Ale Arsenal

On a day like this, what could possibly be more appropriate than a crisp refreshing beer among friends? This fine establishment is loaded with an arsenal of delightful craft ales, ranging from dark ales to light ales. In addition to ales, they also have a lager, which I do not care for. Regardless of the presence of a lager, I do still have a peculiar fondness for the ale selection here. Indeed, the ale selection is so strong, that I barely notice the lager most visits. Overall a highly recommended establishment, in particular if you’ve got a preference for ales and minimal sensitivity to lager. I’ll remember this place.

Chill atmosphere, awesome beer selection (including a wide selection of sours), and the staff is super cool. Best bar on the Peninsula.

Cozy bar staffed with friendly accommodating bartenders who were very attentive to customers – my first time at the Ale Arsenal was a time well spent. They put beers in dainty little glass goblets, like wines, but only beers. The beer listing lives up to its name as there are very many selections of brews to choose from. Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for sampling!

The people who work here are very nasty and rude. The beer selection is not worth putting up with being treated like crap. I would recommend going next door to Refuge instead.

Love this place, and I’m not a real beer person. Always get good advice on what to choose from the friendly bartenders, who really know their stuff and can explain it to the lay person. They always give you a taste if you are not sure of what to choose.

Come here if you want to experience beer snobbery with zero class. The bartenders /​staff /​their cronies are quick to insult new patrons, a common theme if you read other reviews, but apparently cater to their regulars (see all 5 star reviews). The DMV offers better service, and smells better.
In all seriousness, go next door to Refuge. It also offers a great selection of rotating taps, plus good food (and service!).

This place needs to work on their customer service. They’re rude and unfriendly.

I came here with a group of friends. These guys were rude. We had a few drinks and asked for some water… was very rude to responding to us («you can get it yourself») and sent her to the water cooler. I get your the only bartender on staff but to a customer to has never been to your establishment it would be better to not responded to so rudely. Rude, rude, rude. Just fix the way you say things. Attention to customer service would be a good suggestion.

Top notch beer bar. Probably my favorite in the Bay Area.
Great selection, both in variety and quality, at very reasonable prices, with quickly rotating taps. They get some unusual beers here! Knowledgeable, friendly and efficient bartenders.
Wish it was more spacious (while I’m at it, might as well wish it’s closer to my house :-P). Really, great bar.

Just found this place recently and really love it! Such a great vibe from the bartenders and the other patrons that it has a great vibe!
The selection of beers change all the time (daily I think they said?) and the beers they have on draft have been excellent!

I am not the biggest beer fan you will find, but I like a nice stout or porter when the mood hits me, and it did last week after dinner. They have a huge selection. I tried the Hella Nutella and it was very enjoyable. You can try a half-​pour so you can sample more beers at one sitting. I will be back.

I’m just here for the BEER!!!
Great selection!
Perfect spot to hang when you’re waiting for a table next door at Refuge
Bartenders are friendly enough.
Bonus — they sell some hard to find brews to go!

Good selection of beer, bartenders aren’t too friendly, atmosphere is okay but patrons are stuffy.

Gave this place a try yesterday and me and my family definitely liked it. Seems like a place where regulars come. There was a decent selection of beers on draft and a ton of bottled beers.
My cousin wanted to get this habanero kind of beer but halfway through pouring the keg went empty. The bartender was nice and gave that beer for free.
If I’m back in this area again I’ll definitely come back here!

This bar always has a great selection of beers on tap. The best part is that it always changes so you can try new things every time you come here. They are also partnered with their own brewing company, Alpha Acid, so there might be some specialty beers you can only find here!
My favorites here are the wild and sour ales category which are all very delicious. They also have have nice IPAs and stouts available.
From time to time, they have events going on where they tap special kegs just for the occasion.
I recommend this place if you are a beer lover.

This beer pub replaced a wine bar that was really, not that awesome. Since microbrews are gaining a lot of popularity, it’s nice to have such a place in San Carlos. They have a good draft selection — not just 80% IPAs like what a lot of SF places serve. Personally, I can detect any bitterness from a mile away, so anything too hoppy is going to overwhelm my delicate tastebuds.
I like the fact that they have a good variety of beer from nearby breweries that I have no idea existed. It’s very nice to see support for the little guys, and most of the beers are delicious as well. The not-​so-​goods are the acoustics (pretty much have to shout in there), and the lack of any kind of food. This area of San Carlos isn’t exactly bar food friendly, especially after a certain time in the day. A little pub mix would go a long way.

This place is incredible and must visit for any beer fan. We came here for the first time on NYE of all nights and they were debuting an oatmeal stout called Vicious Cycle made with High Note Coffee (a Bay Area favorite). We had a great time drinking amazing brews. If this is how 2016 begins, it’s going to be a fantastic year for beer!

Love this place. The bf and I come here almost every weekend. Their rotating tap is constantly changing and we never see the same menu twice. My bf is a big fan of saisons as well as sours, and he’s usually always able to find a new one to try.
A good place to come to on a lazy Sunday afternoon to sit outside, chat and people watch. They don’t serve any food though so make sure to bring some with you if you feel like snacking.

Reasons to go:
1. Friendly bartenders who take a little time to understand what you like
2. Neighborhood feel … it’s like a cool version of Cheers!
3. Open until 11:00
4. They have Prarie Bomb! available in bottles

Always a good rotating selection here. Also nice to check out what they brew under the name Alpha Acid Brewing Co.
Love the occasional tap takeovers. Beer Week this year was packed full of events! Good place to go with a group, although the bar can get really busy weekend nights. I have been stuck standing with my groups before but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying our brew. Bartenders are always cool and helpful if you need suggestions.
I also really like the logo art for both Ale Arsenal and Alpha Acid! I had to buy an Acid shirt. :)
EDIT: I would just like to add more to my current review — still 5 stars. I have had a few run-​ins with less than friendly patrons. And it seems there is one reviewer that ran into the same patron as I did. My friend and I were sitting next to this guy at the bar (I know he’s a regular) who kept asking if we were carded and then he tried to joke with the bartender about it. «You girls look a little too young to be here!» Stop. Sure, we’re younger than the usual crowd here but just stop. I thought ours was an isolated case but I guess it’s happened before. It’s annoying, a little condescending, and not funny if it’s all you got. Bartender at the time handled it well though, thank you. And I’ve had a few other experiences with some guests who don’t make me feel welcome, but I can’t expect to feel at home everywhere. I’m just a nice beer-​loving girl minding my own business. :)