Beer Snob: No Longer an Oxymoron
By Citysearch Editors, San Francisco
Back when a man's appreciation of beer was measured by the size of his belly, few could have imagined the quintessential everyman drink being judged on its nose and finish and paired with gourmet food by beer stewards. But, several new beer halls are doing just that--and packing them in. Of course, there are still a few local institutions that offer 100-plus bottles and drafts ... but leave the sniffing and pairing to the Napa crowd.
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The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th St, San Francisco, CA
This Mission district pub serves artisan brews, including two dozen draughts and 100 bottled varieties, alongside elevated pub grub in a clean-lined, modern space. -
La Trappe
800 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA
Specializing in Belgians, this spot keeps a few on tap and hundreds more in bottles, pairable with plates from the upstairs restaurant or down in a cellar styled like a medieval rectory. -
The Trappist
460 Eighth St, Oakland, CA
With 140 bottles, 15 rotating taps, frequent tastings and classes, this Oakland beer shrine is a must for any beer snob. -
Bin 38
3232 Scott St, San Francisco, CA
Every item on the critically lauded Cal-Mediterranean menu here comes with interesting beer pairing suggestions--Abita Purple Haze beer and éclairs, anyone?--and there's a large, heated patio out back. -
City Beer Store
1168 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
At this SoMa shop and tasting room, beer gets the kind of respect usually reserved for fine vintages and spirits, with kegs of connoisseur-grade foreign and domestic brew on tap for gratis gulping.
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Toronado
547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
This gritty, Lower Haight classic offers one of the best beer selections in town, and although they might slap you if they heard you say "pairing," feel free to bring in a sausage from Rosamunde next door. -
Tommy's Joynt
1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA
The Tenderloin hofbrau is known for their hearty meals, but regulars come back for the globe-spanning 100-plus beer menu. -
Zeitgeist
199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
With 25 taps, 30 bottled options and a huge, always-fun beer garden, this Mission staple is a beer lover's dream. -
Royal Exchange
301 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
An old-school Financial District bar and grill with strong drinks, gigantic burgers and fine brews. -
Lucky 13
2140 Market St, San Francisco, CA
A laid-back rocker's bar with an enormous suds selection, free popcorn and petite smoker's patio.
