Local recommendations for San Francisco...

I'm far, far away from Cali, but recently the great BA Rzzzz sent me some Big Daddy IPA from Speakeasy, which IIRC, he said was only available in the Bay Area. I would highly recommend this one.

 

The big and obvious ones (imho) are Russian River, Lagunitas, and Drakes. I also have enjoyed IPAs from Knee Deep and Highwater, and if you don't get Alesmith, The Bruery, Port, or Coronado those are southern california breweries that all make some good stuff and I believe you can find them up north. Of course I'm sure I'm forgetting some obvious ones, but that's a decent start.

 

I would search out some Moonlight beers.

 

Russian River, Moonlight, and Drake's are probably the three best local breweries with limited distribution. Moonlight is draft only but most of the good beer bars should have a couple on tap.

 

Find some Moonlight beers and try 'em. (Toronado will have a few, for starters). Check the brewpubs: Thirsty Bear, 21st amendment, Magnolia, Social Kitchen, Beach Chalet...well, here's a list http://www.sfbrewpub.org/pubs/

If you're looking for bottles try Speakeasy, Drakes, Palo Alto Brewing (I highly recommend their Atlas DIPA, and "Hoppy Ending" is worth the proce for the label alone), Firehouse, Marin, Iron Springs...stop by City Beer Store, tell 'em you're looking for bay area only beers, tell 'em what kind of beers you like, and they'll set you up.

 

I definitely recommend going to Healthy Spirits. I love their hospitality and selection.