San Francisco

What are the best beer destinations within about a 200 mile radius of San Francisco? It's four years since I've been and things do change.

I don't want to waste my trip from the UK.

Jeff P

Reply to
Jeff Pickthall
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You won't exactly be lacking for things in the City itself, not to mention the East Bay. Davis and Chico all have their attractions, of course (Suedwerk, Sierra Nevada), and if you want to head up to Santa Rosa, I've heard good things about the brewpub up there.

What would be of most interest to you?

Reply to
Oh, Guess

Is Sudwerk okay? Heard a vague rumor about trouble there, financial-keeping-the-doors-open trouble. Hope it's all bullshit, would like to know one way or the other.

Reply to
Lew Bryson

What are the best beer destinations within about a 200 mile radius of

to mention the East Bay

Reply to
Grafix8888

I travel in that neck of the woods frequently - haven't had Sudwerk in a while, but in the Sacramento area I generally prefer Sacramento Brewing anyhow. Also go to Sudwerk and/or Rubicon, if you want to be thorough, but if you only have time for one, you won't go too wrong w/ Sac Brewing.

In SF, I had some good beer a year ago at E&O Trading Co, on Sutter St. For widest selection by far, go to the Toronado (which is an alehouse, not a brewpub) in the Haight, but be prepared for attitudes behind the bar.

In Marin County, across the Golden Gate, I'd definitely go to Marin Brewing in Larkspur Landing, Moylan's in Novato, and Dempsey's in Petaluma, though I haven't visited that last in some time. I hope they're still as good as they were.

There are also several breweries worth looking for up near Placerville, in the hills east of Sacramento.

BobS

Reply to
bob schinske

Thanks everyone!

I'm travelling out on Sept 23. I was originally planning to go to Denver also but am feeling too lazy and poor!

I own a specialist beer bar in London and stock, amongst many others, Anchor beers and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (from October). I've been to SF a couple of times before and was just wondering how things had developed.

This trip I'm hiring a car and I want to travel further afield. No disrespect to SF but I've been there, done that.

Email me for any reciprocal London recommendations.

Jeff P

Reply to
Jeff Pickthall

Peter's beers have been so-so for quite some time. The kitchen at Dempsey's is still superb, but the beers continue to have an annoying sasaparilla twang. Of course, Marin and Moylan's still rule, with distinctly different beers coming from the same umbrella company. Paddy hasn't brewed at Marin since '95, and Arne's taken the beers in a decidedly different direction. Marin's IPA has been at the top of my list for the past few years, while Paddy's Imperial Stout is absolutely untouchable.

I'd also recommend checking out the Koelsch-style bier at Ross Valley if you're in the North Bay. Little known, but a well-crafted interpretation of the style.

Reply to
Captain BungHole

I bought a bottle of this in Peteluma a few weeks ago and was unimpressed. It was cloudy and overly fruity not the clean, crisp and subtle I was looking for. I also tried their Red and IPA and both were better so I'm half suspecting that I got an off bottle of the Koelsch.

mike

Reply to
Grafix8888

I second the sentiments about Toronado. approx. 40 brews on tap at any one time. I have one of their shirts on as we speak. I recommend SF brewing as well. I love their Alcatraz Stout and often took growlers home when I lived there. I would also recommend Magnolia on upper haight. Many brews of their own and a couple "guest" brewers as well. They have cask conditioned and also CO2 delivery. The brews hand-pulled up from the basement are excellent. This brewery was an old apothecary many years ago and has a great atmosphere and lots to look at both inside and out.

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Sf brewing site is down, but they are on Broadway at approx. Kearny. Get a couple of pints or a pitcher and sit outside. The pedestrian traffic is great entertainment.

Reply to
mrbetelman

Reply to
NHGator

Reply to
mrbetelman

Further south? Haight Street runs east-west. Lower Haight is further

*east*, closer to downtown. The 'hood is a little dicier than the Upper Haight, so be aware, or just take a taxi.
Reply to
Oh, Guess

Reply to
mrbetelman

mrbetelman formulated the question :

San Fran is awesome.

Reply to
Gabe

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