Hey there, fellow beer enthusiasts! As someone who has been brewing my own beer for years, I know a thing or two about what makes a great brewery. Lucky for us, San Francisco has plenty of amazing options to choose from. Here are my top 9 picks for breweries in and around the city.
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Almanac Beer Co.
This brewery uses locally sourced fruit and ingredients to create their unique and experimental beers. Their taproom in San Francisco’s Mission district offers a rotating selection of drafts, including renowned sour beers like their Farmer’s Reserve series.
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Anchor Brewing
As one of the oldest breweries in San Francisco, Anchor Brewing is a must-visit for any history buffs. Their taproom offers a wide variety of classic and seasonal brews, including their famous Anchor Steam Beer.
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Cellarmaker Brewing Co.
This brewery in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood focuses on small-batch, hop-forward beers. They offer a rotating selection of IPAs, stouts, and more, so there’s always something new to try.
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Fieldwork Brewing Company
This Berkeley-based brewery has a taproom in San Mateo where they regularly offer a wide range of beers, from classic pale ales to experimental sours and stouts. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a pint on a sunny day.
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Faction Brewing Company
Located on the waterfront in Alameda, Faction Brewing Company has a large outdoor space that’s perfect for enjoying a beer with views of San Francisco and the Bay. They offer a rotating selection of IPAs, lagers, and more, and their taproom is open seven days a week.
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Fort Point Beer Company
With taprooms in both the Presidio and the Ferry Building, Fort Point Beer Company is a great spot to grab a beer after a day of exploring San Francisco. They offer a wide range of classic and experimental beers, including their signature KSA (Kolsch-style ale).
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Laughing Monk Brewing
This brewery in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood specializes in Belgian-style beers, but also offers a range of IPAs and stouts. Their taproom has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of games and a rotating selection of food trucks parked outside.
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Magnolia Brewing
With locations in the Haight and Dogpatch neighborhoods of San Francisco, Magnolia Brewing offers a rotating selection of classic and experimental beers, along with a menu of delicious pub fare. Their Dogpatch location also houses Smokestack, a BBQ restaurant that serves up some of the best brisket in the city.
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Rare Barrel
Located across the Bay in Berkeley, Rare Barrel is a must-visit brewery for sour beer fans. They specialize in barrel-aged sour beer, and their taproom offers a rotating selection of these unique and complex brews.
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Russian River Brewing Company
While it’s not technically in San Francisco, Russian River Brewing Company’s Santa Rosa location is worth the drive. They’re known for their Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, but their taproom also offers a range of other delicious beers.
If you’re a fan of sour beers, Almanac is not to be missed.
Anchor Brewing is a San Francisco institution, and their beers are just as delicious as they were when they first started brewing in 1896.
Hopheads, rejoice! You won’t find better IPAs in the city than at Cellarmaker Brewing Co.
If you’re looking for a spot outside of the city with great beer, Fieldwork Brewing Company is worth the trip.
Faction Brewing Company offers the perfect combination of great beer and stunning views.
Fort Point Beer Company’s two San Francisco locations make it easy to grab a delicious beer no matter where you are in the city.
If you’re a fan of Belgian-style beer, Laughing Monk Brewing is the place to be.
Magnolia Brewing is the perfect spot to grab a pint and some comfort food.
If you’re a fan of sour beer, don’t miss the chance to try Rare Barrel’s offerings.
Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs are legendary among beer lovers.
And there you have it! Nine amazing breweries to explore in and around San Francisco. Pick your favorite or visit them all, and cheers to delicious beer.