The Jug Shop

The Jug ShopThe Jug Shop
The Jug ShopThe Jug Shop
Store

1567 Pacific Ave
San Francisco, California, 94109-2626
United States

(415) 885-2922 | map
jugshop.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.15
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
26
pDev:
10.12%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mactrail:
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Reviewed by mactrail from Washington

3.54/5  rDev -14.7%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3.5
A fair selection with enough oddities to make it worth an occasional visit. This is the place I first found Almanac beers. A good place to pick up local beers like 21st Amendment. A lot of seemingly random stuff, but they do seem to have beers that I don't see elsewhere. The selection is not very inspired otherwise. Roomy place but a little cluttered. Prices seem about average for SF.

I started going here a few years ago after stumbling on it along Polk Street. Easiest place to get to from North Beach, on the 45 or 47 trolleycoach. My sense is they have less interesting stuff the last couple of years. There are just so surprisingly few decent places to buy beer in San Francisco. Well, surprisingly few of many things except sushi joints.
Feb 17, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.37 by BarrelAgedG from California

Oct 06, 2019
 
Rated: 4.75 by BabaBeer from California

Jul 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4.22 by brywhite from California

Feb 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by spycow from Illinois

Nov 08, 2014
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Rated by JonahNW from California

4/5  rDev -3.6%
Small but excellent and surprising bottle selection, tucked away in the corner of a huge liquor/wine store.
Nov 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by dataylor21 from Kentucky

Sep 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by JohnathanColeman from West Virginia

Feb 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Tristan_E from California

Dec 11, 2013
Photo of terence
Reviewed by terence from California

4.67/5  rDev +12.5%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
My wife and I recently visited the Jug Shop for the first time. We came is on a Sunday late morning, so it wasn't very crowded. They have a small parking lot in, which a great in this area of San Francisco. They are only a couple of blocks away from Van Ness, so they were easy to find.

They have a great selection of beer and most of them are fairly priced for SF. They carry a good selection of Russian River Brewery offerings and other moderately hard to find beers. As other BA's reviews have mentioned, the have excellent and friendly customer service. These guys konw their stuff. They may not carry the variety of City Beer Store, but they are still pretty solid. I would put these guys selection options right up there with Healthy Spirits and Blackwell's.
Jun 25, 2013
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Reviewed by reverbking from California

4.82/5  rDev +16.1%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
I've been frequenting the Jug Shop for a little over two years now and can say that I am huge fan. The selection is always rotating which makes it fun to go in and see that they. They almost always have some sort of a 'tion from Russian River which makes me happy.

The staff is my favorite part of the Jug Shop experience. They are so knowledgeable and friendly. Eric, Evan, and Adam know their beer. Go in there and talk to them, you will learn something, I certainly have.

I have been going there more and more for the tastings. They are not to be missed. The crowd that shows up are a good mix of casual beer drinkers and a couple of beer geeks. I have tried some amazing and rare beers at these events. It can turn into a bottle share as some of the generous patrons will bring something amazing on top of the nights already stellar offerings. I'm shocked to not see the tastings packed with more beer nerds. Everyone in the SF bay area should go to at least one tasting here. Come, bring a bottle to share and enjoy what Eric, Evan, and Adam have put together to try. You will not regret it.
Jun 19, 2013
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Reviewed by elNopalero from Michigan

3.94/5  rDev -5.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5
My impressions of this place are that it’s a decent place that has attentive customer service and a selection of beers and spirits which surpasses definitely surpasses the majority of corner stores … but if you’re looking for a serious bottle shop for some hard to find micros or a wider variety then you could do better. (Only in a place like San Francisco!) The times I’ve gone and asked for assistance I’ve found that the “beer guy” knows his stuff for sure. Haven’t made it to any of their tasting sessions but I think that’s a good sign of an active community too.
Nov 29, 2012
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Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Stopped in to check out the selection and wasn't disappointed. Beer was relegated to the left wall, the majority in coolers. Bright florescent lights and bass heavy minimal techno playing... not your typical corporate muzak.

Selection definitely held a few things not seen elsewhere, namely the Upright lineup. Some random imports (12 Percent) and Struise stuff that was unique to this shop. Asked about local/regional beers and was deferred to the beer buyer who was very informative and friendly. Regional CA beers from RR, Ballast Point, Iron Springs, etc. They were admittedly "cleaned out" after the blue angels weekend, but there were still gems the tourists overlooked. They mentioned that they sell singles of everything, but it wasn't marked as such, and didn't look like customers pulled bottles from 6 packs. Good selection of traditional lambics here. Fewer bombers than elsewhere.

Overall a great shop in this part of SF, while City Beer is closed for remodeling (late 2011).
Oct 11, 2011
Photo of litheum94
Reviewed by litheum94 from California

4.31/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Stopped by this place while in SF for the weekend. I was planning on spending all my money at City Beer, and ended up spending more here!

Great selection of a wide variety of beers. I was surprised at how many beers they had that I had never seen in my area, given that I only live 45 minutes north. 80% of the beer was refrigerated and everything that was on the shelf was stuff that didn't necessarily need to be enjoyed fresh. Prices seemed very reasonable as well.

Staff was friendly and helpful as well. My only real complaint is that a lot of space was dedicated to wine and liquor, but not every store can cater solely to the beer nerds. Definitely worth a visit.
Sep 22, 2011
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Reviewed by mikul93 from California

4.14/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
This is my go to place for Russian River brews. The beer selection is pretty good. The clerks seem to know they're beer and have suggested some great ones for me to try. They also have frequent beer tastings. The biggest plus for a place in the City is that they have a PARKING LOT! Never have to worry about parking. They're prices are reasonable. I went there last week and they didn't have any Pliny on the shelves. I asked a stock guy and he quickly went into the walk-in and brought out more for me. Very friendly staff.
Jun 26, 2011
Photo of stupac2
Reviewed by stupac2 from California

4/5  rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Went to a blind DIPA tasting last night (I was only able to identify 4 of them correctly, clearly need to drink something besides Pliny when I want a DIPA). The tasting was only $12 for 15 samples, very reasonable. It had a good vibe, although the space was fairly small people spread out into the store and it worked.

As for their regular selection, it was medium-sized and pretty good, if a bit idiosyncratic.

If you're just looking for a beer I'd say that Jug Shop is a pretty good place to stop if you're in the area, but Healthy Spirits or City Beer are much better.

That said, the tasting was awesome, I'll be doing those again in the future.
Jun 18, 2011
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Reviewed by NorCalgrowler from California

4.51/5  rDev +8.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
The name alone should make you go into this store. And they have T-shirts to boot! They were more than kind enough to save a couple of bottles of beer for me for a week while I was away on vacation. I wouldnt have been able to get the limited bottles otherwise. Much appreciated service. The store doesnt have much atmosphere but the beer and wine selection is very good. There is enough for any style, taste, or region to be satisfied. Also, quite a big shop and selection for the city which usually has much smaller stores.
May 05, 2011
Photo of moz9
Reviewed by moz9 from North Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +1.2%
Went to this place and found some hard to find bottles that I didn't see elsewhere. Called ahead of time and the staff was helpful in letting me know what they had. They also had a number of other bottles that I wasn't looking for but ended up buying.

It's also pretty convenient that they have a parking lot outside for easy access. It's in what seemed to be a decent area of town.

Prices seem very reasonable and in line with what you would expect everywhere else. I would say this place and City Beer are must stops in San Francisco with respect to beer stores.
Jan 09, 2011
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Reviewed by OBeerMeGreatOne from California

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
I have been a patron of the Jug Shop for a few years now (off and on). Though they have a much better hard-a and wine selection they do have a pretty decent rotation of beers in stock and always have always had a "beer geek" on hand to point me towards that "something special." For instance, I went in for a 4 pack of BrewDog's Punk IPA, got to talking about Saison's, and walked home with what I came for... and a Saison D' Erpe-Mere (which was brilliant). Their beer selection is a little small, but I gave it a 4 because they really seem to put a lot of effort into picking out good and hard to find brews.
Apr 16, 2010
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Reviewed by WeeObese from California

4.15/5  rDev 0%
I am not from the SF area, but while visiting this past weekend a friend in the city told me of a holiday beer tasting at The Jug Shop. I wasn't expecting much when I first walked in as the store is mainly wine and spirits, but when I got back to the tasting section and saw the 20 beers many of which are regulars and many of which were specials, I got very optimistic.

Eric the head beer guy who was running the tasting is super friendly and really knows his stuff. He was friendly and informative and he really seems to be trying to get some great beers at the store (I picked up a RR Salvation and a JP Biere de Mars). The selection is not huge but it is on the better end for a store that has to cater to its wine and spirit customers. I have a feeling that the selection will only be getting bigger and better.

I haven't been to City Beer but I would say that this place is definitely worth a stop for any beer fan in SF. Eric runs tastings every Friday and from the one I went to it is a great time.
Dec 08, 2009
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Reviewed by mjl21 from California

3.85/5  rDev -7.2%
Stopped in yesterday and thought I would do a BeerFly review.

The Jug Shop is located on the upper part of Polk Street (aka the nice part). It is a decent sized building that has free parking spots in the front. The shop definitely caters more towards good wines and spirits, but the beer selection is not too shabby considering the space dedicated to it.

The beer is on the left hand side of the store and is in a few coolers. The selection is quite varied. They had a lot of the Mikkeller single hops when I was there, Jolly Pumpkin, Avery, Deschuttes, and some various Euros. They had RR PTE/Blind Pig/Consecration/Temptation; and Mission Brewing.

Prices were very good and the guy at the register was very helpful. They also do beer tastings. It is worth a stop if you are in the area and looking for RR, but there are better shops in the city.
Jul 28, 2009
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Reviewed by bcm119 from California

3.85/5  rDev -7.2%
A small warehouse-style liquor/wine/beer store. Most beer is refrigerated. Standard west coast craft selection, and I was surprised to see a whole line of Jolly Pumpkin bottles. Above average German selection; Belgians are well represented too. Occasionally something will pop up here that you don't see at the other popular beer stores. Overall selection is good, but not on par with the likes of City Beer, Ledger's, etc.

Friday tastings are excellent here: a good value, fun people and plenty of beer. They often have breweries come in with their whole portfolio, plus some specialties. If there is a keg tapped the beer flows very freely. It is also close to many Russian Hill area restaurants and bars.
Apr 25, 2009
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Reviewed by clickpush from Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -7.2%
Came across this place as I was exploring Russian Hill. Entering the store I was blown away by the size and selection of the liquor department. I followed the glow of the coolers to find the beer: a long row of refrigerators against the wall to the left of the entrance, opposite the cash register. Although for the most part this place had an 'average' selection, meaning the BMCs plus lots of local micros that are stocked at every convenience store in the city, I was impressed at the variety of German beers that I'd never seen before. Also, there was the standard selection of Belgians, obviously Chimay + some others. I also so Petrus Winterbier - a brew I've never seen before. I believe it was $3.99 / 33cl.

A clerk was in the process of stocking the coolers and stopped to offer some help and advice. We chatted for a couple minutes and he gave me the card of a co-worker to provide any contact info I might need.
Nov 06, 2006
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Reviewed by Goldorak from Canada (QC)

3.55/5  rDev -14.5%
This liquor store was about 100 yards from my hotel on Nob Hill. The address on Beerfly is the old one, as they just moved directly across the street to 1590 Pacific, in a newer box-style building with plenty of parking up front. (I notified the change)

Inside it’s a big old warehouse full of booze, the Beer is to your left. Plenty of local stuff can be found like Speakeasy and Anchor, a few larger California micros, and a small but decent supply of imports, 6$ Orval (ouch), Lindemans for the ladies, Samuel Smiths and Chimay. But this place is mainly a wino store. The website claims they’re the kings of Australian wines in the US, most of what they had I can get here in Quebec, and quite frankly a lot of them aren’t that great, but there are a few diamonds in the rough, and very cheap ones to boot. But who cares really, Beer was my reason to be there.

Prices were all right, if I remember correctly I took 2 or 3 12oz Speakeasies and a Cassis for around 10$. We drank everything we bought from there the next day, and it was fresh. Help was at the register only, which is fine by me for this type of store, and they allowed me to break a 6-er when I asked. Prices weren’t always clearly indicated though, some labels underneath the Beers in the fridge didn’t always match. As mentioned below, it’s only worthy of a stop if you’re nearby and need a few bare necessities, as it was our case. And they happen to have long opening hours, so that can come in handy. While you’re there, right across the corner of Pacific and Polk there’s this little bakery/cheese shop/foodie store that had some great stuff, including some obscure French ciders, don’t hesitate to check them out.
Sep 26, 2006
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Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

3.15/5  rDev -24.1%
Last time I hit up the Jug shop was about 4 years ago.
I had hit it up probably 3 times previously with good scores each time.
Oh well, things change.
Lots of wine, with beer on the back left to middle.
Pretty much standard fare, a very basic import selection and some locals.
Only found one that wasn't at Bevmo,-Island Brewing Stout.. Hmmm, what the hell.
Prices were higher than Bevmo, but still not bad. Oh yea, we're not in Mass!
Can't really recommend it unless you're close by.
Selection has gone downhill.
Jun 11, 2005
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Reviewed by axisjones from California

3.5/5  rDev -15.7%
Located in the Nob Hill/Tenderloin area of San Francisco, The Jug Shop is one of the classier liquor stores in the area. It definitely has a slant towards wine, but their beer selection is interesting.

With a focus on German styles, The Jug Shop has a wide selection of beer represented, included Belgian, English, and American craft brews. There is nothing outstanding or totally rare, however there are great choices for any taste (except lambic with only Lindeman's representing). They had the Chouffe party box, the full line of Samuel Smith, and some local Northern Cali beers as the standouts. No glassware except in value boxes. I did see the 3L Oaked Arrogant Bastard for $40, which is a good price.

If you are in the neighborhood, its worth a look. If you like wine as much as beer, it is also worth a look. Otherwise, its definitely not anything to go out of the way for.
May 16, 2005
The Jug Shop in San Francisco, CA
Place rating: 4.15 out of 5 with 26 ratings