Where would you go for a San Francisco beercation?

Anchor

 

Can't go to San Francisco without a visit to Anchor

 

I'd go score several bombers of Russian River beers, rent a boat, hire a Skipper who can cook, and go fishing!

 

21st Amendment

 

I've never been to SFO but it is quite a beautiful city and you are quite lucky to be going....

That being said, I went to Toronado in San Diego and they had an excellent tallest. IIRC, they are originally from San Francisco. The tap list online is wicked outdated (why the f don't they use taphunter?!) but they usually always have a few RR beers, as well as other local (dare I say better?!) breweries on-tap. I would definitely check it out if I were you. I'm sure there are better options but since I have never been, this is the best I could do.

Cheers!

Edit: I would also keep an eye out for for Trumer Pils if you enjoy a good lager. Probably the best authentic German pilsner you can get in America (they opened a brewery in the Bay Area just to ensure perfect freshness/authenticity!)
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/11017/12679/

 

The Rare Barrel in Berkley.

 

Anchor, Speakeasy and 21st.

The only three id really go to.

 

In San Francisco you can't miss Cellarmaker. Great IPAs and some good dark ales as well (Coffee and Cigarettes). Also, Toranado and Mikeller Pubs shouldn't be missed. Then, less than an hour north in Petaluma and Santa Rosa are Lagunitas and Russian River. Obviously, RR is a don't miss! If you want to venture even further north you have Bear Republic and Anderson Valley.

 

1st stop: Cellarmaker. Excellent small batch brewery in the heart of the city. At least 4-5 different styles on tap every time I've been. Really impressive brews that can compete with all the hyped-up breweries discussed on this site.

2nd Stop: City Beer Store. It's right down the street - the taps they have are usually fairly impressive. And they have a bottle shop to boot.

3rd Stop: Mikeller Bar. Fun vibe, lots and lots of taps. Huge bottle list. Good food. Also very close to the above two!

There are tons of other places, and you've got Anchor Brewing, 21st Amendment, and Speakeasy Ales and Lagers. Rare Barrel in Berkeley is right across the bay, and I've heard they make great sours.

Depending on the time you have, I'd totally say take a regional trip or two around the bay. Russian River in the north bay is legendary, and Lagunitas and Bear Republic aren't far away. Santa Adairius Rustic Ales (SARA) is down near Santa Cruz, and depending on which way you're coming from, that would be a great stop. They make excellent saisons.

Welcome to Cali!!!! You'll love it. Where in Cali are you moving to by chance?

 

Oh so many choices...see above for many great options, but don't forget Fieldwork in Berkeley

 

1) Anchor (you have to book it in advance FYI).
2) 21st Amendment...get some beers, then catch a Giants game down the street.
3) Cellarmaker is a good one to check also. If you go at night, it can be dimly lit. You may miss it.

Good beer bars?

City Beer Store has a good rotation. Jacks has several locations around the city. One of them has a bunch of taps.

Further out?

By car: Lagunitas and Russian River are both good.

By BART: The Hop Grenade. Sure its a solid 45 minute ride away from SF. A few blocks from the Concord Station. 20 taps always rotating (lots of Cali beers). A few whales can be had and prices are fairly reasonable. You could cross a bunch off your list at this one spot. Problem is that its ALWAYS changing. Maybe 2-3 taps an hour, depending on how busy it is. Here is the list at the time of this post:

• 1
  The Rare Barrel
  Deft Hand
  
  
• 2
  Heater Allen
  *Dunkel
  
  
• 3
  Pizza Port
  Swamis IPA
  
  
• 4
  Pizza Port
  Fish
  
  
• 5
  HenHouse
  IPA
  
  
• 6
  Jolly Pumpkin
  Wet Hopped Saison
  
  
• 7
  Alpine
  Nelson
  
  
• 8
  Pizza Port
  Sharkbite
  
  
• 9
  21st Amendment
  El Sully
  
  
• 10
  Pizza Port
  Gringo
  
  
• 11
  Alpine
  Hoppy Birthday
  
  
• 12
  Heater Allen
  Roggenbier
  
  
• 13
  Pizza Port
  Kook
  
  
• 14
  AleSmith
  Speedway Stout
  
  
• 15
  Russian River
  Pliny the Elder
  
  
• 16
  Two Rivers
  Sierra Beauty Cider
  
  
• 17
  Heretic
  Evil Cousin
  
  
• 18
  Calicraft
  Buzzerkeley Red
  
  
• 19
  Cellarmaker
  Nelquinox
  
  
• 20
  Cellarmaker
  Otto's Backpack
  
  
• 21
  Pizza Port (Ocean Beach)
  Suavecito

 

In San Francisco: Cellarmaker, City Beer Store, Speakeasy, 21st Amendment, The Toronado, Anchor
East Bay: Rare Barrel, Fieldwork, Faction, Drakes, Sierra Nevada Torpedo Room

 

This is the list. Right here.

Wat? In a city of great food, this... is kind of like a Denny's.

 

Man I forgot about the SN Torpedo Room! They have amazing drafts that you can't find anywhere else but the brewery.

 

Oh man, you want novelty, with crappy food and drinks that will mess you up, look no further than the Tonga room
http://www.tongaroom.com
It rains indoors!

edit: I'm serious too. In the right state of mind you can have a pile of fun here.

 

Anchor has to be a stop for sure. And its about time you came to Cali, we have more fun out here hahaha

 

It's criminal how few times Cellarmaker has been mentioned. Easily, EASILY the best brewery in SF proper.

Rare Barrel in Berkeley, Anchor in SF, and Russian River in Santa Rosa are must-hits as well. Only an hour or so south is Sante Adairius, arguably the best brewery in the state of California (a HUGE statement, and only applicable if you enjoy saisons/wilds).