Bay Area Thread

[BrandoSF]

hey all, I'm gonna be up in your **** next week. basically looking at Santa Rosa area next Tues, SF on Weds, and Santa Cruz on Thurs. anything I should keep my eye out for on draft or bottles/cans around the area? no real plans except to hit RR and Lagunitas on Tues, Fieldworks and Federation on Weds, and SARA on Thurs.

I've never even heard of federation. Apparently they've been around since '14?

 

[tosh1]

hey all, I'm gonna be up in your **** next week. basically looking at Santa Rosa area next Tues, SF on Weds, and Santa Cruz on Thurs. anything I should keep my eye out for on draft or bottles/cans around the area? no real plans except to hit RR and Lagunitas on Tues, Fieldworks and Federation on Weds, and SARA on Thurs.

Federation? Any paticular reason?

Could be up for a beer at Fieldwork on Wed.

 

[user 306349]

Federation? Any paticular reason?

Could be up for a beer at Fieldwork on Wed.

one of the owners is a friend from Portland that moved back home to the bay a few years ago, I want to see how it's shaping up for him.

 

[chemman141]

one of the owners is a friend from Portland that moved back home to the bay a few years ago, I want to see how it's shaping up for him.

Seems well regarded on here.

 

[tosh1]

Seems well regarded on here.

Damn, you are an arsehole.

 

[tosh1]

one of the owners is a friend from Portland that moved back home to the bay a few years ago, I want to see how it's shaping up for him.

I know the space, but never had a beer from them I do not think.

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

one of the owners is a friend from Portland that moved back home to the bay a few years ago, I want to see how it's shaping up for him.

Was just there for the first time last week. Was solid and really close to Beer Rev.

 

[BrandoSF]

Went to Bartlett Hall today. Food was solid & the Australian style pale was really nice. I wish it were located just about anywhere else tho

 

[coldstorage]

no real plans except to hit RR and Lagunitas on Tues.

Heads up, Lagunitas taproom is closed on Tuesdays. Cooperage or Henhouse is prob your best bet for a follow up in Santa Rosa. Or Beercraft in Rohnert Park. Sadly, Moonlight is weekends only. Happy hour at Steele and Hops is kinda nice, tasty and cheap snack menu and classics like Weihenstephaner or Saison Dupont on tap (which are crowded out everywhere else in town) and some local stuff like Shady Oak too. Or if you had your heart set on Petaluma in the evening try Taps and Jamisons Roaring Donkey (a nice short walk over the Petaluma River on a foot bridge...)

Im at the client site all week or id offer to buy you a pint. Have fun

 

[user 306349]

Heads up, Lagunitas taproom is closed on Tuesdays. Cooperage or Henhouse is prob your best bet for a follow up in Santa Rosa. Or Beercraft in Rohnert Park. Sadly, Moonlight is weekends only. Happy hour at Steele and Hops is kinda nice, tasty and cheap snack menu and classics like Weihenstephaner or Saison Dupont on tap (which are crowded out everywhere else in town) and some local stuff like Shady Oak too. Or if you had your heart set on Petaluma in the evening try Taps and Jamisons Roaring Donkey (a nice short walk over the Petaluma River on a foot bridge...)

Im at the client site all week or id offer to buy you a pint. Have fun

I've spent zero time in Santa Rosa so this is super helpful, thanks! I'm not totally sure when I'll be hitting the city as I'm camping on the coast both Mon and Tues and hoping to get a few other activities squeezed in, but I'm really hoping to hit a few places.

 

[stupac2]

I've had some Federation at fests, based on what I've had it's not worth seeking out.

 

[nothingisreal]

Went to Bartlett Hall today. Food was solid & the Australian style pale was really nice. I wish it were located just about anywhere else tho

Dude worst ******* location ever.

 

[coldstorage]

I've spent zero time in Santa Rosa so this is super helpful, thanks!

Well, to drill down a bit further:

-There are a handful of "beer bars" in walking distance from Russian River but most are owned by the same restaurant group and aren't going to flip your wig coming from the land of plenty that you live in... so I would steer clear of bibis burger bar, stout brother, county bench and beer baron. If you want to stay close to Russian River there is Local Barrel right around the corner which is a spot opened by an RR bartender and an ex employee of Beercraft that has good stuff. Not so much on the precious side (you wont be getting 4oz BA pastry stout pours - rather a nice selection of local pints.) The will probably have a few moonlight taps running too which should be a target of anyone hitting Santa Rosa IMO.

-Flavor Bistro closed (RIP) but if you need a moonlight fix and a cheap bite, Mambos Pizza across from the Junior College has NY style pies or slices and two dedicated moonlight taps. Its literally on your way between Russian River and Cooperage if you stick to city streets instead of freeway.

-Steele and Hops really isn't a must hit place for visitors trying to hit the great spots, it's more like a nice escape for locals who want classic styles often overlooked at the beer bars. Don't go out of your way but if you do time it right and want a Dupont and an order of brisket cigars it might be worth your while. (Its pretty much across the street from Mambos)

- Beercraft is a bottle shop and tap room right off the freeway in Rohnert Park, about a 10 min drive from Santa Rosa in the direction of San Francisco that always has great stuff on tap. Mix of nice pints and vanilla cinnamon mud puddle stuff. There is also a brand new Bear Republic location right by Beercraft that just had its soft opening.

-The above mentioned Cooperage is the "new" thunderdick in town, people are rabid over these guyes...but its justified... great beer great people. Its in an industrial park North of Santa Rosa, def have to drive there. If you make it up there before 7pm you should check out Bottle Barn (one block over) for the best selection and best prices on bottles in Santa Rosa.

Tuesday is a great day to do Russian River you won't have to wait at all.

 

[litheum94]

Well, to drill down a bit further:

-There are a handful of "beer bars" in walking distance from Russian River but most are owned by the same restaurant group and aren't going to flip your wig coming from the land of plenty that you live in... so I would steer clear of bibis burger bar, stout brother, county bench and beer baron. If you want to stay close to Russian River there is Local Barrel right around the corner which is a spot opened by an RR bartender and an ex employee of Beercraft that has good stuff. Not so much on the precious side (you wont be getting 4oz BA pastry stout pours - rather a nice selection of local pints.) The will probably have a few moonlight taps running too which should be a target of anyone hitting Santa Rosa IMO.

-Flavor Bistro closed (RIP) but if you need a moonlight fix and a cheap bite, Mambos Pizza across from the Junior College has NY style pies or slices and two dedicated moonlight taps. Its literally on your way between Russian River and Cooperage if you stick to city streets instead of freeway.

-Steele and Hops really isn't a must hit place for visitors trying to hit the great spots, it's more like a nice escape for locals who want classic styles often overlooked at the beer bars. Don't go out of your way but if you do time it right and want a Dupont and an order of brisket cigars it might be worth your while. (Its pretty much across the street from Mambos)

- Beercraft is a bottle shop and tap room right off the freeway in Rohnert Park, about a 10 min drive from Santa Rosa in the direction of San Francisco that always has great stuff on tap. Mix of nice pints and vanilla cinnamon mud puddle stuff. There is also a brand new Bear Republic location right by Beercraft that just had its soft opening.

-The above mentioned Cooperage is the "new" thunderdick in town, people are rabid over these guyes...but its justified... great beer great people. Its in an industrial park North of Santa Rosa, def have to drive there. If you make it up there before 7pm you should check out Bottle Barn (one block over) for the best selection and best prices on bottles in Santa Rosa.

Tuesday is a great day to do Russian River you won't have to wait at all.

I miss Mombos. Used to live right down the street from that location. The Florentine pie is so ******* good.

Happy to hear Cooperage is doing well. Tyler and his wife certainly are good people.

 

[user 306349]

Well, to drill down a bit further:

-There are a handful of "beer bars" in walking distance from Russian River but most are owned by the same restaurant group and aren't going to flip your wig coming from the land of plenty that you live in... so I would steer clear of bibis burger bar, stout brother, county bench and beer baron. If you want to stay close to Russian River there is Local Barrel right around the corner which is a spot opened by an RR bartender and an ex employee of Beercraft that has good stuff. Not so much on the precious side (you wont be getting 4oz BA pastry stout pours - rather a nice selection of local pints.) The will probably have a few moonlight taps running too which should be a target of anyone hitting Santa Rosa IMO.

-Flavor Bistro closed (RIP) but if you need a moonlight fix and a cheap bite, Mambos Pizza across from the Junior College has NY style pies or slices and two dedicated moonlight taps. Its literally on your way between Russian River and Cooperage if you stick to city streets instead of freeway.

-Steele and Hops really isn't a must hit place for visitors trying to hit the great spots, it's more like a nice escape for locals who want classic styles often overlooked at the beer bars. Don't go out of your way but if you do time it right and want a Dupont and an order of brisket cigars it might be worth your while. (Its pretty much across the street from Mambos)

- Beercraft is a bottle shop and tap room right off the freeway in Rohnert Park, about a 10 min drive from Santa Rosa in the direction of San Francisco that always has great stuff on tap. Mix of nice pints and vanilla cinnamon mud puddle stuff. There is also a brand new Bear Republic location right by Beercraft that just had its soft opening.

-The above mentioned Cooperage is the "new" thunderdick in town, people are rabid over these guyes...but its justified... great beer great people. Its in an industrial park North of Santa Rosa, def have to drive there. If you make it up there before 7pm you should check out Bottle Barn (one block over) for the best selection and best prices on bottles in Santa Rosa.

Tuesday is a great day to do Russian River you won't have to wait at all.

i love pizza, so Mombo's it is. ******* stoked for this trip, thanks for the info! you need to join us for another game night next time you're in Portland!

 

[mjl21]

Well, to drill down a bit further:

-There are a handful of "beer bars" in walking distance from Russian River but most are owned by the same restaurant group and aren't going to flip your wig coming from the land of plenty that you live in... so I would steer clear of bibis burger bar, stout brother, county bench and beer baron. If you want to stay close to Russian River there is Local Barrel right around the corner which is a spot opened by an RR bartender and an ex employee of Beercraft that has good stuff. Not so much on the precious side (you wont be getting 4oz BA pastry stout pours - rather a nice selection of local pints.) The will probably have a few moonlight taps running too which should be a target of anyone hitting Santa Rosa IMO.

-Flavor Bistro closed (RIP) but if you need a moonlight fix and a cheap bite, Mambos Pizza across from the Junior College has NY style pies or slices and two dedicated moonlight taps. Its literally on your way between Russian River and Cooperage if you stick to city streets instead of freeway.

-Steele and Hops really isn't a must hit place for visitors trying to hit the great spots, it's more like a nice escape for locals who want classic styles often overlooked at the beer bars. Don't go out of your way but if you do time it right and want a Dupont and an order of brisket cigars it might be worth your while. (Its pretty much across the street from Mambos)

- Beercraft is a bottle shop and tap room right off the freeway in Rohnert Park, about a 10 min drive from Santa Rosa in the direction of San Francisco that always has great stuff on tap. Mix of nice pints and vanilla cinnamon mud puddle stuff. There is also a brand new Bear Republic location right by Beercraft that just had its soft opening.

-The above mentioned Cooperage is the "new" thunderdick in town, people are rabid over these guyes...but its justified... great beer great people. Its in an industrial park North of Santa Rosa, def have to drive there. If you make it up there before 7pm you should check out Bottle Barn (one block over) for the best selection and best prices on bottles in Santa Rosa.

Tuesday is a great day to do Russian River you won't have to wait at all.

In Santa Rosa I also recommend both Confluence and Trail House on the east side of town. Trail House usually has 4 RR taps and Sightglass Coffee.

 

[buzzword]

i love pizza, so Mombo's it is. ******* stoked for this trip, thanks for the info! you need to join us for another game night next time you're in Portland!

seconding henhouse - cool spot, not sure if they'll have the pizza trailer on a weekday, but worth a stop.

 

[user 306349]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

 

[buzzword]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

1. harder and harder to get cans, but plenty of draft options in town at places like toronado and crafty fox. occasionally cans at both places.

no idea on the other 2.

 

[chemman141]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

That No FX beer just hit here in so cal last week. I would guess sometime this week or next week for nor cal.

 

[RyanG1]

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

For local ciders, I like:

• Troy. They have a bottle or two at most spots.
• Tag+Jug. Local production on Treasure Island. They distribute around the area. Did a really good Cider mixed with Barelywine.

 

[coldstorage]

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

Tilted Shed is hardest out, incredible stuff. Cidery is only open on Saturdays but you can find their bottles around... best prices will be at the Bottle Barn spot I mentioned above near Cooperage but if you cant make it there during hours you can also find their stuff at local Whole Foods, Olivers Market, etc. Their Inclinado is a really nice Sidra style, but it's really all good. Basically buy anything on sight.

Leaky Barrel is a new company made by a few cider distributors. Doing some single apple single hop things. Available everywhere. Nowhere near on Tilted Shed level, but it is local.

If you are a cider guy the cider section is really growing in Bottle Barn. The just took an account w/ Ciders of Spain after COS was down here pouring at the Tilted Shed TXOTX event and have a shelf or two full of really great Basque and Asturian Sidra for <$10 a bottle. Ask at the register and they should still have the aerator spouts for them too.

 

[cornboy]

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

Aptos St. BBQ or Lupulo might have Alvarado on draft.

 

[buzzword]

Tilted Shed is hardest out, incredible stuff. Cidery is only open on Saturdays but you can find their bottles around... best prices will be at the Bottle Barn spot I mentioned above near Cooperage but if you cant make it there during hours you can also find their stuff at local Whole Foods, Olivers Market, etc. Their Inclinado is a really nice Sidra style, but it's really all good. Basically buy anything on sight.

Leaky Barrel is a new company made by a few cider distributors. Doing some single apple single hop things. Available everywhere. Nowhere near on Tilted Shed level, but it is local.

If you are a cider guy the cider section is really growing in Bottle Barn. The just took an account w/ Ciders of Spain after COS was down here pouring at the Tilted Shed TXOTX event and have a shelf or two full of really great Basque and Asturian Sidra for <$10 a bottle. Ask at the register and they should still have the aerator spouts for them too.

is Far West cider any good?

 

[AndresR]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

Alvarado cans tend to be instasellouts when they drop. Blame the HazeBroz.

But this week they have a non hazey beer, a collab with Peter Hoey. Won't sell out because its not a hazel beer. But Will be delicious because Hoey had a hand in it. Keep an eye out for that one.

 

[tosh1]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

Thursday afternoon cans usually drop. BBW usually has some Friday AM

 

[coldstorage]

is Far West cider any good?

On my list still actually, but I have heard nice stuff.

Fun has pretty much been on pause for 2017... I haven't even had time to open a single Sara Cellar or Tilted Shed Bin Club bottle and those are just in my garage. Richmond might as well be the moon...

 

[cardinalbruintriton]

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

No one mentioned Rabbit Foot's Meadery in Sunnyvale. The meads are alright but the ciders are tasty.

 

[rrryanc]

three questions:

1 - what's the deal with Alvarado Street? is it possible to get draft stuff or cans in the area without going to the brewery in Monterey? if not, is it possible to reasonably trade for a small assortment or is this walezbro kinda stuff?

2 - has anyone seen the Stone NOFX beer around? I checked K&L's site since I'm already planning on making a stop and they only show up in Hollywood.

3 - any local cider recs? Ryan_G tipped me off on one but I'm not too familiar with CA ciders. I know Sebastopol is supposed to have good apple production but I'm relatively clueless on what's coming out of the area that isn't mass-produced.

and thanks for all the recs and info so far, you guys are beyond helpful!

You can buy from K&L and they'll ship it up so you can grab it at the SF or RWC locations. Are you in the bay area now?

 

[user 306349]

You can buy from K&L and they'll ship it up so you can grab it at the SF or RWC locations. Are you in the bay area now?

ahh good to know. I'm in Portland now, will be in the bay next Weds and Thurs