Table of Contents
Looking for the next city for your beer-hopping adventure? Check out San Francisco’s impressive list of craft breweries worthy of your beer bucket list.
This Northern California city is the birthplace of America’s first craft brewery, the Anchor Brewing Company. With more than 120 breweries ranging from microbreweries to large corporations operating today, San Francisco has made its mark on the Golden State’s vibrant beer scene.
Here are the top 17 craft beer scene in San Francisco, where you can enjoy the best beers on tap and delicious food that pairs well with them.
1. The Black Hammer Brewing
One of San Francisco’s pride breweries, Black Hammer Brewing, contributes a unique brew to the craft beer scene. They have an impressive selection of lagers and ales complemented by an eclectic lineup of small batches of IPA, hard seltzer, smoothies, and sours that are sure to please anyone’s palate.
Conveniently located at 14 and Bryant Street (near Embarcadero), San Francisco, Black Hammer Brewing is known for its relaxing indoor seating and beer garden with picnic tables. They serve German American Fusion food for hungry patrons. A wide selection of craft beers is available on tap, and each beer undergoes thorough testing to ensure low gluten content.
- Crowd Favorite: Sparkle Pony, 6.9% ABV. The Black Hammer’s flagship Belgian Blonde beer.
- Highly Recommended: Nectar of Life Kölsch, 5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Offers a catering service for any private events and welcomes outside catering.
- Fun Facts: Black Hammer Brewing is the only “Burner Brewery” in the world.
Hours: Open Mon – Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 10pm.
Address: 544 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (628) 222-4664 | Instagram | Website
2. New Belgium Brewery
New Belgium Brewery is another San Francisco must-visit brewery that boasts its award-winning brews and full-service restaurants. New Belgium Brewery is located in the Mission Bay neighborhood, featuring a taproom and restaurant with a spacious patio that offers a beautiful view of Oracle Park.
New Belgian produce small batches of guaranteed fresh beers on rotation and mouth-watering food recipes for a complete beer and dining experience. In addition, they are also a family and kid-friendly establishment.
- Crowd Favorite: Fat Tire Red Ale, 5.2% ABV. This New Belgium’s iconic Red Ale is the first American carbon-neutral beer.
- Highly Recommended: Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, 7.5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Street parking is available. If using Rideshare, please use Gus’s Market as a drop-off and pick-up point.
Hours: Open Mon – Sun 11am-10pm.
Address: 1000a 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94158
Contact: (415) 874-9633 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
A beautiful view of the ocean and the relaxing sound of the waves is what welcome you to Beach Chalet. This two-story Spanish revival architectural design brewery is one of the city’s landmarks. It features a spacious and comfortable bar and dining room with a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean.
Beach Chalet bar offers handcrafted beers, wines, and tasty cocktails. The kitchen is also famous for its impressive full-course menu. With its large glass windows and ceilings, this place offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for family and friends.
- Crowd Favorite: Presidio IPA, 6.5% ABV. A refreshing hoppy American IPA.
- Highly Recommended: Riptide Red American Ale, 5.6% ABV.
- What’s New? Park Chalet (located at the back of Beach Chalet) offers a spacious space for private events such as weddings.
- Fun Facts: The historical WPA Frescos Murals in the 1930s, portraying the daily lives of people in San Francisco, are located on the first floor of Beach Chalet and are open for public viewing.
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 9am – 8pm, Thur & Friday 9am – 9pm，Sat 10am-9pm，Sunday 10am-8pm.
Address: 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Contact: (415) 386-8439 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. 21st Amendment Brewery
Located at the heart of downtown San Francisco, 21st Amendment Brewery aims to create a relaxing place for social interactions and community gatherings. A certified pre-game hotspot for San Francisco Giants fans. This brewery features a wide selection of rotating beer on taps, from their iconic “Hell or High Watermelon” wheat beer to equally impressive IPA.
21st Amendment features a spacious tasting room ideal for family and friend gatherings and private events. The brewery does not serve food, but there are food trucks that park outside the building on weekends and serve delicious meals.
- Crowd Favorite: Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer, 4.9% ABV. A refreshing and crisp wheat beer brewed with fresh watermelon!
- Highly Recommended: Brew Free! Or Die IPA, 7% ABV.
- Fun Facts: The brewery’s name is from the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that repeals the Prohibition in 1920 and brings back America’s craft beer scene.
Hours: Open Mon – Sun 11am – 10pm.
Address: 563 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 369-0900 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Anchor Steam Brewery
As “San Francisco’s Gold Rush Beer,” Anchor Brewing set the mark in the craft beer revolution and started the craft beer industry in San Francisco. Founded in 1896, they still operate in the traditional way of steam brewing. And with their iconic, the absolute, Anchor Steam Brewery continuously produces quality craft beer that makes San Franciscans proud.
Anchor Brewing features spacious indoor seating and a beautiful, welcoming patio. They also have a spectacular sun-drenched beer garden perfect for a family get-together. Learn their century of brewing history through their scheduled brewery tours.
- Crowd Favorite: Anchor Steam Beer, California Common, 4.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Anchor California Lager, 4.9% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Reservations are open for brewery tours.
- Fun Facts: From 1991 to 2018, Anchor Steam Brewery used a unique code on their beer bottle that represents the date of the special beer packaging. Ex: December 14, 2018 – 8DN (8 – the last digit of the year, D – December, N – Alphanumeric symbol for the day).
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 2pm – 4pm, Fri & Sun 12pm – 4pm.
Address: 1705 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 863-8350 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Fort Point Brewery
With two prime locations, the Fort Point Brewery is considered one of the favorite to-go breweries near Embarcadero, San Francisco. Fort Point’s flagship beer hall in the Mission provides a calm and relaxing vibe for everyone to enjoy a pint of craft beer and is also known for its amazing hotdogs.
Fort Point is also one of the most popular breweries in the Bay Area. It became a much-needed addition to San Francisco’s beer and dining scene and deserved a few repeat visits by boosting their favorite tropical IPA and Kolsch-style beer.
- Crowd Favorite: Villager American IPA, 6.3% ABV. A refreshing American IPA.
- Highly Recommended: KSA Kölsch, 4.6% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: A kid and dog-friendly brewery. No reservation allowed.
Hours: Open Mon – Sun 11am – 7pm.
Address: one Ferry Building One, San Francisco Bay Trail #54, San Francisco, CA 94111
Contact: (628) 224-1999 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Barebottle Brewery
Barebottle is a microbrewery that brewed small batches of beers with big flavors. Barebottle Brewery made its mark in San Francisco’s beer scene, focusing on brewing innovative beers made from local ingredients. The brewery also takes a big step in helping the community by giving a platform for the homebrewers to showcase their best craft beer.
Aside from craft beers, Barebottle also offers wines, coffee, and soda made from local ingredients. They also feature a massive industrial-style tasting room with plenty of family-friendly seating, and dogs on leashes are always welcome.
- Crowd Favorite: Unicorn Dust IPA, 6.5% ABV. A refreshing hazy IPA with tropical fruit flavors.
- Highly Recommended: Galaxy Dust American IPA, 6.5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Unfortunately, Barebottle doesn’t make foods. But don’t worry, outside food is always welcome, and food trucks are available.
- Fun Facts: The founders of Barebottle are certified judges in every beer competition. And later realize their dream of owning a brewery.
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 10am – 10pm, Fri & Sat 10am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 9pm.
Address: 1525 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA
Contact: (415) 926-8617 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Laughing Monk Brewery
Situated in the heart of the Bayview neighborhood, Laughing Monk Brewery is a microbrewery with 16 rotating beers on taps of mixed Californian and Belgian brewing heritage. They offer an extensive selection of beers from San Francisco’s local and seasonal ingredients.
Laughing Monk also offers a 1000-square-foot tasting room with string lights and an industrial vibe which is perfect for private events and gatherings. They are family-friendly as well as a certified dog-friendly establishment.
- Crowd Favorite: Third Cycle Belgian Tripel, 8.7% ABV. A clear and crisp Tripel with the right bitterness and notes of spices and dried fruits.
- Highly Recommended: Holy Ghost Pilsner, 5.3% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Open for shipping within California.
- Fun Facts: Laughing Monk Brewery is a certified dog-friendly brewery and offers a dog treat-making class!
Hours: Open Tue – Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 1439 Egbert Ave unit a/b, San Francisco, CA 94124
Contact: (415) 678-5157 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Magnolia Brewery
One of the best breweries in San Francisco that offers food and beer pairing. Magnolia Brewery is located in Haight Ashbury District and was the original neighborhood hangout in the 1960s. It features a relaxed and hippy vibe taproom and a 7-barrel brewery in the basement.
Magnolia Brewery also offers charcuterie, cheese, sausages, and other traditional art-crafted recipes that you will surely love. They also have vegetable salads and other healthy foods.
- Crowd Favorite: Kalifornia Kölsch, 4.7% ABV. A light and refreshing Kölsch with a well-balanced sweetness and dryness.
- Highly Recommended: Cloud Cover Hazy IPA, 8% ABV.
- Fun Facts: The brewery’s former name is Magnolia Thunderpussy’s, which became famous in the 1960s.
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 11:30am – 9pm, Thu & Fri 11:30am – 10pm, Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 11am – 8pm.
Address: 1398 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Contact: (415) 864-7468 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Seven Stills Brewery
As San Francisco’s only brewery and distillery, Seven Stills Brewery is more than your primary brewery. They offer 20 craft beers on tap, whiskey flights, a full bar serving cocktails, and a restaurant. Seven Still focuses on experimenting and creating cask whiskeys using their craft beers, resulting in a unique distilled spirit.
Seven Still also features an expansive taproom and bar with glass windows and a high ceiling design, giving a clean urban warehouse aesthetics. They have their famous outdoor sunset taproom, which is very relaxing and ideal place for family and friends to get together.
- Crowd Favorite: Five Pounds IPA, 6.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Slo Flo Pils Pilsner, 5.5% ABV.
- What’s New? Watch out for their canned cocktails. You might come across your favorite Vodka Mule on the can!
- Fun Facts: The brewery’s name refers to San Francisco’s seven hills.
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 4pm – 9pm, Thur & Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 100 Hooper Street, Suite 4, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 757-0178 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. Speakeasy Ales and Lagers
Famous for its trademark cryptic eyes, Speakeasy is one of the must-visit breweries in San Francisco. It is home to renowned Prohibition Ale and Big Daddy IPA, which made its name in San Francisco’s craft beer scene.
Speakeasy features a spacious taproom with Prohibition-Era decors that contributes to the classy and fun vibe. They have 17 craft beers on tap and are also known for their special limited edition beer release. A perfect place for after-work hangouts.
- Crowd Favorite: Big Daddy IPA, 6.5% ABV. An American West Coast IPA with a smooth and refreshing citrusy taste.
- Highly Recommended: Prohibition Ale Red Ale, 6.1% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Speakeasy doesn’t serve food, but food trucks are available. Check out their scheduled events for more details.
- Fun Facts: Prohibition Ale is Speakeasy’s first beer brewed in 1997, is one of San Francisco’s famous beers, and is still available today.
Hours: Open Wed 3pm – 8pm, Thur 12pm – 8pm, Fri 3pm – 8pm, Sat 12pm – 7pm, Sun 11am – 4pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 1195 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Contact: (415) 238-0009 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Woods Beer and Wine Co.
Woods Beer and Wine Co is a group of bars, brewpubs, and wineries located in five prime areas of San Francisco. They specialize in brewing small batches of beers made from San Francisco’s local and fresh ingredients. They also offer outstanding wines for non-beer lovers.
Woods Beer and Wine’s bars all feature a sufficient seating area with a welcoming and laid-back vibe. They also offer yummy empanada in three of their locations.
- Crowd Favorite: Morpho Ale, 6% ABV. A refreshing spiced and herbed beer.
- Highly Recommended: MateVeza West Coast IPA, 7% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Woods Beer and Wine Co. offer community club membership where members can receive a specialty beer and Woods’ best wine every two months.
Hours: Open Mon – Fri 3pm – 9pm, Sat & Sun 12pm – 9pm.
Address: 3801 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Contact: (415) 493-0305 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. Local Brewing Co.
Founded by certified homebrewers and beer enthusiasts, Local Brewing focused on crafting approachable beer with character. They brew small batches made from local fresh ingredients. They strive to make their brews’ quality, innovative and enjoyable.
True to its name, Local brewing supports the community by hosting brewing workshops to help homebrewers and beer enthusiasts alike. The brewery also features a spacious tasting room and bar, offering indoor and outdoor dining.
- Crowd Favorite: Bluxome Black Lager, 5.1% ABV. AN award-winning dark lager with subtle maltiness and a light, smooth finish.
- Highly Recommended: Sutro Tower Stout, 5.9% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Local Brewing Co. serves a full course menu, so outside food is not allowed.
- Fun Facts: Local Brewing Co. is the first women-owned and brewed brewery in San Francisco headed by its Master brewer and co-founder, Regan Long.
Hours: Open Mon 4pm -8pm, Tue -Fri 4pm – 9pm, Sat 12pm – 9pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 69 Bluxome St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 932-6702 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Southern Pacific Brewery
Located at the center of Mission Street, Southern Pacific is a massive 10,000 square-foot brewery, expansive bar, and restaurant. It is a two-story industrial-style gastro pub offering a range of handcrafted alcoholic drinks from their house-brewed beers, wines to its impressive cocktails.
Aside from spacious indoor seating, they also have an upper mezzanine and an outdoor patio which they rented out for private events and gatherings. Plus, they also offer a rotating full-course menu.
- Crowd Favorite: Pale Ale, American Ale, 5.4% ABV. Refreshing American Ale with Belgian aromatics and honey malts.
- Highly Recommended: California Blonde Golden Ale, 5.2% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: They don’t cater reservations; it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Fun Facts: Southern Pacific Brewery’s name is inspired by the Southern Railroad Line in the 1900s.
Hours: Open Wed 11:30am – 11pm, Thur 11:30am – 11pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am – 12:30am, Suny 11:30am – 9:30pm, Mon &Tue Closed.
Address: 620 Treat Ave. San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 341-0152 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
15. Mikkeller Bar San Francisco
An international beer brand originated in Denmark with over 50 bars, restaurants, and beverage shops in Denmark, U.S, and Asia. Located near Union Square, Mikkeler Bar San Francisco is the first Mikkeller bar in America.
Housed in a two-story old Victorian building, it offers a calm, fun, and relaxing environment for beer lovers and enthusiasts. It has a bar with 40 rotating beers on tap and their famous Tivoli Sour Room, which acts as a cellar that houses aged sours from different countries.
- Crowd Favorite: Windy Hill IPA, 7% ABV. New England Style IPA.
- Highly Recommended: California Dream Pilsner, 5.8% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Mikkeller Bar SF also serves foods, wines, and refills growlers.
- Fun Facts: Mikkeller Brewery got its name from its two founders themselves. Mikkel Bjergsø and Kristian Klarup Keller.
Hours: Open Tue – Thur 4pm – 12am, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 34 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: (415) 984-0279 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
16. Standard Deviant Brewing
Standard Deviant Brewing is a new member of San Francisco’s vibrant craft breweries. They offer 12 cold and rotating handcrafted beers on tap. Situated in a former machine shop, the brewery is a warehouse-style building that provides a relaxing, laid-back, and chill neighborhood vibe. They have classic board games, three pinball machines, a TV, and many cold beers for a fantastic beer experience!
- Crowd Favorite: Hazy IPA, Brah? 6.8% ABV. A refreshing New England Hazy IPA.
- Highly Recommended: IPA, 7% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Standard Deviant doesn’t serve food, but neighboring food trucks are always available on rotation.
- Fun Facts: Standard Deviant name refers to the founders’ background: a scientist, a business graduate, and a former bar owner. It basically relates to Math and numbers.
Hours: Open Tue – Wed 4pm -9pm, Thur 4pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 10am-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 280 14th Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: (415) 590-2550 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
17. Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company
This new addition to the Outer Sunset neighborhood, Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company, offers a family-friendly taproom and restaurant. Besides winning the best local brewery award in 2021, Sunset Reservoir also offers other alcoholic beverages such as wines, cocktails, and ciders.
Sunset Reservoir is also famous for its full-course restaurant, which offers classic tavern dishes (not the usual Chinese foods in the neighborhood). It is a large building with high ceiling and string lights that give a warm and relaxing vibe.
- Crowd Favorite: Cool, Calm, Cucumber Gose, Sour, 4.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Outside Lands Kölsch, 5.4% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Watch out for their Drug Show Brunch Events.
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 12pm-9pm, Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 11am – 9pm.
Address: 1735 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: (415) 571-8452 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
