If you were to distill the "New Oakland" vibe into a single location, it would probably look exactly like Drake's Dealership. Housed in the brick shell of a former Dodge dealership on Broadway's historic Auto Row, this place isn't just a brewery—it's a sprawling, open-air cathedral to the twin gods of Craft Beer and Wood-Fired Pizza.
Whether you're finishing a bike ride, meeting friends after work, or just trying to soak up some East Bay sun, Drake's is the default answer to "Where should we go?"
The Atmosphere
The "Dealership" part of the name is literal. The space is vast, industrial, and effortlessly cool. But the real draw is the beer garden. It's an expansive patio dotted with Adirondack chairs, communal tables, and fire pits that become prime real estate once the fog rolls in.
It’s loud, it’s busy, and it feels alive. Kids are running around (it's surprisingly family-friendly until the sun goes down), dogs are snoozing under tables, and there’s a constant hum of conversation mixed with 90s hip-hop or indie rock.
The Beer & Food
Drake's Brewing Co. has been an East Bay staple since 1989, and they bring their A-game here. With 32 taps, you’ll find everything from their flagship 1500 Pale Ale (hoppy, dry, crisp) to the Denogginizer (a Double IPA that earns its name).
But unlike many breweries where the food is an afterthought, the kitchen here rips. The menu is anchored by New Haven-style pizzas—thin, charred, and chewy.
- The "Joey" Pizza: A meat-lover's dream with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
- Drakonic Fries: A mandatory order. Thick-cut fries topped with chili, cheese, and onions.
- Duck Confit: Surprisingly elegant for a beer hall, served with seasonal veggies.
Why It Matters
In a city that is constantly changing, Drake's feels like a stable center of gravity. It’s accessible but high-quality, big enough to host a crowd but intimate enough for a date (if you don't mind shouting a little). It captures the communal spirit of Oakland perfectly: unpretentious, diverse, and really, really into good beer.
Hyphy Score
The gold standard for Bay Area beer gardens. Bring a jacket, bring a dog, bring an appetite.