San Francisco is no longer just a foggy, hilly haven for coffee and cocktails—it’s a serious beer city. While Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company may be the most famous must-try beer for visitors, the Bay Area’s craft beer scene has far more depth than one legendary double IPA.

If you’re planning a visit and wondering what else to drink while you’re there, you’re in luck. San Francisco and its neighboring cities are packed with award-winning breweries, experimental taprooms, and time-tested West Coast IPAs. Here’s a curated list of five standout beers to try in or around SF, whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown beer nerd.

1. Blind Pig IPA – Russian River Brewing Company
Style: American IPA
Where to Find It: Toronado Pub, City Beer Store, or Whole Foods beer sections

While everyone’s chasing Pliny, Blind Pig quietly holds its place as the everyday hero of the Russian River lineup. It's leaner and more restrained, with a crisp bitterness and citrusy hop character that makes it endlessly drinkable. Harder to find on draft outside California, this one’s a must if you spot it. And if you visit the Russian River taproom, don’t skip their aged sours and anniversary exclusives.

Source: The Beerly

2. Death & Taxes – Moonlight Brewing Company
Style: Black Lager (Schwarzbier)
Where to Find It: Frequently on tap at SF beer bars like Toronado

Dark, roasty, and smooth without the heaviness of a stout, Death & Taxes is one of California’s most iconic lagers. Brewed by Moonlight Brewing in Sonoma County, it’s become a cult favorite thanks to its balance of toasty malt and subtle bitterness. Perfect for those who think dark beer isn’t for summer—this one proves otherwise.

Source: BeerEdge

3. DDH Dobis – Cellarmaker Brewing Company
Style: Hazy IPA
Where to Find It: Cellarmaker Taproom (Howard St, SF)

Cellarmaker is often hailed as one of the best breweries in the Bay Area, and for good reason. DDH Dobis is a standout among their rotating hazy IPAs, brewed with 100% Citra hops for a juicy burst of mango, peach, and tropical fruit. If you enjoy the hazy side of hop-forward beers, Cellarmaker is a can’t-miss stop—and DDH Dobis is a great introduction.

Source: Untappd

4. Original Pils – Original Pattern Brewing Company
Style: German-Style Pilsner
Where to Find It: Original Pattern Taproom (Oakland)

For those who prefer clean, crisp, and sessionable beers, Original Pils from Oakland’s Original Pattern is a shining example. The brewery is known for their thoughtful, precise approach to classic styles, and this pilsner delivers with grassy hop aroma, snappy bitterness, and a flawless finish. Bonus: their taproom is connected to a great pizza spot.

Source: CraftShack

5. Saison Bernice – Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Style: Saison
Where to Find It: Occasionally at specialty beer bars in SF; taproom in Capitola

If you're into mixed fermentation, Saison Bernice from Sante Adairius is a masterpiece. Bright, rustic, slightly funky, and refreshingly dry, it’s a benchmark American saison. Sante Adairius focuses on old-world brewing techniques and natural fermentation, and Bernice has long been a favorite among sour and saison enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a bottle at City Beer Store or find it on tap at a specialty bar like Holy Water or Liquid Gold.

Source: The Full Pint

Want to drink like a local in SF? Skip the flashy imports and chase down these West Coast originals. You’ll taste the breweries that keep the city’s beer scene alive—and maybe even find a new favorite that never makes it past the Bay.