What it is: Open since 2007, The Trappist helped put (and keep) Oakland on the better-beer map, thanks to its reverent approach to Belgian tradition. With 19 taps in the front bar, 10 in the back, and a constantly rotating bottle selection from around the globe, the one-of-a-kind space is intimate, iconic, and as inviting to old-school purists as it is to those more inclined to nouveau styles.
Why it’s great: Few places outside of Europe have mastered the Belgian pouring ritual as well as The Trappist. The team’s proficiency at the rite manages to avoid pretentiousness while maintaining the sheer visual artistry. Aficionados are sure to find some eye-poppingly rare exports on the lauded bottle list, including vintages straight from the cellars of Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen. Local beers get plenty of love, too, and the small but clever food menu has nibbles likely to pair well with whatever beer you’re currently enjoying. Caution: The historic 19th-century building might be haunted—but you’ll have to visit to find out.
Details
Hours: 4 p.m.—10 p.m., Wednesday—Friday; 2 p.m.—10 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m.—6 p.m., Sunday
Address: 460 8th St., Oakland, California
Web: thetrappist.com