Brewery / taproom
Unclaimed profileMcKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden
Pleasanton, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
McKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden pairs a 20-tap outdoor beer garden with a separate indoor speakeasy, The Angry Goat, which pours craft cocktails and boutique wines. Cocktails run $10–$16, with a kimchi-topped Bloody Mary as the outlier. Wines by the glass sit at $9–$11, and the beer garden's Michelada uses the house tap beer. The dual indoor-outdoor setup gives drinkers two distinct moods without leaving the property.
- What should I order?
- Start with the McKay's Bloody Mary ($16) for its housemade mix and kimchi garnish, or go classic with the Moscow Mule ($14) built on Tito's and ginger beer. Wine drinkers can take the 2021 DAOU Chardonnay by the glass at $11, a Paso Robles pour with clear pedigree.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want both a sunlit beer garden and a tucked-away cocktail bar will find the range useful. The speakeasy's craft cocktail list and boutique wine selection appeal to those seeking more than a pint, while the dog-friendly outdoor taps suit casual groups.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $10–$16; wines by the glass are $9–$11, with bottles $29–$42. The Michelada is $10. Bucket cocktails and tap wines keep the tab moderate for a full round.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The venue splits its identity between a 20-tap outdoor beer garden and The Angry Goat, an indoor speakeasy advertising craft cocktails, luxury spirits, and boutique wines. The cocktail menu includes a Bloody Mary topped with kimchi, and wines are available on tap, by the glass, or by the bottle.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight named cocktails span classics and signatures, with a dedicated speakeasy, The Angry Goat, as the venue for craft cocktails. Prices stay under $16, and several drinks use specific spirits and fresh citrus.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails are built with named base spirits, from Tito's vodka to Elijah Craig bourbon, giving each drink a clear identity.
- — The McKay's Bloody Mary uses a housemade mix and a kimchi garnish, a distinctive savory twist.
Standout selections
- — McKay's Bloody Mary ($16) – housemade mix with kimchi on top.
- — Moscow Mule ($14) – Tito's vodka, ginger beer, lime.
- — Kentucky Mule ($15) – Elijah Craig bourbon, ginger beer, lime.
Pricing: $10–$16
Wine
Eight named wines cover tap, bottle, and sparkling formats, with California producers like DAOU and J Lohr. Glass pours top out at $11, and bottles stay under $43, making the list accessible without sacrificing specificity.
Menu strengths
- — Wines are available on tap, by the glass, or by the bottle, covering a range of serving formats.
- — The list names specific vintages and producers, including DAOU, Robert Hall, and J Lohr.
- — Bottles range from $29 to $42, offering a low-cost route to explore Napa Valley Cabernet.
Standout selections
- — 2021 DAOU Chardonnay ($11 glass) – Paso Robles.
- — 2018 Lion Tamer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($42 bottle).
- — Brut Cava Sparkling White ($9 glass / $36 bottle).
Pricing: $9–$11 glass; $29–$42 bottle
Beer
The beer program centers on 20 taps in an outdoor, dog-friendly garden. The only named beer item is the McKay's Michelada, a $10 mix of tap craft beer, lime, spices, and chili with a Tajin rim.
Menu strengths
- — The outdoor beer garden offers 20 taps, providing a wide range of draft options.
- — The McKay's Michelada turns the tap beer into a seasoned, spicy drink with a Tajin rim.
Standout selections
- — McKay's Michelada ($10) – tap craft beer with lime, spices, chili, and Tajin rim.
Pricing: $10 Michelada
Spirits
There is no standalone spirits list, so the category is defined through its use in mixed drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails specify a range of spirits, including Lunazul tequila, Bacardi rum, and Jameson Irish whiskey.
- — The Angry Goat's promise of luxury spirits points to a higher-end selection behind the bar.
Standout selections
- — Drinks menu lists cocktails made with specific spirits such as Tito's Vodka, Lunazul Tequila, Bacardi Rum, Junipero Gin, Elijah Craig Bourbon, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
- — Lunazul Organic Tequila is poured in the Margarita and Paloma.
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