Since it’s SF Beer Week, DJ from our PlumpJack Wine & Spirits Noe Valley team has comprised a list of some of his personal favorite places beer bars in San Francisco.
The places I have chosen each share a passion for providing quality beers and passion for all things beer. Many of these places are crowded each and every day because of the level of service that they provide. Below are my top five places to enjoy a cold glass of sudsy goodness.
Beer Bars of San Francisco: The Opening Act
Mikkeller Bar
34 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
One of the first American spots to find the popular Denmark beer Mikkeller, this beer bar boasts 42 tapped varieties of both local and European beers. The modern look and feel is surpassed by the timeless beer selection and the food pairings that go along with it, ranging from beer braised sausages and a charcuterie selection that is straight out of the European countryside. Mikkeller is serious with the way they handle and present their beers; each beer is categorized by which temperature it will be served at. Overall this venue is a great place to get a true European beer experience and a fantastic environment to enjoy new and old styles of beer.
Beer Bars of San Francisco: Part Deux
Tornado Pub
547 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
This San Francisco classic is a true gritty beer bar. From the dark setting to the Giants game being played on T.V. this dive is filled with a great sense of local pride. Not only does Tornado Pub celebrate the great local sport scene but they also provide their customers with a great selection of local beers amongst many others from all over the world. If you are going to order make sure you know what you want before one of the bartenders gives you a look. They will not shy from making you feel bad if you are not prepared. It’s an old school beer bar with a great beer drinking vibe. Note: One of the few places to serve Pliny the Younger on tap.
Beer Bars of San Francisco: Thrice is Nice
Pi Bar
1432 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
What this bar lacks in street side advertising, it TOTALLY redeems itself with a marvelous portrayal of true craft beer. Pi Bar is the place to go and enjoy a craft beer and some truly delicious pizza. This is not a fancy bar that has a uptight attitude, plain and simple you go to this bar to sit down and enjoy a pint with a friendly knowledgeable staff. They have options on draft as well as an extensive bottle collection that includes some of Russian River Brewery’s finest. If you have a question about a style of beer you have never had, the staff will not hesitate to pour you a sample and let you try it before you buy it. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a bar that has a weekly special everyday from when they open at 3:14 pm to 6:28 pm for a pint and a slice of cheese pizza for under seven bucks.
Beer Bars of San Francisco: May the Fourth be with You
Monk’s Kettle
3141 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
To say that beer is only 25% of the focus at Monk’s Kettle would be a bold faced lie; Monks Kettle is a pure brew pub and they showcase their love for the fine bubbly elixir by offering a rotating menu of roughly 200 beers. This upscale neighborhood gastropub specializes in Belgian beer, yet has many other styles to offer. With their newly added outdoor seating you now have the option to enjoy your cold glass of beer while baking in San Francisco’s “warm” sunny days. This knowledgable staff will guide you through their extensive beer list if you have any questions or are looking for a particular style.
Beer Bars of San Francisco: Strive for Five
Magnolia Pub & Brewery
1398 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Sausages and Beer! Whoever doesn’t enjoy eating a tasty pork sausage while sipping on some fine suds has to be crazy, Magnolia Pub & Brewery marries these two gifts to mankind together in a perfect way. With a rotating menu of beers and seasonal eats this pub does a great job at offering a great compliment to some truly delicious local and international beers. Upon entering this gritty San Francisco Pub you experience a feeling very similar to a brew house in Bavaria, the aroma of all things beer permeates the air and you are left with a smile upon your face (If you enjoy that sort of thing). Keep an eye out for any tap handle marked with a star for a great deal, stars indicate a four-dollar pint. If you find yourself on the corner of Masonic and Haight be sure to stop by and enjoy some delightful beers and pub grub.
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