San Francisco's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

San Francisco is home to a variety of craft breweries and beer sellers. From the experimental SF Brewing Co. & Restaurant, which offers small-batch brewing and a fully-stocked bar, to the well-respected Cellarmaker, known for its consistent quality across experimental and classic styles, there is something for everyone. Other notable mentions include Barebottle Brewing Co., a distribution staple with rotating taps, and Magnolia, which offers IPAs and elevated pub fare. For those looking to buy craft beer, options include the 21st Amendment Brewery, Harmonic Brewing, and the Russian River Brewing Company, which offers award-winning beers and unique flavours such as the Funky Foeder Cherry Beer.

SF Brewing Co. & Restaurant

The restaurant serves delicious San Francisco-style pub fare, inspired by the diverse flavours of the Bay Area, carefully selected to complement their craft beers. SF Brewing Co. also offers a fully-stocked bar with an ever-evolving cocktail menu.

With its innovative beers, delectable food, and inviting atmosphere, SF Brewing Co. & Restaurant is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and indulge in the best of San Francisco's craft beer culture.

Cellarmaker

Their diverse selection includes pillowy and soft pale ales, as well as robust dark beers like the Nitro Coffee & Cigarettes, a nitro-smoked coffee porter with a rich flavour profile. Cellarmaker also offers unique options such as tea-infused saisons and competition-winning beers crafted from recipes by home brewers. In addition, they have a rotating calendar of food trucks and an in-house Detroit-style square pizza to complement their beverages.

In addition to their beers, Cellarmaker offers a range of merchandise, including hoodies, beanies, sweatshirts, and glassware, allowing fans to showcase their love for the brand. Cellarmaker also produces wines, such as their 2021 Chardonnay made with fruit from English Hill and Taylor Ridge Vineyards, and the 2021 Riesling Cole Ranch, known for its exotic and layered flavours. Whether you're a beer or wine enthusiast, Cellarmaker has something to offer.

Barebottle Brewing Co

If you're looking for craft beer in San Francisco, Barebottle Brewing Co. is a great option. Established in 1997, this brewery opened its taproom in 2011 and has been a staple in the city's beer distribution scene ever since. Located in Bernal Heights, at 1525 Cortland Avenue, the brewery is housed in an old marble and stone factory just up the hill from Bayshore. The space boasts a light industrial aesthetic with corrugated metal exterior, high ceilings, skylights, and cement floors.

The brewery provides a welcoming atmosphere, with a bar to the left as you walk in, and you can enjoy a 5oz taste of beer for $2 or a pint for $6. They also offer growlers to go, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their beers at home. Barebottle Brewing Co. is open seven days a week and offers both delivery and takeout options, making it easy for beer enthusiasts to enjoy their craft beers.

Russian River Brewing Company

The brewer Vinnie Cilurzo is regarded as one of the most innovative microbrewers in the country. He is credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale, also known as Imperial IPA, during his tenure as head brewer at Blind Pig Brewing Company. Cilurzo's favourite component, Brettanomyces, was first used in 1999 for sour beer production, and it has since become a signature element in many of their beers.

The Russian River Brewing Company has two locations with distinct features. The Windsor facility stands out for its larger size, free parking, an expanded menu, and guided brewery tours. On the other hand, the Santa Rosa location is situated on 4th Street and is known for its unique beers and merchandise. The company's beers, such as Pliny the Younger, are available on tap and in bottles at both locations, attracting long lines of eager customers during their annual releases.

The Russian River Brewing Company has won numerous awards for its beers, including the prestigious Collaboration Not Litigation with Avery, resulting from a conflict between the two breweries over the name "Salvation" for their beers. Their innovative brewing methods and modern techniques have earned them a reputation for quality and creativity in the craft beer industry.

21st Amendment Brewery

If you're looking to buy craft beer in San Francisco, one place to check out is 21st Amendment Brewery. This popular spot is located at 563 2nd St, right next to the ballpark, making it a perfect place to grab a beer before a baseball game. The brewery has a taproom in San Leandro and a brewpub in San Francisco, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious beers and scrumptious food.

The brewpub offers a range of beers on tap, including their signature El Sully and El Sully Lime, as well as limited-release exclusive brews. They also have "to-go" 6-packs and Made in the Bay Small Batch Series 4-packs available for purchase. The brewpub is open Monday through Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm, and Thursday through Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. It's closed on Sundays.

In addition to their beers, 21st Amendment Brewery also offers rotating specials with delicious food options. Their food menu includes items like fish tacos, and they often host special events such as Strong Beer Week, where they feature strong beers like the Hop Crisis Triple IPA and Golden Doom Belgian Strong Ale. The brewery also hosts monthly trivia nights and provides plenty of TVs for entertainment.

The taproom in San Leandro offers a more relaxed atmosphere with live music on Saturday nights, brewery views, and a laid-back beer garden. 21st Amendment Brewery also has a shop where you can purchase their beers to enjoy at home. Overall, 21st Amendment Brewery is a great option for craft beer enthusiasts looking to enjoy a pint or two in San Francisco.

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