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- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 12 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 1 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
698 reviews for The Trappist
Review Highlights
"Great beer, right glass, perfect atmosphere."
(in 41 reviews)
"3) Tripel Karmeliet: Subtlely sweet like caramel."
(in 9 reviews)
"Great Fun place to hang out with friends."
(in 5 reviews)
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698 reviews in English
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Review from Sam T.
1/23/2012
One of the nicer kickback bars in Oakland. Actually I think it's probably the most popular one in town! The Trappist is located conveniently in Old Oakland next to Chinatown and downtown Oakland.
Inside you'll find a relaxed, calm, and hipsterish environment. Yup I feel really grow up in here! Crowd ranges from mid 20s to mid 30s. Drinks are pretty good, service is friendly and food and decent.
If you're skeptical to come here because it's Oakland be advised the police station is only a block away. On the contrary if you're thinking of driving here and getting hammered be advised the police station is only a block away. -
Review from Jennifer S. P.
Lafayette, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I stopped by the Trappist for the first time after I had gone to Beer Revolution. So different, but I had a great time at both.
The staff was friendly and the bartender was very helpful when I didn't know what to order. I like the inside and outside patio option also.
I would definitely go back to check it out again.Listed in: San Francisco Bay Area
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Review from Jason M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend brought me here since I was up in the bay visiting and she knows I LOVE beer!
The trappist has a cool set up. If I can remember correctly, the layout is in a U-shape! They have 3 different bars w/ different beers at each.
We started at the back bar. My friend was getting annoyed because every beer that she picked ..the bartender didn't have. She wasn't annoyed that they were out but because of the attitude the bartender gave.
So we only got one drink and then headed to the Front Bar. The bartenders at the Front bar were a lot more pleasing and helpful.
I got addicted to their Allagash White! I could sit and have cup by cup of that beer!
We didnt hit the middle bar because it was cash only!
Great place to hang and drink w/ friends! -
Review from Julie B.
Denver, CO
1/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A front bar, a middle and a back bar in this tiny place? Cool. Good people and knowledgeable staff. The food menu is simple but I like simple. The olives were as you would expect to be served in Cali. The grilled cheese was nom nom nom, a nice size made with good cheese on good bread.
The Trappists has a great variety of yummy Belgian beers. Even golden amber colored for those scurred of the richer types.
I love a cool place with friendly staff, chill crowd, good food and amazing beer you can't get just anywhere. -
Review from Don G.
Oakland, CA
2/2/2012
Mainly reviewing the food, here, being a teetotaler and all. (They do have a kick-ass ginger beer, though.) We shared a pastrami sandwich and a gruyere cheese sandwich, both of which were delish, and the sausage plate went down well with my tablemates. The only complaint was that it took almost an hour to get the food, which seems a little silly when we're talking sandwiches. Still, it was a great place to hang out for an hour ... hungrily. Would've been five stars, but for the wait.
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Review from Ivy P.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
Belgian Beer makes a great liquid lunch!
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Review from Shanna K.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
We happened to be up in the area and stopped in based on recommendations. Totally fell in love. Fantastic and unique beers (I've had my share of Belgians and I love IPAs but I've never had a sour beer until we tried one here, for example), a few good snacks (including the best Chicharones I've ever had in my life), and great atmosphere. A great place to sit, chat with friends and contemplate life, the universe and the delicious contents of your glass.
It's a damn good thing that The Trappist is located about 50 miles from my house otherwise I'd be in deep trouble.
Still, I can see making the drive occasionally...
Highly recommend. -
Review from Caitlin C.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2012
I had gone here with a semi-large group of friends (15-20) on a thursday night. First off, the place is super tiny. Two oddly shaped long rooms, and an outside patio. If it were summer, I would have been okay with the fact we were stuck outside. Since it was winter, I froze. Kind of crappy that they can't accomodate large parties, but oh well.
The beer is great. They have quite a few obscure brands and breweries, which is awesome. But their prices...way overpriced. Not worth it at all. I'd rather go to a dive bar and get drunk off of $2 tall cans than pay their prices. -
Review from Fontane M.
Davis, CA
1/31/2012
Cute little pub that's a great spot for drinks with friends. They have a large variety of beers, which you can taste before deciding. I thought it was fun! Will be back!
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Review from Kim D.
I was ecstatic to see a friend from High School that I hadn't kept in touch with at all, but had reconnected with on FB earlier this year. In the last few months, we'd spoken for several hours and caught up in general. Difficult to believe that I was having a "grown up" conversations with one of my former AP cronies known for wreaking (benign) mischief and mayhem in all of our classes, and beyond.
We agreed to meet at a gastropub, and we settled on The Trappist. As our reunion drew nigh, I wondered aloud, "Can he still do his spot-on Fire Marshall Bill impression?" I recalled how he tormented our chemistry instructor, aged 27 by calling him by his first name. "Ran-daaay! Rand-o-lator. The Randster. Teaching us the periodic taaa-ble. The Randmeister!"
We'd had a *slight* miscommunication and so I was a bit tard-ay for the par-tay, though it was clear D was still nursing the festivities from the previous night and was easing into the early-afternoon drinking with a little hair o' the dog. We chatted and ordered:
* Spicy Pulled Pork (Berkshire) Sammich
* Roasted Almonds
* Olives (Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme...! - inside lyrical reference) ALLEGEDLY marinated in Rosemary, Fennel seed and Orange
*Grilled Butternut & Gruyere Sammich
* Fentiman's Soda - Mandarin Orange Jigger
* 4505 Chicharrrrrrrones
We split our sammies; and they were quite tasty. The spice on the pulled pork was very mild and guess who didn't break out into hives? I also enjoyed the Grilled Butternet & Gruyere - I declare them: BOTH REPEATERS.
The Roasted Almonds were just that, the olives were um.... what's the word? Oh, yes - flaccid and boggy. Strike three? My beloved Chef Ryan Farr's chicharrones were stale. STALE! Between the two of us, we didn't finish the single bag. I shall now debut the opposite of the Happy Dance, which is the Waltz of Despair (for Michael M.).
I know that gastropubs have been cropping up all over the place for years. I don't want to change The Trappist (other than how they handle their Chicharrones and olive selection). In those *specific* departments, I must Knight them The Crappist. I see a prolonged sentence in a very high, European tower in my event horizon, [pun intended] but I speak the troth.
A specialty pub with an impressive collection of esoteric and artisan suds is a treasure indeed. I am delighted that they added some food to complement their fine brews, but selfishly wish that they'd lean more towards the charcuterie bent.
I miss my Amigo and hope that we'll see each other again - sooner than later! If you are a friend on FB, then please check out his appearances and if you meet him in person, I kindly ask that you refrain from requesting the Fire Marshall Bill impression. I'd like to think of that as an hysterical and cherished relic from the days gone by, comfortably nestled against our shared meal at the Trappist. -
Review from Dupa B.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
All I remember is that there was a loooooong skinny room with the bar...
And of course excellent beer ;-)
Must comeback to explore...
;-P -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
This place is really popular like all the reviews have said. I thought the place was going to be pretty empty on a Tuesday night but I was wrong. There weren't a lot of available seats and we sat near the entrance. The barrel like table was cool but I would have liked to be more in the back where it was warmer and the tables had candles. The beer is pretty interesting. I had wanted to try the fruity IPA but they were out. Appetizers are OK, I was a bit disappointed that the brussel sprouts were not warm.
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Review from Matthew K.
Oceanside, CA
1/10/2012
Great atmosphere! Incredible beer selection! I am visiting on a business trip and the locals shared some very rare beer with me. Fantastically great experiance!! I will be back as much as possible on this business trip! My thanks to my friend danny for the recommendation!
The only problem I had with it is the food portion sizes, so don't head there if you are hungry. I paid $14.00 for a sausage plate that had 3 very small sausages on it. I was expecting a bit more for the money. -
Review from Brian S.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2012
Went today for lunch, what a great first experience! Had a local IPA and then a Belgian abbey, plus the pulled pork sandwhich was on hit! Great atmosphere and a friendly wait staff, had several samples of foreign beers, this place is a must!
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Review from Julie L.
Boston, MA
12/20/2011
I love belgium beers and Trappist provides a great rotation and selection. Beers are definitely not cheap here, but they are generally pretty strong (lots of 8%-10%). Try the Thelonius Monk or the St. Bernardus Abt 12 - a couple of my favorites.
Also sitting at the front bar makes for good conversation with the highly knowledgeable bartenders, as well as watching the cool glass cleaners.Listed in: Top 5 SF Bars
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Review from Audrey C.
Los Altos, CA
12/27/2011
What a great place! I joined some friends for The Trappist's Kerstbier Fest beer tasting last weekend and had a such a great time! I like the layout of the venue and their extensive selection of beers. While they only had Christmas beers available for a limited time, I would definitely go back to see what they have regularly. If you missed out on this event this year, I recommend that you go back next year. $25 for a glass and 4 - 6oz tastings. Of the ones that I tried, I liked these the best:
Mikkeller 2011 Santa's Little Helper
Struise Tsjeeses -
Review from Ireri L.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2011
This is one of my favorite places to drink beer in Oakland, it's close to my house, close to bart in case we don't wanna drive and it's a dimly lit bar with knowledgeable bar tenders.
The trappist always has a great selection of beers, the taps rotate frequently and they serve their beer in the appropriate glasses. As a girl who loves stouts and dark beers, I highly respect a bartender who knows all their beer and can recommend something new based on my taste preferences. This place has never disappointed, the service is great, the patrons are friendly and not pretentious although the place is fancy-ish.
I guess some people find this place expensive but I think the price fits the quality of beer. $7 for a nice imperial stout is pretty good for me!
I love the fact that I can walk in here and always get a great beer at an affordable price and never feeling over or under dressed. It has a nice pub-ish feel to it and it's not too loud in there that you can't have a conversation. There's also a nice back patio that's nice to sit at night.
Not only is this place great if you love good beer but it's a great local business that I am happy to support. =) -
Review from Gary M.
Torrington, CT
1/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Spectacular selection of Belgian and American craft beers, properly poured and served in the correct vessels. Great atmosphere friendly knowledgeable staff. a nice albeit small selection of belgian inspired snacks are available as well. definitely my favorite spot to hang out when I'm in Oakland
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Review from shalini g.
San Diego, CA
Stop #2 of our Beer Tour of Oakland...
i was told that they have recently expanded the bar and more recently added on a back patio.
i was shown the original bar...wow...super tiny! you could fit maybe 30 people ...standing and seated.
the added on part brought a second bar and ample table's
and now the back patio...which is where we sat. Beautifully made picnic tables, craftsman style...i know i took pics of the furniture but apparently didn't upload them. My beverage of choice was water (if didn't already know...i am not a beer drinker, but enjoy a few sips of beer)....i sipped of my friends and ordered some chicharones that were TO DIE FOR!!! they are packaged and made by a local meat company that sells out of a lunch truck...4505 meats...yum!!! i will buy these overpriced chicharones again and again. i have never had chicharones so delish!!
the place had a good selection of unique beers...not as impressive as beer revolution...but still impressive. -
Review from Emma K.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/22/2012
A lot of people but worth it!
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Review from Andy W.
San Ramon, CA
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
My review of this place is going to be the same as other beer bars:
I love beer and I love trying new beers. My biggest problem with these places is the cost to beer ratio. It's always the same story: you get a great beer, just a smaller glass for more than a regular one costs. it's kind of frustrating.
Now I must say that The Trappist is a little better in terms of price but still, I wish I could pay 5 bucks for a pint.
Thats about all I can complain about. It's a nice place and service was good and the beer is delicious. -
Review from Jocelyn T.
Hercules, CA
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here after running the Nike Women's Half Marathon cause I was so in need of a beer and thought this was the place to go!
It was Sunday afternoon and only a handful of people in the bar. My first impression when I walked in the bar was the decor. I actually felt like I was in a medieval church and wishing Enigma was playing in the background. We were greeted by the bartender who was super nice and friendly and explained the types of beer they had on tap.
I had their wheat beer on tap and my fiance had their IPA and that was super refreshing. I wished I knew the names of the beer though. We also ordered the pastrami sandwich which was super darn delicious. Next time, I'm going to try their pulled pork sandwich. Definitely coming back here again. -
Review from Richard N.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/1/2011
I am not a connoisseur of beer, but this place still gets a 4. Great selection, value & atmosphere.
Parking is okay.
$2 Taco Tuesdays are pretty good. (small but not bad).
What we ordered: Cheese plate, Sausages, 2 bags of chicharon and 2 beers (Russian River Damnation & Russian River something else) total was $49 bucks. Not bad. We had to order the tacos in the outside seating area, they're from the place next door.
There are two bars (front & back). The back bar was not as busy. Both have different drink menus. (That seem to change. Our menu was dated with today's date)
When you first step in the front door, its a little confusing. Order drinks & food at the bar, seat yourself. Theres a bar right in front, further back there is a small seating area, but when you step out to the right and walk down a hallway the back bar opens up. A whole lot more seating and a less crazy busy bar. Def. need to get back to this place and try something else. There is a nice place to sit outside (depending on the weather).
BEST THING TO BUY: 4505 Chicharonnes. hands. down.
SUGGESTIONN: don't go here on an empty stomach, not a whole lot of huge plates to tide you over. -
Review from Jessica J.
Alameda, CA
12/30/2011
Really cool spot. Went there for a buddy's birthday lunch and not only was I wowed by the beer but the food was just as good. The food paired well with the beer and it was freaking delish. I had the roasted butternut squash & brie sandwich, pretty much an ultimate grilled cheese sandwich and so good. It left me wanting more and the side salad it came with (that was tasty too!) was the only reason why I didn't ask for another sandwich; yes it was that good. My husband had the sausage and slaw lunch and I gotta give this place props on the homemade food. The slaw tasted amazingy fresh which made me believe that these folks are just as serious about the food as they are about the beer they serve. Definitely making this a regular spot.
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Review from BRSKI B.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
If you want to wait for beers to be preciously poured as pontificating hipsters debate the merits of the beer available, you'll love this place. If you hate that idea but want to try some of the more interesting beers to be poured in the bay area, you'll like this place anyway. The service is friendly (they will bring you your beer) and the space is warm and roomy enough to accommodate a decent-sized group. Of course the best part is the beer - beer that can be so high in alcohol content that it slips right up and gooses you lickety-split (so pay attention to the alcohol content in your orders - you'll notice it on the drive home). That's about it - it's a nice change of pace type of bar that does the one thing it does well. And so I close with this quote attributed to my favorite founder, Ben Franklin: "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
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Review from Guillermo K.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/17/2012
Is there a better place to get a beer on an unseasonably warm winter afternoon? (No, there is not.)
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Review from Justin B.
Oakland, CA
11/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Trappist has a lot of reviews, after weeding through a bunch of them, we decided to bring a friend visiting from southern California here.
We loved the beer selection. The service was really great. The other patrons were friendly.
Most importantly, I enjoyed the environment. One side seemed quieter and more subdued--perfect for pretentious conversations (which we had). Later, we went to the other side, which was louder and more vibrant--perfect for lewd and lascivious comments (which we made).
Super cool pub. Will go back over and over again. -
Review from Michael C.
Lafayette, CA
1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great beer and great atmosphere, especially in the back bar. The pastrami sandwiches are to die for and Dan makes the sausages in house which rock. Recently we had a Mikkeller chipotle porter on tap, it was quite spicy. Drop in today, you do have to pay meters to park but it is worth the stop.
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Review from Trav. M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/25/2011
Just came back here, and the Pulled Pork sandwich was even better and orgasmic than the first time! How this is humanly possible, I DON'T KNOW.
Points for the cashier for wasting a beer on me and giving me another one with no fuss. (I opted for the Beer of the Day, which ended up being to heavy for my taste and totally clashed with the sandwich...he took the beer back and gave me a Drake's IPA, my new favourite, with no fuss or side-eye whatsoever.)
I'd give this little gem ten stars if Yelp would let me.Listed in: The Revival of Uptown Oakland.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/19/2011
Two facts:
a. I LOVE PORK.
b. THE TRAPPIST HAS THE BEST PULLED PORK SANDWICH I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY… Read more »
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Review from T D.
Oakland, CA
1/6/2012
The best!
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Review from AS M.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2011
Very popular beer bar. Always seems packed. Tiny place. Outstanding beer selection. Local stuff, Belgian selections, forget what else. Parking is generally not too tough after 5:00 or .. DT Oaktown is still a ghost town after quitting time.
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Review from Doug R.
10/15/2011
This place is a haven for Belgian style beer on tap. The prices are extremely fair and average about $5 a pint.
I tried quite a few of the beers on my first trip. I had the Allagash White Ale, Allagash Curieux, Port Wipeout IPA, and the Slaapmutske Dry Hopped Lager.
Every single beer I had on tap was excellent... most were incredibly hoppy and complex - exactly how I like my beer. I'm sorry but if you're not down with the hops, you're not really down with beer in my book!
The Allagash Curieux was unique in being a 11% ABV beer. Despite such a high alcohol percentage, it had a clean start and smooth finish to the taste. Packed a punch, definitely.
I didn't have an opportunity to try the food, but this just one of the hidden gems of Oakland for sure that a lot of SF city dwellers don't try because they're stuck in SF. -
Review from Alex S.
Newark, CA
10/19/2011
Wow, really impressed. The food was decent, the atmosphere inviting and the beer was great. I don't have to visit Belgium now with the Trappist nearby.:)
I think the topper though was the service. At such a hipster place I often expect mediocre/rude service. But the bartender was super helpful and kind. With so many beers on tap it was hard to decide what to have. I didn't even want to do tastings or anything, but he kept pouring me more and more beers to sample. I finally decided on two beers and a spicy pulled pork sandwich. It was a great afternoon.
I heard it's a zoo in the evenings, but for lunch it was uncrowded and a delight. -
Review from Lempi M.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's the best thing that's happened to Oakland's bar scene in ...FOREVER.
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Review from Moana N.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/11/2011
Months later, I tried again on a Saturday afternoon and the place was dramatically better. Less of a crowd made all the difference-- the vibe was relaxed and cheery, service was great. It's fair to say that The Trappist deserves all the love letters on yelp, if you visit on a day when it isn't overcrowded.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2011
This place sounds great in theory, but I've made two separate trips to visit the Trappist, and… Read more »
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Review from Kate D.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is pretty cool. Great atmosphere, different beer that I would never think of trying and even the food isn't that bad.
A good spot in Oakland to try with friends and grab a few fancy beers. It isn't super over-priced but keep in mind that things can add up. -
Review from Ron H.
Rohnert Park, CA
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Consistently amazing beer bar. They specialize in a phenomenal selection of Belgian style ales.
Don't forget that there are two different bars in this place with two different beer menus! -
Review from Jeremy N.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
One of the best bars in Bay Area.
Has everything you want and more. Really Really Good Beer. Excellent selection and rotating menu from premium CA beers to Classic Belgians. The place is split into two bars, the front is the classic and classy looking pub style bar with library/bookshelf motif in the back. They carry the more hearty, fun and drinkables in front. Like Saisons, Wheat Ales, etc. The second bar is more like a cafe with table seating with the uber premium aged beers, sours, and other excellent stuff. It is primarily where people drink and snack at the same time.
Food is great and cheap. This is the perfect bar food. Probably the best bar food in a sense, specifically, best bar food when your intention is drinking a lot of beer and maybe having a snack in between beers. Magnolias in SF is not bar food because people go there to eat first, drink second. Here people come to drink, and they are treated with excellent sides to small entrees.
Bartenders are awesome too. Not that the other people across the way are all that bad (Monks Kettle, Toronado). Its just that the bartenders here seem to warm up to you much faster. And it makes it easy to order and you get that comfortable feel right away.
And last but not least, this place is almost never packed. Especially on the weekends! For me, its a nice change of pace when get out of the City. I think its probably most crowded here on Thursday or Friday Night. I am not sure where all the cowboys have gone when the weekend comes. But I tell you, sure is nice to come here on a Sat night and you can get everyone in your posse a seat at the bar. -
Review from Anjali V.
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
They had an amazing selection of beer, elegant bar, ambiance was nice. I definitely did not feel like I was in Oakland any longer. I tried several beers here and they were all equally unique and delicious.
I loved the ambiance of this place though it was so packed we had to walk around for a good while until we found a seat. The bar wraps around and starts with one and ends with another. They serve different types of beer at both bars. This is definitely going to be a spot I will visit again soon! -
Review from Katie W.
Bonita, CA
1/27/2012
Pretty chill bar. Fun to hang out at on a Thursday night. If you don't like beer the wine is limited but pretty good.
