Upcoming visit to San Francisco

Check this out www.beerbybart.com and remember, cash only at Toronado, Muir Woods in MArin is cool if you've never seen the big redwoods.

 

One cool thing to check out is actually at the other Marriott on 4th and Mission (just a few blocks from Union Square) because they have a bar on the top floor with a great view.

You'll get wildly differing opinions on the subject of tacos/burritos but most will agree to point you towards the Mission to get the best stuff. Personally, I was not blown away by El Farolito, even though it tops many lists. Still haven't hit La Taqueria but their tacos get more praise than their burritos. I love the idea of a no rice burrito, so I should get there sooner than later. Zeitgeist, on the edge of the Mission is also killer for beer.

As for beer bars that are nice, there's Mikkeller Bar and Monk's Kettle. Both are overpriced, but honestly what isn't any more? I'm not big on the cocktail think, but Rickhouse and Bourbon and Branch are popular for that.

 

Cellarmaker is an absolute must if you like hoppy beers

 

Cocktail bars:
SF - Rickhouse, Bloodhound, Local Edition, Trick Dog, [The Tradition, Bourbon & Branch <-- bring a knife to Tenderloin]
SJ - Paper Plane, Singlebarrel (closing soon for rebranding)
On the way to Sante Adairius - Jack Rose Libation House

If you end up going to City Beer or Cellarmaker, Bloodhound is stumbling distance from either one. Though Uber will get you anywhere quick!

 

You are making the correct decision by not going to the SF International Beer Festival.

It's fine, but not good enough to suck up precious vacation time that could be better spent elsewhere.

 

If you do make it to RR you should hop over on 12 and get La Texanita. It's a few minutes out of your way (Google maps says 2 miles) but the al pastor is insanely good, carne asada is equally impressive, they make their tortillas in house, etc. Not really a hole in the wall now that they got spotlighted on that DDD show on food network but quality has stayed the same, by which I mean its dirt cheap and incredibly tasty. Best Mexican in Santa Rosa and honestly better than anything I can think of in SF as well. (Oakland and South Bay might have some contenders...)

Also, check out BeerCraft in Rohnert Park. Great bottle shop and taproom. Its right off 101 in between Lagunitas and Russian River.. you can see it from the freeway. Will take no time and im sure you will find something great on tap.

 

Just stayed at this Marriott two weeks ago, the bar in the lobby has Pliny the Elder on tap, but the top floor bar does not. They did have West Coast IPA and Big Daddy IPA when I was there, both are good but easy to find elsewhere. The view is very nice however.

 

That's very surprising about PtE. The rec was not beer related in any way, just something nice to do. We just got overpriced cocktails when we went there to check out the view.

 

Another place for a nice night cap or a view is Top of the Mark. Pricey but the views are stunning and the hotel is pretty cool.

If you like fresh seafood and don't mind dealing with more tourists, fishermans's wharf is excellent for that and is short cab away. Can turn it into a sightseeing walk going up the hills through, nob hill, china town and then north beach as well, just be prepared for a few big inclines.

 

Union Square is totally safe. In order to get to Mikkeller from Union Square you will need to pass through 1-2 blocks of tenderloin but they are used to the financial district/tourist traffic and will mind their own business. Just plan your route in advance so you don't have to stare at your smartphone and put your "city face" on and you'll be fine.

*edit: Def walk to Mikkeller. You will spend more time getting your car out of valet and looking for parking than you will walking. It's only a few blocks.

 

^no doubt, it would be a waste of money and possibly even take longer to cab it from Union Square to Mikkeller. City Beer and Cellarmaker are also very walkable from Union Square, but you will want to take any street other than 6th for that trek.

 

Cable car from Union Square to the Wharf

 

Tenderloin is the "rough" neighborhood and you'll notice which blocks it borders. Since you're at Union Square, the Rickhouse is a 5 minute walk away. Personally, it's a go-to cocktail bar for me in SF. It's also a few doors down from a restaurant called Sushiritto, if you're looking to eat a sushi-burrito bastard baby.

Edit: And don't leave anything in your rental car. Just warning you, people like to break windows.

 

Nothing is that unsafe unless its 2-3 am and even then you're probably fine. It's more run down and with a lot of street people, than violent. If the suns out you have nothing to worry about (I lived in the area for a year with no problems)

 

The City Beer Store, Monk's Kettle, Rosamunde (amazing hot dogs too!) and Le Trappist are all good places for beer in SF!

 

I know SF very well, am street smart as hell and don't scare easily. I will not walk the area between 4th and Mission and 6th and Mission after dark. Hell, I avoid it in the daytime.

Other than that, I'm not concerned about walking at night in the areas you are visiting.

 

Do not do this. If anything walk down to Market and take the F around the Embarcadaro to the Wharf (then get away from the Wharf unless you are going on the Alcatraz boat). If you want to ride a Cable Car, go over to the Hyde stop over by Buena Vista Cafe.