SARA

Not sure why you're jumping directly to exploiting the secondary beer market. As someone who frequents Sante with some regularity, I'm certainly more incentivized to brave the drive over the hill if there are bottles to-go. It's a long trip for at most a few beers (I don't love drinking and driving, and doing so over 17 is especially stupid), and it's definitely nice if I can bring back a couple of bottles to enjoy at home.

Not going to claim that I've never traded Sante, but by-and-large I'd rather drink the bottles I buy there than any of the tradeable alternatives. I've been plenty of times when there weren't bottles available as well, so it's not the only factor that drives my trips, but it's definitely not an insignificant factor.

 

So, to be clear it's not the kind of place you can just show up and expect to be able to leave with a few bottles?

 

they post a picture of everything available, tap & bottles, on Facebook & Instagram every day

 

Also, pro-tip: 831 one day out of the growler is better than 831 right off the tap. The balance added by that growler hang-time time alone is worth braving the 17 for.

 

If you're going within the next two or three weeks, you'll probably be able to get bottles of this latest batch of Farmhouse Noir (which is apparently great—I haven't cracked mine yet). You are not, however, guaranteed that they will ever have something in a bottle to go—whatever's available is posted on the days they're open on their Facebook and Instagram, and sometimes does sell out day of (Cask Strawberry being a recent example of as much). However, they have had things available in bottles to take away much more regularly lately, so I'd say you're quite likely to be good whenever you go.

 

You were, but thank you, also Appreciation was damn delicious. =P

 

If Bernice and/or Cellarman are still on the board today then go: many I know would drink either all day (myself included).

 

You are continuously ignoring the driving aspect of this, Catchy Troll.

Question: have you ever been to SARA? I'd be shocked if you hadn't, but I'm curious.

 

grumpy old man. ignore. go to SARA, enjoy.

 

Click on his profile, read a sample of his handiwork.

 

In his defense, we do get a lot of travelers asking about visiting breweries for the sole purpose of getting bottles. We also tend to see those same individuals trading those bottles a week later. So when asked, that is unfortunately the first thing that is thought of, you know the whole actions of a few ruin it for the many type of deal.

Goto SARA, regardless of what is available to go. I enjoy their saisons and a growler of Simpleton is never a bad thing. Sure we have better IPAs all over this state but I prefer to not leave breweries I don't visit often with an empty growler.

 

Agree with Reaper, while you could drive around the Bay Area seeking out better IPA options (throwing in Fieldwork and Faction), the opportunity to try Cellarman, Bernice and Noir on draft (they do healthy half pours - if you are trying to max your in house experience) and leave with a growler of Quibble or 831 (looks like Simpleton is off growler as of latest post) makes it worth a trip.

 

I felt when I visited it was very relaxing. Reminded me of Alesmith's old location. As grze said, it is dog friendly and there was no shortage of canines hanging around. The second day I went there was also a pet pig that was brought and just chasing a kong filled with his breakfast/lunch. Entertaining to say the least since I usually don't see pet pigs in the tasting rooms here in san diego.

 

Then definitely pick Friday. If there are new bottles released it's pretty much always either Fri or Sat.

 

Thinking based on your posts, where in the bay area are you going to be, and what time do you plan to head that direction? I ask because the traffic on the way down to and in the area of SARA can be brutal late afternoon. Something to keep in mind...