Kensington Eats at Matchpoint

Simon Chen, a Bay Area native and former tennis star from Albany High School, spent his early career in tech. However, like many during the pandemic, Simon found himself reevaluating his career path and reflecting on his future. Home brewing, once just a side hobby, soon became a serious pursuit after he joined the Mentorship Program offered by the Independent Craft Brewing Association.

In an industry with few minority voices, Simon tapped into his Asian heritage and his deep connection with tennis to create something special—MatchPoint Brewing. His label focuses on lighter, refreshing beers that are perfect for post-sports relaxation. Two of their standout offerings are the Jasmine Rice Lager, a light, crisp beer, and the Mandarin Wheat Ale, which offers a fruity twist perfect for warm days. But Simon’s commitment to local business doesn’t stop at crafting delicious beers. He partners with small businesses like Little Green Cyclo in Brisbane, sourcing their Vietnamese beans for MatchPoint’s popular Vietnamese Coffee Lager.

Now available at community staples like Berkeley Bowl and restaurants around the Bay Area, MatchPoint has grown into a beloved name among craft beer enthusiasts. This year, the brewery took an exciting new step, opening its very own taproom in Albany. The space is charming and tennis-themed, featuring big screens to catch the latest game, a Nintendo Wii for virtual tennis matches, and a welcoming mah-jong table for guests who want to dive into a game. With community-minded events like Mah-Jong Mondays and Trivia Thursdays, MatchPoint Brewing has quickly become a local favorite.

But there’s more. The taproom is physically connected to 310 Eatery, a well-known spot that serves incredible food to hungry patrons on either side. I’ve raved about 310 Eatery before, and I stand by my claim that they serve some of the best burgers in the Bay Area. Over the years, they’ve leveraged their culinary expertise to expand their menu to include standout Asian-inspired dishes like Hong Kong-style crispy noodles and Pineapple Fried Rice with five-spice roast duck.

The Bay Area has its share of great dim sum served in bustling Chinese restaurants, but recently, 310 Eatery has ventured into the dim sum world with exceptional results. Available at the restaurant or in the taproom, their char siu bao (BBQ Pork Buns), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and siu mai (pork dumplings) are among the best I’ve had in the region.

What truly sets MatchPoint Brewing and 310 Eatery apart, though, is their unique collaboration. Where else can you enjoy a craft beer, feast on top-notch dim sum, catch a game on the big screen, and play a friendly round of mah-jong? This combination of great beer, delicious food, and a warm, inviting atmosphere has made MatchPoint Brewing a standout in the Bay Area’s craft beer scene, and it’s well worth a visit for both beer lovers and foodies alike.

745 San Pablo Ave

Albany, CA 94706

https://www.matchpointbrewing.com/