitely have had some terrible experiences. Depends on who is behind the bar...
Selection [4.0]: Always a really nice/diverse tap list. Not as much rotation as you'd expect for how many taps they have though. The bottle list is nice, but typically out-dated.
Food [NA]: Haven't tried the food, so no opinion here.

Pretty cool spot for nice imported beers. Usually 1-2 really good local brews. Seems pricey at times. Crowd is a little bit of the "new" craft crowd. I think they do a good job with the variety on tap. Arugula salad is nice.

 

 

 

 

 

Imo an unparalleled number of spurs, wilds, and Belgians on tap. A must if youre nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

The original good-beer spot in the East Bay. Plus...Horseshoe shape! Mood lighting! Wood paneling! Fabulous events! Taco Tuesdays! Wow!

 

Went with three friends.
Great place to get a beer. The atmosphere is good, nothing special, but it's a nice neighborhood-ey joint. Narrow space, nice bar, not much seating otherwise unless you go out back.

Great selection. Belgian-focused, but quite a few Belgian-style and sour beers from around the country. Happy to see Jolly Pumpkin. Bartender was great, giving plenty of suggestions and tasters.

Didn't try the food.

This and beer revolution are the two complementary spots to visit in Oakland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been aware of this place for some time, so it was nice to get over to Oakland on a recent SF trip and check it out.

The Trappist is located in a cool older area of Oakland - the bar is split into a front/back bar, neither of which was crowded at all (shockingly so) on a Saturday night. They nailed the interior/decor/vibe of a Belgian dark bar probably as well or better than any other place I have ever been in the US.

The front bar area was gorgeous - dark and cozy, with some open air coming in from the streets of Oakland. It looked like the back patio area (also somehow empty) was pretty awesome too.

The beer selection was strong, but not overwhelming in quality. The taplist seemed more focused on classics of Benelux than other 'rare' european and american belge-clones. I had my saison dupont and la trappe quad, and left thrilled to have spent a few hours in such a fabulous place.