About Mare Island Brewing Co. - First Street Taphouse
Mare Island Brewing Co. - First Street Taphouse is a food-forward taproom in historic downtown Benicia. Its website says it serves seasonal dishes alongside a wide selection of its craft beer, housemade cocktails on tap, and wine. It is one of three Mare Island Brewing Co. locations, with the other two in Vallejo.
The building has a long history. The website says it was built in the 1890s as Elsie's Rooming House. The sculptor Robert Arneson, a Benicia native, once kept his studio on its second floor.
You can sit inside or out. The website mentions a sunny parklet and a spacious streetside patio. It also lists a full kitchen and ample parking.
Live music plays every Sunday, and trivia runs every Tuesday. The website lists a kids menu as well. It is one of the most reviewed beer spots in Benicia on this site.
From its own website and its Google listing, read October 23, 2026.
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Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Map
Questions people ask
Is there live music or trivia at the First Street Taphouse?
Yes. The website says live music plays every Sunday and trivia runs every Tuesday.
Does the First Street Taphouse serve food?
Yes. The website calls it a food-forward taproom with a full kitchen and seasonal dishes. You can eat inside or out, or take food and beer to go.
Can I book a private event there?
Yes. The website lists the Benicia Room upstairs and the outdoor parklets for private events, and you inquire through the site.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Google lists a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom and seating.
Which breweries are close by?
Del Cielo Brewing Co. and Rocksteady Brewing Co. are 2.4 miles away in Martinez. Five Suns Brewing is 2.5 miles away, and Bruehol Benicia Brewing is 2.8 miles away.
Answers come from Mare Island Brewing Co.'s website and its Google listing, read October 23, 2026.
Breweries near Mare Island Brewing Co. - First Street Taphouse
Before you visit the First Street Taphouse
Expect a taproom built around the kitchen as much as the taps. The website says you can dine inside or out, or grab beer and food to go. Sampler flights are available from the draft list.
Check mareislandbrewingco.com before you go for the current menu and events. Live music is on Sundays and trivia is on Tuesdays. Private events can be booked through the site.
Del Cielo Brewing Co. and Rocksteady Brewing Co. are 2.4 miles away in Martinez, and Five Suns Brewing is 2.5 miles away. Bruehol Benicia Brewing is 2.8 miles away. Any of them makes an easy second stop.