Ale Trail

BY LAUREN BONNEY

Oakland’s beer scene is as unique as Oakland itself. A diverse collective of makers and creatives, the brewers here bring their own spin to their craft. From ghostly elixirs to Old World classics to East Bay-born ingenuity, there’s no shortage of things to taste along the Oakland Ale Trail. All you have to ask is, “What’s on tap?”

Ale Industries

Vibe: Hella Oakland with a civic and eco-minded focus.

Neighborhood: Fruitvale

Drink: East Bay IPA, a well-balanced West Coast IPA that’s big on hops and rich on malt for an easy-drinking experience.

An Apple a Day

Buck Wild Brewing

Vibe: 100% glutenfree beer that actually tastes good.

Neighborhood: Jack London District

Drink: Kölsch, a light-bodied ale, brewed in the Kölsch style, with notes of herbal hop and honey.

Drake’s Dealership

Vibe: Stellar vetted lineup that doesn’t take itself too seriously in a beer garden setting that’ll make you want to stay all day.

Neighborhood: Uptown Drink: Denogginizer, a double IPA that packs a punch, but a strong malty note that keeps the hops at bay.

Federation Brewing

Vibe: Down to earth with a dose of sci-fi fun. Mmm, take us to your (beer) leader.

Neighborhood: Jack London District

Drink: Utopia

Planitia, a red rye ale that’s malty, spicy, and crimson in color with a touch of herbaceousness.

Ghost Town Brewing

Vibe: Warehouse chic with just a bit of spooky.

Neighborhood: West Oakland

Drink: Sacrificial Oat, a dry-hopped Hazy IPA loaded with citrus and berry notes and just enough hop.

Line 51 Brewing Company

Vibe: Sporty, family-friendly, and a restored 1072 AC Transit bus. All aboard!

Neighborhood: Jack London District

Drink: Seaport, a Czech-style pilsner that’s light and refreshing — perfect for game-day sipping.

Novel Brewing Company

Vibe: Books, beers, and buds make for good stories.

Neighborhood: North Oakland

Drink: Book Thief, a West Coast IPA that’s packed with vibrant citrus, soft pine, and a hint of floral notes.

Got Grapes?

Oakland United Beerworks

Vibe: For catching up with friends new and old.

Neighborhood: Jack London District

Drink: East Bay Nights black lager, an ode to the German Schwarzbier, is light but loaded with flavor.

Old Kan Beer & Co.

Vibe: With a pint in hand, everything’s gonna be OK.

Neighborhood: West Oakland

Drink: Light, a California cream ale that’s super approachable and refreshingly delicious.

Original Pattern Brewing Company

Vibe: Employeeowned pride shines in quality craft.

Neighborhood: Jack London District

Drink: Currant

Capitulation, a fruit-laden sour with notes of currant, blackberry, and cranberry, and the right amount of tart.

Roses’ Taproom

Vibe: Cheerful, vibrant, and loads of urban-jungle feels.

Neighborhood: Temescal

Drink: Early Beer, a kölsch-style brew that tastes so good — even in the morning.

Temescal Brewing

Vibe: So hip, so cool, so Oakland.

Neighborhood: Temescal

Drink: Temescal Especial, an easy-drinking Mexican-style lager with floral, fruity notes that blend well with the sweet corn- and honey-like malt tones.

If you’re feeling hopped out but still thirsty, head to Crooked City Cider or Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop for diverse takes on the fermented apple-based drink.

Prefer vino to beer? Explore the wine bars and tasting rooms along the Oakland Urban Wine Trail. See more at VisitOakland. com/restaurants/oakland-urban-wine-trail

Freshly Tapped

Oakland’s beer scene isn’t just limited to breweries. Hit up these taprooms and beer gardens for more suds to sip.

ARTHUR MAC’S TAP & SNACK

This mixed-use space and beer garden features 20 rotating taps (beer, cider, and kombucha) that are complemented by housemade pizzas — because what goes better together than beer and pizza?

Degrees Plato Taproom And Bottle Shop

This is your new favorite neighborhood hangout — a communal, convivial spot with rotating taps and fresh, scratch-made Mexican dishes.

Seawolf Public House

Throw darts, play pool, watch the game, and choose from 16 taps at this bar, located in the heart of Jack London District.

The Good Hop

Can’t find what you’re craving from Uptown’s

The Good Hops’ 16 rotating taps (focused on California brews)? You’re bound to find it in its 400+ collection of bottles and cans from independent breweries.

Need More Beer Options?

Find more places to grab a pint at OaklandAle Trail.com