From tall and robust to hoppy and hazy, the breweries of San Francisco have some of the best selections in California and the US.
Each of the city’s unique neighborhoods has everything you need for a classic NorCal experience: dramatic hills revealing pink sunsets, colorful Victorians, giant redwood trees, tech talk, baked goods from rich ethnic pockets, eclectic bookstores, and America’s finest breweries.
This list is for visitors to the city or native San Franciscans new to the craft beer scene rather than a database of all of SF’s breweries.
These are the iconic makers that define the San Francisco brewery scene.
Here are the best breweries in San Francisco:
Pro Tip: For all the best secrets and local lore, consider a tour.
Anchor Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Famous for its steam beer, Anchor Brewing uses all-malt mesh in a traditional copper brewhouse.
Since 1896, during the Gold Rush, Anchor has been serving up craft beer, making it California’s oldest brewery.
This brewery is also home to the first American porter (Anchor Porter), barleywine (Old Foghorn Ale), and Christmas Ale, the first seasonal holiday ale in the US, released annually since 1975.
Learn from a brewery tour or experience via taste by the Public Taps and use the beautiful patio sitting space with a vertical garden.
Best Known For: Anchor Steam, Anchor Summer Beer, Earthquake Beer, Anchor IPA, Anchor Saison, Anchor Liberty Ale
Black Hammer Brewing
Neighborhood: SoMa
Born out of a Burning Man beer-making operation, Black Hammer is still unofficially known as “the Burning Man brewery.”
In 2017, Black Hammer Brewing made waves in San Francisco when it created the first CBD-infused beer. Today, BH is known for its small production and modern warehouse hangout space.
Best Known For: Nectar of Life, Black Claw, Sparkle Pony
Barebottle Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
Barebottle Brewing Company is known for juicy and hazy IPAs, tea-infused Saisons, Italian-style pilsners, and award-winning beers from local homebrewers’ recipes.
Barebottle is 100% SF-oriented and uses local ingredients from the Bay Area whenever possible.
Outside, a rotating menu of food trucks is the perfect way to end your visit to the best breweries in San Francisco.
Best Known For: Muir Woods, Doom Bloom, Galaxy Dust
Cellarmaker Brewing Co
Neighborhood: South of Market
Cellarmaker Brewing Company is popular, and it’s not because they make consistently awesome beer.
Actually, it’s the opposite. The team at Cellarmaker got bored making the same few beers all the time, so instead, they produced small batches of experimental beers.
There are 12 beers on tap; if you ever want to drink it again, bring a growler.
Best Known For: Coffee & Cigarettes, Dank of the West, It’s Essential
Magnolia Brewing-Haight
Neighborhood: Haight Ashbury
Before breweries were ever big in San Francisco, Magnolia founder David McLean made craft beer in a basement in Haight-Ashbury.
Although Magnolia Brewing Co. opened in 1977, the building’s history dates back to 1903.
It’s been many things in its time:
- Schumates Pharmacy
- The Drugstore Cafe (one of the original hippie hangouts)
- Magnolia Thunderpussy’s, named for a famous burlesque performer and radio gossip of the time
These days, Magnolia Brewing is the best place in Haight-Ashbury to enjoy beer and locally sourced California cuisine.
Best Known For: Kalifornia Kolsch, Narrow Universe, Fivey Time, Cloud Cover
Frequently asked questions
Are there any craft beer walking tours in San Francisco?
There is! I highly recommend this tour because of its comprehensive local guides and generous cancellation policy.
If you’re traveling in a group, consider this private tour, where you can select your breweries and be chauffeured around in luxury.
What beer is San Francisco known for?
San Francisco is known for Anchor Steam Beer, first crafted at Anchor Steam Brewing in 1896. Many also believe that Anchor Brewing Company is the oldest craft beer maker in the US (I highly recommend a tour).
How many breweries are in San Francisco?
The Bay Area has a ton of breweries: over 120, and many of them are within San Francisco city limits.
What’s the official beer of the San Franciso Giants?
Dating back to the California Gold Rush, Anchor Brewing is intrinsically tied to San Francisco and has been the unofficial beer of the Giants for decades.
Does San Francisco have any beer festivals?
Yes, San Francisco has many beer festivals, mainly in the summer but plenty throughout the year. Some bigger beer festivals include SF Beer Week and San Francisco International Beer Festival.
What was the first brewery in California?
Anchor Brewery is the oldest in California. In 1896, German brewers Ernst F. Baruth and Otto Schinkel, Jr. started the first of the six Anchor locations on Pacific Ave.
What city in California has the most breweries?
At over 150 establishments, San Diego has the most breweries of any California city, with San Francisco in a close second place at around 121.
Pin it for later
