There's always fresh brew on tap at this postmodern barn of a beer hall, owned by Firestone Walker Brewery, and the comforting pub grub is way better than it needs to be: pizzas and pretzels from a wood-burning oven, pork belly carnitas lettuce cups, tacos such as drunken cauliflower, and a knock-your-socks-off brisket sandwich with mushrooms, Gruyère and horseradish aioli.
The crowd is a mix of families, (former) frat boys and hipsters. Come with a group and you may all be able to cozy into the beer-keg-shaped booth. Many of the beers are brewed at HQ up the coast in Paso Robles (we especially like the citrus-hinted Union Jack IPA), and several are brewed right here in Venice.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the beer brunch (10am to 2pm) includes some twisted takes such as deep-fried bacon PB&J and pancake tacos.