I'm gonna be staying in the Bay Area between Menlo Park and Pablo Alto over Xmas (Dec 22-Jan 2). Heading up to Russian River one day and some wineries in Napa another day. Wondering if there are some other breweries I should visit that are near where I'm staying or those other areas I'm visiting. Also, wondering what the best bottle shop(s) are in that Menlo Park/Palo Alto area to grab local stuff to take home? Thanks in advance!
Lots of Pacific forum threads on this topics, e.g. https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/must-visit-breweries-in-sf-bay-area.537305/ BeerByBart is a great resource. Specific recommendations for must-hits really depends on what you're looking for in styles/preferences and whether you're also looking for packaged format.
Appreciate the info. Mainly was wondering the best bottle shop right near downtown Palo Alto/Menlo Park area cause when I'm there I won't be driving much due to family stuff. Might make it up to SF for part of a day and would visit some places that are often mentioned in threads, but not guaranteed. Guess I was also just wondering if there was any special taprooms/pubs I should hit at that time of the year due to special tappings, releases, events, etc.
palo alto fine wine & spirits and k&l wines for bottle shops fieldwork (san mateo) and alpha acid (belmont) for taprooms would also recommend ale arsenal and whole foods santa clara taproom
Agreed with @beermeplz . The Peninsula/South Bay is not yet a craft beer mecca. Maybe it will be in time, but the options are kinda limited for now.
Gourmet Haus Staudt in Redwood City has been building out their bottle shop the past couple months and their beer garden has small but well-curated tap lists for both German and craft beer. Highly recommend stopping in.
Make sure you go to Henhouse and Cooperage when you to to RR. Hell, I'd go to Henhouse and Cooperage instead of RR. BeerCraft is also a great spot.
There are more places on the Peninsula than South Bay. @Xul is correct that GHS is worth stopping in for bottles and draft. I'd also add Willow Market for bottles in Menlo Park and Harry's in RWC for beer. Refuge in Menlo Park has some reasonable options as well and a killer Pastrami sandwich. If you like English style cask beers, Freewheel in Redwood City is on the Menlo Park side of town and has a nice enough brewpub.
