I am going to be in the Bay Area for just a couple days in early December. I haven't been in almost 2 years. Last time I went to Russian River, Lagunitas, Cellarmaker, Speakeasy, Mikkeller... I think that was it. What other breweries would you recommend this time around? Preferably actually in SF or somewhere between SF and Santa Clara. I may have time to go to Oakland as well. Also where is a good place to find bottles at fair prices that I can bring back to share with my friends in LA that are difficult to find locally? Thanks in advance.
Toronado (the classic), City Beer Store, Public House (by the ballpark), Monks Kettle all good places for a pour in SF. Don't know of any affordable bottles in SF but they might exist. City Beer will have good to-go selection but you'll pay a premium. If you happen to go to Public House at the ballpark K&L isn't too far away. If you make it to the East Bay its pretty easy to do Fieldwork, Rare Barrel and Torpedo room. Ledgers is kinda in that area for bottles to go. The north bay might be worth your trouble if you haven't been in two years. We got cooperage and moonlight open now on top of the normal attractions (RR, Lagunitas) and Beercraft bottle shop is tops (although a lot of their strength is importing SoCal brewery only stuff so maybe not as appealing for you) and you can't beat the prices at the Bottle Barn. I do most of my drinking North of the Golden Gate so I'm sure a true local can better advise.
Faction in Alameda. Rare Barrel & Fieldwork in Berkeley. For bottles Beer Revolution & Good Hop in Oakland.
If you make it to east bay, Fieldwork in Berkeley is the new kid on the block doing good things. Then swing by Rare Barrel.
If you visit Santa Rosa for Russian River, I'd say go visit Rincon Valley Tap Room and Bottle Shop. Beer craft in Rhonert park is also good for bottles. I think Rincon has more esoteric offerings. But Beercraft has a better california brewer tasting menu on tap. Beercraft does specialize in helping people ship beer.
