Best 13 Breweries in San Francisco CA: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots in the City
San Francisco is known for its diverse range of breweries, from classic steam lagers to hoppy and hazy West Coast IPAs. With so many options, it can be challenging to decide which breweries to visit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring San Francisco’s breweries is a must-do activity.
Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from, and this article will highlight some of the best breweries in San Francisco, CA. These breweries offer unique and tasty beers, and they have created a name for themselves in the beer scene. From Barebottle Brewing Company to Anchor Brewing Company, this article will provide insight into the breweries that are worth checking out.
So, if you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity to do, this article will provide you with the information you need to plan your brewery tour. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a brewery that suits your taste buds.
The History of Brewing in San Francisco
San Francisco has a rich history of brewing, dating back to the Gold Rush era. In the late 1800s, the city was home to dozens of breweries, producing a wide range of beers. However, the Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933 brought the brewing industry to a halt in San Francisco and across the United States.
After Prohibition ended, the brewing industry slowly began to recover. The first craft brewery in San Francisco, New Albion Brewing Company, opened in 1976. Although it closed just a few years later, it paved the way for the craft beer movement that would take hold in the city and across the country.
One of the most well-known breweries in San Francisco is Anchor Brewing Company, which was founded in 1896. Anchor Brewing is famous for its flagship beer, Anchor Steam, which is a unique style of beer that is fermented at warmer temperatures than traditional lagers. Despite its popularity, Anchor Brewing faced financial difficulties in recent years and was forced to close its doors in 2023.
Another notable player in the San Francisco brewing scene is Sapporo, which opened a brewery in the city in 1984. Sapporo is one of the oldest beer brands in Japan and has been producing beer since 1876. The San Francisco brewery produces Sapporo Premium Beer, as well as a variety of other beers for the US market.
Prominent Breweries in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Here are some of the most prominent breweries in the city:
Anchor Brewing Company
Anchor Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in San Francisco. It was founded in 1896 and is known for its signature beer, Anchor Steam Beer. The brewery offers tours and tastings, and visitors can learn about the history of the brewery and the brewing process.
Website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/
Address: 1705 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Speakeasy Ales & Lager
Speakeasy Ales & Lager is a popular brewery located in the Bayview neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, ales, and Belgian-style beers. The brewery is dog-friendly and has a spacious beer garden.
Website: http://www.goodbeer.com/
Address: 1195 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
21st Amendment Brewery
21st Amendment Brewery is a popular brewery located in the SOMA neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including wheat beer, Kolsch, and craft beers. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food and has a dog-friendly patio.
Website: http://21st-amendment.com/
Address: 563 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Magnolia Brewing Company
Magnolia Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including pale ales, stouts, and sour ales. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Website: http://magnoliabrewing.com/
Address: 1398 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
Fort Point Beer Company
Fort Point Beer Company is a small-batch brewery located in the Presidio. They offer a wide variety of beers, including hoppy IPAs, red ales, and experimental beers. They also have a taproom that offers tastings and growler fills.
Website: https://fortpointbeer.com/locations/fort-point-presidio-brewery
Address: 644 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Barebottle Brewing Company
Barebottle Brewing Company is a small-batch brewery located in Bernal Heights. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and experimental beers. They also have a taproom that offers tastings and growler fills.
Website: http://www.barebottle.com/
Address: 1525 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Standard Deviant Brewing
Standard Deviant Brewing is a microbrewery located in the Mission. They offer a wide variety of beers, including American IPAs, Belgian-style beers, and stouts. They also have a taproom that offers tastings and growler fills.
Website: http://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/
Address: 280 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Laughing Monk Brewing
Laughing Monk Brewing is a microbrewery located in the Bayview neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including Belgian-style beers, saisons, and stouts. They also have a taproom that offers tastings and growler fills.
Website: http://laughingmonkbrewing.com/
Address: 1439 Egbert Ave unit a/b, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
Harmonic Brewing
Harmonic Brewing is a microbrewery located in the Potrero Hill neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. They also have a taproom that offers tastings and growler fills.
Website: http://www.harmonicbrewing.com/
Address: 1050 26th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company
Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in the Outer Sunset neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Website: http://sunsetbeersf.com/
Address: 1735 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
Barrel Head Brewhouse
Barrel Head Brewhouse is a microbrewery located in the NOPA neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food and has a dog-friendly patio.
Website: http://www.barrelheadsf.com/
Address: 1785 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
Southern Pacific Brewing
Southern Pacific Brewing is a microbrewery located in the Mission. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Website: http://www.southernpacificbrewing.com/
Address: 620 Treat Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant
Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant is a microbrewery located in the Park Chalet area. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food and has a dog-friendly patio.
Website: http://www.beachchalet.com/
Address: 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Notable Beers and Brews
San Francisco is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and they are known for their unique and flavorful brews. Here are some notable beers and brews that are a must-try for any beer enthusiast.
- Big Daddy IPA: Brewed by Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, this IPA is a hop lover’s dream. It has a bold and bitter flavor with notes of citrus and pine. The Big Daddy IPA is a fan favorite and is easily recognizable with its iconic label.
- Anchor Steam Beer: Anchor Steam Beer is a classic San Francisco brew that has been around since 1896. It has a rich and malty flavor with a slightly sweet finish. This beer is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a piece of San Francisco’s beer history.
- Watermelon Wheat: Brewed by 21st Amendment Brewery, this beer is a refreshing summer brew with a unique twist. It has a light and crisp flavor with a subtle hint of watermelon. This beer is perfect for a hot day in the city.
- Prohibition Ale: This amber ale is brewed by Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and is a tribute to the Prohibition era. It has a rich and malty flavor with a slightly bitter finish. This beer is a must-try for anyone looking for a bold and flavorful brew.
- Hell or High Watermelon: Another summer favorite from 21st Amendment Brewery, this beer is a wheat beer with a refreshing watermelon twist. It has a light and crisp flavor with a subtle hint of watermelon. This beer is perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park.
- Sparkle Pony: Brewed by Fort Point Beer Company, this beer is a hazy IPA with a fruity and floral flavor. It has notes of grapefruit and passionfruit with a slight bitterness on the finish. This beer is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful IPA.
- Rhubarbra Straws and Sour: This sour beer is brewed by Cellarmaker Brewing Company and is a unique twist on a classic sour. It has a tart and fruity flavor with a subtle hint of rhubarb. This beer is perfect for anyone looking for a sour beer with a twist.
Brewery Experiences
San Francisco has a vibrant and diverse brewery scene that offers a variety of experiences for beer enthusiasts. From taprooms to trivia nights, there is something for everyone in the city’s breweries.
Many of San Francisco’s breweries have taprooms where visitors can sample their beers and learn about the brewing process. These taprooms often have a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making them perfect for hanging out with friends or meeting new people. Some breweries, like Cellarmaker House of Pizza, even offer food options to go along with their beers.
For those looking for a unique experience, some breweries offer trivia nights where visitors can test their knowledge while enjoying a cold beer. Sparkle Pony, a brewery located in the Dogpatch neighborhood, is known for its weekly trivia nights that draw in a fun and lively crowd.
San Francisco’s brewery scene also offers outdoor options for those looking to enjoy their beer in the sunshine. Beer gardens, like the one at 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant, are a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a pint in the fresh air.
Beer enthusiasts should also keep an eye out for San Francisco Beer Week, an annual event that celebrates the city’s brewing culture. During this week-long event, breweries across the city offer special events, tastings, and limited edition beers.
The Impact of Breweries on Local Culture
Breweries have become an integral part of San Francisco’s local culture. They not only serve as a hub for beer enthusiasts but also attract tourists from all over the world. The breweries in San Francisco are known for their unique flavors and brewing techniques, which have helped to put the city on the map as a beer destination.
Breweries have also played a significant role in shaping the local culture and community. Many breweries in San Francisco host events and fundraisers, which help to bring together the community and support local causes. For example, Anchor Brewing hosts an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which has become a beloved tradition in the city.
In addition to hosting events, breweries have also contributed to the local economy. They provide jobs and support local businesses by sourcing ingredients and supplies locally. For example, Black Hammer Brewing sources their coffee beans from local roasters and their hops from nearby farms.
Moreover, breweries have become an important part of San Francisco’s nightlife and social scene. They provide a space for people to gather, socialize, and enjoy a cold beer. Many breweries also offer food and entertainment, such as live music and trivia nights, which add to the overall experience.