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- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Ace In the Hole Cider Pub
Review Highlights
"Their Joker is the best because its not sweet."
(in 8 reviews)
"Good BBQ Oysters and Fish & Chips too."
(in 3 reviews)
"Sampler is good to start, pitchers are always the best way..."
(in 7 reviews)
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Erin S.
Santa Rosa, CA
10/14/2010
Even if they are not open you can still find them everywhere. Almost any cider that is served at other breweries/bars (Russian River, Third St, Hopmonk) is Ace made. Its even at Olivers Market. Their Joker is the best because its not sweet. Its so refreshing...similar to beer and champagne as Tori said below.
Its a nice change sometimes...drink local hard cider. -
Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
7/30/2008
There were about 30 Harleys parked out front when I pulled into the lot. We were excited to see what kind of motley crew we'd be hanging out with at Ace. When we walked up to the patio, the place was packed with bikers and their ladies. It actually wasn't as chaotic as I expected it to be, and unfortunately, the mob cleared out by the time we got finished ordering.
It was pretty dead once they left, but the beautiful weather made the patio a perfect spot to enjoy our refreshing cider sampler and pub grub. The $5 cider sampler was actually perfect for the three of us to get some tastes in. I had the chicken apple sausage, Nicole got the fish and chips and Jessica had the grilled salmon. We were all really impressed by the food! However, the service was pretty non-existent, and the girl who took our order was rather unfriendly and impatient.
To live up their their name, there is a putting green out there so you could practice your game. We thought this would be a Nish-approved kind of place! -
Review from Priscilla L.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2008
Bad. Don't go unless your friends have a show there. Then, don't eat anything.
I had the hamburger. It can't be Neiman Ranch meat! My medium-rare was well done. It tasted vaguely vegetarian--they must have mixed a lot of bread into the burger. For the price they charged, how could they do this to me...
My husband had the fish and chips. He never had cod that was tough before. Fish-flavored chewing gum.
The fries for the both of us were limp and uncooked.
The food took a long time. Bad service. Sticky tables.
What more can't you want at a pub/restaurant. -
Review from samanta v.
Healdsburg, CA
5/11/2009
I have been here a few times in the past. I was never really impressed with their ciders or their food, but it wasn't the 'worst' place to go hang out.
Last Sat night I decided to give them another shot, because they were hosting a band that I know and love. The band was great! (as per usual) the venue - SUCKS. Here's why:
How does this place make money? seriously? Being there for 5 minutes tells you that the employees don't give a damn about what they serve, or their customers.
There is one line formed to order at the bar, for all things food and drinks. It's like standing in line at the college to sign up for a class. No one knows what they want, and by the time it's actually your turn to get to the front of the line, they are either a) out of it, or b) have decided to not offer it to the customers, cause - guess what? their kitchen staff doesn't want to stick around cause it's a Saturday night.
The wait staff, instead of alleviating the line and, oh having more than one order taker / beer pourer instead decide to just move about the bar announcing that the grill is closed. - yes, lets just discourage them, so they don't order, and don't spend their money in our establishment - if they never come back, then we don't have to worry about serving them next time. (great plan! it's working!)
Not only did a large group of my friends turn tail and leave when faced with the huge line and the bitchy staff who didn't want to do their jobs, but the group we were with was less than thrilled about parting with their money for such a mediocre return.
The ciders are still horrid. The original is, well bland and cider like, the pear is marginally better, but not great honey, berry and joker seem to all have serious brettanomyces problems which are rather off putting to my palate.
Mediocre selection of over priced beers, but hey, they already think they are the only game in this part of town, so why not run with it?
The food (what we were able to order, that wasn't being nixed from the menu because they wanted to hurry up and close for the night) was so so. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to slap some fruit, crackers and cheese on a plate, nor does it make a 5* dining experience by slicing up some apple sausage and slapping a 1/2 cup of sauerkraut on a plate next to a microwaved chunk of bread. The fries were mushy and the wings the although drenched in sauce, had minimal meat on them.
None of it was of the caliber or quantiy for the prices.
Right at 10pm, with still a large group of people in the bar (supporting the band, as we had given up trying to order ANYTHING, figuring we would be told NO!) they shut the band off, and told everyone who wasn't in the band to get out.
get out. that's is a GREAT sentiment to be left with! Believe you me, I did infact do exactly that. GET OUT. and you can bet that I won't be going back, no matter how cool the band, because Ace in the Hole doesn't deserve another cent of my money for their over priced mediocre food, beverages and servers with attitudes.
I am shocked that a local business would allow their staff to run like this, here was a great chance for them (in a not so booming economy) to bring in a ton of money for the business on a Saturday night, and all they had to do was be pleasant -- many other restaurants in the area would jump at that chance.
I certainly hope what ever the staff was hoping to get to after closing up as fast as they could on a saturday night, was well worth it, because pissing off large groups of locals who drop a good chunk of money when watching said beloved band, won't be coming back.
PS -if you have outside patios, and you are in west county, and plan to have a crowed of people on your patio - at night. A) make sure there is propane in the heaters and B) make sure you have an employee who actually knows how to light them.Listed in: please don't make me go here..
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Review from Tori E.
Napa, CA
10/8/2009
LOOOOOOOVE Cider. It tastes like a mix between beer and champagne. The Pear is probably my favorite.
They have indoor and outdoor seating at the pub (live music everyday) and I love the food too. The plate of cheese is ok, its slices of all the good Sonoma Cheese Factory Jack flavors like Havarti and Pesto and some crackers and apple slices. Pizzas are pretty good, fries are standard, the Gourmet Hot Dog is phenomenal! Seriously. Good BBQ Oysters and Fish & Chips too ;)
The also have beers from around the world and local wines.
My favorite part is that you can buy the big jugs (I forget how much they are) and then after you drink them you can bring them back and get them refilled for like $8. Its fantastic.
FYI: Happy Hour is Monday- Friday from 3:00-6:00pm
$1 off pints
BBQ Shack is openListed in: Favorite Breweries
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Review from Vickie D.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2009
I have enjoyed Ace's "Joker" cider ever since I tried a sample at Rogue Ale House in San Francisco. It was great to have the opportunity to visit the actual Cider Pub over Thanksgiving weekend. They have a cider sampler for only $5! I like the Joker and the Berry ciders the best. The Joker is not sweet, but delicious! The Berry cider is quite sweet, but has a nice tart finish. They also have good food, including a BBQ menu. My friend ordered the BBQ'd oyster's and they were HUGE!
But, the landlord is kicking them out soon! Go visit while you can. One of owners said that they will use this as an opportunity to expand their wholesale business and maybe open a restaurant/pub in Downtown Santa Rosa.
PS. the Joker gives you a delayed buzz.... drink with caution! -
Review from Natalie G.
San Anselmo, CA
3/14/2007
I liked Ace in the Hole but the service was not so hot. Apparently when one person isn't there the whole operation breaks down and we were there on such an occasion. The cider was delicious (we ordered a pear and a berry - which was strangely floral - and next time would check out the honey apple for the sure), and the food when it finally got to us was very good. The chicken on our sandwich was crazy moist and well seasoned, and their veggie pizza wasn't the best ever but it was still good eats. Apparently they boast themselves on their savory pies - but I'm not so sure if I will be checking those out. Oh and they even have a little put shot you can play with.
Happy Hour: weekdays 4:00 - 6:00 PM with $3.00 pints of beer and cider -
Review from Alexys P.
Glen Ellen, CA
8/28/2009
Cider brewpub in the middle of BFE. The owner looks exactly like i would expect him to - sort of frazzled hair with a Hawaiian shirt & shorts. Walking around having the time of his life.
4 stars because I can order a snakebite on tap (cider & Guinness)
The only food we had was the BBQ oysters - which were actually really good.
Casual environment - my experience with the service was fine.
Love that you can sit outside and smoke - that seems to be a rarity in CA and Sonoma county especially, though I'm sure that most people will find that off putting.
Oh - and to the guy doing the magic tricks? No ones interested!! -
Review from Shannon F.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2007
Ace In the Hole is just a neat place to round out your evening. I don't recommend going for the food, though it is really tasty, the service just sucks. Apparently they can't hold the operation together unless everyone shows up for work, bummer.
I love sitting outside on warm nights, sipping ales and ciders to my heart's content. This is certainly a lovely place to do so. I could see how a lot of the patrons are regulars, deeming Ace as their local hang out spot. If I lived in one of the neighboring communities, I'd do the same. Their cider is delicious (and can also be found at a place like BevMo if you want a taste), and really, if cider is what the name boasts, and the atmosphere is nice, that's what is most important to me. -
Review from Aaron S.
Tempe, AZ
4/11/2009
I go to Ace when my friends' band plays and it's generally an average experience with little to report on, one way or the other.
The limited food they have is generally not worth trying unless you're really drunk and desperate for whatever greasy crap or frozen pot pie they are serving up that night.
They do have a few good beers on tap like Stella, Boont Amber and Racer 5. However, Ace is famous for its ciders which generally aren't my cup o' tea but apparently these are the best around.
They close at 9 on weekdays and 10 on weekends. So, this place can hardly be considered a real bar by any normal standards.
I would give Ace three stars if it wasn't for the fact that a couple of their employees ordered us to leave the patio where we were waiting for friends. They claimed that A.B.C. agents might show up and bust them for allowing us to stand outside at 10:05. The last time I checked, the state-mandated cut-off for selling alcohol was 2:00 a.m. -- not 10 p.m. -- and we weren't drinking anyway (or even inside the bar), so these people are just really quite dim witted and should find work better suited to their special needs. -
Review from Ted C.
1/10/2009
I have been to Ace several times and the cider is really top notch. The joker is great and dry and the pear is second to none.
This place should be a four star pub, but the food is so bad that even after a day of wine tasting when I was starving I could barley choke down one of the pizzas. And no joke they botched a hot dog. All you have to do is warm it up but apparently that was too much to ask for and it arrived stone cold in the middle.
Overall worth it for the cider but go down the road for something to eat. -
Review from Irene C.
4/10/2009
I love me some cider and it's kind of difficult to find bars that serve it, so hello cider tasting and day trip! A lot of people seemed to complain about the service, but I kind of like laissez-faire bars on a lazy day. We showed up on a random midweek afternoon, so just looking for a laid back place to drink cider and this was certainly it. The owner was outside and chatted with us for a while, too. Didn't get to eat much food; the soup and chili were totally satisfying on a somewhat breezy day, pitcher was great to split between two, and company was fun and I had a really good time. Not sure what it'd be like on a crowded day, but this was definitely the right speed and I wish I had been hungry enough to try the apple-honey cider BBQ ribs.
I like drier ciders, so the Joker was a win, and apple honey was tasty. The berry cider tastes like Nerds candy, so if that's your thing, go for it. Sampler is good to start, pitchers are always the best way to go. Sharing is caring. -
Review from Cath M.
4/13/2009
Wanting to get away from the sis and the crying nephew this past weekend, the boy and I drove down to check out this place.
The boy is a big fan of ciders so why not check out the place. We walked in, everybody's head turned around. Yes, we're Asian...please be nice. After the initial shocker moment, we ordered the cider sampler and the boy wanted chips and salsa.
The cider sampler was a good choice so that the boy and I could get acquainted with all five of them. In the end, I liked the joker (tasted like champagne) and the pear cider...I liked it so much that I ordered a glass and after that, I found my happy place.
It was a laid back spot and the boy and I were glad that we checked out the spot... -
Review from Thor M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/28/2009
I can't speak to a lot of aspects of this place, but as for the cider, I was not impressed. The original was bland and bitter. The pear was sweet but unmemorable. The berry was slightly better, but after a 4 ounce glass I was glad it was finished. The honey might be the best, but this isn't saying much. As a homebrewer, I have never made a cider, but it seems that Ace tried one recipe, figure it was "good enough" and bottled it. Making tasty libations requires hard work, experimenting with recipes and not settling for a mediocre (or in this case, awful) product.
I can't speak to the food or nightlife, but given the low quality of the cider, I probably wouldn't return. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2008 1 photo
Rabbit Foot Meadery got me wanting to try this cider place. They sell ACE at Trader Joe's. We came here for Happy Hour and met the owner (some old brit guy).
I tried the 5 shot glas sampler (joker, perry cider, mead, apple/blueberry cider and something else). $5 for the sampler.
Fries were okay. -
Review from Nick D.
Bodega Bay, CA
3/22/2011
Ace in the hole pub is closed, but America's best Hard Cider is available on tap at your favorite restaurants and in lots of local stores. I am a new convert to Cider, and for my money there is nothing better than Ace Joker and Ace Perry. Try the Honey or Berry or original apple too!
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Review from Tom S.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2007
Its a cool little spot, although I agree that the service can be spotty sometimes. However, that won't dissuade me from recommending it to friends and heading here whenever I get a chance. All of the food is pub-style, but its all been delicious.
The road to and from here is rife with cops so pick a DD or enough time to chill out there for a while. -
Review from samantha m.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/2/2009
Although the quality of BBQ ribs has greatly disintegrated over the past year the atmosphere, live music and cheese/fruit plate has remained wonderful.
BBQ Oysters are great, if you get there on the right day.
I love their cider and the fact that they are local. The owner tends to be wandering around the area at any given moment. The live music is appealing and wonderful but way too noisy inside. The acoustics are incredibly lacking.
The staff is usually very friendly, but there have been times when I feel that I'm putting them out by placing an order. -
Review from Alanna M.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2009
Stopped for a cider and lunch on a sunday. Cider was great the selection is diverse and the Euro style apple was crisp, dry and refreshing. The way the pub is run is ridiculous. It took 30+ minutes to get 2 sausages after we had ordered and al they did was stuck them in a warmer. The place is not large and doesnt have table service. They have a good concept but really need to visit another restaurant and see that it is possible to serve hot dogs at more than 30 mins a piece, actually scratch the restaurant visit a hot dog stand. Cider is good though.
It is a good family friendly spot with a nice outdoor area on nice days. I probably would go back for the cider but would make sure that I wasnt very hungry and looking for a quick turn around. -
Review from Jeff B.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/2/2008
Great relaxed atmosphere
good food on the patio -
Review from Sarah D.
Updated - 1/30/2010
CLOSED! They lost their lease and the cider pub has been closed. Owner Mr. House isn't sure if he's going to bother re-opening, because he's cruel like that. This had become my absolute favorite place to stop on trips home from the coast or the river. Ace Cider, you're tearing me apart!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2008
People actually eat here? I thought it was all about the cider, which is absolutely top-notch. We… Read more »
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Review from Morgan M.
Updated - 4/23/2010 1 photo
Boo for closing : (
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/16/2009
I lost my flight of cider virginity!! This place is awesomeness at its fullest for a cider house.… Read more »
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Review from Phil D.
Oakland, CA
8/20/2007
The cider is OK, but the food is not very good at all. Also, the place was full of flies--and I mean FULL--on my recent visit. There were fewer flies in the outdoor seating area, so I moved out there.
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Review from Ian H.
Portland, OR
5/2/2008
This place was/is totally weird... It sort of has a brewpub type feel, except you dont get waited on, you buy your food from the bar and then they bring it to you, theres a nice outdoor area for warm days and a stage area. The day I went this weird band was playing, it was like all strings and accordians with a drummer and some dude dressed up in a gorilla costume with a tip jar... wtf?
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Review from Peg S.
7/10/2006
Service was slow. Cider sampler would have been better chilled - only liked the apple honey & pear ciders . . . chicken apple sausage hit the spot though . . .
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Review from Aaron W.
8/15/2008
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! We went to see a friend perform - the Beatmeters - their show was great... but this place sucked. The food was so expensive, canned, it took forever, they gave us the wrong food... they were rude... we were hanging out with our good friends, the band, while they were packing up, and they actually kicked us out!! WTF!?!?!?!?!?! I will not be back. How rude and terrible.
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Review from Nikki W.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/5/2008
Who doesn't love hard cider? This stuff is so yummy! Pear, apple and berry ohh my! The food selection is basic bar food but decent and I believe that on good nights they do BBQing. I will admit you should probably bring some friends with you cause the crowd can be a little awkward but its a good time. Very chill and easygoing.
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Review from kristen m.
Oakland, CA
11/10/2006
i don't even like drinking much, but i love me some honey cider. for those who like it not so sweet, try the wildcard.
minus one star because the food does suck & service is sometimes slow. ace also sells six packs, 22oz & growlers (which means you can blend your own custom cider). -
Review from Megan G.
New York, NY
3/19/2006
Head on over after a lazy brunch at Underwood, it's just up the street.
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Review from M W.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/24/2008
Ace is a great place to chill out, drink a cider or beer, and listen to some live local music. No pretensions, family-friendly, games, good vibe. They have good British beers in can or bottle you don't see anywhere else. Try Abbot Ale in a can. It's not really set up for food so just get stuff from the grill, if at all. It closes kind of early (10pm usually), whereupon all the alkies head directly to the Underwood.
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Review from Amelia J.
Oakland, CA
4/8/2008
Definitely got the feeling that its a locals' place. The ciders are tasty and they have a nice outdoor seating area. But go for the ciders, not the food. I had a very disappointing salmon burger on a doughy bun with a huge pile of flavorless coleslaw and my friend was equally disappointed with his undercooked burger.
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Review from Ben M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/17/2009
Pretty divey, and not in the good way. Ok collection of beer, but not impressive, food takes forever, and a lot of "interesting" customers. Heard a winery may be taking their place soon, which would be a welcome change in my book.
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Review from denise g.
Rohnert Park, CA
7/5/2009
I feel bad for saying this but I've just come back from this Pub and need to express just how disappointed I was. I was actually disgusted. I don't mind the dive-bar-ness of it but it was really filthy! I don't know how the health department lets them stay in business. Not only were all the tables sticky with flies, there was no one around to serve, much less wipe up the mess. And, picture this! there was an 8 year old (I'm guessing age here) clipping her toenails at the shared dining tables!. If I get sick I'm calling the CDC, my imagination runs wild guessing what you could catch from an unvaccinated Sebastopudlian child. Truly disgusting.
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Review from Nathaniel D.
Napa, CA
1/10/2010
Probably one of my favorites! The cider is the best this side of the atlantic. It operates a bit like a 70's/80's UK pub with alittle bit of a US bar feel. Food is generally good, but lets face it you go here for the cider. The staff are generally okay ( people have bad days) but the owner is extremely nice. He always makes a point to talk to everyone.
Just don't let the location throw you! -
Review from Ahna P.
Novato, CA
5/22/2008
good place to have a beer, sit outside on the nice patio. interesting people to watch for sure.
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Review from Myoung K.
Cupertino, CA
6/16/2009
Cider Sampler was great. My husband and I split the ploughmen's lunch and a burger. Yummy. It was perfect for post hike/pre wine tasting.
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Review from John M.
Ventura, CA
8/25/2008
Top notch establishment. The cider was excellent as was the food. While there with some friends, I began talking about cider with a gentleman at another table. Turned out to be the owner and her was more then happy to give my friends and I a tour and an in depth explanation of how cider is brewed. Fantastic time.
