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First Street Alehouse
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
First Street Alehouse
7.9
Long-running downtown pub (since 2000) with a big kids’ menu, roomy booths, and quick tickets that make family meals painless. Burgers, salads, and shareable plates keep everyone covered without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alehouse Burger, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Sweet Potato Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kid-friendly menu with fast, friendly pub service.
Who should go: Families needing quick, affordable sit-down
When to visit: Arrive 11:30–12:00 or 5:00–6:00 to avoid rush
What to order: Alehouse Burger, chicken tenders, sweet potato fries
Insider tip: Back booths are quieter and fit high chairs easily.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street and public lot parking available on First Street and the adjacent side streets; weekends can fill by 6pm but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team shirts, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during games; quieter midweek lunches and early dinners.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical between 6–7pm, especially during major sports events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; quick turnover keeps tables moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, veggie burger, and several sides accommodate non-meat eaters.
Vegan options: Limited—may need to modify salads or sides (no dedicated vegan menu).
Gluten-free options: Partial—staff can flag gluten-free options like salads and bunless burgers, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, low-pressure meetup—it's friendly and bustling, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come, first-served. Arrive early on weekends or before big televised games to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—there’s a full kids’ menu, booster seats, and high chairs. Families with toddlers to teens fit right in.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable family meals and relaxed group gatherings without the fuss of reservations.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner, upscale atmosphere, or extensive healthy/vegan options.
First Street Alehouse
7.7
Downtown pub with an afternoon happy hour and a few taco options (including fish) that pair well with the tap list. Quick service and roomy booths make it easy for casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared ahi tacos, Crispy chicken tacos (rotating), Sweet potato fries
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Afternoon HH with approachable tacos and big beer list.
Who should go: Casual groups on a budget
When to visit: Weekdays 3–5pm for HH
What to order: Ahi tacos; rotating taco special; draft pint
Insider tip: Ask for a back booth for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and a small public lot behind the building; fills during peak downtown hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and team gear all fit the relaxed pub atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter from the bar but still easy to hold a group conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for larger parties during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, veggie tacos, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for modifications like no cheese or mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial—grilled proteins and salads can be adapted; fries share a fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a romantic first date; easy-going vibe works for getting to know someone over drinks and tacos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first-come, first-served; arriving before 5pm guarantees faster seating during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often come before 7pm; kids’ menu and high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Quick service, large beer selection, and casual group hangouts.
Skip if: You’re after upscale cocktails, quiet ambiance, or an authentic Mexican taco experience.
First Street Alehouse
8.2
Neighborhood pub serving classic hot or BBQ wings alongside one of the area’s biggest draft lists. Daily happy hour windows make this a reliable pre-game or after-work stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Wings (10), BBQ Wings (10), Garlic Parmesan Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running local alehouse with dependable wings and rotating taps.
Who should go: Casual groups and beer-first wing fans
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–5pm or all-day Tue promos
What to order: Hot wings; BBQ wings; house ranch
Insider tip: Grab a booth near the beer can wall for quicker service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public parking lots are available behind the restaurant and along Railroad Avenue; street parking on First Street fills quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, and T-shirts are common; no formalwear needed.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—expect chatter and TV sound during peak games, quieter midday.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during big games or Friday nights; bar seating often faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon; brief delays after 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pretzels, and a few bar snacks fit; wings are meat-only.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides can be modified, but core menu centers on pub fare.
Gluten-free options: Partial—burgers can be served lettuce-wrapped, but fried items share oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual dates where conversation and craft beer matter more than ambiance—best for low-pressure meetups or watching a game together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard. Arrive before 6pm on weekends or during weekday happy hour for the best shot at a booth.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common before 8pm. High chairs are available, and the menu includes kid-friendly burgers and fries.
Best For
Better for: A stronger beer lineup and livelier sports energy than most downtown competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, craft cocktails, or upscale plating—this is a pub-first environment.
First Street Alehouse
8.4
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Downtown pub with a long-running burger program and a tap list built for late evenings. The kitchen runs to 11pm Thu–Sat, making it a dependable nightcap spot for a classic smash or the California burger with garlic-parmesan fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burger, Alehouse Original Burger, Garlic Parmesan Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Late-running kitchen with dialed-in burgers and a deep tap list.
Who should go: Burger-and-beer crews after concerts
When to visit: Thu–Sat after 9pm for late service
What to order: California Burger; Alehouse Original; garlic-parm fries
Insider tip: Bar side tends to seat faster late; ask about nightly specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot directly behind the restaurant and additional angled street parking on First Street; fills quickly after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, team shirts, and sneakers are all fine. No need to dress up unless coming from an event.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible at tables but bar area leans loud during games.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after 7pm; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burger, salads, and several sides like garlic fries and pretzel bites.
Vegan options: Limited – request custom modifications; buns contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free buns available upon request; fryer shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more of a relaxed hangout than a romantic spot, but works for casual first dates or post-movie meetups thanks to its upbeat energy and late hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins only. Expect a short wait on busy nights; bar seating is usually open if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day and early evenings, yes—there’s a kids’ menu and casual atmosphere. Late nights tend to skew adult with louder crowds.
Best For
Better for: Best for dependable late-night burgers and a big craft beer lineup in downtown Livermore.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner or upscale ambiance—opt for Zephyr Grill or Range Life instead.
First Street Alehouse
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Downtown standby pouring local taps with a huge beer-can collection and a kitchen that runs to 11 PM Thu–Sat. Burgers and pub plates hit the spot after concerts and games.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burger, Garlic Parmesan Fries, Fried Pickles
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Reliable late kitchen with broad tap list downtown.
Who should go: Casual beer-and-burger crews
When to visit: Thu–Sat 9–11 PM for late service
What to order: California burger; fried pickles; garlic fries
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster late; ask about rotating specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and adjacent side streets; fills up after 7 PM on weekends but nearby public lots usually have space.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, T-shirts, and team gear are all common. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud on weekends; lively bar chatter but still manageable for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table between 7–9 PM; bar seating typically available sooner.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal wait except during big local events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—burgers can be subbed with veggie patties and there are several salads and fried appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—salads can be modified but most items use cheese or mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some options—gluten-free bun available on request; fries cooked in shared oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dinners—laid-back and fun if you’re both into craft beer and pub food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come, first-served only; arrive before 7 PM on weekends for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings; high chairs and kids’ menu available, though it leans more adult-crowd after 9 PM.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangouts and beer variety—dozens of rotating taps and hearty pub fare make it a downtown go-to.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner, craft cocktails, or upscale ambience—opt for The Last Word or Range Life instead.
First Street Alehouse
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
Downtown pub with a huge beer list, friendly pacing, and one of the area’s most popular dog-friendly patios. Expect crowd-pleasing comfort food and fair prices in a relaxed setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Ahi Tacos, Fish & Chips, Alehouse Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Casual pub energy with one of downtown’s largest patios.
Who should go: Beer fans and casual groups
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings for patio seats
What to order: Ahi tacos; fish & chips; house burger
Insider tip: Grab a heat-lamp table on breezy nights out back.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking is usually available along First Street and nearby side streets; there’s also a public lot a short walk away behind the Livermore Cinemas complex.
Dress code: Casual—T-shirts, jeans, and team gear fit right in, especially on game days.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors during peak hours, quieter conversation-friendly vibe on the back patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours, especially when games are on.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is fast and friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several pub-style vegetarian choices like salads, veggie burgers, and fried appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited options—most require modification (ask to hold cheese or sauces).
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but staff can recommend lower-gluten picks such as salads or bunless burgers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic—better for an easygoing beer date or catching a game together than a candlelit dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Expect a short wait during weekend rush or major sports events.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome. The menu includes kid-approved classics, and there’s outdoor space where strollers and dogs fit comfortably.
Best For
Better for: Best for laid-back hangouts, big beer selections, and relaxed dog-friendly patio dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for fine dining, quiet ambiance, or a refined cocktail list—try Uncle Yu’s or Range Life instead.
First Street Alehouse
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Happy Hour Hotspots
Downtown pub with a huge beer collection and a sizable back patio. Go for easygoing service, crowd-pleasing comfort food, and fair prices in a casual outdoor setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips, Seared Ahi Tacos, Southern Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Casual downtown pub with one of the area’s largest patios.
Who should go: Families and beer-forward groups
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings for patio availability
What to order: Fish & chips; seared ahi tacos; chicken sandwich
Insider tip: Back patio stays breezy—grab a heat-lamp table on cool nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking along First Street and side streets; nearby public lots fill by dinner rush.
Dress code: Ultra casual—jeans, team shirts, and brewery merch are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud indoors; patio allows easier conversation during daylight hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during prime hours; patio tables go first on warm evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except on sunny Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, veggie burgers, and flatbreads available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize salads or veggie burger without cheese or sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free bun option; fryer not dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for relaxed and no-pressure—this is more a casual beer hangout than a romantic spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; arrive early if you want patio seating on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the back patio; kids’ menu and high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Best for beer selection, wallet-friendly pub fare, and casual outdoor gatherings.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale cocktails, or refined plating—try Range Life or Uncle Yu’s instead.
First Street Alehouse
7.8
Downtown pub pouring a broad tap list with a sandwich-heavy menu and relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Portions are sturdy and the patio works well for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Chicken Sandwich, The Philly (beef or chicken), BLAT
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Local alehouse staple with a deep sandwich lineup and taps.
Who should go: Beer-loving sandwich seekers
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid game-time crowds
What to order: Southern Chicken; The Philly; BLAT
Insider tip: Patio seats go first—join waitlist before you park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot and street parking available nearby; fills quickly during peak games or events.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team shirts, and relaxed attire fit right in.
Noise level: Lively—TVs and crowd noise during games but conversational off-peak.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak sports hours; shorter between 4–6pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, though patio fills fast in warm weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, veggie sandwiches, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize salads or sandwiches with no cheese or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free buns on request; shared fryer for fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both enjoy a casual pub setting—great for relaxed conversation but not ideal for romance-heavy vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; use the waitlist app during busy nights to avoid delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the space; high chairs available and the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and fries for all ages.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meetups, watching sports, and solid sandwich-pint combos.
Skip if: You’re after quiet dining, upscale plating, or a date-night atmosphere.
First Street Alehouse
8.1
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Sports Bar Central
Comfort Food Classics
Classic pub serving crisp-fried wings tossed in spicy hot or BBQ with proper blue cheese or ranch. Big beer list and friendly service keep it a downtown staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings (Spicy Hot or BBQ), Garlic Fries with house dip, Mushroom Swiss Burger (wing sidekick)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Straightforward, well-executed wings paired with a deep tap list.
Who should go: Casual beer-and-wings crews
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner
What to order: 10-piece wings; split hot/BBQ; garlic fries
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crisp fry on the wings if you like more crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and nearby side streets; public lots available within a block but can fill on weekends.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, tees, and team gear fit right in—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively; moderate buzz from TVs and conversation, but you can still chat comfortably at a booth.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy seating before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—garlic fries, salads, and a few appetizers fit the bill.
Vegan options: Very limited; fries or basic salads only.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but gluten-free buns and salads available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for relaxed and unpretentious—better for casual hangs than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; just expect a short wait on Friday or Saturday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome, with booster seats, a kids’ menu, and plenty of noise to blend right in.
Best For
Better for: A casual wings-and-beer night or watching the game with friends; friendlier service and better beer list than nearby chains.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails, quiet ambience, or elevated plating—this is classic pub comfort, not fine dining.
First Street Alehouse
8.1
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Classic downtown pub with a deep tap list and a full 1/2-lb burger lineup griddled to order. Locals come for reliable builds like Mushroom Swiss and signature garlic fries in a casual, sports-friendly room.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Garlic Steak Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big, customizable 1/2-lb burgers with standout garlic fries and taps.
Who should go: Beer lovers and casual burger fans
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid game-time crowds
What to order: California; Mushroom Swiss; BBQ burger with onion ring
Insider tip: Upgrade to garlic steak fries for a shareable side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and nearby side streets, though it fills quickly on weekends. The city garage behind the theater offers reliable backup within a 2-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—T-shirts and jeans fit right in, but avoid anything too formal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during big games or peak dinner hours—expect lively bar chatter rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes at peak hours; add your name early or grab a drink at the bar.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with fast seating and quicker service turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and several salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable salads and fries, but no dedicated vegan patty.
Gluten-free options: Limited—can request bunless burgers, though fries share fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-based dates—it’s lively, affordable, and relaxed, but not intimate. Ideal if you want conversation over craft beer rather than fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is walk-in. Arrive before 6pm on weekends for fastest seating; otherwise, expect a short bar wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs and a kids’ menu available. The upbeat sports bar energy suits families with older kids rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs, beer flights, and hearty burgers that pair well with tap selections.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or romantic setting—try a bistro or wine bar nearby instead.
First Street Alehouse
8.0
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Long-running downtown alehouse with a massive beer selection and hearty American plates. Go for burgers, fish & chips, and a family-friendly pub atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alehouse burger, Beer-battered fish, Prime rib sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Downtown institution with deep tap lists and hearty pub staples.
Who should go: Beer lovers and casual groups
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for easier seating
What to order: Alehouse burger; fish & chips; prime rib sandwich
Insider tip: Check rotating taps—locals track limited releases here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along First Street and nearby side streets, with free public lots a short walk away. Spaces can fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—most guests wear jeans, t-shirts, or team gear. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—expect lively chatter and TVs during games; quieter during weekday afternoons.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for parties under four; longer during big sports events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; light crowd mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meat-free salads, veggie burgers, and appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free buns available, but shared fryer for some items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual, low-pressure vibe—more fun than romantic, with plenty of energy from the bar and TVs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first-come, first-served. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to skip the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and relaxed seating. Lunch and early dinner hours are most comfortable for children.
Best For
Better for: Best local choice for a broad beer selection and classic pub comfort food in a lively setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or upscale dining experience—opt for Range Life or Demitri’s Taverna instead.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 10pm