Probably one of the diviest of dive bars I've been to so far. If you want tasty beer for a price that won't empty out your wallets, this is the place to be. Tasty equates to Dogfish Head, Lagunitas, and Russian River's Pliney the Elder. For fans of the fruity libations, they have a wonderful pomegranate cider from Two Rivers. I'm no beer connoisseur, but I highly approve of these selections. And for only $4 a pint? Please, beer me. The bartender's kind of an ass and lacks a warm personality, but I don't think it's necessary to spark up conversations with him to have a good time here. Just walk up to the counter, grab a pint, and feel free to mingle amongst the strange crowd of old hippies and motor gang roughnecks (and the occasional 90+ lb golden retriever that will nab at any fallen snacks that hit the floor). Or simply enjoy the company you're with! Don't forget your Rosamunde Sausage! read more

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A must visit for any beer lover. It's dirty and dive-y and I love it! If you think that Budweiser and Miller a great beers then this isn't the place for you as your tastes aren't sophisticated enough to appreciate the variety of brews here. There are probably 50+ brews on tap. We saw a few dog visitors in the bar. You can bring your own food in. Usually crowded. Cash only. read more

Best beer bar in San Francisco. Maybe anywhere! Loads of great craft bees. Even have cask beers available.

This place rules! Had to come twice during a weekend stay. It's everything you want in a dive bar PLUS a draft selection you never ever see in real dives. Beer only. Toronado is definitely a day drinking bar & even better: $1 off all draughts before 6pm Wish we'd tried the sausages next door - most of the people were eating one with their beer. read more

Toronado - One 1/2 of the taps - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Definitely one of the top stops for hop lovers in San Francisco for a beer crawl like I was. The bar is dive bar lovers dream. In my opinion, only to be slightly bested by Zeitgeist. Plenty of stickers around the bar, retired tap handles line the room and metal is usually blasting over the speakers. I visited with a friend (local) for a few pints on a Tuesday night. The place was pretty crowded even at 10 PM. We stayed until closing and enjoyed plenty. I think one of the main selling points for people is that Pliny the Elder seems to always be on tap. I did not see this at any other San Francisco beer bars I visited. If you are into good music (not that pop/r&b or clubby shit) that most places play today, know/appreciate your beer and enjoy $5/$6 pints, definitely stop in. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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awful service. lovely security guard. overly aggressive bartender. bartender threw two coasters at some dude sitting at the a bar top

Fun visit to a highly recommended place. Almost too many selections to consider. Edgy dive bar vibes that made for an enjoyable stop in. Go!

So everyone pretty much knows the reputation here about how rude the bartenders can be. I went for their 28th Anniversary party, and, despite it being busy, the bartenders were hella awesome. The owner, Dave Keene, was beyond gracious the whole day. He even popped open some bottles, including a Batch 2 9L Consecration gifted to him by Russian River Brewery. Definitely recommend going there. read more

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Terrible customer service. They wouldn't take back the shitty newly tapped warm ass beer they poured me. Rosamunde is on point though, but take that sausage to Mad dog! read more

I wish I had a neighborhood bar like this in the South Bay! Pints were only $3 during Happy Hour and there were at least 20 beers on tap (from around California and Europe). I had a peche (peach) beer and a hefeweizen from Belgium. The peach beer was very peachy, but tart. The hefe was refreshing and easy to drink, with a slightly fruity finish. They were both served in their appropriate glasses! The bartenders were super chill and nice (will give you recommendations if you ask), the Red Sox were playing on the flat screen, and ... *best part ever* ... Rosamunde Sausage Grill next door! Brats, beer, and baseball? Best Friday things. read more

Oh Toronado, I love you. Each time I come here I forgot how great it is. The beer selection, the dive atmosphere, great bartender, good crowd, oh and you can bring your own food! Heads up, this place is cash only, there is an ATM on site but I believe it charges about $2.99 for getting cash so come prepared. I typically come here mid-day and catch the ridiculously cheap happy hour (beers about $3-4) watch some TV and grab food from one of the neighborhood joints. If you want great beer, good crowd and somewhere to relax come here. read more

This is the absolute worst place I have ever been to. The bartenders niche is that they're mean to their customers. That's not a niche. That's rude. We tried to order three times and each time they ignored us or had a pseudo reason to walk away. Then finally we asked "when you get a minute, could we please have this beer?" The bartender snapped and said "you must have me confused for a servant. There is a difference between a server and a servant." He was extremely hostile and overall rude. I'm surprised this crap hole has been around for thirty years. Despicable. read more

If I could give this place 6 stars a would. Best beer selection I've seen/drank on the west coast. Bartenders are awesome and take care of their locals. They tell it like it is, no fluff. Consistently bringing in new breweries and always have fresh kegs. If you're looking for a great beer in SF it's a one stop shop. Also door guys are great and help bus the empty glasses for the bartenders so they can keep on serving you. Stand up place, top notch hands down. read more

The worst experience I've had in SF. The doorman yelled at us when he was right next to me. I told him he didn't have to yell in my ear, he said "yes, I do". We showed our IDs and when he gave me mine back, he sarcastically whispered "here you go". We were deciding whether or not to stay while our friends were in the bathroom, and it hadn't even been 5 mins when the doorman told us to get out if we weren't gonna order anything. He then turned his back on us before even responding and went to talk to the bartender about us. My friend told them about the money that they would've made if they weren't kicking us out so quickly and the bartender started yelling at us. I gave them the finger and we walked out. He still had the energy and hatefulness to stick his head out the door and say that we (three black people, three latinxs, and two asians) don't belong there. At the end he said he hoped a bus hit us. It was too much hate for something so simple. DO NOT COME HERE or even buy their products. Their abusive behavior should not be tolerated! read more

I moved a couple blocks away from Toronado in 1988 and it was the second SF bar I went to. I was a solid regular for years until I moved to The Mission but until recently still came as often as I could. I have a lot of respect and loyalty for Toronado but respect and loyalty only go so far. I understand that rudeness is your schtick but you should understand that there are many options for good beer in San Francisco now and beer people are tired of your bullshit. I bet you've noticed the gradual drop in business. You should take a lesson from Zeitgeist, a place that was also known for rudeness until around five years ago when they remodeled and fired all the worst employees. They are busier than ever. I've been to your 10th, 20th, and 30th anniversaries but after the way your doorman treated me it might be your 40th before I come back; if you are still in business then. read more

Worse experience. Unfortunately I didn't read the reviews beforehand to know how bad the bar tenders are. We were meeting a friend that was running late. I setup a laptop to do some work while I wait and the bar was empty. The first interaction with the bar tender was her yelling at my girlfriend that said "you need to order a beer, tick tock!". Not, hey do you know what you would like? Nothing. When I went up to order a beer, girlfriend was fuming so she didn't want anything, she said "if she doesn't get a drink then you need to leave. You are using our wifi (which I wasn't) and our power (which I was on battery and had only been there for 10 minutes), and you need to order beer or leave". I told her that I was waiting for a friend and she said, "I don't care who you are waiting for, either both of you get a drink or get out." We left. I'm not sure the environment that conditioned them to be like this. I get that they probably have to run off people and they don't want any loitering, but they could easily get that across without being this aggressive. This place sucks. If you don't know how to treat people you shouldn't be in the service industry. Bad service = bad tips so no wonder they are pissed off. There would be a pretty good opportunity to improve this with a change of ownership. read more

You love craft beer? You need to check it out this spot! It's like a 31 flavors for beer lovers read more

Toronado - Dawnbreak by Moksa - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If I had a 6th star, the Toronado would get it. This place combines 2 of my all-time favorite past times that I never knew existed in one place: dive bars and craft beer. Seriously, what's not to love? And not only do they have craft beer but they have some of the best the county has to offer. The night I was there, they had 2 of my favorites on tap: Russian River Pliney the Elder and Boneyard (from my home of Bend, OR). The bartenders are awesome as well, something you don't always get in the dive bar atmosphere. What is typical of a good dive bar at the Toronado: cash only, so don't forget to swing by an ATM before going. All in all, this is definitely worth the visit unless you are looking for cheap beer you'd find at a typical dive, then it might not be the place for you. read more

Of course a micro beer connoisseur's Mecca. I get it, you have incredible beer with an incredible environment for a beer bar... both are top notch. I love the beer, the environment but I dislike the bartenders. Be aware that you are going to Toronado for the beer and not the service. Pliny will most likely be on tap. read more

Toronado - Can't miss it! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

On our trips to San Francisco we always want to hit our favorite spots before we do anything else. Toronado is always on our list places to go. I know I will find a beer I like here. it's not easy to find dark quads and Belgian beers at other places. While I was here I got a pour of Chimay Blue and one of st. Bernardus Christmas Ale. Granted, most of the offerings seemed to be pale ales and ipas , but I was able to leave happily satisfied. See you on our next visit. read more

If you want to watch me drink as much beer as my body can handle, take me here. Seriously, I've been going here for as long as I can remember. The first time I was taken here by my friends was maybe 1997-1998, and the place hasn't changed at all. The beer selection changes all the time, but theres always at least 5-6 different kinds I want to have per night. You can get Sausage from the place next door (Rosamunde) till about 10pm usually, and I reccomend doing so because its a tasty combo. read more

It gets 5 stars for the beer selection and Rosamunde collaboration. Unless you are a beer enthusiast you probably only know about a quarter to half the beers on the menu so close your eyes and point. If that's not your style, I suggest getting 1/2 frambois and 1/2 white belgian like beer (hoegarden but I don't believe they have that anymore so ask hoegarden-esque please). We've also ordered the magnum, when you're about 6 beers deep it always sounds like a good idea, in today's economy, not so much. To the sausage!! Rosamunde will let you order your sausage to go-next door. They'll give you a nifty yellow basket and send you on your way. Come early if you want a seat with your weiner. Oh and bring your moola, both are cash only. read more

Im in love, the Toronado is for sure my favorite Beer Bar in the United States and I have been to many. They have a great selection that is everchanging with the best from all over the US but mainly focused on the local NorCal beer scene. Some yelpers have commented on the wait staff but I have always had the same girl when I have visited and she has been super nice, even comping me a beer when she took more then a few minutes to get back to me. I wish I didn't live across the country, I miss you Toronado! read more

I'll have to check this place out again on another night. I went for Pliny night and I fought a rain-soaked crowd of dudes to get me a taste of the beer that had eluded me for a week. After being cut in front of and pushed a dozen or so times (can't say much for the crowd but this may be A-typical given the event), a sweet lady bartender took pity on my little ponytail bobbing well below the sea-level of tall dudes shoulders and poured me my coveted drink. After all that we declared pliny the elder way better and headed across the street to mad dogs for another pint and some elbow room. I'll definitely be back since the bartender was kind and they have quite a selection but I'm just over doing bars that crowded when there's so many delicious beers within arms reach on haight street. read more

After the baseball game, we randomly stumble upon this Bar. We decided to drive over to Haight to check out the scene. Not bad!! I think I found my favorite beer bar in SF! The two main reasons why I really like Toronado are: 1) SOOOO many selection of beer on tap--pretty much like Yardhouse, without the yardhouse glasses (30 plus selections) 2) They were fairly cheap-- I think each glass was around $3-4, depending what you get. I got my chocolate beer! hahaha It was decent, but not the greatest. Plus, with a party of 4, we were able to find tables in the back to sit and chit chat (This was around 12:30pm--everyone was crowding around the bar area). In this seating area, I think you can seat about 15-20people. read more

This is probably one of the best dive bars I've been to in SF for its selection and ambiance. Just based on this, you should come here to explore some good beers from around the world. If you look at the decor, you will see lots of beer tap handles for lots of different brews--pretty awesome. I ordered a beer which was dispensed by a Hand Pump however I probably wouldn't get one again because at least when I got it, the beer was too warm for my liking--cold is the way to go. It's in a good location located next door to a good sausage spot and BBQ joint across the street. Definite place to go to in the city. read more

If you've read the other reviews, you know the drill: order yourself a delicious sausage next door (meaty or vegan), saunter up to the bar, and worship at one of the best beer temples in San Francisco. All of the drawbacks are out in the open: the bathrooms are dingy, the bartenders have some snark, and at most hours you'll be packed like sardines against the rest of the crowd. I suggest relieving yourself ahead of time, dusting off your kindergarden politeness skills, and coming during an off hour, so that you can treat yourself to one of the most diverse selections of beer in the Bay Area. This is an excellent place to try out varieties of beer that are absent at most other bars (e.g. I tried my first lambic here) and to familiarize yourself with new brewers from this area. At its best, Toronado is like a daily beer tasting festival. At its worst, it is a difficult place to grab happy hour brews with your ten closest coworkers. But if you love beer and want to exercise your adventurous tastebuds/liver, Toronado is worth it. read more

This is a followup from my recently written review about Rosamunde's Sausage Grill next door. We came over to Toronado with our food from the grill (it's a cooperative joint venture, feel free to order your sausage on a bun and sit at the larger, more spacious tables in the bar, but be polite and order a beer while you're at it!) Crowded and noisy, it's a typical beer bar with an extremely large assortment of beers on tap. Check the chalkboard up on the wall to find an option for everyone, even those that dislike beer (like me). Favourite brewery was represented (Russian River holla!), and they carry kriek and a pomegranate cider, both of which were mild on the beer taste and heavy on the fruit (my preferred drink!) A waiter will come by and pick up not only your empty glasses but also your trays from the grill next door, so no worrying about running it all back. Only one complaint, for which they lose a star: despite having several Russian River brews on tap, they were missing my favourite (Consecration!) I saw "Russian River" written on the menu and got a happy little tingle in my pants in the hopes I could get my favourite beer, but sadly they weren't carrying it. I'm not sure if it just wasn't in stock or season at the time, or if they don't carry it ever, but I was quite disappointed (although I'll admit that it's self-inflicted disappointment, since I allowed myself to get all squee when I saw the brewery name). I was pretty happy with my kriek, but it wasn't Consecration! read more

3.5 stars. I loooved the vibe of this place. A great bar to hit later in the night. read more

Been coming here since 2007, will continue to return for the Pliny the Elder, great beer selections, and sharing tables with diverse crowd that hangs out here. Rosamunde's next door has some great belly ballast for the pints you will put away. All the pluses need to be weighed against the minuses. This place could be a friendlier hangout, but has some quirks that keep it from being 100%. For first timers, know your beers, what you want, and order in the most abbreviated fashion to avoid the Beer Nazi reaction from the help. This can be challenging when they are under the influence. They can switch from totally cool to bizarre hostility at the drop of a hat. See above to lessen odds of them Hulking out on you. (Hasn't happened to me, but I've seen it, and it's not pretty). As others have noted, the smell can be pretty ripe, not for the faint of heart. Will get insanely crowded in the evenings, but if you do that mid afternoon beer tourist thing for destination bars, you should do OK. As another person stated, I've been to dive bars and craft beer bars both, just don't get the hostile attitude projected by some of the bartenders. read more

Five stars isnt enough. This bar is the TRUE american beer bar. Cheap beer, good service, FANTASTIC beer selection. Amazing experience all together. I am very happy i went to Tornado. I can't wait to come back next time I'm in SF! read more

We went here for my boyfriend's birthday and had a great time. Toronado is an awesome dive bar with an extensive draught beer list. If you're adventurous, order some Underberg from behind the bar! read more

Toronado - Boyfriend's Toronado birthday - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Seedy looking dive bar that used to be adjacent to a Rosamunde's and had Blind Pig on tap? Check. Not sure what I miss more about this place: the merguez or duck sausage & beer combos, or the sweet bouncer with his chihuahua. read more

Real dope spot. And historic. Brewer/bartender friend of mine brought me in here since he's been coming here for quite a while now and it's easily turned into one of my go-to bars in the city. Quality beer (extensive list, too) at a sweet price. What more could you ask for? Plus I get the drunchies and snag a couple pizzas next door. You could bring em in here if ya wanted to. Not to mention, Justin the bartender--cool a** guy. Appreciate the beertending my dude read more

One of my new favorites when I am in San Francisco. First, they do not have food, but you can get something from one of the food places nearby and eat it there while you drink. We got Ike's and ate in the back room. Beer selection is pretty good. I can't say they have a lot to choose from, but they definitely have some good choices. The bartenders are very cool and the patrons are even better. The two times I was in here was near the middle of the day so I don't know how it gets at night, but there is a decent size crown even if you wander in around 2-5 pm. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm very bummed to say that my friends and I won't be revisiting Toronado anytime soon. This bar used to be our favorite hangout spot as we loved their selection of beers and, seemingly, chill vibes. I always wondered where the rude bartenders mentioned in the yelp reviews were hiding until my last experience here. Long story short, after being screamed at and threatened by the bar owner and bouncer for taking a photo, we were made so uncomfortable that we left our untouched drinks on the bar and left... mind you, we weren't taking photos of any faces and there was not a single "no cameras" sign to be found. Great beer selection though and obviously one shouldn't expect five-star service in a dive bar, but I think that being rude and unkind to paying customers anywhere is just unacceptable... we definitely won't be back. read more

Best beer place tamale lady is the bomb, Really chill atmosphere. Where anyone can have fun. The beer selection is incredible. read more

If you live in SF and love beer, you've probably been here. You get the sense that this is one of those places that could care less about something like a Yelp review - a long-standing neighborhood bar with welcoming vibe. Open the lower half of the Dutch door, and you'll find OG SF folks, one or more dogs laying on the floor, and lots of lively conversation happening. The menu board is very clear and easy to read even with beer-vision. Once you've got the attention of the bartender, you'd better know what you want! Tap list is extensive and often features great California brews, as well as selections from all over. One of my favorite places to grab a Russian River Blind Pig or Pliny at while on a weekend afternoon walk. Its not too hard to get a seat but does get crowded at peak times. Be patient, have a conversation and hover aroudn with your beer to find a spot to sit. Its worth it! read more

Holy snopes this place was awesome! Divey, a little stinky, and tons of great beer. As others have said, it's cash only. The bartenders were helpful and worked the bar well. If you are a fan of great beer, head here. And yes, the sausage place next door is freaking amazing if you are hungry! read more

Simply perfect when you are searching for new beers to sample. Great atmosphere, for afternoon respite. Hundreds of old tap handles and stickers to read. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California