After Successful Beer Garden, 'SF Brewing Co.' To Open First Taproom

After Successful Beer Garden, 'SF Brewing Co.' To Open First TaproomPhoto: San Francisco Brewing Co.
Nathan Falstreau
Published on September 18, 2017

After launching a summer pop-up beer garden in Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Brewing Company announced plans to open its first tap room and on-site brewery in the square's west plaza. 

“It is a momentous occasion for us to open our first taproom,” owner Josh Leavy said in a statement. “We are constantly motivated by San Francisco’s culture of innovation, so Ghirardelli Square...is the ideal location for our flagship taproom.” 

The brewery is planning on having eight beers on tap, including the Alcatraz Amber Ale, Lá Mission Mexican Lager, and Marina Blond Ale. Plans also include a full-service bar offering an array of spirits, craft cocktails, and local wines and ciders.

"None of the beers will ever be served from a keg," he told Hoodline over the phone.  "The brew will flow directly from our fermentation tanks to a service tank, ensuring [that] it's as fresh as possible for our customers." 

SF Brewing Co.'s pop-up beer garden. | Photo: Josh Leavy

At the pop-up beer garden, the brewing company relied on food offerings from Waxman's—which has since permanently closed—and The Pub. Plans for the new taproom include a full-service restaurant serving what the brewery bills as elevated American-style pub food. 

Leavy said that menu details are still in the works, but his team is building a new kitchen from scratch, including the installation of a pizza oven. Due to the proximity to the wharf, expect to see pizzas, salads, small plates and appetizers to share, plus fresh seafood dishes. 

The outdoor beer garden will remain, centered around three permanent fire pits and heating lamps for the city's chilly nights. 

The new spot will also feature spacious indoor seating as well. As for entertainment, look for the billiards table, foosball tables, shuffleboard, Pop-A-Shot and a number of TVs to catch sports.

The taproom and brewery also plans to host private events and parties.

Before shutting down for the buildout in two weeks, the beer garden will remain open for September's Fleet Week festivities and for an Oktoberfest celebration.

If all goes well, the brewery is shooting for an April 2018 opening.