Stephen T.
Yelp
I've been working in Oakland for 18 years, yet this was my first trip over to the decommissioned NAS Alameda and Faction Brewing. Although I've known about Faction in beer circles--seeing it occasionally on tap at Hop Asylum or spotting cans for sale, especially Blitzen during the holiday season--I never got around to visiting the brewery. Why I passed it up for so long, I'll never know.
I'd been listening to a podcast about the Port of Oakland and wanted to find some good spots to watch container ships. After heading down Main St. and taking the last left onto Navy Way, I was on my way to Faction with purpose. Having already tried the other local breweries, I wanted to see how Faction stacked up. My 5-stars hinted at greatness, but I needed the details for myself.
Finding the parking lot took a minute, as the Faction sign had come loose, but there was plenty of parking right next to the old Naval building. It was a Friday afternoon, just before 5:30pm, and the outdoor space was enormous--fenced in but offering stunning views of the bay, downtown, and the bridges. The sky was clear, and the sunset was warm, painting the perfect backdrop. The Locos Only Fusion Food Truck was there, but I didn't try the food, though it looked as good as the menu sounded.
On the wooden patio, I walked inside and was immediately faced with an overwhelming selection of taps. Since I hadn't tried many Faction beers before, I started simple with a pale ale. From there, I ventured on to Ales for ALS 2024 and Votemeal. Each beer was crisp, clean, and full of flavor, and I'm excited to explore more of what Faction has to offer.
The location's history alone is worth the visit. Sitting outside as the sun set, with no umbrellas needed, was the perfect way to unwind after a long week. Inside, the tap list was easy to read, complete with hop varietals, and the staff was quick and attentive, answering all my questions--even the ones I already knew the answers to. The taproom had some raised tables in the front room, and there was a back room (hangar) with the restrooms and brewing vats where people could hang out.
Overall, it was another great trip to a local brewery. The only downside for me is driving through the Posey Tube, but that's hardly a knock on the beer, staff, or the brewery itself. If you're looking for excellent beer with fantastic views, Faction Brewing is the spot. Cheers!