Four friends laugh and cheer, holding beers in a casual bar setting.

16 Best Breweries in San Francisco to Grab a Brew

When I first tried beer, it’s safe to say it wasn’t love at first sip. I nearly spat it out and said, “Why do people like this?!” But as I got older, my palate matured, and I developed a taste for all of the beverage’s hoppy goodness (I’m a sucker for a good IPA). It was when I lived in San Francisco that I first got into beer, and let me say, it’s the perfect town for a good brew.

SF is a renowned craft beer capital, celebrated for its innovative and high-quality brews that often win national awards. Skip the crowded tourist traps and discover the locals’ favorite breweries, where you’ll find good company and good drinks. 

21st Amendment Brewery

This isn’t just any brewery—21st Amendment Brewery brings back the spirit of old-fashioned neighborhood gathering spots where people connect over delicious, handcrafted beers like West Coast IPAs and a spicy Mexican-style lager. Enjoy seasonal brews like Pumpkin Haze in the fall, and take advantage of happy hour deals on drinks and pub fare.

Located just a block away from the Giants’ baseball park, it’s a perfect pre- or post-game spot. Voted “Best Brewpub,” “Best Burger,” and “Best Happy Hour” by the local press, this brewery honors the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, allowing breweries like this one to flourish again.

Black Hammer Brewing

This Bay Area brewery isn’t your average hangout–it’s a full-on celebration of individuality where you can “GET A BEER. GRAB A HAMMER.” (Though maybe not literally grab a hammer… unless it’s for a fun photo op!) Their motto is “enjoyment maximization,” aiming for the best darn beer experience possible.

They offer brews like West Coast IPA KALEIDO, a crisp Mexican Lager called PLAYA, a Belgian Blonde Ale, and more. Bring your friends or make new ones—Black Hammer is all about community. Feeling hungry? They partner with local food vendors, so you can grab a bite with your beer.

Barebottle Brewing Co.

Forget boring beers. Barebottle’s brews are as daring as they are delicious, often inspired by local homebrewing legends. Their standout brews include the Wonder Dust Hazy IPA and West Coast Splash West Coast IPA. Known for using local ingredients and collaborating with homebrewing groups, they also offer coffee, hop water, kombucha, and wines like Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Located in the charming hilltop neighborhood of Bernal Heights, Barebottle is a haven for beer lovers and curious newcomers, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the San Francisco craft beer scene.

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers

Stecks77, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Since 1997, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers has been a San Francisco staple, known for bold flavors with a gangster flare. Their iconic Big Daddy IPA is San Francisco’s best-selling brew, while the hoppy amber OG Prohibition Ale throws it back to the days of secret speakeasies.

Back in the day, they’d open the brewery for legendary Friday night shindigs with live music! Now, they have a taproom where you can sip a brew and feel like you’re in a 1920s speakeasy.

Cellarmaker Brewing Co.

If you’re tired of the same old brews, Cellarmaker Brewing keeps it fresh with a constantly rotating selection of small-batch beers, experimenting with different hops, barrels, and yeasts.

Their innovative approach always guarantees there’s something new to try, from hoppy IPAs to refreshing seltzers and rich stouts. Head to Cellarmaker House of Pizza for a heavenly duo of killer beers and delicious Detroit-style pizzas.

Olfactory Brewing

Notice the name? Olfactory means relating to smell. These brewers believe smell is key to taste, so expect an explosion of flavor and aroma with every sip! Specializing in German-style lagers and innovative IPAs, their standout brews include the refreshing Hana Kolsch and the hoppy West Coast IPA. With plenty of bar seating and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the ultimate spot to catch a game or relax with friends.

Bartlett Hall

Bartlett Hall boasts one of the best in-house breweries, offering a rotating selection of award-winning beers crafted by head brewer Nick Mamere, from hoppy IPAs to rich chocolate porters. They even have a Painted Devil Belgian Strong Ale and a Postcard from St. Petersburg Imperial Stout—how cool are those names?

Their killer menu features juicy burgers, BBQ ribs, and fish and chips, complemented by artisanal cocktails. You’ll find Bartlett Hall right in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Union Square. 

Woods Cervecería

Close-up of a bartender filling a glass mug with beer from a tap, with foam forming on top.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Who would say no to a little slice of Argentina right in San Francisco? Woods Cervecería is styled after a cozy estancia, transporting you to South America’s cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. This place is all about innovation and wild flavor combinations.

Their claim to fame is the MateVeza IPA, uniquely brewed with yerba mate, a high-caffeine South American tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Morpho, a tart hibiscus ale, or the Local Honey Ale with lavender, eucalyptus, and yarrow.

Magnolia Brewing Co.

Located on the iconic corner of Haight and Masonic Streets, Magnolia Brewing Co. has been serving up tasty cold ones since 1997. They’ll give you balanced, sessionable beers, which means they’re easy to drink and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. From crisp Kolsch to juicy IPAs and roasty porters, they blend classic styles with a modern twist.

Try Haighterade for a tropical punch, Dock of the Bay for coffee-infused richness, or Janis Joplin for a citrusy double IPA—their brews are as fun as they are delicious! Insider tip: Grab a 32 oz crowler can and share the Magnolia experience wherever you go.

Laughing Monk Brewing

At Laughing Monk Brewing, beer is serious business, but fun is the name of the game. Their rotating tap list offers everything from classic German Pilsners to fruity New England IPAs. With names like A Brew Hope, Brother Luke, and Sister Dorothy, their whimsical theme adds a playful twist to each pint. It’s a brewery that celebrates craft beer and good times without reservation!

Standard Deviant Brewing

Standard Deviant Brewing in the Mission District could be your new favorite hangout, whether you’re smashing brewskis with friends or enjoying some solo time. They create classic styles like Cuatro Lager, Kolsch, Hefeweizen, and barrel-aged beers with quality ingredients and a twist of innovation.

Standard Deviant is easy to find and even easier to settle into this relaxed spot filled with board games and shuffleboard. They also host local food vendors Thursday through Sunday, so you can pair your beer with delicious bites.

Southern Pacific Brewing

Group of friends raising beer glasses in a cheerful toast at an outdoor gathering.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Ever wonder what riding the rails in the Wild West tasted like? Southern Pacific Brewing in the Mission District isn’t a time machine, but it pays homage to the legendary Southern Pacific Railroad with every sip. They develop a variety of classic and unique ales like crisp Kolschs, refreshing California Blondes, hop-forward West Coast IPAs, and rotating guest beers to keep things interesting. Don’t miss their elevated pub grub that goes beyond typical bar fare.

Fort Point Beer Co.

Fort Point isn’t just a random name. It’s a nod to the historical military fort in the Presidio that overlooks the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The label symbolizes their desire to be a strong and enduring part of the city’s identity. They believe in “Good Beer for Everyone,” making balanced and approachable brews with a twist. 

From light and crisp Kölschs to juicy IPAs, they have a core line of deliciousness plus limited releases to keep things exciting. Fun fact: Their KSA Kölsch is a San Francisco classic featuring illustrations of the iconic Grace Cathedral on the can!

Park Chalet

Award-winning house-brewed beers and epic ocean views adjacent to Golden Gate Park—what more could you ask for? Named for its setting near the historical Beach Chalet, it’s the perfect spot to sip on their California Kind Pale Ale or hoppy Sea Serpent IPA while enjoying the view.

With a variety of styles, from crisp blonde ales to flavorful IPAs, Park Chalet’s beers are brewed using fancy ingredients from around the world. And be sure to check out their delicious menu, featuring classics like Riptide Ale Fish & Chips and juicy burgers.

San Francisco Brewing Co.

San Francisco Brewing Company at the Ghirardelli Square in The Fisherman's Wharf.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

San Francisco Brewing Co. isn’t just a name—it’s a promise to craft beers that embody the city’s spirit, like the bold Broadway IPA and refreshing Cablecar Kolsch. Unlike big breweries, it focuses on handcrafted, small-batch beers, ensuring fresher flavors and unique offerings. Pair your brew with delicious San Francisco-inspired dishes from their pub food menu. Located in iconic Ghirardelli Square, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great beer with a picturesque view (and maybe some chocolate, too!).

Sequoia Sake Co. 

Okay, Okay, Sake is not technically beer, but I thought this place deserved an honorable mention. Meet Sequoia Sake Co., San Francisco’s first sake brewery, crafting award-winning sake that’s as bold and innovative as the state itself. They use locally sourced ingredients like glacier-carved Yosemite water and organically grown California rice, including their own special sake rice variety.

Offering a range from classic Junmai Ginjo to unique barrel-aged and spicy-infused sakes, Sequoia also specializes in unpasteurized Nama sake for the most delicate and flavorful experience. Don’t miss their tours and tastings to learn about their brewing process and enjoy some award-winning sake!

Have you visited any of these breweries? Which is your favorite?

Let us know in the comments!

Author: Hannah Healy

Title: Writer

Expertise: Travel, Food, Wellness

Hannah is the published author of The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook and an avid writer in the health, entertainment, travel, and personal finance spheres. She is also the owner and founder of Healy Eats Real, a health and wellness website providing recipes and wellness information for over ten years. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Redbook, Fitness, and MSN.

Similar Posts