For a while now, thanks to Alameda Point, folks on the West side of Alameda have had a fair number of places to bring the whole family and the dog, enjoy a beverage and some food, and relax outside. Breweries, taphouses, and wineries abound. But on the East End of Alameda? Sure, there are some great places with outdoor dining, but typically on a much smaller scale. As of August, however, East Enders have a spot where they can stretch out.
That’s when Melody and Dan Thebeau opened Park Station, the newest Alameda beer garden, at the intersection of Park Street and San Jose Avenue, in the spot formerly occupied by the Big O Tire shop. This is something of a theme for the Thebeaus, who are longtime Alamedans. In 2017, they opened Sacramento’s SacYard Community Tap House in a building that housed a former automotive garage. SacYard is currently rated as one of the Top Ten Bars and Pubs in Sacramento on TripAdvisor.
The word “community” is an important part of what’s going on at Park Station. In August, I had a chance to sit down with Melody Thebeau while Park Station was going through a so-called soft opening. I say so-called, because the place was packed, and looked like a long-established Alameda hot spot. It was immediately obvious that the East End community was more than ready to welcome Park Station.
“We’re community oriented,” Melody told me. “We want to be that place where the community gathers.” Looking around, it was obvious they’d struck the right note. There were people of all ages, singles, couples, families, and yes, dogs. I got a chance to meet Drake, who is Park Station’s four-legged Dog Ambassador. I apparently passed his test.
“We’re all about the beer,” she said. That’s immediately obvious when you look at the beer board on the wall. Thirty offerings, representing a huge range of styles and breweries. Melody was quick to point out that the success of SacYard has led to some great benefits. “We are one of Russian River’s top customers,” she said. That relationship means they have access to some rare offerings, such as the iconic seasonal Pliny the Younger.
The taps at Park Station rotate on a fairly regular basis, and include offerings from our Alameda-based breweries. You’ll find something for every taste, from an easy-drinking blonde, to high-gravity imperial stouts and IPAs. There are even gluten-free selections, and an impressive wine list, as well as numerous non-alcoholic options. But at its heart, Park Station is a tap house.
“We love beer culture,” said Melody. That love is evident in their pride of being, as they say on their website: “The Home of the True Pint.” Lots of places serve beer in pint glasses, but when the foam settles, you might only be getting 14 ounces. Park Station uses 20-ounce glasses, so that when your beer is served, you’re assured the end result is a full 16 ounces.
Food-wise, Park Station has teamed with Rich Wood, the proprietor of Oakland’s Wood Tavern, and The Wolf, to bring a new location of the East Coast-inspired Southie to Park Station.
Park Station also features live music. They’re currently approved for three nights of music, with a review coming up in a few months.
“Alameda’s got a great culture, and we’re proud to open this gathering space,” said Melody. I asked about parking in the busy area, and Melody told me they are working on a validation system with the nearby Civic Center Parking Garage. Of course, parking there is free after 5 p.m. Update 10/1/25: As reader Patty P. pointed out, Park Station is readily accessible for those who prefer to skip the car altogether. There is ample bicycle parking available. AC Transit is an easy choice, with the Encinal/Park Avenue stop just a short walk through Chochenyo Park. That stop is served by local routes 631 and 663, as well as Transbay Route O. Additionally, the Santa Clara/Park Street hub is just a few blocks away for riders of routes 30, 31, 51A, 851, and O. Thanks for the reminder, Patty!
As we finished our conversation I commented that Park Station felt to me like a great example of pub culture, as opposed to a bar. If you’ve ever traveled to Ireland or the U.K., you’ll know what I mean. It’s that warmth that says “Come in. All are welcome.” In modern lingo, Park Station is a “third space.” Not home. Not work or school. A place where community gathers.
Park Station is located at 1200 Park Street. Business hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 9 p.m., Friday 1 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Tuesday). The live music schedule and more information are available at parkstation.beer (yes, you read that right).
Scott Piehler hosts and produces Alameda’s only weekly news digest podcast, the Alameda PostCast. Reach him at [email protected].
