EJ Phair Alehouse & Pub: Alamo — Restaurant in California

We stopped in here on our drive home from San Luis Obispo a couple of weekends ago. It happened to be cinco de mayo, and while we didn't see any specials posted for the holiday, we decided celebratory tacos were in order, so my boyfriend ordered the beer battered, cod fish tacos ($19). I had a plate of buffalo wings ($15) with the regular buffalo sauce, and the hellfire sauce on the side. Their wings are really good - meaty and not super fatty. The skin was cooked crispy and they had great flavor. I also had a craving for the garlic parmesan french fries (skinny cut; $9) and I maintain my belief that these are the best french fries you can find in all of Contra Costa County. I have felt that way for years and was sad when their Concord location closed and I thought the fries were gone forever. We actually ordered a chicken finger appetizer ($15) to go (with more of the hellfire sauce); we weren't hungry at all, but my boyfriend had been craving them and put in the order before realizing how full we already were. Unfortunately, those came out really overcooked. Even a good dousing in the sauce at home didn't help much, but perhaps the cook rushed them, knowing it was for a table dining and about to leave... I don't know. It was forgivable though - that happens. A couple of pilsners ($8) for him and a couple of sours ($10.50) for me completed the meal. I have to say, the food was great, but maybe tied at the top of things we enjoyed was service from Ronnie. He was on top of everything! Checking back in on us frequently, but not obnoxiously often - keeping drinks full, remembering our food order and getting it right, just in general friendliness as well. He was terrific! Great service when dining out is so memorable; we'd been driving for hours in traffic on our way home, so the excellent service was extra appreciated....

The food was okay. I had the buffalo cauliflower, jaegerschnitzel, and espresso creme brulee. The cauliflower was under cooked (the server recommended it over the frickles (fried pickles)). Also, the cauliflower comes with a side of bleu cheese or ranch per the menu, so I asked for bleu cheese. When the food came there wasn't bleu cheese, and so I asked for it. When the bill came I was charged for an extra side of dressing. I pointed out the extra charge to the server and he said he'd have to check if the cauliflower comes with dressing (it does). The jaegerschnitzel was good but the sauce was a little watery and the spaetzel was mushy. I will say the espresso creme brulee was delicious, though there wasn't a carmelized sugar top (I believe there should have been according to the menu - and it's creme brulee). As for service, it was slow given they were at about 30 percent capacity (I waited almost 10 minutes for a menu). Either the server was new or just...IDK. End of day, I was excited to come here and slightly disappointed when I left unfortunately. I like EJ Phair and am guessing this was a fluke, so I will probably try them...

Hello, Oktoberfest! I have to give kudos to EJ Phair’s staff for going all in, 100% embracing the German/Bavarian celebration. Both the male and female waitstaff dress in lederhosen or dirndls. Their beer menu reflects Märzens, Hefeweizens, Festbiers, Pilsners, and Dunkels, while still offering IPA’s, stouts, and all your other faves from local craft brewers. Their food menu also reflects the celebration, offering Bavarian food specials.

The staff were exceptionally friendly, the food service was quick. I’m not a huge fan of potato salad, but theirs may be the best I have ever tasted. Their burgers are delicious. Restrooms are clean.

Indoors, the brewery resembles an old English tavern. It’s dimly lit for ambience. Perhaps this is just for Oktoberfest. I’m not sure, but I dug it. There is also a patio area if you’re included for some subiste...