Based on the reviews, I was afraid this place would be full at 10pm on a Saturday night. Nope. :) Maybe it was a slow night, but caught a table easily and had a few drinks with a friend. It's definitely on the pricier side for a small glass of beer (not a pint) - $7-10 more or less.
But the selection is great. I tried a dark beer blindly (Rasputin) and thought I don't normally drink darks (my usual are Belgian beers), i was not disappointed. Definitely explore the menu.
Grab a table and order at the bars (either in the front or back room - doesn't matter).
Looking for a nice bar with unique brews on tap? Â Go to Trappist!! Â It's right by a couple of other go-to beer spots in Oakland so we made it part of a "pub crawl" per se on our own. Â We didn't eat but I'd love to check out the food some time and I'd also like to come back when the back room is open.
Review Source:Great selection of beer and 90's hip hop blastin? Â Now this is my type of joint! Â We stopped by for a quick sip before going to a YEE. Â They had a great selection of beer on draft, a lot of which I have never heard of. Â I think I liked how different beers were served in different types of glasses, depending on what type it was. Â I like little details like that.
I ended up having the Russian River Damnation, which I always enjoy. Â I will come back to taste more when I have more time, but as a first timer, I was impressed enough to want to come back. Â Prices are on the steeper side, but you do get what you pay for.
The place has a great ambiance to it and I did see a back patio. Â I can see this place getting really packed and stuffy during a busy day. Â We came on a monday evening and there was no crowd.
The food menu also looked promising.
Can't wait to return!
The Trappist offers a awesome selection of Belgian and imported beers, and the ambiance is perfect for enjoying a few drinks and eats with a small group while relaxing and enjoying your friends. Added bonus: they play awesome 80s music in the background (loud enough to enjoy, quiet enough to facilitate good conversation without shouting). This is one of my absolute favorite Oakland establishments. Cheers!
Review Source:As a belgium beer addict, i'm ready to test every gastro-pub around the bar area and since my feelings are still fresh right after my visit tonight at the trappist..i would totally recommend that place if you are looking for zillions of belgium beer kinds. I also liked the laid back vibe and the 80's music playing in the background.
Review Source:One of my favorite places to come in Oakland. Excellent Belgian beer selection on tap served by friendly people. Even though if you are at the back bar, you can still order from the front. Someone will bring it to you. You just can't really go wrong with the Trappist.
On a good summer evening, sit out in the back patio as it can get stuffy inside.
This is one of the establishments that made me fall in love with beer. Being able to taste all the different kinds...amazing. I've gone here in small groups, I've had a huge crowd come here for my birthday - it's always a winner, and it's always crackin.
Some nights, you can grab some tacos from next door, for happy hour. The cheese platter is solid here too, if you have the munchies...
But the BEER! Trappist ales and belgian beers. This is where I discovered the ALLAGASH CURIEUX, a trappist ale aged in bourban casks. This is the holy grail of beers, in my opinion, and you're lucky to have it on tap every once in awhile at this spot.
With the generosity of the bartenders for sampling, and the double digit ABV% of almost everything here...a warm and fun atmosphere, you're always in for a good time here whether you're grabbing a quick drink, or sipping slowly in the company of friends all night long.
Wanted to scope out the joint next door but they were closed so I opted for the Trappist, which was the only place open on the 4th of July.
Came in and the bartender was immediately helpful and handed us menus. I eye balled the menu for about 5 long minutes because I couldn't see anything that I wanted but finally made a choice.
My hubby ordered the rueben sandwich + beer, I ordered the tomato avocado sandwich and the Citron-Bancha Panna Cotta dessert.
The tried the rueben sandwich and was delightfully surprised how tasty it was and I thought my tomato avocado was delicious but way overpriced for the small amount of veggies that were in my sandwich. Finally I was not impressed one bit by the dessert  because of the taste and texture, so I wouldn't recommend it.
Our total bill with tip came to be about $43, which I thought was a little pricy for my  meager fare and no drink.
I would recommend the Trappist for drinks and light fare only and for an earful of F words if you like that sort of thing.
Really like this place. They really don't need to do anything different. Minus 1 star for beer prices, though I go here all the time.
Also, there is one bar tender with glasses looks like the rich kid in Pee Wees big adventure or andy richter  that can eat trash. Other staff are cool as hell.
Milennial hipsters drinking 9.65$ beers inside as homeless 99% dirty feet and sunken cheek occupiers protest obama outside; its a classic irony of the ultra left protesting the centrist left as their bourgeosie brothers get drunk. Â The nite I was there last a hispanic male passed out dead drunk only to be rousted by overpaid fat sheriffs.
Review Source:Seriously, "Whoohoo! As good as it gets!" I love this place. The beer is fantastic: a huge range of interesting and quality brews on tap served by knowledgeable, friendly and helpful people. I love the location which features all sort of nooks to drink in as well as a patio. Even the bathrooms are interesting! If all that wasn't enough, their food is amazing.
This is a place for beer enthusiasts who don't mind spending ten buck on a glass of truly fine beer. Not a bar: a beer experience.
A lot of people still think Oakland is hood, but my recent weekend there proved otherwise. Â I sincerely believe Oakland is a world class FUN town if you know where to go and what to do. Â It truly is all good in the good. Â
Best damn beers I've ever had - period. Â I've had just about every micro beer made in California - and that's the truth. So when I recently walked in on a packed Saturday evening, I was pleasantly surprised when I didn't recognize a single brew. The snacks were excellent too. Â Here's a short list of a few I tried and loved.
Dogfish Head Black and Blue
De Dochter Embrasse Peated & Oak Aged
North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
De La Senne Stouterik
Artisan Salumi: Â
Selection of Three with Cornichons, Grain Mustard and Baguette Slice
Oh me oh my...
Our small group descended on the Trappist before a concert at the Fox theater, since it looked to be the best option for good beer within a 5 blocks radius. Â We were well rewarded for our yelp research.
And we arrived just in the nick of time - about 6:30 on a Saturday; we grabbed several spots at the bar and the place filled up quickly soon after.
The beer list is mostly slanted towards Belgians, but really runs over a huge spectrum, including: farmhouse ales, saisons, pale ales, brown ales, IPAs, Porters, stouts and sour beers, plus all the little nooks and crannies between. Just an amazing selection. Â Every beer I tried was delicious in its own unique way.
The jaw-dropper of the night was the Thornbridge Beadeca's Well Porter; so mind-blowingly good that I savored each sip.
So what I'm trying to say is... it's a beer place. Perhaps it's not unsurprising then that the food menu could use some work. We needed dinner and most of what they had was apps and finger food; the largest menu items they offered were a bratwurst, or a tiny pork sandwich. Â The picked vegetables and smoke almonds were a nice side dish too, but I needed a little more volume to fill the belly and offset that tasty beer.
Service was also a little pokey; they seemed understaffed. Â We were enjoying our beers gradually, but twice I found myself with an empty glass and a frown, and for a pretty lengthy period too. Â Seems like a class place like this could step up their game.
I've been into the craft brew industry for a while, but it has only been recently that I've been exposed to the real "scene," partially thanks to a good friend of mine, and partially thanks to moving to the Bay Area recently.
If you're looking for a place to try out different brews and enjoy the ambiance, this is a worthy place to be. Yes, the beers are not cheap. I consider it worth the money to be exposed to different beers that you're going to be hard pressed to find at your local grocery store. Simply put, if you're not into paying $9 for a small beer (you're not going to get a pint here), then make sure you're getting something that isn't local. Example: earlier in the day I was in Alameda and got a pint of Old Rasputin on tap for $5. I didn't check the price at The Trappist, but I'm almost positive it was probably close to double, and most likely a much smaller glass.
Beers: If you like Belgian and craft brews... you'll be delighted. I like that their menu is not particularly overwhelming, but my serious (anti-Belgium) beer drinking friends were disappointed.
Food: Eat the cheese!
Vibe: Hipster... but I have a dream that one day yelpers will review bars not by the thickness of glasses rims but by the content of their beverages.
Service: Hit or Miss... I've had some servers who were incredibly patient and helpful in navigating me through the waters of my chronic beer indecision. Other bartenders seem quite concerned with inside jokes, and making sure that the customer is aware that he/she is decidedly on the outside. Furthermore, the customer cannot possibly expect to receive his/her beverage, change, and/or civil greeting until this hilarious joke has been adequately laughed at and the customer is certain that he/she is bothering the person that he/she will be socially obligated to tip in a matter of moments. Boo!
Bottom Line: Funky decor, plenty of seating, and a very typical Old Oakland spot. I like it!
Went here years ago before the expansion. Drinks are still just as good. However, the atmosphere has changed and it feels more like a chain. Also, drinks are kind of self serve, as in you stand in line and order from the bartender and bring your own drinks to the table. Not sure if this was because I went on a weekday, but I wish the place had waitress service.
Review Source:The beer here is of excellent quality. The have a great selection of Belgian-style beers. Additionally, the service was excellent. You are given the opportunity to taste before you commit and the bartenders were very attentive. The only downside is that the portions are small, you don't even get a pint for most of the options. But, overall a real class act with real delicious beer. The only thing preventing a 5-star rating is the beer price/beer size ratio.
Review Source:I LOVE BEER. But I'm kind of sad that I actually didn't try one of their beers when I visited -- I was being frugal with my money at the time.
I got a really clean vibe from this place -- it was fresh, hip, and very comfortable. We went around 3pm so I don't know exactly what the vibe is at night; although I'm sure it's quite packed and louder than what I saw.
They immediately check your ID upon entrance. You can't even sit down and chill unless you show  them your ID when you first go in; this goes for non-drinkers as well.
I liked the place. The people seemed cool. And I definitely would come back here to kick it with a beer and some good company.
Even though I don't live in the area anymore, this is still my favorite bar. Â It will be held upon a pedestal where all other bars shall be held in comparison. Â If you enjoy great quality beer, there is no better place. Â
When I lived in the area, my friend and I would go every Friday. Â The reason we kept coming back, instead of trying other places, was because of the staff. Â Everyone working there was extremely friendly and helpful. Â We came so often it became our "Cheers", since everybody knew our names (or nicknames). Â We always returned on Fridays, instead of other days, because of David. Â He is an absolutely FANTASTIC bar-tender and person. Â When there was a break in the action, he would always chat with us a bit until the next wave of orders hit. Â If I was stuck on what beer to have next, he would give me a few suggestions based on what I had already drank or what type I was looking for (very knowledgeable) without being pushy.
I recently went back over Memorial Day Weekend, first time in over 5 months, and Mike and David still remembered us! Â If felt like it was only a few days since I was last in, not half a year. Â Although, they did say when you bring in cookies you will definitely be remembered. Â
It is people like David who turn customers into regulars!
Keep it classy D-Lovely!
With 902 reviews I'm just not sure I have anything else to add concerning The Trappist as an establishment so I'm going to turn my "review" into a PROPS-giving opportunity for one individual in particular.
David. Â
You, my good sir, have something amazing, something called "integrity":
in*teg*ri*ty  [in-teg-ri-tee]
noun
1.
adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2.
the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3.
a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
And how do I know this?
Well, way back on December 31, 2012, I took my good friend to this little gem of a Belgian beer bar. Â This particular friend and I have known each other since we were sheltered little suburban 6th graders singing to Pink's "Missundaztood" because, you know, we could TOTALLY relate. Â
We ended up going to different colleges and even now, she has decided to live in the city that Stephen Colbert once referred to as "the chocolate city with a marshmallow center and a graham cracker crust of corruption." Â (For those of you who didn't see Colbert kill it at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Dinner, he's describing Washington D.C.) Â All of this is to say that we see one another once a year - tops, so those rare reunions are important to the two of us and we like to have memorable moments.
David, you made it happen on that New Year's Eve when we walked in at 5 in the afternoon.
When we got to the Front Bar, which I always think is really the Back Bar since I believe the Front Bar should be that space where you first enter in through the main door (but what the heck do I know), there were only two other people there. Â We sat down at the bar and you promptly gave us menus and answered all of our questions. Â And boy did we have questions, what with us being still-somewhat-sheltered not-so-little urban 20-something-year-olds who don't know a lot about beer except that we prefer it over wine. Â And you could have been a total snob, but instead you fielded every single one with the patience of a saint, being very generous with letting us sample different beers until we found the ones we really liked.
We sat and chatted away, trying to spill out an entire year's worth of details in the precious few hours we'd have together, and you let us talk. Â And talk. Â And talk. Â God bless you for that. Â Really.
But you know what really showed me your integrity?
Do you remember when you came over to us and told us that we could choose the music that would be playing? Â I remarked that we had been on a really long Cake kick, but that one could never have too much cake - the band or that ambrosia that increases the junk in one's trunk. Â You laughed and said that that was true to a certain extent... you had apparently been listening to them, and only them, since the bar opened that day. Â I took you at your word and my friend and I began to deliberate over the next band to play.
"Iona..." My friend looked at me with the grin that one gets when one has imbibed too many libations. "Let's ask him to play Lady Gagaaa. Â I wanna hear Top 40 hits!"
I was two beers and some samples into our afternoon/evening, but even I was not that far gone. Â "M*****, I don't think that's a good id-"
"Hey! Â Why don't you play Lady Gaga!"
Horrified, I looked up at you standing there behind the bar, waiting for your reaction. Â Without missing a beat, you simply said, "Maybe not that."
That. Â
That right there. Â
The fourth definition of "integrity" - gently, yet firmly, fending off a semi-inebriated lady's request to fill the hallowed space that is The Trappist with the songs of some Top 40 pop star.
Cheers, David. Â Cheers.
I'm not a professional beer drinker, but The Trappist seems to be a great spot for beer connoisseurs. Â They have an interesting variety, and the establishment itself has a nice wood-sy feel to it. Â There are two bar counters - the one in the back just opened as we arrived in the mid afternoon. Â I am dinging a star as the prices are a little on the high side - the average beer was probably about $8 and the pricier ones were closer to $11/$12. Â A set of 4 samples (can't recall if it was 3 oz or 4 oz) will set you back $18.50. Â They also have a food menu - we opted for a cheese board to go with our beer.
Overall, a pretty cool spot, but your tab can quickly add up here.
Stopped here recently for some drinks pre-show at the Fox. Â It had been years since I'd been to the Trappist, and within minutes of arriving, I could not justify why I've not made the trek from San Francisco much in these past few years.
Beer selection: Â fantastic. Â I'm biased because I'm a fan of Belgians, but their selection really is top notch. Â I have trouble figuring out what to order. Â When you walk in, you'll only see a few of the taps, but there are many, many more in the back. Â Other people have complained about the size of the space... the front bar is very narrow, but there is plenty of seating on a warmer day considering the outdoor patio (there's also seating indoors in the back). Â
I'd never ordered food there in the past, but this time I got a cheese board. Â All of the cheeses were delicious, and service was extremely quick (I'd only just found a seat when they brought it out).
It would definitely behoove you to pay attention to the alcohol levels. I fell in love with the St. Bernardus after my first sip, and four goblets later I nearly fell out of my seat. (St. B. is 10.5%; no wonder!) Surrounded by an older, more uppity crowd, I felt it inappropriate to be so drunk. Nevertheless, I had a good time here. With the right company, you can spend hours sharing and trying out every beer on the menu.
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. The decor is tasteful and beautiful. This is a classy place, folks. Pinkies up.
I love the different rooms. I felt like I was on the set of a Harry Potter movie or something. I could easily spend hours here with the right group, with all the new, flavorful, and unique beer menus at every turn. Beautiful decor as well--kind of reminded me of something from northern VA or D.C. area.
Fun patio but was a bit crowded with college kids when I was there, so I stayed inside despite the sunny day.
I did NOT eat here--very unlike me--so I will be back and update with further detail.
Rule # ?, I don't get it.
Nearly 5 stars, super crowded, supposedly amazing beer.. yet I was left underwhelmed.
There is definitely a certain type of crowd, late 20's to mid 30's yupsters. Not a lot of pigment roaming round either. From all the reviews you are expecting a row of taps that go from the door to el bano... and perhaps a few more by the urinal. No. Just a crowded little front bar and a slightly less crowded little back one. But I don't know maybe I'm spoiled by all of the massive gastropubs I've frequented in my drunken life. I went to the back and there were, what, 7 beers on tap... no, that's not that amazing. P.S. I like a lot of Belgian style brews, but let's be serious, we are lucky enough to live in a state that has some of the top microbrews in the world, this place just carried the standard North Coast (Honorable mention to having Drake's, which is great). Then I realized, why carry Lagunitas or Lost Abbey when you have De La Senne Zinnebir???
My wife didn't feel like beer that day so I got her red wine, AND YEAH THAT'S A BOX THEY POURED IT OUT OF! The grilled cheese was ok, but Dogwood's is better.
Because people like lists:
1) A certain type of crowd, you'll feel in roughly 2-5 minutes whether you "belong"
2) Not impressed by the beer selection size or scope
3) Don't even carry wine if you give someone Franzia
4) Go get the grilled cheese and a strong cocktail at Dogwood instead.
5) Wear your finest dark rimmed glasses
Stopped in for a quick drink and enjoyed myself. It was a Saturday night and it was fairly crowded but we did manage to find a table in the back. The beer list is incredible and the food looked good too. We just came from dinner so eats were not on our minds but beer was! And there was plenty to choose from.
Waitress was helpful, aside from the obnoxious drunk young folk standing by the bathroom when we walked in the crowd was pretty chill and pleasant enough. Prices were reasonable and there was plenty of parking in the area. I really liked the kind of crazy euro pub style decor. If I lived in Oakland I'm sure I'd be a regular here.
There's not much an intelligent, insightful individual could learn about this place that isn't already present in the menu and pictures and general aggregated rating. This place had a great, exposed brick, clean older building aesthetic without trying too hard. The beers are good, expensive and have a gravitas that only the douchiest of your friends could exude in a normal setting.
It's normally crowded, their food menu while good, really doesn't consist of anything a "chef" makes but is more of the "platter" variety, i.e the dishwasher arranges slices of pre-cut cheeses, cured meats and such on a plate (still it's good.) The dishwasher must be a pretty solid guy as most people who work here have intimidating facial hair and ego's which can grind on a simple working class guy, and he does a bang up job on the salumi plates despite having to deal with these assholes.
Yuppies abound, and yes there I am a yuppie among yuppies, but the beer is damned good, it's an impressive space, and there's nothing wrong with paying extra for the smug satisfaction of drinking beer that's sealed with a cork. But that said I sometimes wonder if the sweaty humidity that permeates the bar, the loud tweed yuppies in couples and groups of couples are actually worth the quality of beer, which can still be bought elsewhere.
Tip 1: Do NOT Â let a few asshat barkeeps shy you away from an incredible tasting beverage.
Tip 2: In the back, you order at the bar. No one will tell you that who works there...I'm guessing they keep tally of how many of us first timers go in, wait at the bar for service (none the first time) then sit down and wait for a server...No, you do not.
Get their attention (when their not fooling around with fellow co-workers) and let them know you want to order a GAWD damn beer.
As previously stated, couple of fools in need of a customer service course will NOT ruin a fine drink for me. I loved the pub's darker cozy atmosphere (minus the staff at the time) and I liked being served beer in a goblet. They've got bottled beer from Belgium, America, Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, and more. My husband tried some coffee infused dark ale thing- very him, very good. Â
Not a huge beer person, but I like to sip on a nice beverage, So I ordered a sour beer.. something fruity, something I will surely be back for: Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge - a fine sipping Belgian beer with cherry and vanilla hints. The food looked great too- will hit them up next time we are in town for a show!
UPDATE ca. late 2012 / post-Mayan end of the world
For a few months I worked in proximity to this place and can report they have expanded both their walls and beer selection. Â No longer are you trapped in a space 3 feet wide between hardwood, or Belgian-style only beers. Â I had some very tasty IPAs and they've added some very spacious areas, including outdoor tables. Â So ... uh ... forget what I said. Â Go. Â Enjoy. Â The fine people at Trappist are doing an excellent job in furthering the noble cause of beer. Â Please note that the American Beer Federation would like to remind you: Â Beer.
THE bar that got me started on quality beers. Â
Cozy, classy decor. Â
Tastefully curated beer selections that never slide into "overwhelming."
High quality eats -- never been disappointed by the kitchen. Â
Great staff, with bartenders that are never, ever condescending about your lack of knowledge about what the heck is on tap. Â
Been here during the day, been here late at night. Â CONSISTENTLY wonderful. Â
My only gripe would be that when they have an event like they did for SF Beerfest, the bar can get almost raucous. Â Which is about two notches higher than how I generally prefer my bars: mild-to-moderately noisy, and laid-back. Â But really....it's not their fault they're so popular. Â Try to hit this place up when it's most likely to not be slammed. Â You'll enjoy yourself, and the bar, a lot more.
When I'm in the area, I take everyone here. Â So many interesting, flavorful beers tasted here first. Â So many great memories. Â ...And then, a great many lack of memories. Â (Pay attention to the alcohol percentages, my friends.)
I came here for an SF Beer Week event last month and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to check this place out! I should preface this with the fact that I'm not a huge fan of Belgian beer, and even so I had been itching to visit the Trappist from everything people had said about it. Definitely worth it! Great selection of beers on tap, including some that I've never found anywhere else. I came for the tree beer (which might have been a limited selection), but actually the favorite that I got to try was called the Black Hole. AMAZING. I'm a fan of the darkest beer I can find, and this really did the trick. I haven't found anything that matches up to it since coming here. It's on the pricier end of the menu ($10 for a glass, I believe), but if it's there, try it anyway. SO worth it.
The ambiance here is really cool. A lot of people who seemed like regulars were there playing card games and just chilling, and it was lively without being too packed or crowded. We were able to get served at the bar instantly and found a table pretty easily, but it still felt like a fun and popular destination. One of the interesting things about this bar is that it curves around and actually has two different bars, one at each end of the building. I could definitely imagine spending a lot more time here!
Dear Trappist,
Next time one of your loyal patrons asks you for Club Soda because she's the designated driver, don't look at her like she's a monster from the deep sea and give her sh*t - give her a high 5 instead. Oh! And when the temperature outside dips below 45 degrees, please close the doors. We froze. It made beer-drinking (and water-drinking) totally un-fun, and we were forced to depart for more bearable climes.
Warmly,
A former fan
I love Belgian beers! This place has an awesome vibe. Very chill. It is not one of those places where they play really loud music and you have to shout to talk to your friends. There aren't a lot of seating and sometimes, you do feel claustrophobic since the seating is so narrow. But overall, it is a really awesome place to go with a friend, grab a beer and catch up!
The beer itself is amazing! I never had a bad beer here. I usually hate beers since they are too bitter. But all the beers here are smooth with a nice finish! Th menu selection is small, but I loved every single one! The bartenders are really nice and usually give good recommendations.
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