Faction Brewing opened to the public in December 2013 inside a repurposed 25,000 sq. ft. Marine Corps helicopter hangar on the old Alameda Naval Base, and the location still feels like discovering something unexpected. The views of the SF skyline and Bay Bridge from the tasting room are genuinely impressive, especially on clear days when you can see across the entire Bay.

The beer selection is genuinely diverse. They’ve got 20+ beers on rotation including pales, IPAs, Belgians, porters, stouts, and barrel-aged offerings. The A-Town Pale is only available here in Alameda, so it’s worth trying if you’re a local favorite chaser. You can order pints, tulips, tasters, or take home 32 oz. and 64 oz. growlers and bottles.

The tasting room itself is substantial. There’s a 30 ft. redwood bar with 20 taps on a direct draw system, plus plenty of indoor seating. The real gem is the 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor deck where there’s genuine room to move around. You can see straight into the brewery from the tasting room—the brew deck, equipment, and brewers are visible alongside murals painted by local artists, which adds character without feeling forced.

Dogs are genuinely welcome here, and the space actually has room for them to roam around rather than being stuck under a table. There’s enough going on that you won’t feel rushed, whether you’re staying for one beer or settling in for the afternoon. The deck is where most people hang out on decent weather days, and it’s easy to see why—there’s actual space, you’re not crammed in with a dozen other groups, and the views don’t hurt. Bring a dog, bring friends, grab a growler to go, or just enjoy the fact that you’re drinking beer in a former military hangar with actual character.