SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
SF Breweries: My 11 Top Picks
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: May 7, 2025 • Published: August 18, 2012
Want to check out some of the best SF breweries? My list includes the most highly rated options within the city's beer scene.
Some of my top picks include 21st Amendment, Magnolia Brewing Company, and Barebottle Brewing Company.
Every SF brewery on my list is a local brewing company and most of their craft beers are made right on site.
To help you decide what to order, I've also included some of my go-to favorites at each location. You'll find the best places for hazy IPAs, pale ales, and even kettle sours.
Did You Know? San Francisco was home to the oldest craft brewer in the US. The beloved SF beer company Anchor Brewing unfortunately closed in 2023 after 127 years of leading the craft beer revolution, but its legacy lives on. Discover our current top breweries.
1. San Francisco Brewing Company
The San Francisco Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in the city, run by a family with a long history in the brewing industry.
Located in Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman's Wharf, you can enjoy beers such as Alcatraz Amber Ale, Polk Street Pale, and the hefty 8.7% Velvet Hammer, a double IPA that really hits the mark.
The American-style pub experience also features a fun selection of games and tasty SF-inspired pub fare, all at sensible prices.
This is the sort of place that once you've been, it will have you hooked, and you’ll be back for more.
Address: 3150 Polk Street
>> Great places to eat in Fisherman's Wharf
>> More great things to see and do in Fisherman's Wharf
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
Top Attractions & Tours in Fisherman's Wharf
2. 21st Amendment Brewery
21st Amendment Brewery’s brewpub is a charming, lively place—one of my favorite breweries in San Francisco, which I’ve been visiting regularly for over 20 years.
They brew a stunning range of glorious craft beers that are a perfect choice for the San Francisco summer. I love ‘Close Encounters of the Hop Kind’, a double IPA at a robust 8.5% volume. For something lighter, I recommend the ‘Hell or High Watermelon Wheat’, a delightful wheat beer that simply oozes with flavor.
this SoMa brewery is a fun place to hang out. I highly recommend it!
Address: 563 2nd Street (near Oracle Park in SoMa)
>> More great places to check out in the South of Market District
3. Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
This small local brewery began in 1997 and quickly acquired fame for its craft beers that pack a real punch. You'll recognize the trademark eyes that beckon you in to discover this Prohibition-era taproom.
This brand of beers is known for their bold flavors. Their most famous brews are the original Prohibition Ale and SF's most popular IPA, the Big Daddy.
Their taproom is a bit off the beaten path, but it's a fun place to grab a drink.
A visit here is always tasty and fun, and you're guaranteed to have a different experience, as you'll escape to the past and get away from the most trafficked areas of the city.
Address: 1195 Evans Avenue (Bayview-Hunters Point)
4. Standard Deviant Brewing
The delicious San Francisco beer at Standard Deviant Brewing is all brewed on site. They have so many awesome brews on tap, including Kolsh, Saison, Horchata Cream Ale, and their famous "Naytorade IPA."
They also have a few barrel-aged beers, such as their Rose Saison, and a Nitro Bourbon Stout.
The brews on tap are always rotating, so you can be sure to get something different and exciting, no matter when you come to visit.
This local brewery promotes an inclusive atmosphere, supports local community groups, and has food trucks most weeks from Thursday to Sunday.
Address: 280 14th Street, Floor 1
>> More things to see and do in the Mission District
5. Magnolia Brewing Company
The Magnolia Brewing Company occupies a famous building at the corner of Haight and Masonic Streets that was a legendary hippie hangout in the Haight-Ashbury District.
They serve traditional pub food, such as fish and chips and burgers, and you can enjoy a touch of history while washing down your food with one of the brewery's superb ales.
I love the Magnolia Fivey Time, a classic pale ale at 5.6% ABV, but if you want something with a kick, the Cloud Cover Hazy IPA at 8% is a great choice.
Address: 1398 Haight Street at Masonic
>> More things to see and do in the Haight-Ashbury District
6. Fort Point Beer Company
At the flagship location in the Mission, you can enjoy beers such as Westphalia, a delicious German-style red ale, and Animal, a 7.5% traditional IPA.
You can choose from a lunch menu of familiar pub fare, and there is a happy hour from 4 to 6 pm Monday through Friday.
The smaller kiosk in the Ferry Building is a delight. Here, you can grab an ale and a hot dog or take a six-pack for home.
Their third location is near their production facility. They are offering beer and a few snacks outdoors at the new Tunnel Tops in the Presidio. There is plenty of outdoor seating and amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Locations:
- 742 Valencia Street (Mission District)
- Ferry Building (Embarcadero)
- Pop-Up at 210 Lincoln Blvd. (Presidio) - Fridays and Saturdays only
Fun Food Tours in the Mission
7. Barebottle Brewing Company
I love the fabulous choice of sours at the Barebottle Brewery and frequent this place often.
A charming San Francisco brewery and taproom combined, you’ll find it at 1525 Cortland Avenue, and it is a must for lovers of ales of all kinds offering a wide variety of craft beers.
Blooming Bliss is a classic hazy pale ale that hits the mark at 5.4%, while my favorite sours include Double Mango Flossi, an 8% monster with a rich fruit kick, and the same strength Local Paradise with its molasses aftertaste.
There’s something for everyone here and I recommend it highly.
In addition to their large facility in the Bernal Heights district, they opened a second location at Salesforce Park. You will find this one at 425 Mission Street.
Locations:
- 1525 Cortland Avenue (Bernal Heights)
- Salesforce Park at 425 Mission Street (Financial District)
8. Harmonic Brewing
This San Francisco brewery located near the Chase Center in Thrive City is a great place to check out some of the most innovative brews in San Francisco.
Harmonic Brewing offers a wide range of delightful craft beers that will not disappoint. A favorite of mine is the traditional English bitter Yeast of Burton, which, at just 4.5%, makes for a great session ale.
Jerry Day is a 6.8% American IPA, and they also brew sour beer, such as None More Blackberry, a wonderfully fruity drink that has you wanting more.
If it's an outdoor beer garden you are after, then Harmonic Brewing is the place.
Address: 7 Warriors Way, Suite 206 (Mission Bay)
9. Laughing Monk Brewing
Another one of the best breweries in San Francisco is Laughing Monk Brewing. They are a small-batch brewery with some great one-off and seasonal beers.
While I usually recommend my favorites, this one changes its menu so often that you'll have to trust you will find something great when you visit.
They don't have a kitchen, but you will find food trucks nearby every Friday through Sunday.
You'll find them in the Bayview district, just a block from the T line's Third Street Gilman/Paul stop.
Address: 1439 Egbert Avenue (Bayview)
10. Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
If there is one famous institution that all craft beer lovers should visit in San Francisco it is the simply legendary Beach Chalet.
Unique in offering a stunning view of the ocean, the Beach Chalet now has its own brewery where delicious, top-quality craft ales are brewed as the perfect companion for your choice of meal.
The craft beer available at the time depends on what has been brewing and includes the delicious Riptide Red Ale among many others.
I recommend you ask for a taste of the seasonal ale, as they rotate through the year.
You can also order beers at their garden-level restaurant called the Park Chalet.
Address: 1000 Great Highway (in Golden Gate Park across from Ocean Beach)
>> More about the Beach Chalet
11. Black Hammer Brewing
Few breweries in San Francisco match the Black Hammer Brewery for sheer enthusiasm and understanding of what makes delicious beer.
Offering a choice of ales, lagers, and seltzers all brewed on-site, this small, thriving craft beer company offers both a brewery in SoMa and a beer garden in the Castro.
I recommend the delicious Sparkle Pony, a Belgian blonde ale at a just-right 6.9%. Currently popular is Puck Futin, a Ukrainian anti-imperial stout which is very much of the moment!
With a fun and frivolous attitude to local brewing, and an entertaining and innovative one too, Black Hammer Brewing is certainly worth checking out.
Locations:
- 544 Bryant Street (SoMa)
- Willkommen Beer Garden at 2198 Market Street (Castro)
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
 |
 |
 |
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!