Gilman Brewing Company (Craft Beer & Brewery in Berkeley CA)

Gilman Brewing Company in Berkeley, California, is the sort of place where craft ambition meets unpretentious fun. Their roster reads like a badge of honour: venerable saisons that sip like a well‑trained butler, and adventurous IPAs that bite back with the confidence of a champion boxer. Every batch is brewed with a home‑brew spirit that makes you suspect the kettles are tended by artisans rather than machines (the founders, long‑time friends, still argue over hop ratios like it’s a national sport).

Step into the original taproom and you’ll be greeted by a rustic‑chic setting that feels simultaneously lived‑in and polished, complete with a patio where Detroit‑style pizzas arrive crisp‑topped and ready to be paired with rotating beer flights. The menu is as varied as the beer list, and the music stays at a pleasant volume, leaving space for conversation and the clink of glasses.

Beyond the ale, Gilman offers a line of quirky apparel and accessories, and the dog‑friendly outdoor area ensures even your four‑legged companion can enjoy the buzz. In short, it’s a haven for anyone who respects quality, loves a good laugh, and refuses to take their beer too seriously.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Reviewers praised Gilman Brewing Company for its vast beer selection, delicious Detroit-style pizza, laid-back atmosphere, and welcoming policies (dogs allowed inside and out). The brewery's merchandise and outdoor seating options were also highlighted as positives.

Looking for more breweries in Berkeley area?