Floodcraft Taproom — Restaurant in Santa Clara

Update as of Sept. 2025: (tldr: come for the beer, don't come late, be prepared to wait, and don't expect food) So things have changed a bit... still a very good taplist that changes often, and a wide variety of beer styles from an equally wide selection of breweries. Staffing in the taproom seems more consistent than before but they still occasionally close early "because of staffing issues", and there's times no one will be behind the bar because they're "on break". But they seem to have 'fixed' the kitchen staffing problem by shutting down the kitchen entirely. No more food at the bar, except for pizza from the pizza oven on the other side of the store. And only whole pizzas, if you just want a slice or two, you go get it yourself. Funny thing is, looking through the window into the kitchen, I see more people working back there now than when the kitchen was open. I'm beginning to wonder if management really wants this place to be open at all.

Update as of Aug 2024: Yes, I keep coming back, even though I've slammed it in previous reviews. Primarily because it (usually) has a very good taplist, which changes regularly. And to be fair, they have been better lately with staffing, usually being open when expected. But still, don't count on the kitchen either being open or having the full menu available. If you come here just for the beer, and don't come early or late, it's a decent beerpub.

Previous review as of Apr 2024: This place keeps getting worse... Beer selection is still good, but it’s a total crapshoot as to whether it will be open and staffed. Over the last three months, the number of times the kitchen has been closed or the bar has closed early outnumber the times it's actually open. I really can't recommend it anymore.

Previous review: Always a great beer selection, and the bartenders actually know about what they have on tap. Food can be a coin flip, the kitchen has been out of something on the (small) menu almost every time I've visited, but the food is good, with generous portions, and you can always get something from the...

The Whole Foods taproom is a great place to try new beers. That have 20 rotating taps and feature both local and imported beers. If you can't find anything you like on tap, you can also purchase single cans or a 6pack from Whole Foods and they will open it for you and give you a glass for no fee!

In addition, you can order small bites off their taproom menu. The burgers are delicious, but the pulled pork nachos are my favorite. Again, you can purchase food from the grocery side (like chips and fresh salsa!) and bring it over to the taproom to hangout or watch sports.

Staff is always friendly and happy to make recommendations. It is usually easy to find a few seats. Sometimes you need to flag them down to clear the table, but they are quick about it. They have happy hour Monday-Friday. Some items are a little pricey, but nothing...

Good burger, beer wine sparkling selection on tap, and efficient service on a Wed afternoon. Double patty burger prepared per order was delicious and selection of 20 beverages on tap along with high table and lounge seating make for a great place to either have a few drinks on your own or with friends. Beer flight, Wine flight, and on-tap Cocktails available as well and the convenience of a Whole Foods market a few steps away make this a great stop...