Ale Arsenal

A great place for a nice selection of beers. They don't offer food, but they welcome folks to bring in take-out from other places. One of my favorite things to do is getting takeout, going there with my wife, and playing board games while sipping on some awesome beer.

Went for a SFbeerweek event and loved the offerings! Seemed like each day had killer beers. We were there for the so.cal takeover on saturday

Such a treat to have this gem in San Carlos. The steady rotating of new and interesting brews, along with the old favorites being available, makes for a great mix. Also, they are one of the few places that has FinnRiver Cider available on a fairly regular basis (best. cider. ever.) Love the team - love the chill vibe.

Updated: Double IPA Rack It is probably the favorite of my juicy hazy trends. It's full of fruit and flavor! ($8/pint).
Frequented several times over the past few years and they're consistently excellent with their lineup and rotation of craft beers. If they were a baseball team they'd be like the Giants in their championship runs! Plenty of TV's and bar stools along the long bar. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and you can taste a few if you're curious before committing.
Bonus: Outside food is allowed if you don't make a mess as there isn't any served. (Hint, next door are the best pastrami in the area).

Favorite local place. Great variety and well-curated offering. Cycles new brews in and out regularly, so there's always something new along with your favorites.

They also do tap takeovers, which can be particularly awesome.

Worth following their Instagram, as they announce new arrivals there (and they can be gone same day, if they're good!).

Extremely pleasant vibes every time I come here. The bartenders are very attentive and friendly. I can't see myself going anywhere else that's local because this place does it well, and consistently. I live a few blocks down so driving and parking is never a problem.

Impressive tap list that's always circulating. Love it when they have Fieldwork on tap. But they have not only great Bay Area breweries, but many SoCal ones too!

Quiet beer joint that has amazing rotating selections and more importantly “half pours”. They always have a good mix of IPAs to lagers to stouts! If you are confused, just ask the staff, they have a wealth of knowledge and always ready to help you choose!

They also get a batch of Pliny the younger every season!

straight up bar but you can bring food from refuge next door!

Was visiting a friend in San Carlos. Looking for something to do while said friend was at work. Nice vibe, service, and it was obvious the Staff had rapport with their regulars.

Really top shelf selection of rotating taps. The folks here are friendly and know their beer, so give great recommendations. Surrounded by restaurants as well, so a good kick off if you're headed for dinner

Great beer bar with nice take out bottle selections also.

Ale Arsenal is such a unique bar. They have a great selection of craft beers that changes regularly. I love that they offer half-pints and allow bringing food from outside. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Keep up the good work Ale Arsenal.

I love going to this bar. They always have a broad selection of delicious local brews on tap and in bottles. The atmosphere is laid back and comfortable. Even when it's packed, you can still have a normal conversation with everyone at your table. I really appreciate that I don't have to yell over blaring music. The outside patio is really pleasant to hang out on with your dog on nice days, too.

I have lived here for 10 years and always thought this was some dirty little bar judging from the outside. My bad for judging a book by it’s cover! Place is super clean, big beer selection, awesome bartender…just a great place to meet a couple of friends for a beer.

My favorite pub in San Carlos. Great beer without food being eaten by everyone. Regularly changing taps and super knowledgeable bar lady.

Great beer selection that is easily the best on the Penninsula. This is my most visited bar. The beer is good, the staff is friendly, and it has a very relaxed atmosphere. They don't serve food but you can bring in your own. There are TVs which are either playing sports or awful/awesome movies depending on your tastes. And it's dog friendly!

No food, but best tap room in bay area.

Love their selection of local ales! In town on business and had to stop here...fantastic!

They had Pliny! Yum! But the German beers on Saturday were great too! Fun, friendly, casual, neighborhood bar for beer to hang out. Love that dogs are welcome as well! They also have a couple tables outside in front.

Best beer bar in the Peninsula, and that's not hyperbole. Constantly amazing selection, super knowledgeable and friendly staff, even has a superb bottle selection at Fair prices. It's a little on the small side though, and there is no food (though you can bring whatever you want to eat in, including Refuge which is next door). If you just want fantastic beer, this is the place to go.