South of S.F. – Beer by CalTrain
We started by listing good craft beer destinations via BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. Of course, if you go to the southernmost BART station on the west side of the bay, Millbrae station, you can transfer to CalTrain, and the San Francisco Peninsula opens up to you. You can start from San Jose or Silicon Valley just as easily, and make your way up to BART.
CalTrain runs less frequently than BART, but you can actually eat and drink on their trains if you like, unlike on BART. Get out and try some real local west coast ales and craft brews within walking distance of public transit, and you could even get a growler to go and some paper cups to carry onto the train if you’re so inclined.
Here’s our growing list of good beer destinations near CalTrain — an easy transfer from Millbrae BART for your pleasure and reference if you’re starting from the north.
(One shoe 
is up to a Quarter Mile walking, one way from the CalTrain station):
- Millbrae BART Station to CalTrain
- Steelhead Brewing (Brewpub, Burlingame CalTrain)
- Firehouse Brewery, (Brewpub, Sunnyvale CalTrain)
- Steelhead Brewing (Brewpub, Burlingame CalTrain)
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More to come! Suggestions more than welcome.
Happy Rails.
June 2, 2007 at 10:53 am
Hi!
Great site! We just visited for the first time and are so happy to find a kindred spirit! We use public transporatation regularly to discover new places to enjoy craft beer, good food and fun times.
If you are looking for a great list of bars, brewpubs, and restaurants along the Caltrain line, please visit our website:
http://wetyourwhistles.com/
We maintain a comprehensive and ever-expanding list of quality watering holes (and a few good dive bars!) you can reach by traveling on Caltrain.
Joey & Jen
http://wetyourwhistles.com/
Where Will You Drink Today?
January 9, 2008 at 1:04 am
Ah, a grand ole pastime of mine is catching the train to the Giants game. And a grand ole pastime of grabbing a brew pre game and/or postgame is great to go along with it! Very well organized site! Cheers!
January 9, 2008 at 1:21 am
Thanks, Mr. Mike. We, too, find ourselves at 21st Amendment Brewery before and/or after watching the Giants, making it a perfectly lovely day. BTW, they sometimes have cans of their IPA and Watermelon Wheat beers for sale there. Perfect for a CalTrain ride.
Cheers,
Steve
September 8, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Good beer along the Peninsula Caltrain line (other than Steelhead and Firehouse Breweries):
San Carlos — Pudley’s Tavern (El Camino, two blocks)
Redwood City — City Pub (Broadway, one block)
Palo Alto — Rose & Crown (Emerson, two blocks)
Sunnyvale — Faultline (Oakmead, about a mile by bus)
Note that I did not mention Gordon -Biersch or Tied House, although both are close enough to stops.
November 24, 2009 at 4:01 pm
A great pub near the Millbrae BART station is Fiddler’s Green. Proper Irish pub, great selection of beer and spirits and friendly staff. Best of all its maybe a 5 minute walk up El Camino from the station.
December 2, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the tip. We look forward to checking it out. We are a little light on Peninsula beer spots.
Cheers,
Steve
December 25, 2010 at 9:17 pm
We stopped at the Lawrence caltrain stop last weekend and hoofed it to faultline brewery. About a twenty minute walk or so…well worth it. Great beer including an ipa on cask
January 6, 2011 at 11:07 am
Add Tied House to the list. A 10 minute walk from the Mountain View Transit Station (Caltrain and VTA light rail).
Any Sharks TV game feature half pints (manager’s choice of beer)for 50 cents during the first period.
http://www.tiedhouse.com
July 5, 2012 at 11:06 pm
The Refuge in San Carlos just made the Chronicles top 100 bars in the bay area. They have 18 taps and a huge bottle list. All rare brews from Belgium and elsewhere. Incredible pastrami and gastropub fare as well.