If you’re a beer lover, then the Bay Area is the place for you! With so many amazing breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best breweries in the Bay Area. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to hang out with friends or a place to take your date, we’ve got you covered. So grab a pint and check out some of these amazing breweries!
1. Lagunitas Brewing Company – Petaluma, CA
Lagunitas is one of the most popular breweries in the Bay Area, and for good reason. Their IPA is world-renowned, and their taproom is always packed with locals and visitors alike. We recommend trying one of their seasonal brews, like the Brown Shugga’ or the Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale.
Don’t forget to also grab a bite to eat, their menu offers classic pub fare like burgers and wings, as well as some more unique items like short rib quesadillas.
2. Anchor Brewing Company – San Francisco, CA
Anchor Brewing is one of the oldest breweries in the country, and their beer is unlike anything else you’ll find on tap. The brewery offers tradition by the pint. Their beers are known for their unique flavor profiles that can only be achieved through Anchor’s time-tested brewing process.
Their most popular beer is the Anchor Steam Beer, but we also recommend trying the Liberty Ale or the Anchor Porter. And if you’re feeling hungry, they have a great menu of pub favorites like fish and chips, burgers, and pretzels.
3. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, CA and Mills River, NC
Sierra Nevada is one of the most well-known craft breweries in the country, and their beer is available in almost every state. But if you want to experience Sierra Nevada at its best, you’ll have to visit one of its two locations in California or North Carolina.
The Chico brewery is located just north of Sacramento, and it’s where they brew their classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. They are not just confined to California though as they have another brewery in North Carolina.
Their menu has lots of great options, but we recommend the BBQ chicken pizza or the Sierra Nevada burger.
4. Russian River Brewing Company – Santa Rosa, CA
Russian River Brewing Company is best known for their Pliny the Younger, a Triple IPA that is only available for two weeks every February. But even if you can’t make it during that time, they have plenty of other great beers on tap.
Our favorites are the Blind Pig IPA, the Damnation Golden Ale, and the Consecration Dark Ale. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas and other pub favorites.
5. Cellarmaker Brewing Company – San Francisco, CA
Cellarmaker is a relative newcomer to the Bay Area brewing scene, but they’ve quickly become one of our favorites. They specialize in hoppy beers, and they have a rotating selection of IPAs and other hop-forward styles. Our current favorite is the Dank & Sticky IPA, but they also have a great Double IPA and a New England-style IPA.
In addition to their great beer, they also have an excellent food menu with items like wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. And if you’re looking for something sweet, they have a rotating selection of ice cream flavors made with their beer.
6. 21st Amendment Brewery – San Francisco, CA
21st Amendment is one of the most popular breweries in San Francisco, and their brewpub is located just a few blocks from AT&T Park. They have a great selection of beers on tap, including their flagship beer, the 21A IPA. Other great choices include the Lower De Boom Barleywine and the Monk’s Blood Belgian-Style Dark Ale.
And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of pub favorites like burgers, wings, and pretzels. They also have a selection of wood-fired pizzas made to pair with their own beer.
7. Magnolia Brewing Company – San Francisco, CA
Magnolia is one of the most popular breweries in San Francisco, and their beer is available at bars and restaurants all over the city. But if you want to experience Magnolia at its best, you’ll have to visit their brewpub in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
Their most popular beer is the Kalifornia Kolsch, but we also recommend the Proving Ground IPA and the Blue Bell Bitter. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and salads.
8. Bear Republic Brewing Company – Healdsburg, CA
Bear Republic is one of the most popular breweries in Sonoma County, and their beer is available at bars and restaurants all over the Bay Area. But if you want to experience Bear Republic at its best, you’ll have to visit their brewpub in Healdsburg.
Their most popular beer is the Racer 5 IPA, but we also recommend the Red Rocket Ale and the Olde Plank Aged Ale. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and salads.
9. Drakes Brewing Company – San Leandro, CA
Drakes is one of the most popular breweries in the East Bay, and their beer is available at bars and restaurants all over the Bay Area. But if you want to experience Drakes at its best, you’ll have to visit their brewpub in San Leandro.
Their most popular beer is the Drake’s IPA, but we also recommend the 1500 Pale Ale and the Denogginizer Double IPA. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and salads.
10. Almanac Beer Company – San Francisco, CA
Almanac is one of the most popular breweries in San Francisco, and their beer is available at bars and restaurants all over the city. But if you want to experience Almanac at its best, you’ll have to visit their taproom in the Mission district.
Their most popular beer is the Farmers’ Reserve Citrus Wheat, but we also recommend the Dogpatch Sour and the Heirloom Pumpkin Barleywine. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.
11. Modern Times Beer – San Diego, CA and Encinitas, CA
Modern Times is one of the most popular breweries in San Diego, and their beer is available at bars and restaurants all over the city. But if you want to experience Modern Times at its best, you’ll have to visit their taproom in North Park or their brewpub in Encinitas.
Their most popular beer is the Fortunate Islands Hoppy Wheat Beer, but we also recommend the Black House Oatmeal Coffee Stout and the Blazing World Amber Ale. And if you’re looking for something to eat, they have a great menu of wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.
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