San Francisco Pubs

[fidcastro]

It looks like I'm going to be leaving SoCal for San Francisco this weekend. Can anyone recommend a steller pub that is a must visit while I'm there?

I don't know the area, so easy to find places would be swell.

Fid

[threecb]

I was in SFO just under 2 years ago for part of my honeymoon,
and we visited a handful of brewpubs.
They were all at least decent in one aspect or another, but I think Magnolia,
in Haight-Ashbury, was excellent AFA beer quality and a funky atmosphere. We didn't eat
there, but the food looked good.

21st Amendment, about 2 blocks from Pac-Bell Park, had an awesome double IPA.

Over by the convention center was Thirsty Bear. I've seen a lot of disses of this place as a "yuppie" establishment, and it's a bit expensive, but I thought the beers were solid.

There were a couple more, like San Francisco Brewing which had cool atmosphere and so-so beers, and Beach Chalet at the end of Golden Gate Park on the ocean, which had a great sunset and ok beers -- Pricey but good eats.

For beer bars, we didn't make it, but I've heard Toranado is THE beer bar to hit in SFO...

have fun!

[studentofbeer]

a tour of anchor might be fun, but it appears from their website (http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/tourinfo.htm) that they only offer them on weekdays and by reservation. just a thought.

[threecb]

Anchor is also a little difficult to get to from downtown, at least when you don't have a car.
It was on our "to do" list, but, sans car, we had to scrap it...

Of course Anchor was the first beer that I drank in SFO, though!

[chazwicke]

Boy, It's been a while. Besides some already mentioned, I visited Triple Rock in Berkley (Not sure if it is still open). Gordon Biersh's original location was on the Embarcadero. And across the bay, in Larkspur, I have been told that Marin's beers are awesome. I have been to San Fran only twice in the last decade or so. I do not know if any of these are still open. but there are/were many good brewpubs in the Northern California area. I especially liked the North Coast Brewery in Fort Bragg.(Brewpub is in an old funeral home) and Mendicino in Hopland. I have been to both of these twice. Anderson Valley is another good one.

[Stodbrew]

As mentioned previously, Magnolia is a great place. They usually have five beers on hand pumps, in addition to several regular draught beers and also some local guest beers. It's on the corner of Haight and Masonic.

21st Amendment is another great brewpub. Their IPA is one of the best I've had. Located 2 blocks up from Pacific Bell Park on the corner of 2nd and DeBoom.

Rogue just opened a tap room in North Beach. I'm not sure where it is 'cause I haven't been there yet.

The Toronado is also a can't miss bar. Tons of beers on tap with several Belgians. It's in the lower Haight, I'm not sure which cross street, though.

While you're there, try to find some other local beers like Speakeasy, an SF micro who make some stellar beers. Moonlight Brewery also makes some really great beers.

Hope this helps.

Steve

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Thirsty Bear is next to the Convention Center, towards the bay bridge. I agree it isn't a "typical brewery" and a bit pricey but they had the prettiest workers and they do have good beers.
Gordon Biersch is very near to the base of the bridge.
I called Anchor in June and they said they didn't have tours anymore BUT, they may have started up again. Yes, you have to call them and make a reservation. The 2 o'clock tour is the best as all the employees get off at that time and partake along with the "tourists". It is not that far to walk from the BART and I believe there is a bus that goes nearby.
Toronado is on the other side ( west ) of San Fran. It is close to the beginning of Haight off of Columbus. It does have the best selection but the employees aren't the most friendly ( my own experience ).
East India Trading (?) or something to that effect, is not far from the entrance to Chinatown. It is very "yuppy" and somewhat pricey.
Triple Rock is in Berkley but easily accesible by BART. Excellent beers.
Don't know if Bison is still around, also in Berkley.
I haven't been up there in a year and a half so this is all I have experience with and can remember at the moment. Most locations stated are pretty close to accurate but it's been a while. I did walk to all of these places using public traspo. There are many places that have great beer selections in town. I think Lucky 13 is a group of bars but don't quote me.
Just enjoy and have a blast.

[fidcastro]

Alright. Looks like I have my work cut out for me. I will have a rental car, so that might make it easier (depending on the parking situation). I've heard good things about Toronado from friends, so that will probably be my first stop.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[fidcastro]

Well, the only place I made it to was the Toronado, and it was pretty cool. The sausage place next door really rocked. I will definitely seek this place out next time I am up there. I don't think it beats out Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena, but it was pretty sweet by its own right.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Long live Lucky Baldwin's. Sorry to hear that you only visited one place. Just an excuse to go back many times.