so as a san diego guy, i did my research, used the search function, put in work but not i was some public opinions here. ill be up in the bay for a wedding first weekend in august, and i want to know what BA's opinions on some of the smaller places up there are, and if they are worth visiting. has anyone tried faction brewing, ale industries, linden street, and elevation 66? questions, comments, concerns?
I’m also in SD, and I like Faction a lot and have been a couple times now – great view of the entire bay area and good hoppy beers. If you have time, book a tour at St. George distillery next door.
Ale Industries I'm not a huge fan of, been a few times and never impressed with anything. I love hoppy beers so I like Faction but I've never been to their brewery. You specified small places so I assume you left out Drake's on purpose. Also not sure if left out on purpose but Rare Barrel is in Berkeley if you like sours.
From the ones you listed, definitely Faction. The others not so much...but that's my personal opinion. Drakes in San Leandro, Triple Rock in Berkeley, Cellarmaker in San Francisco, and Altamont in Livermore are ones I would seek out.
Triple Rock for sure should go on the list. Solid all around spot and a piece of goddamn history. Plus, if it is a nice day, you can enjoy the rooftop patio which so many people don't seem to know about. If it is open. I also am a big fan of Creek Monkey in Martinez, which is both a brewery and a taphouse. Not a ton of house beers, but they are damn good. And, yes, another vote for Faction. Ale Industries is a weird beer kinda spot. I like them because they are out there and take chances, which can make them a hit or miss spot. When they hit, I think they nail it hard, I've had many beers from them over the years which are great. They definitely have a swing and a miss or two, oh well.
Faction == awesome; Linden Street == very good; Ale Industries == good & interesting; Elev. 66 == meh. Like Altamont, but their licence is really screwy. Samples + growlers only. No pints, no repeat tasters. It's also way the hell out there.
