San Francisco CA prides itself on quality of life, amazing views and, of course, an excellent culinary scene. Those things are all true. But there is more: San Francisco fosters one of the most amazing craft brewery environments on the west coast. The city by the bay is full of fine men and women exceeding expectations in craft beer. If you look, you’ll see a scene full of flavors of west coast hops that begs to be considered.
Let’s walk through three craft beer breweries in San Fransisco that deserve your attention the next time you’re in town.
Craft Beer in San Francisco: Magnolia Brewing
Located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of west San Francisco, this neighborhood brewery was one of the primary reasons craft beer brewing exists in San Francisco. The establishment, close to Golden Gate Park in an area known for cozy architecture, boasts craft beers that are loaded with flavor and finesse. While the main brewhouse is known for beers of all colors and thickness, the food is to die for. From burgers to sausages to appetizers, Magnolia never disappoints on the food front.
Craft Beer in San Francisco: Triple Voodoo Brewing
Located in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, which is just south of downtown SF by five minutes, Triple Voodoo produces amazing ales. From porters to IPAs to pales, their beers are produced in a manner that any beer snob (including this one) will appreciate.
The staff is knowledgeable and Triple Voodoo’s taphouse is perfect for sampling while watching a Golden State Warriors game.
While there’s no kitchen at Triple Voodoo, I’ve found it’s the perfect spot to order UberEats to be served at the taproom location. Triple Voodoo is located adjacent to Mission Street. So I regularly order tacos from Pancho Villa and have them delivered for beer+taco perfect. I guarantee that one order of Pancho’s tacos and chips+guacamole and you’ll be hooked. 😀
Craft Beer in San Francisco: Anchor Steam Brewing
Located in the Portero Hill neighborhood of SF (just up the hill from Triple Voodoo), this San Francisco bellwether has been operating since the 1800s. Anchor Steam was founded by two German immigrants. Their goal: To create quality beer in the Bay Area.
Anchor Steam Brewing is named for the original practice of fermenting beer on San Francisco’s rooftops in a cool climate. In lieu of ice, the SF-famous foggy nights naturally cooled the air thanks to the Pacific Ocean breezes. The fermenting beer created steam off the warm open pans. Once a nickname for any Californian or West Coast beer brewed under these conditions, today the name “steam” is a trademark of Anchor Brewing. It applies to the process and taste of its flagship brand – San Francisco’s original Anchor Steam Beer.
This iconic SF brewery now has 20-something beers in production. During the holidays, I am fond of Anchor Steam’s Christmas Ale. It is brewed each fall according to a time-honored recipe. Also, the bottle label art has been produced since the 1970s by the same independent artist in Marin county – a man who’s in his seventies at this point.
Conclusion
This Traveling Dad (who goes to SF regularly) is fond of these craft beer breweries in San Francisco. What’s your favorite beer by the Bay? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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