Best California brewpubs?

For one, I would recommend Steelhead Brewing Company located in Burlingame (there are also other locations, but not nearby) about

There's a commuter train connection that takes you there in about

If you go there, try the "sampler board" (which they will hopefully still offer) of eight different styles of beer in small glasses. It's not a bad place to dine, either.

- Risto -

Here's a good place to start for SF ...

Cheers!

-- Todd Alström Co-Founder & President

-- Extreme Beer Fest = January 29, 2005

thanks! I should have looked there in the first place!

Saluti

Davide

I'm not sure what the best California brewpub is. But the worst has got to be the San Francisco Brewing Company in North Beach. I tried their stout & IPA a few weeks ago and they were both unbelievably bad.

Serious topic, that!

I'd also add River City Brewery in Sacramento. I don't know about all their line, but their pale ale sucked so bad I didn't bother trying anything else.

nb

You should look here:

It tells which places have gone belly-up and it's current.

nb

Did they bottle their beers at one time? I used to see a variety of River City beers at Trader Joe's about ten years ago. They were made in CA. as I recall. And they were pretty bad -- though not as awful as the SF Brewing ones.

Isn't there also a Sacramento Brewing Company? I tried their Red Horse Ale and thought it was alright.

I think this was a different River City, The Sacramento one was a small brewpub at one end of a mall and was bad all around. It was bought out by faultline at one point and got slightly better but not by much I'm pretty sure its not around any more.

Sac Brewing makes very good beer IMHO, I agree that the red Horse is noting special but the IPA, Imp Stout Barley Wine and Sacsquatch ale are FG.

mike

I didn't really mean to slight the Red Horse Ale; it's got some nice malt & hop flavors. I'll certainly try Sacramento's imperial stout & other styles if I see them.

Magnolia's in SF in the historic Haight Ashbury area produces some great beer and food in a historic location. You'll find alot of cask as well, a real plus.

- 21st Amendment has a few decent beers but is a little out of the way.

- SF brew company has a beautiful site in a cool location but pours pretty uneven beers. Not forumula 101 type stuff, just wildy unmixed tastes that are typically off.

- Thank God E&0 isn't brewing any longer.

- Beach Chalet. God, beautiful WPA building with ocean views but the beer and service leave something to be desired.

- Gordon Biersch. Pure formula.

My best bet: check out Magnolia's followed by a trip to the Toronado down the road.

How about Thirsty Bear? And doesn't Rogue operate a brewpub that used to be a Steelhead place, up north near overtouristed Fishermen's Terminal?

Seems like most of the SF brewpubs are kinda mediocre, though, and I don't necessarily disagree with that. It's a wonder they stay in business.

I agree Magnolia's is a must.

I like the location od SF Brewpub and the Rogue is within walking distance. SF Brewpub beer is a little different each time, one could get lucky and sample a good batch. Rogue is not a brewery but has all the samples from their Brewery in Oregon.

Do not remember E&O, there was a faultline near Lombard or Bay.

Agreed but the trip to Toronado's must be in a taxi, the area around there is weird. Toronado's is not a Brewery, does have every beer imaginable even some really good cask (one is a saison from Lagunitas), better than the cask at Magnolia's although Magnolia's may have a broader selection.

Scott

I remember the E&O. The beers were okay, sorta nondescript, and the food was all right. Did the place go under, or just give up brewing?

It's down at the heels, but I've walked in the area and used public transportation without being terrified out of my wits. It's a bit sketchy, but I've seen way worse.

And it's not "Toronado's." It's "the Toronado."

And walking distance from the Toronado is Suppenkueche, in Hayes Valley. Good German eats, and a great imported-beer tap selection, heavy on German beers.

The walk between Magnolia and the Toronado isn't too bad (and it is mostly downhill) it does get a little sketchy if you go a few blocks past the Toronado towards downtown however.

mike

Eh, I don't think the neighborhood's that bad at all. Sure, it's not Fisherman's Wharf, but then again FW isn't part of a city anyway. It's an environment that's been sanitized for tourists' safety.

Of course, I don't really have any problems with staying at hotels in and near the Tenderloin and walking around there at night, either. Maybe it's just me.

I've done just that walk, and it's fine, unless you're not used to scaling hills. And Suppenküche is indeed a gem, not only for the beer but for its ability to shut up anyone who claims that German food isn't all that good and consists just of sausage and pretzels. Their sister location in Alameda (the name escapes me at the moment) is also very good.

-Steve

If you are referring to the Bavarian Restaurant (Alameda), they have been closed ever since the Military left Alameda as did The Tied House. The Bavarian Restaurant had good brews on tap from Germany and great food.

There is an Italian Restaurant Brewery on Clement (San Francisco)near, I think, 25th. Never been there so I'm not sure if they contract the beer or whether the food is good.

Still do not recall E&O, I do remember 20 Tank Brewery had great beer however could not pay the lease after a Dot Com Guru purchased the building. Now,I think there is some sort of sparing (boxing) going on there.

Scott

No, that's not the place. I was just there in March.

Ah, finally found the name. Speisekammer. It's on Lincoln Ave., if that means anything. From what I recall (I wasn't driving, so wasn't paying that close attention), it's a bit tucked away, but also only a block or two off a major street onto the island.

-Steve

All the talk of SF brewpubs brings back grand memories. I'm shaking my head about those of you suggesting that he walk from Magnolia to Toronado. Yes, it's all downhill, but it's really a long way. I agree with taking the cab and enjoy yourself. I didn't see anyone mention that the taps change every couple weeks or so at Toronado. They have about 20-25 (can't remember) and