First Street Alehouse


Pouring a peg at the First Street Alehouse

“It’s the most popular place on First Street to meet up with your friends,” says Cheryl Harmon. “It’s a very nice feeling to walk into a place and be known by name!” Harmon is talking about the First Street Alehouse in downtown Livermore. A cheery, pub-style restaurant, a popular gathering place for family and friends. ‘Meet me at the Alehouse’ is fast becoming the catch-phrase for downtown fans like the Harmons.

Always busy, the First Street Alehouse attracts a wide cross-section of customers, from families with children, to young adults and those who are simply young at heart! “We see a range of ages and cultures,” says Ron Witherspoon, who co-owns the business with his brother Michael Witherspoon. “We have regulars who come in twice, thrice, even five times a week.”

The brothers believe that simplicity works. Good quality basic food. A great selection of beers. Plus a casual, friendly atmosphere. It’s a formula that has worked well over the years. With the revitalization of Livermore’s downtown area and the addition of the front patio, business got a big boost. The menu hasn’t changed much, admits Witherspoon. “But every year, I sell more food!” he adds. Their 1/2 pound Angus burgers draw raves from customers. Josh Robbins and wife Diane live in downtown Livermore and discovered the Alehouse when they first moved here. “It’s truly a special place,” says Robbins. “It’s a nice family environment…and the burgers are the best in town!” From the Alehouse Original to the Cilantro Jalapeno burger, BBQ Burger, Crumbled Bleu Cheese Burger and more…each makes a fresh, juicy and satisfying meal. The couple also enjoys other Alehouse specialties like the variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and hearty soups. While 6-year old Taylor’s favorite is most definitely the delicious clam chowder. Indeed, there is something on the menu to please everyone’s taste.

Ron Witherspoon was a student at Cal State Chico in the early 90s and enjoyed the many casual, fun eateries in that university town. One, in particular, would serve as the inspiration for the business model he created at First Street Alehouse. “I thought it would be a fun thing to try,” says Witherspoon. When the opportunity came up, he and Michael decided it was time to put their ideas to work. It was a big learning curve for an engineering graduate! They kept the downtown restaurant’s name but changed everything else to reflect a more fun, relaxed vibe. “We wanted to go more casual, keep prices low. We wanted to make it a good value!” says Ron Witherspoon. It was a business plan that emphasized volume and repeat customers. Soon, the First Street Alehouse proved to be a very popular venue and drew in a whole new customer base. Especially in today’s economic climate, it makes even more business sense. Offering more bang for your dwindling buck! A big part of the Alehouse tradition is, of course, the selection of beers. From Guiness, Stella Artois and Stone India Pale Ale to Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Alaskan Amber Ale, Northcoast Scrimshaw Pilsner, Paulaner Hefeweizen and Woodchuck Pear Cider…beer fans/fanatics will not be disappointed. “They have their staples, but are always searching for interesting, new varieties,” says Josh Robbins. Some of his favorites are the Russian River beers and one called Hell or High Watermelon Wheat from 21st Amendment. Like many customers he enjoys Thursday Night Pint Night that runs from 5pm to midnight. A chance to get together with other beer lovers and try out some fun new brews.

Cheryl Harmon mentions that the wait staff is very familiar with all the varieties of beers and will gladly sample and make recommendations if requested. Many of the staff members have worked at First Street Alehouse for years. You can tell how much they enjoy their work from the big smiles on their faces. Roanne Van Scyoc and her husband were regular customers before she started working at the Alehouse. “I enjoy everybody I work with and I love people. I love getting to know them and their families,” says this charming former accountant/bookkeeper turned server/bartender. “It’s a very fulfilling job,” she adds. Van Scyoc has seen the Alehouse turn into a very family-friendly restaurant and enjoys seeing the children grow and change over the months and years.

It is a tribute to the Witherspoon brothers that they have been able to create a familial feeling among their employees, both kitchen and wait staff. Loyalty and continuity of service is not easy to come by, especially in the restaurant business. Together, they have succeeded in sharing that warmth and friendly outreach with every one of their customers.

Pouring a peg at the First Street Alehouse

Josh Robbins sums up the general customer sentiment when he says: “The brothers can really pride themselves on giving a good product and keeping a fair price. They have really done something special for the downtown and we will continue to support them!” 

Philippa Coelho
First Street Alehouse
2086 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550
Tel: (925) 371-6588



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