March 25, 2012
I finally made it here after year after year of missing the 1st Friday off the month fun and then just two days ago (it was Feb15) showing up when the website claimed they were open only to be turned around by the staff stating they were closed. WTF! Please keep web content regarding hours up to date as some of us come from a very long way away to visit. But yes, I did finally make it to this big open warehouse space with way more open floor space than seating. I was able to try several amazing offerings and the IIIPA is dynamite >>>> Younger and I love Younger. The staff was friendly and professional even when being repeatable badgered by customers scheming to get IIIPA growlers (so they can sell on ebay no doubt, what dirt bags). Kudos to the staff for keeping cool and professional and not giving into the pressure.

March 19, 2012
It is in an industrial warehouse where they store their barrel aging beers. A nice long bar with about 25 taps. Great service with some great beer.

December 12, 2011
Brewery is tucked behind the WalMart and Home Depot on Davis Street. Ambience is very warehouse-y but is made up for by everything else about the place. Very casual and friendly people both behind and in front of the bar. Its obviously the best place to go for Drakes beers offering the full range of things they produce including a selection of their barrel-aged specials which never make it to bottling. I wish there was more food on offer (just bar snacks during the week, occasional bbq on weekends.) Overall pretty lovely.

September 12, 2011
Stopped at the new Tasting/Barrel Room. A bit hard to find, but there is plenty of parking. A really amazing tasting environment, looks great with plenty of taps and bottles. Kegs to go. Sample sizes, full pints, half pints, growlers. Plenty of barrel aged beers and draft beer that you can’t get elsewhere. A few beers from Jupiter and Triple Rock as well (all owned by the same people). Great prices. I’ll be back every trip up north.

September 5, 2011
Time for some re-rates now with the new Barrel House up and running! I’ve been excited for this opening for a while since I’m a pretty big Drakes fan. The location hasn’t changed. It’s still behind the Walmart in an industrial park in San Leandro. It’s not hard to find right off of 880 on Davis street. Just drive like your going to Walmart and it’s in the buildings right next door. It’s also reasonably close to the BART station, you just have to take a short bus or cab ride from there. Anyway, the ambiance is really nice now. The Barrel House has a nice patio and a large interior with some tables and benches amidst the many barrels filled with beer. It reminds me a bit of Lost Abbey with the industrial park setting, warehouse type location, and barrels of aging beer to peruse. I just wish they had some stools at the bar. They have about 20 of their regular beers on tap and usually 3 or 4 "strong" beers like Denogginizer and 3 or 4 barrel aged selections including bourbon, brandy, and various wine aged stouts, sours, and barleywines. The selection is outstanding. I imagine there’s going to be a huge rise in Drakes presence on the RB database, since most of the barrel aged brews are one offs. You can also get growler fills, bottles, and even kegs of the beer to go. Their regular brews are all above average, especially the IPA’s, of which they make many. The barrel selections have been hit or miss so far. Some are outstanding (a merlot barrel imperial stout I had recently) and some have been not so good (a pinot aged sour) but it’s still an exciting place to do some tasting. They do serve sample sizes for a small fee. The service was good, although I haven’t been here when its been busy yet. Overall, this place is a must if you are a local or visiting from out of town.

July 12, 2009
The scene of the crime: RBSG Grand Tasting 2009. Really generous and good-natured hosts, trusting us with glassware, bathroom use, and access to their walk-in fridge which was stocked. Great people. Warehouse is danker than even AleSmith’s - looks more horror movie-like and less tourable, which I enjoyed. Will go back to revisit the madness.

November 11, 2007
The ambiance is a parking lot surrounded by a chain link fence. But the beer is good and very reasonably priced, and the company is always fun. People are friendly and social, and typically share everything they bring. Great way to finish the week and welcome in the weekend!

November 12, 2006
Like seven beers on draft for the Friday 4-7 PM tasting. Pat does a great job on the BBQ, but you better pay attention because the food disappears as sonn as it hits the serving table! Great fun and comeraderie.

August 4, 2006
Ambiance was great considering you drink in the parking lot. The service was excellent considering how many people were there. THe selection was pretty good, not a bad one in the bunch. I never saw any food myself. Definitly a cool place and a good deal on beer!

June 24, 2006
Drake’s is becoming known for it’s consistently fine brews, overseen by Rodger, who is a very dedicated and skilled brewmaster. Friday afternoons at 4pm a party breaks out in the parking lot. The regulars bring assorted eats and various meats are barbequed and placed on the community table for all to enjoy. Drake’s sets up a bar to serve several of its beers at a very reasonable price. It’s great fun!