Anchor Brewing (16th St plus MUNI bus)
Anchor Brewery, makers of the well-known Anchor Steam Beer, Liberty Ale and others, do not have a pub. However, the brewery offers free tours every day that include tastings of a selection of their beers. Some of these beers can be almost impossible to find on draft outside the brewery. The rub is that these small tours are quite popular, so you must make reservations. They suggest one month in advance. The tour and tastings last about 2 hours and are well worth it.
Anchor was one of many local San Francisco brands a century ago, in the days before the national corporate giants, but was the only one to survive. They rescued an original American style, the California “Steam” or Common beer in the process. Their interesting website and unusual tours tell the story of how this brewery helped pave the way for the modern beer renaissance, and supported the rise of the contemporary homebrewer.
Extras: You can rent their space for your special event, including a brewery tour and private tasting.
1705 Mariposa Street, San Francisco • (415) 863-8350
Map to Anchor Brewing Company from 16th St. BART
This trip is slightly beyond the one mile limit we chose for our recommended walks, so unless you relish the exercise, take the MUNI bus or call a cab. Exit BART and go to the southwest corner of 16th at Mission Street to the bus stop for the 22. Take the 22 bus ($1.50 exact change) about a mile east. It will turn right and then left onto 17th. Get off at 17th and De Haro Street. Go uphill 1 block on De Haro to Mariposa Street, and you’ll see the old brewery building. Mariposa is their mailing address, but the actual entrance is on the De Haro side of the building.
