San Francisco's beer aficionados face a poignant moment of change as Dave Keene, owner and founder of the iconic Toronado Pub, is stepping away from the legendary taproom after 38 years. In a statement shared on Toronado's official Instagram account, Keene announced his retirement and the upcoming business sale, promising a final Beer Week celebration to honor his legacy. "Beer Week 2025 will be a special occasion for the Toronado family," the post on social media revealed, inviting loyal patrons to a series of events designed to commemorate the pub's storied history and bid farewell to its long-time shepherd.
Meanwhile, Compass Commercial listings have put the storied pub's building on the market, underscoring the gravity of this transition. The two-unit commercial property at 543-547 Haight Street includes the Toronado Pub and an adjacent small restaurant space. The listing price for this piece of San Francisco's bar history is $1,750,000, according to a Compass listing, which describes the property as a "time honored Jewel" in the Lower Haight neighborhood. Prospective buyers are looking not only at real estate but also a slice of the city's culture, complete with high ceilings and decades' worth of beer-related memorabilia adorning the walls.
The Toronado has long been revered for its standout selection of craft beers. It offers patrons 50 taps and an impressive array of cans and bottles from California's finest and international heavyweights. The pub has made a name for itself with beer enthusiasts, who've consistently filled its barstools, attracted by its extensive beer menu and unassuming atmosphere. Even as it prepares to change hands, Toronado maintains its reputation as a vanguard of the San Francisco craft beer scene, where a good pint and good company are always on the menu.
