The Best Craft Beer Drinking Options in San Francisco

Ah, San Francisco. The city by the Bay, a dreamy mish-mash of cultures and flavors, and a proud craft beer culture all its own. Whether you’re a local or visiting, craft beer culture is alive and well in San Francisco and has been for quite some time. This guide will tackle the best craft beer drinking options currently available in the city.

Breweries

One of the best ways to experience San Francisco’s craft beer culture is to visit some of the numerous breweries located throughout the area. Some of the most popular spots to visit include 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, Thirsty Bear Brewing Company in the Financial District, and Anchor Brewing Company in Potrero Hill.

Visiting a craft brewery is an awesome experience for anyone who loves beer. Touring the brewery, learning about the brewing process, and of course, tasting the beer all make for an unforgettable experience. Most breweries offer flights of beer so you can try a variety of their brews. Many also offer tours and tastings, letting you get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their beer. If you want an immersive experience, some breweries even offer classes and paired dinners to pair beer with food.

Craft Beer Pubs and Bars

If you don’t have time to visit one of San Francisco’s fabulous breweries, don’t worry—you can still experience craft beer culture by visiting one of the many pubs and bars that specialize in craft beer in the Bay Area. Some of the most popular spots include Toronado Pub on Haight Street for its vast selection of beer (including sour ales!), Southern Pacific Brewing Company in Dogpatch for its variety of beers on tap, and ABV on 16th Street in the Mission for its fusion of cocktails and craft beer.

Craft beer pubs are great places to hang out with friends, catch a game, or just enjoy some conversation. With dozens of beers on tap from all over the country, you can sample some brews you’ve never tried before or enjoy your favorite styles. Pubs typically have food as well, so you can have an amazing craft beer dinner with friends.

Specialty Beer Stores

For those who love to explore new beers and try different styles, there are several stores throughout San Francisco selling craft beer. One of the most popular stores is City Beer Store on 11th street in SoMa; it sells more than 400 beers from all over the country and around the world. Other great options include ABC Beer Co. in the Mission District, which has an extensive selection of craft beer as well as tastings and events; Mission Bottle Shop on Valencia Street for its wide selection of rare and hard-to-find beers; and Goat Hill Tavern in Potrero Hill for its large selection of local and rotating beers.

Visiting a specialty beer store is the perfect way to explore new beers. You can talk to knowledgeable staff members about what kind of beer you like and what’s currently available. Many stores even offer tastings and events where you can learn more about different beer styles and meet likeminded people.

San Francisco Beer Tours

If you want to get a comprehensive look at San Francisco’s amazing craft beer culture, taking a beer tour is your best bet. These tours usually involve stopping at several breweries, pubs, or bottle shops for tastings, educational talks about brewing process, food pairings, and more. There are several great tour companies in San Francisco offering one-day tours of different neighborhoods so you can explore the city’s beer culture from top to bottom.

One of the most popular tours is San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour , which takes you through some of San Francisco’s best breweries, pubs, and bottle shops in the SoMa district. Throughout the tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some amazing local beers and learn more about how they’re made. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get to know the city better as well!

Overall, San Francisco is full of amazing craft beer options no matter what type of experience you’re after. Whether you want to learn more about the brewing process or just try out unique beers from around the world, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead and explore all that this amazing city has to offer. Visit some of our favorite spots for some truly unique craft beer experiences. And don’t forget to book yourself a San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour !