Beer baby!!! There's no place better than this craft beer bar! I wrote a review after my first vist, and had to write another now that I'm a regular. Trying new craft beer has become a hobby of mine, even though I don't really take the time to learn much about it. I don't have to because the bartenders always take the time to recommend something new that I'll like. All I have to do is tell them that I'm not a huge fan of hops and they point me in the right direction every time... You can try as many as you like before you commit to a full glass, the stools are comfy, there's outdoor seating, or huge flatscreen tvs inside, and great pictures of pinup girls on the wall. What more could I want? Pay attention to their Facebook or chalkboard to see when the next tap takeover event will be and you might get to meet the brewer, or at least get a great deal on a flight of beer you probably haven't tried before.
Review Source:Aside from the Rose & Crown, probably the best beer bar on the Peninsula. Very low-key, which I like, and not terribly crowded. The selection is excellent and changes a lot, and the service is both friendly and knowledgeable.
Another added bonus is that you can request half-pints of any beer. While they're a little pricier than pints per ounce ($4 vs $7), it allows me to try even more excellent beer.
Well, they do have a good beer selection. Â The problem here is the staff. Â They are very unfriendly and just flat out ignored us. Â Seems non-regulars are not welcomed. Â Cool with that, there are plenty other choices where this local can spend her hard earned money. Â Best of luck~
Review Source:Dined at downtown San Carlos and looked for a bar that would be open after 10pm. Â Found Ale Arsenal and walked for over 10 blocks to get here (should have driven the car from downtown). Â The area outside was bit dark (not lively unlike downtown). Â DJ was spinning good hip-hop hits. Â My husband liked the different % of alcohol available and the sports vibe it had. Â It isn't a fancy bar place but more of divey bars in SF's mission district.
Review Source:I am sitting in here as I write this. This place is great. Friendly staff. Great brews. A little pricey, but I suppose the rent on Laurel St has got to be high, very high. Not too many good looking single chicks. The one big downfall. Be careful. They offer some high octane beverages. So if you're driving it's a bummer. No juke box. piped in music. Mainly Metal. Which I dig. Party on.
Review Source:Awesome taproom with loads of roomy bar seating and tables on the opposite side. Â The draft list of 25 or so beers is broken down by style with many local craft offerings and a sizable bottle list is available on the back. Â I especially loved that you can order half pints/tulips as well as flights for those that want to try more than one or two during a visit.
Review Source:I used to really like this place because of their selection of yummy beers, but their horrible service has finally made me stop going. Â The last time I was there was a Friday night, but I was there early enough that it wasn't crowded. Â I was helped by a less than friendly, male bartender, but went to a table and enjoyed my beer after receiving it. Â We decided that we wanted to try something else for our second beer so I went back up to the bar intending to ask for one of the beer menus. Â This time the woman was at my end of the bar and she blatantly ignored me. Â After waiting several minutes, I asked the nice guys at the bar for their menu. Â Upon deciding which beer we wanted to try next, I went back up to the bar, in an open space, and made eye contact with the same female. Â Once again, she ignored me. Â I gave her the benefit of the doubt and stood there for several more minutes, but after she served someone else and continued to ignore me I decided to leave and go someplace else where they value customers and appreciate the money that customers bring into the establishment. Â It takes a lot to make me walk out of a bar. Â Good job Ale Arsenal, you got me to walk out.
Review Source:This place ROCKS! Had my birthday party here and it was a cozy venue with a great staff. Â They must have just remodeled or they keep this place squeaky clean. I was really impressed with the atmosphere and surprised it wasn't totally packed! The beer selection is fantastic, and that is saying something because I am a total beer snob! Â Great place to try new brews or find a rare favorite. Â Definitely will be back, and thirsty for more. Cheers, Ale Arsenal!
Review Source:Ale Arsenal has been on my short list for far too long, so I made the pilgrimage here on a recent Friday to see what they had to offer.
I found 25 microbrews on tap, plus a few more taps for hard cider. Â But the best discovery by far was they had Racer 5 "cask ale" on the list. Â So-o-o delicious.
For those who don't know what cask ale is, here's a primer from another review (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/freewheel-brewing-company-redwood-city#hrid:lWBNpLbpU3RqwYv0UyoSlg">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>).
We were also there during a Stone Tap takeover, so there was plenty of great beer to sample from that fabulous SoCal brewery. Looking back in time, I see they've had similar takeovers from Green Flash, Lagunitas, Devil's Canyon, Drakes, Triple Voodoo, Ninkasi, Dogfish Head, and more....oh Baby!
So Ale Arsenal met all my beer needs, and then some, but there were a few negatives:
-- Ugly frontage. It looks more like a Walgreens than a local beer joint
-- Service was somewhat indifferent on my visit
-- It was kinda dead here at 6 pm on a Friday
-- No food; I really wanted some peanuts, pretzels or something to nosh, but the only way to get anything was to order from The Refuge next door. Too complicated and slow for me. So we payed our bill and walked over instead. (The Refuge has good beer too).
Despite the kinks, Ale Arsenal is serving my kind of beer, and they are keeping the selection fresh. I will be back!
I have been in San Carlos for almost 10 years now, and as a beer enthusiast and huge sports fan, there were just no good spots to hang out at and watch a game and drink GOOD beer.
Sneakers has some decent beers on tap, but their TV's are horrible. Â And what's worse is that their TV's are on different feeds (satellite and cable), so the same game will be playing in different areas of the bar and one game will be 5 seconds behind the other. Â So you hear one part of the bar cheer and then 5 seconds later on your TV the play happens. Â Horrible. Â
There are a bunch of smaller local neighborhood bars in San Carlos as well where the local drunks hang out. Â Fun for some, but not really my scene. Â
The Refuge almost got it right, but their beer is really expensive and hit or miss, mostly miss.
Enter Ale Arsenal. Â I was a bit skeptical of this place and the only reason i went there is that when i was supposed to meet a friend at The Refuge, but it was closed. Â So we walked next door to Ale Arsenal.
Ale Arsenal is flat out the BEST beer bar in the Peninsula. Â They have a rotating selection of hard to find micro brews. Â They have "tap takeover" nights where you can meet the brewer and drink rare and limited release beer.
And the service is excellent as well. Â The place is owned by Kyle, who used to work at Devil's Canyon. Â I am interested to know more about beer and Kyle is always helpful with all the questions i have. Â He has a low key style, but you can tell that he cares about beer and he genuinely cares about the customers experience at his place. Â
Kyle's sister Lauren is also behind the bar, as well as another bartender Dominique. Â They are both knowledgeable about beer, pleasant to chat with, and accommodating to my annoying requests to put the TV on the game of my choice.
Instead of spending $10 on a beer at The Refuge that turns out to be one you didn't like, then spending another $10 to get another beer, you can drink small glasses at a fraction of the cost at Ale Arsenal and try everything you like. Â How great is that? Â
They don't have their own food menu, but they align with a few other food places that will deliver in the area. Â At first i thought that was a big drawback, but i actually like it now. Â It keeps the crowd limited to people that actually like beer and are not just there for burgers. Â
Ale Arsenal is just a cool place to drink beer...GOOD beer at that. Â If you like sports even better, but this is not a sports bar. Â This is just a place where people who LOVE beer will enjoy hanging out. Â You won't find the local neighborhood drunk in here, thankfully. Â What you have here is a good vibe, a fun scene, great people, and the BEST beer bar in the Peninsula.
Ale Arsenal rocks! Â Great rotating beer selection and great people. Â From Deschutes to Shipyard to Ballast Point and so much more, this beer bar (with a touch of wine) is a great place to go if you're looking for a great pint. Â You can also get a four, 6 oz taster set of any of their beers. Â They also do half pints and half tulips too.
Last week was awesome. Â Ale Arsenal set up different themed nights in honor of Beer Week and we had so much fun hanging out and learning about different kinds of beer. Â I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes beer.
Knowing my hubby loves interesting beer lists, I suggested we stop in here on Friday night before heading to dinner.
I was one of about 2 women there, (not including the bartender.) Didn't bother me, it just seemed odd. Girls like beer too!
I haven't been a  beer drinker in years, but recently i found a few that i enjoy and don't upset my stomach.
I had a small pour of a wheat beer here, (the bartender let me taste it before i committed to a glass.Totally appreciated that.) I actually really, really enjoyed it.
The doors were open the night we were here, and it was a bit too chilly to get comfortable. There also isn't much seating, and it was too cold to sit outside.
I might come back if i was in the neighborhood and/or someone else wanted to go. Otherwise, there are other places i prefer to get a drink.
Was very excited when this place opened last summer. Â Have been there about half a dozen times - fantastic beer selection, especially if you like European beer; not hard to sit down. Â Staff is decent. Â They don't serve any kind of food, but you can get stuff from Refuge next door and they will deliver it to you. Â No problems eating it there at the bar. Â It's great having this place in San Carlos.
Review Source:The arsenal is locked and loaded with a rotating supply of interesting micro taps and bottles. Â The owners are super cool and knowledgeable, and always researching new micros. Â Based on the small business feel, local ownership, and cool bar seating area, gives this place the full monty of 5 stars. Â They have some cool events planned for SF Beer Week and it appears they will continue different types of events throughout the year. Â I liked that they offered some lesser known breweries like Phat Matt's from Oregon (I went for a Phat Flight of 3 of their pours and each were quite good/interesting and made me want to seek them out in my travels). Â We even got to meet brewer Matt who was in town for SF Beer week to talk about his beers. Â If you are in the area, I definitely suggest making a trek to this place. Â Take Refuge at the Refuge next door for food/fuel to keep the night going.
Review Source:My friends and I stopped by here after having dinner hoping to grab some fresh, icy, cold beers. Walking in was awkward. Ordering was awkward. The two bartenders had no personalities. The energy level of the bar was just dead. We all ordered a beer, downed it, bounced and won't look back.
Review Source:I remember the Flight Lounge used to be located here and Ale Arsenal seems to be the same thing with a different name. Well wait no not the same thing because Ale Arsenal ONLY offers Beer. I went here not knowing that as, I don't drink beer, but was there to celebrate a friends Birthday. I thought I'd be adventurous and try one of their beer flights... can't say it changed my mind about beer. So still not a beer drinker so review not based on the drinks but a cool place with a mixed crowd.
Review Source:Farewell, Flight Lounge. Helooooo Ale Arsenal!
Although the closing of any wine bar hurts me *right there*, it's good to know that a wonderful brew pub took its place. It seems like a much better fit for the space. As the name indicates, Ale Arsenal is a craft beer bar. No fancy food, no doilies for coasters. This is a MAN's hangout! Or a woman's, really, assuming you like tasty suds.
Perhaps it was just the night we were there, but the bartender was rockin' some '80's heavy metal and the perfect 'do to match. Couldn't see the second half of his body, but would be willing to bed he had some torn, acid washed jeans on with snake skin boots. Regardless, he was very helpful and got us our beers in no time.
Any bar that carries Uncommon Brewers from Santa Cruz is A-OK by my standards. They also have Lagunitas, Allagash, Chimay and Drake's on tap... just to name a few. Full beer menu on their website: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alearsenal.com%2Fbeermenu.html&s=9f74451b1b417c5c3fa6e92ac574f7afc28d41bc9f8c29ca8ac8d4469b0fd942" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.alearsenal.co…</a>
So if you find yourself wandering Laurel Ave and want a good quality adult beverage, stop on in Ale Arsenal. Right next door to The Refuge, so you could always get a Reuben and some fries while in the 'hood.
Ale Arsenal is like a box of chocolates...you never know what beer you're gonna get!
I am overjoyed that San Carlos has such an awesome Mecca for the beer enthusiast to indulge. With constantly rotating taps, you're guaranteed the chance to try something new. Sure, we all have our staples. And of course, some people aren't the adventurous type when it comes to beer. But if you let your taste buds do the walking, you're in for a glorious treat.
They also feature a plethora of California beers, and I'm always surprised when a new one catches my interest. Uncommon Brewer's Golden State out of Santa Cruz is my latest local crush...damn good. And keep your eye out for beer tap takeover nights. They had Lagunitas Brewing in a while back and it was glorious.
The people behind the counter are friendly and helpful when you can't quite make up your mind. Very knowledgeable about what they're serving. And I'm thrilled to see they'll be serving up their own Ale Arsenal brews soon!
Lastly, I can't forget to mention the most eye-catching aspect of Ale Arsenal...their freaking awesome logo. I mean, how ale-tastic is a WWII era pin-up riding a beer bottle?
All hail the ale! Great place to try some wonderful craft beers and hang with friends for fun and conversation.
It's a very comfortable spot, with more of a pub feel than a bar feel. We sat at our stools for a good couple hours, enjoying our conversation and our beers without feeling out of place. (BTW, shout out to the nice guy who voluntarily offered to give up his stool for me!)
The roster of available brews changes regularly, so there's no point in me listing what's available. But do note that they had selections from local beer heroes (beer-oes?) Devil's Canyon, as well as choices from other California breweries (Drakes, Bear Republic, Lagunitas, Stone) and further afield (Goose Island, Ninkasi, Alaskan Brewing Co.). And that's not including what they had by the bottle! I also tried the pear cider (on ice, per the owner's suggestion). Lovely!
If you're not a beer fan they do have some nice wines and non alcoholic choices.
As noted, they don't really have food here -- but you can place an order for something from the Morty's menu, or bring in something yourself. I personally would recommend eating beforehand (so you don't go in on an empty stomach) and/or heading out for a meal afterwards. To me, it didn't really have a "let's eat here" vibe.
Pro Tip: Choose the flight. Then, you get to check out four of the beers on tap.
Amazing beer selection! We enjoyed a birthday gather for a friend with some Matilda beer - one of my favorite beers ever. The owners are really friendly and it's great they're chill about customers bringing outside food.
They also seem to have tons of beer events and other events (Walking Dead watch parties), so if you want to find your own Cheers, this is probably a good place to look!
Sneaky little bar off the beaten path that offers an amazing selection of beers on the menu. Has super knowledgeable bartenders and the place is just relaxing.
Small, quaint location with easy street parking and heck it just serves beer.
Great thing is you can order food from elsewhere and they'll deliver here to top off the great beers you've been drinking while watching some awesome sporting event on the tubes.
Def go there for a smattering of beers to try and just have a great time.
Cheers!
I'm grateful to the weekly Yelp for spreading the word about the relatively new Ale Arsenal on the border of San Carlos & RWC. We were impressed by their depth of selection and the numerous craft brews available on draft (cheers to quarter kegs!) that are served with a background of lively modern tunes in a relaxed minimalist setting.
My craft-beer-aficionado partner and I wandered in on the first really cold Saturday evening of approaching winter and were drawn to the nice range of craft stouts on tap. Clearly these barkeeps are preparing to keep us happy and warm this winter!
On this busy night, all was being enjoyed by an all-ages hipster crowd. I look forward to returning, however I am concerned about their sole unisex restroom (those-in-waiting are easily viewed/counted by the other patrons).
I went here after we closed a big deal at work. Late night brew with my boss. And we thought it looked tight and we went in there had a beer. Don't get me wrong here the beer was great, place is clean, tiddy you know all the things you want out of a bar. It would have been way better if the bartender who was a girl didn't come off as an ice queen. The other bartender was tight, knew hella about beer, how it was made. This guy was a beer nerd, but yea that ice queen..... what?
Review Source:Rotating beer menu, knowledgeable bartenders, an overall cool and laid-back vibe.
Located just off of "downtown" San Carlos along with The Refuge, it skips the crazy traffic and parking that occurs some nights. Â The space is inviting - a smal patio on the sidewalk leading into a spacious bar with a long bar. Â
The beer is the first and most important thing to review - and it's the first and most important thing here as well. Â The menu breaks down the different styles
The bartenders know their stuff, and freely offer their own thoughts on the beers, good and bad. Â
The crowd still feels uneven - some nights are packed to the gills, other nights have one or two souls at the bar, chatting up the bartender. Â But really, if you're here - you want to enjoy your drinks, and maybe find something new to love.
It's Yard House's calm little sister located in the heart of quaint downtown San Carlos. Â With attentive bartenders, 22 rotating craft beer taps, an assortment of 20 rare bottled beers, plus premium wine, sake and cider, what's not to love?
Nice ambiance for a chilled night out catching up with friends as well as the game that's on TV. Â Also, there's a mini outdoor patio in the front and plenty of parking. Â The last time I went, they allowed pizza delivery at the bar! Â That's awesome since Round Table was only a few blocks away. Â
Enjoy!!
Im a bit sad that Flight Lounge went under. They brought some very unique wines to the public at very affordable prices. The folks are nice to boot too. I wish them the best in whatever they're up to now. However Ale Arsenal is doing somewhat of the same thing, just with beer. A very large selection of harder to find beers on tap and then they extend it with a number of bottles and cans to boot. One of my friends seemed to already be mafia here so we  were warmly greeted and continued an early evening of drinking that started with a beer tasting a couple of doors down. Very cool, eclectic selection of brews. 4.5 stars
Review Source:This space, located right next door to one of my all-time favorite places (The Refuge), used to be a wine bar that never seemed to have many customers. Â I would occasionally pop in there to have a beer (yes, I know it's weird to order beer at a wine bar) while waiting for the The Refuge to open. Â So, I was more than a little excited upon seeing this new beer bar on my latest trip to San Carlos.
When I walked in, there were actually people inside! Â Amazing. Â And they seemed happy. Â Well, why wouldn't they with 22 rotating taps of great beer on hand? Â Based on the selections offered when I was there, whomever is choosing the beer has good taste. Â Although I was only there for about 30 minutes, service was quick and friendly. Â The only downside I see to this place is the seating capacity. Â It's not a big joint, so on busier days, it might be standing room only. Â But, on the whole, this appears to be a winner! Â I think that they'll fare quite a lot better than Flight Lounge and benefit from overflow crowds waiting for tables at the Refuge.
Cool little bar run by a brother/sister team who really know their beer! Great selection of craft beers on tap , as well as bottled beers! Â If you are looking for Bud or Coors, don't come here. Â This is just what San Carlos needed. Â Plus, they serve beer on Farmer's Market days on Laurel Street!
UPDATE June 2013: Â I have to remove a star from this place. Â I would come more often, and I think others in San Carlos would as well, if they would stop playing heavy metal music. Â Come on...we are in San Carlos. Â Changing the music to something less hard, like Reggae or something, would make this place much easier to sit in.
I like this new little joint. Lots of selection on tap and bottled, casual atmosphere. I personally am not a fan of TVs on the walls and noisy sports fans but I realize that's totally subjective and sports games are a big draw for anyone selling beer.
What the Ale Arsenal could do better is prepare for the busy times. When the place gets full, they'll run out of glassware and make you wait if you're wanting to order a flight. I mean, that's an easily avoidable issue right? Also, the staff isn't overly friendly and could be more welcoming. They're not unfriendly - just not particularly warm.
The industrial atmosphere's a little on the stark side and seating is limited so get ready to stand on a weekend or when they're having a tap takeover. Not really the kind of place I want to hang out for a long time. Basically, we order beer, drink it and leave.
Overall, a good, not great place for beer enthusiasts to sample different beers but other places (like Haustadt) do it better.
From the small pictures I could see from other fans, I thought this was going to be a tiny dive bar. It's in fact a rather cute beer joint that my girl and I really enjoyed. They let you sample any beer on tap, which I LOVE, because it's always hard to pick something good if you're trying something new since all beers are different.
We had rounds of the grapefruit radler and another friend ordered ginger beer. Delicious!
Only taking one star off since everything was a little bit pricey, and no appetizers here.
About 20+ American craft beer on tap and more in bottle (12oz and 22oz sizes). 3 or more flat screen TVs to watch sports. Â Bartenders that love beer, will help make a selection, are are former brewmasters. Â Selection does change over time. Â Price is fair.
No food onsite (but I heard they have an arrangement with a resturant down the street), so expect beer (and mexican style cokes for when you don't want a beer).
The first time I ever came here they were doing a Firestone DBA tasting (regular DBA, unfiltered and Double DBA).
I love you, Ale Arsenal. Â
Dude seriously, beer and good beer and lots of beer. Â Staff = awesome (and they actually know their shit.) Â Kyle and Lauren, who own the place - high five, you two.
I actually did come in here one time when it was the Flight Lounge. Â Meh. Â Other than more beer and beer not much has changed? Â Same staff too? Â No matter. Â
Scotch Ale served on a nitrogen tap ?!? Â Can I get a hell yeah!?
I have been meaning to write this for ages. Â We went about a month ago...
Kyle and Lauren own the place and they were fabulous. Â Kyle KNOWS his stuff. Â He suggested things to try that were amazing and new to 2 people who have been around the block in terms of trying beers.
Domenique was friendly and helpful as well.
I wish they were in Sacramento so could go all the time not just when visiting San Carlos.  Love the décor.  Even bought a RAD shirt. Â
GO PEOPLE GO!!
Its a relief to finally see a solid craft beer bar in San Carlos! The place looks great and the beer list is excellent. I went to check this place out with a few of my friends and we were very pleased with our experience. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, the beer is fantastic and they even had the Giants game on. Definitely a great addition to Laurel St.
P.S. If you have any beer requests just ask Kyle and will do his best to bring it on.
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