Temescal Brewing sits on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, right in the heart of the neighborhood, and it’s one of the easier taprooms in the area to bring your dog. The space really does feel split into two distinct areas—there’s the indoor taproom where dogs are allowed, and then a spacious outdoor seating area where you can spread out with a pint and your dog without feeling crowded.

The beer selection rotates regularly, so you won’t see the same lineup every visit. You can drink what you want on-site or grab a growler to take home—they’ve got their standard 750ml bottles and 2L sizes, and if you already have your own growler at home, the staff will fill it for you without any fuss. This makes it easy to plan a trip knowing you can stock up.

What makes the experience better than just showing up for beer is that they almost always have food trucks parked outside. On the days I’ve been there, there’s been everything from tacos to BBQ to pizza, so you can actually eat something substantial while you’re hanging out. They’re also cool with you bringing your own food if nothing on the truck appeals to you that day.

The vibe is genuinely laid-back. People come here with dogs of all sizes and energy levels, and nobody’s pretentious about it. The staff knows the regular crowd and actually remembers what people order. There’s enough space that even on busier evenings, you can find a spot where your dog won’t be stepping on other people’s feet or vice versa. If you’re in the Temescal neighborhood looking for somewhere to spend an afternoon or early evening with your dog, this works well—especially if you want the option of moving between indoor and outdoor seating depending on the weather.