I love good beer. I also love enjoying good beer with my wife and dog. I therefore really love doing both together. Unfortunately, that is not always possible (unless done at home). Hence, the following series.
I cannot profess to know every single dog friendly brewery in the state, but I do believe I have a pretty good grip of the best ones in a few different areas, namely SF, the Bay Area and north, and the Central Coast. This series will pass along my knowledge on this ever so important topic.
Some of the prior articles in these series are here:
Dog Friendly Brewery Series – San Francisco Part 2
Dog Friendly Brewery Series – North SF Bay Area
Dog Friendly Brewery Series – San Francisco
This blog looks at some dog friendly breweries in Livermore.
Livermore has recently gained popularity for its vineyards, however do not sleep on the breweries in town.
Altamont Beer Works
I have had many of Altamont’s beers, but until this weekend, had not actually visited the brewery. Their recent collaboration with Cellarmaker for the Dank of America DIPA was reason enough for a trip.
Altamont is in (as expected) an industrial area off of Research Dr. The tasting room is a bit on the small side and mostly standing room only. It was pretty jammed when we were there, with several dogs.
Altamont is a hophead heaven. Hella Hoppy is a solid brew, but the Dank of America is the best of their beers I have had.
Altamont has caught on to the crowler craze, which is a welcome sight (especially for us beer traders, way less risk of breakage).
No food, but apparently they have food trucks some nights. Still a must stop of the beer.
Working Man Brewing and Eight Bridges
Welp, I have not been to either of these, but understand they are both dog friendly. Another trip to Livermore is needed to check these out.
The problem (if you want to call it that) with Livermore is the wineries. It is very difficult for me to drag my lovely wife and pup out there and not visit some wineries. For all the breweries I drag them along to, we have to make some winery trips. So, only Altamont on this trip.
http://www.eightbridgesbrewing.com
http://www.workingmanbrewing.com
Other Stops!
Everytime I have been in Livermore I have eaten at the same spot, First Street Ale House. No real need to go anywhere else though, as they have great food and brews.
First Street has nearly 30 beers on tap. Some are always on tap (Hella Hoppy, Sculpin, CL smoothies, Guinness), and then they have several more on rotation. Last time they had some Knee Deep and Mission Brewing. Typically at least 5 solid IPAs to dive into.
Food is standard pub fare but with a bit of variety and flare. I always go for a Cajun burger, and am never disappointed.
Most importantly, they have a fairly large back patio which is very dog friendly!
http://www.firststreetalehouse.com
There are also countless wineries that are dog friendly. Our favorite is Wente (the one in the hills, not closer to town). Wife loves their wine and it is beautiful.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHsmKiAB3ej/?taken-by=californiaipa
All in all, Livermore makes for a great day trip WHEN it is not pushing three digits. It was 82 today which was actually perfectly comfortable. Will be heading back to try the other breweries in town.
IPA for All 