San Francisco Beer Buying Guide

San Francisco is home to a plethora of breweries, bars, and liquor stores where you can buy beer. The city boasts a diverse selection of local craft breweries, including Anchor Brewing, one of America's oldest, and Barebottle Brewing Co., known for their fruity and hazy IPAs. Various establishments offer unique experiences, such as The Beer Hall, a mid-market taproom, and Barrel Head Brewhouse, a double-decker brewpub in NoPa. For those seeking a one-stop shop, San Francisco also has well-stocked liquor stores like The Jug Shop, a family-owned business specializing in wine, beer, and spirits. The city's vibrant beer scene caters to different preferences, whether you're a fan of classic steam lagers or experimental West Coast IPAs.

Buying Beer in San Francisco

Where to buy beer around Union Square

If you're looking to buy beer in San Francisco, you've got plenty of options. Here are some places to check out near Union Square:

First up, there are several small, corner grocery and liquor stores in the area. These include a store on Geary and Mason, just a block from Union Square, which stocks beer, snacks, and fruit. If they don't have what you're looking for, head a block down Mason to O'Farrell, where you'll find a store with a greater inventory.

If you're after a wider selection, there's a full-service market on Market Street, not far from Union Square, with lots of choices.

For craft beer, try New Star-Ell Liquor, which has an incredible beer selection and a diverse food offering, or Fred's Liquor & Groceries, a solid bodega with a nice range of craft beer.

If you're looking to sit down and enjoy a beer, there's the 21st Amendment Brewery, which has a taproom and a beer garden.

For something a little different, there's also City Beer Store, a quirky bottleshop and bar that's been a much-loved part of the community for 18 years. However, it's worth noting that this store is closing, so be sure to check it out before September 2023.

Beer for takeout and delivery

San Francisco has a lot to offer when it comes to beer for takeout and delivery. Here is a list of places to check out:

• Ales Unlimited: This craft beer store, located in a historic building in Pac Heights, is open for business. However, they do not offer delivery.
• Anchor Brewing: One of America's oldest craft breweries, Anchor Brewing offers six-packs, boxes, crowlers, and growlers to go. Pickups are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from their taproom, Anchor Public Taps, located across the street from the brewery.
• Barebottle Brewing Co: Known for their fruity and hazy IPAs, Barebottle Brewing Co in Bernal Heights is open for pickup, delivery, or shipping.
• Barrel Head Brewhouse: This double-decker brewpub in NoPa is exclusively offering takeout with some happy hour deals, including $3 beers from 4 to 6 pm daily.
• The Beer Hall: The mid-Market taproom offers brews for pickup. Orders can be placed online, with pickups available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
• Black Hammer Brewing: This pup-friendly brewery and tasting room in SoMa offer next-day pickup and shipping throughout California. They also have a new Belgian Blonde beer called Sparkle Pony Belgian Blonde.
• Cellarmaker: Although their SoMa location is closed, Cellarmaker is still taking to-go orders from their Bernal Heights spot. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and square pizza.
• City Beer Store: This generously stocked bottle shop has moved to a new, spacious location on Mission Street and is offering curbside pickup. They now have a full kitchen, so don't forget to order some snacks!
• The Crafty Fox Ale House: Located in the Mission, The Crafty Fox Ale House has burgers and brews available for pickup and delivery.
• Ferment Drink Repeat: This small-batch brewery in Portola offers pickup for growlers and home brewing kits.
• Fool's Errand: Located on Divis, this popular beer and wine spot has a small, frequently rotating list of local beers available for walk-up orders or delivery for a $10 fee for orders of $100 or more. Check their Instagram stories for the latest offerings.
• Harmonic Brewing: Harmonic Brewing offers cans and crowlers for pickup from their industrial space in Dogpatch. They deliver to San Francisco, Marin, East Bay, and San Mateo on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Laughing Monk: Offering pickup and delivery of their Cali-Belgian crossover beers, freshly brewed in the Bayview.
• Liquid Gold: Located in Tender Nob, Liquid Gold offers beer, wine, and cider for pickup via online orders.
• Local Brewing: Near the ballpark, Local Brewing offers West Coast IPAs, along with sausages and salads, for takeout in cans, crowlers, or growlers.
• Magnolia Brewing: Although their industrial Dogpatch location is closed, Magnolia Brewing is still serving from its original restaurant on Haight. Singles, six-packs, or crowlers are available to go, along with fried chicken.
• Monks Kettle: This Belgian-leaning brewpub on 16th Street in the Mission has opened a pickup window for takeout and delivery. They offer a wide range of wine, beer, cider, and pretzel knots.
• Pi Bar: This chill Valencia hangout offers a limited takeout menu of good beer, good pizza, and nerd specials at 3.14 in the afternoon. Call 415-970-9670 to order beer and pies for pickup.
• Pine Street Brewery: This microbrewery delivers to San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Orders can be placed online for drop-offs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays.
• Richmond Republic Draught House: Offering strong pints and comfort food with online ordering for pickup and delivery. Don't forget to try their deviled eggs and fried brussels sprouts!
• San Francisco Brewing Co: Located in historic Ghirardelli Square, they offer beer, wine, and even hand sanitizer for home delivery across the Bay Area. They deliver to San Francisco and Marin on Fridays, the East Bay on Thursdays, and the Peninsula on Wednesdays.
• Seven Stills: Besides making hand sanitizer, Seven Stills offers beer, whiskey, and pub eats for takeout or delivery from its massive new Mission Bay location.
• Speakeasy Ales & Lagers: Inspired by Prohibition, this brewery in the Bayview allows customers to pick up six-packs and kegs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• Standard Deviant: Claiming to pour "the coldest tasting beer" in San Francisco, Standard Deviant is doing pickup only for crowlers and kegs from their location in the Mission.
• Sunset Reservoir: This brewery and pub in the Outer Sunset offer pickup and delivery for pints, liters, cocktails, and fried chicken sandwiches. They also partner with Devil's Teeth on weekends for breakfast sandwiches.
• Triple Voodoo: This craft brewery in the Dogpatch offers free delivery within San Francisco for zip codes 94107 and 94158 only.
• Woods Cerveceria: This small-batch brewery based in the Mission offers Argentinian-inspired brews via takeout and same-day delivery in San Francisco and the East Bay.

In addition to these breweries and beer spots, there are also various small corner grocery and liquor stores around Union Square that sell beer, such as the Cottage Market and a 7-11 on 217 Sutter Street @ Grant/Kearny.

Beer with food

San Francisco has a strong list of local breweries, and many of them serve food, too. Here are some of the best spots to grab a beer with food in the city:

The Beer Hall

The Beer Hall has two locations in San Francisco, one on Polk St. and the other on Mason St. They offer an exceptional selection of beer and wine from independent producers, along with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They also host special events, such as Oktoberfest and SF Pride, with themed drinks, food, and entertainment.

21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant

This popular spot is best known for its seasonal beers like watermelon wheat, and it's named for the repeal of Prohibition. The brewery is located near South Park in SoMa, and they also have a taproom in San Leandro.

Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company

This Outer Sunset brewery has rotating house beers such as hefeweizen and IPAs, as well as fried chicken sandwiches. They also host a drag brunch on the weekends.

Otherwise Brewing

Otherwise Brewing is a gluten-free brewery that opened a taproom in January 2024. They offer gluten-free food along with their beers, including rice lager and guava fresca kettle sour.

Fort Point - Valencia

Fort Point has several outposts in San Francisco, including the Ferry Building and Tunnel Tops, but their Valencia Street location offers a full menu of seafood-focused food, including cioppino and crab rolls.

Barrel Head Brewhouse

Barrel Head offers a variety of local beers on draft, but their house brews are the stars, with seasonal options that always include an IPA, a Kolsch, and a sour.

Beer shops in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to a variety of beer shops, ranging from large retailers to small, independent stores. Whether you're looking for a craft beer to enjoy at home or a unique beer to share with friends, there's a beer shop in San Francisco that can meet your needs.

One popular option is the City Beer Store, a quirky little bottleshop that has been a fixture of the San Francisco beer scene for almost two decades. Unfortunately, the store recently announced its closure, citing a combination of circumstances that led to this difficult decision. Despite this, the City Beer Store is remembered fondly by its community for its unique character and the special role it played in the lives of its customers.

For those seeking a broader selection of alcoholic beverages, K & L Wine Merchants offers a range of beer, wine, and spirits. Located in the SoMa neighbourhood, this store provides an extensive online menu for customers to browse before visiting.

New Star-Ell Liquor is another excellent choice for beer enthusiasts. Located in the NoPa neighbourhood, this corner store is known for its friendly staff and diverse beer selection, making it a favourite among locals.

Lastly, 21st Amendment Brewery, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a unique blend of beers, including their famous Hell or High Watermelon and Brew Free! Or Die Blood Orange IPA. With monthly trivia nights, live music, and a laid-back beer garden, 21st Amendment Brewery provides a complete experience for beer lovers.

Whether bidding farewell to a beloved local store or discovering new favourites, San Francisco's beer shops offer a variety of choices to suit different tastes and preferences.

Beer gardens in San Francisco

San Francisco's indie beer scene is thriving, with a variety of beer gardens to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best beer gardens in the city:

Spark Social SF

This food truck hub in the San Francisco Bay Area feels like a lively backyard party every night of the week. The crowd is diverse, and the dishes and brews are abundant. Up to a dozen trucks converge on SPARK Social each night, offering everything from pizza and poke to ramen and crepes, along with a rotating selection of beer from California breweries. It's an excellent spot for large groups, with affordable pitchers and ample seating. You can reserve one of the fire pit areas or grab a picnic table.

Biergarten

Located in the heart of Hayes Valley, this parking lot beer garden is a popular spot for 20-somethings. Biergarten offers hefty steins of beer, with seven rotating German and Austrian styles on tap, including Stiegel Pils, Franziskaner, and Weihenstephaner lager. The brews are best paired with traditional fare like bratwurst, Bavarian cheese plates, and pretzel knot sandwiches. The long wooden tables fill up fast on sunny days, but the crowds tend to thin out around dusk, making it a cosy spot to grab a blanket, enjoy a drink, and relax.

Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist is a classic choice for day drinking in San Francisco. It features a spacious patio and a diverse crowd of bikers and hipsters. The extensive beer list includes over four dozen varieties, ranging from pilsners and lagers to saisons and barrel-aged stouts, with offerings from both local and international breweries.

Park Chalet

Park Chalet is located in a historic building on the outskirts of Golden Gate Park, just across from Ocean Beach. It boasts a beer garden on its expansive lawn, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The food menu features typical American fare, such as burgers and fried appetizers, along with unique options like Brussels sprouts and pulled pork sandwiches.

Almanac Beer Co.

Situated in the Spirits Alley section of Alameda, Almanac Beer Co. occupies a 30,000-square-foot space in a former airplane hangar. It offers a wide range of brews, including a large selection of sours. The expanded patio area, built during the pandemic, provides ample space to enjoy your drink.

Drake's Dealership

Drake's Dealership, located in Uptown Oakland, is a bustling beer garden and restaurant housed in a historic Dodge dealership. The open-air beer garden is adorned with vines and heat lamps, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. With 32 beers on tap and a full menu that includes wood-fired pizzas and burgers, there's something for everyone.

Southern Pacific

Southern Pacific, a former machine shop turned brewery, offers a spacious indoor-outdoor bar spanning 10,000 square feet. The patio is lined with communal tables and heat lamps, creating a casual and comfortable atmosphere. The in-house beer selection includes a range of styles, from pale ales and kolsches to porters and IPAs.

These are just a few of the many fantastic beer gardens that San Francisco has to offer. Whether you're looking for a lively spot with food trucks, a cosy patio, or a spacious garden with a view, there's something to suit every taste.

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