Drake's Barrel House

Celebrate a friends birthday here and it was a fun time! This spot is a perf spot for groups because the place is spacious with indoor and outdoor seating! Also, dog friendly!! I heard that they have events on friday nights too, so I def will come back and check it out.

The food options were delish and the price is not too bad! Its good shareable apps for everyone to munch on while drinking a beer or in my case, frozen mangonada! They have a huge variety of beer options and even have flights.

Service is great, they were picking up empty glasses and dishware. Checked on everyone. Even gave the birthday girl a complimentary beer!

Cool spot to grab a few beers on tap. Nice indoor and outdoor space. The bartenders were going out of their way to be of service. You can order some light bites from the food truck outside. Tons of options beer wise, they also have some slushy options if that is your jam.

I wish they had some sort of happy hour to help drive people in at a certain time and to get a little price relief, but it seems no breweries in the bay area offer this.

When I went with friends on a Saturday in July mid afternoon, there were about a dozen other people there. It was dead.

I've gotten growler fills in the past, so this is an option if you have a growler and want to take some to go.

Surrounding area can be a little sketch b/c of the walmart.

We are big fans of Drakes. Been here a couple times. Tons of great beers. We do buy them a lot for home and you can find Drakes everywhere so that's nice (incidentally I bought the 12 pack of four different beers this morning from Target).

One of the great Bay Area breweries, Drakes deserves your support.

Love coming to Drake's, it's definitely my go to if I want a chill place to have a beer, watch a game or just meet up with friends. The bartenders are always super nice, the vibe is always chill and the food truck is consistent. Definitely recommend, especially for their special events!

Celebrated Cinco De Mayo here by myself while my wife shopped at Walmart next door.
If you are following, in my last review, I said I am NOT coming to this Walmart anymore and I am willing to pay extra to NOT come here. But I have NO problem hanging out at Drakes while she shops. Actually, because the lines are so long on weekends, I can have at least two beers, LOL.

Quality/Quantity -
Tracksuit Sunday - Newest IPA, and started with this.
Juicy Hoot - Okay, my wife/Walmart took so long I got two more of this. After 3 IPAs, I was done for the day.

I also sampled the following beers: Meebers, Aroma Coma, Jolly Roger, and I'm not sure but I think I tried right before leaving the Santa's Brass...? All was good, but the last two were just too strong for me, both in flavor and alcohol wise.

Food also available, see menu.
I remember when we were allowed to bring our own food, or am I outdating myself, lol.
Might come back to try out their lunch specials one of these days.

Atmosphere -
I watched as this place changed from a production facility to what it is today. Very cool.
I come here more often than I should, that is what shopping at Walmart will do to me... I actually noticed both the Walmarts I frequent have a brewery next door?!?! Is this done strategically? Reno, NV Walmart has my Schussboom Brewing. Or do I use Walmart as an excuse to go to the brewery?!?!
Good size, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Heated outdoor seating for the cold evenings/days, see picture.
Table, counter top, booth, picnic table seating, etc.
One huge TV (actually 4 TVs put together to make one).
Two unisex bathrooms.
Semi open kitchen, see picture.
Free wifi.
To-go case - In case (pun intended) Walmart's lines are actually short, lol.
Merchandise for sale, see picture.
Dog friendly.

Service - 5 stars, of course not too many of us day drinkers today, lol.
Many specials, see pictures or websites.
I also like the fact that you got self service water throughout the entire place, thank you.

Price - $25 + generous tips; expensive for 3 beers, but that is the cost for quality.

Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1989, since 2011 at this location, and since 2015 at your Oakland location.

When did you open "The Barn" in West Sacramento? I need to check this place out; it looks cool on your website.

1989 - Lind Brewery to Drake's Brewery.
1998 - Sold brewery to local coffee company.
2004 - Denogginizer Double IPA was born/created.
2008 - New ownership.
2011 - This location opens.
2015 - Oakland location opens.
2018 - First can beer.
2018 - Sacramento location opens.

What can I say, I am a huge craft beer enthusiast and aficionado. And considering that "Drake's Barrel House" has been around since the 80's (you heard that right), this place has been a trendsetter for many Bay Area breweries, tap houses, and craft beer halls to many new places. Having been opened since 1989, just about every Bay Area beer fanatic has been to this place and considering I lived in the Bay until 2001, I never got the chance to visit until just recently.

Located in the heart of San Leandro and right off of the 580 freeway and Davis St. exit, Drake's is notoriously known for being tucked away in a shopping center that is anchored by a Wal-Mart and Home Depot as well as other major retailers such as Burlington, Ross, and Togo's Sandwiches. I must admit, it was a little challenging finding this place at first. But when you drive to where Wal-Mart is near the loading area, you will see the entrance complete with all the barrels. It definitely threw me off but now I know for future visits if I happen to come here again.

As I mentioned, don't let the location deter you from coming here as many think of this part of town not being the safest as well as being crime-ridden. As long as you park as close to here as you can, lock your vehicle, and walk with a friend or two, you should be fine. Upon entering, you will notice a huge wraparound outdoor patio area which is great for the sunnier days. The inside is absolutely huge with ample seating that can fit at least a hundred people comfortably.

Their menu is also very extensive with several lagers, sours, stouts and IPA's to accommodate all beer tastes. Since I was driving and only wanted a small sample of what they had to offer, I went with two of their lighter beers; their "Dog Walker Pilsner" and their "Bold Rush Liquid Cold". Both were excellent and set to the perfect chilled temperature. They have a very progressive menu that is ever-changing on a monthly basis. I also wanted to add that they have a nice little food selection including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and tots. They even have a dog-friendly menu selection as Drake's welcomes all breeds of dogs.

All in all, "Drake's Brewing Company" is the real deal and as good as it gets for a quality brewery. Since I live in the Sacramento area, I've frequented their sister location, "Drake's: The Barn" on several occasions. Only difference is that is exclusively an outdoor only spot. However, as far as the O.G. San Leandro location goes, when you factor in the authenticity, beer selection, service, and price, I am giving this one a unanimous five-star rating.

I visited Drake's on a hot Friday night. We had a great time! I've been to their other locations, including the one in West Sac and Oakland. Each location has its own unique charm. I especially like this spot because of its spacious parking lot and both indoor and outdoor seating. They also had the sports game on TV. The beer selection is fantastic.

August 9, 2023: Lol~I HAD TO MAKE ANOTHER DESPERATE BEER RUN! Why?

Because according to meeting David and the Drake's Bartender:

Drake's--The Barn in West Sacramento can't refill their own growlers due to serving high-test alcohol, i.e., liquor . . . It's an egregiously LAME, IMHO--A CA STATE LAW REGULATION with regards to possessing a beer and liquor license . . . Oh, well~

Aside, WOOOOF! I purchased a bottle of DEATH, i.e., 12.9% ALCOHOL CONTENT: Both my Son-In-Law and I slithered and melded to the kitchen floor after inhaling THIS beer!

Moreover, I posted Drake's Barrel House menu, i.e., Beer Run PROOF I visited~LOL!

I'll be BACK!!!! Lol!

Maybe go to 21st amendment instead

Fried chicken sandwich
- dry chicken, dry slaw, dry bread
- had to add our own mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce to make it acceptable

Totchos
- tasty, but no where near as loaded as I'd want it, it's littoral just a sprinkle of ingredients

Death of the Sun
- very nice chocolatey bourbon stout. Very delicious to enjoy, would get again because of the taste and complexity

The guys at the bar super nice and really into the details of the beer,

guys at the food stand pretty unhelpful, was ignored when I was trying to figure where order, literally tried to walk to the window becausethe people manning that station acted like customers

Overall was impressed by the beer , and would come back just for the beer, definitely not the food

Excellent spot before an A's game. We've often come here for food and drinks, and it's a short Uber ride to the stadium. Ordering food and drinks can be done from your phone, and service is really prompt. Lots of space, both indoor and outdoor. Drake's beer speaks for itself - if you haven't tried Hopocalypse it's a tasty hazy DIPA staple, give it a shot. Like many breweries, they've embraced the Hazy craze, but not just for the sake of sales, their hazies are excellent. They've added Juicy Hoot and Hazing Saddles and I enjoyed both. If you're not a Hazy person, there are plenty of choices - pils, hefe, stout, lagers, sours - pick your poison. The tater tots are a good compliment to the beer selection.

When the A's pack up for Vegas, I'll surely find another excuse to head up for some good beer and food.