40 spigots for beer on the wall. 40 spigots for beer. Where do you begin? With a tasting from a curated selection of local beers.  If you already know a beer you love, order the 16 oz. If not, ask for a tasting. You can order a 5 oz. or an 8oz also.

The Cooler opened its doors in downtown San Leandro to cater to all the craft beer enthusiasts in and around the greater Bay Area and to focus on local beers, wines and other drinks. They will be serving 25 local and regional beers on tap at a time and several wines, kombucha, bottled craft beer and High Wire Coffee Roaster’s Iced Coffee (deemed delicious by patrons).IMG_1039

Though not serving food at this time, you are welcome to bring in food from nearby restaurants. You can order from your phone for quick delivery! The Cooler also offers up the fastest WI-FI in downtown San Leandro, as it was the first to install a receiver inside for Downtown Wi-Fiber.

After a long search around the Bay Area, the three owners ended up in the downtown location through a referral from Drakes Brewing Co. Arne Johnson, Brewmaster at Marin Brewing, Jeff Botz from BJ’s Brewhouse and Eric Keyes, executive chef  at Kincaid’s and McCormick & Schmicks, joined together to launch this Tap Room venture and are pouring their beer and hearts into making it a great experience for their neighbors.

IMG_1028San Leandro wins. Besides three of the best of the top four East Bay Breweries – Cleophus Quealy, Drakes and 21st Amendment, plus two Brewpubs – The Englander and Harry’s Hofbrau,  Sons of Liberty Alehouse is opening up soon around the corner from The Cooler. We will have to start calling San Leandro “BeerTown” from now on.

The Cooler already has that established neighborhood watering-hole vibe, and patrons are friendly and eager to share their craft beer intelligence. According to young beer specialist Jamie Waldear, ” It’s only a few blocks from my house and they offer a superb selection of West Coast IPAs, of which my favorites have been Happy Hops by Russian River Brewing, Hella Hoppy by Altamont Brewery, Party Ghost by Cellarmaker Brewing and Limey Saison by Social Kitchen & Brewery with Marin Brewing. I tip my hat to these guys. They entered the San Leandro micro brew scene with a relaxed presence, yet a strong boldness in flavor and attitude.”

  • Location: 1517 East 14th St. at Juana in San Leandro
  • Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 11am -11pm
  • Fri. & Sat.11am – 12midnight