Allow me to throw my two cents in about this place... 1) A good selection of beers from all over the map. 2) I brought a Belgian friend in here once, who recently moved to SF, and even HE WAS IMPRESSED with the selection. read more

I went there to hang out with my ladylover friend and it was fun, I got drunk after two beers, I was interacting with "normal" people (this does not include Tom) for a change or atleast it felt like I did. In this review I can't say too much about Toronado, I was here two hours daytime inside a dark room with a group of people. It was fun, they have a good beer selection, but being located in lower haight I'm sure there will be a lot of dogholes hanging around here night time. For now Toronado is a drunk during daytime memory. read more

I will preface this review with the fact I was dragged here by my boyfriend who is a beer geek. I only ordered a Red Bull due to the fact they had a terrible selection of ciders (1 cider total) & I do not like beer. The Staff. There were 2 bartenders, both female, one was the middle-aged owner's wife & the other was a younger girl. The "nice" words that come to mind about them include "disgruntled" "bitter" "crotchety" "rude" "distasteful" etc. The only two words that could truly describe them start with a "B" (the girl) and a "C" (the owner's wife) We got all but one drink from the owner's wife. She made rude comments about most of the customers (some to their face and some after they left), insulted me for being young, and charged people she didn't like the looks of substantially more than others. She also was on a high horse, going on about how they invented draft beer, are the best bar in America, are best friends with every brewery on the west coast, are super famous, etc... The Bathroom. This is the 2nd worst bathroom I have ever been to (the first being Pyramid Brewery, see my review). It was the size of a telephone booth, with rude comments all over the walls, smelled like an outhouse, and there was urine all over the place. Perhaps they should put a port o potty outside--it would be a vast improvement. read more

This rating is about the service only. Seems like I am not the only one being yelled at for nothing. In my case, after two quick rounds of beer with friends, I took a drinking break while sitting on a bar chair. The bartender asked me to stand up, because I was not drinking at that moment. When I told him that I will have another beer in a few minutes he screamed the F-word at me and asked me to leave and come back when I want another drink. Looking at other reviews it seems that they made it their signature experience to be rude to guests - tolerated by the management. read more

This is the best craft beer bar that I've ever been to, by far. They have an amazing tap list including Pliny the Elder, DeGarde Petit Blanc and Fieldwork The Baker. It's a cash only place and always super busy. The bartenders can be a little brusque at times but that only adds to the ambiance. read more

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I luuuuuuuuuuv you! It's too bad you don't have Lagunitas IPA on tap because I'd luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv you even more! read more

Wow what can I say, Horrible service and warm beer. Would like to give 0 stars, but I can not! read more

Sorry Toronado, but I'm downgrading you from a 5 to a 2, based on your crappy attitude. I know you're busy, but that doesn't mean that you can be a bitch to my brother when he asks you "What IPA do you recommend?" Look, just say "I don't know," or pick one at random for all I care, but don't say "Can you read? No seriously, can you read?" I understand the concept of a soup-Nazi, but the fact that you pull a lever over a glass for 5 seconds and hand it to me doesn't make you God's gift to the world. read more

This review is based on the beertenders alone(The taplist, bottles lining the walls and ambiance really deserve a 4+). The staff and service were the worst I have experienced while at a brewery/pub type establishment. As if the hipster vibe is not real, the beer tenders are not so courteous to put politely and if you are not ready to take your order or tip a dollar on your tab for one beer, you might as well just leave. Will not be coming back on the service alone, there are way too many good breweries in the area like Cellar Maker, Anchor and the likes who offer exceptional service to match a outstanding taplist. Also update the cash only thing, pay the measly service charge. Its San Fran, the tech area of the world, get with the times. read more

I absolutely loathe Toronado. The only time I ever even THINK about trying to go into this dump for a beer is if I've stopped off at Rosamunde for some tasty sausages. Reasons Toronado is complete and utter garbage. - Smarmy ass, shit for attitude bartenders. HEY BARTENDER, you work in the fucking service industry. Can the attitude and sense of entitlement. Nobody cares that you only drink 18th century Belgians handcrafted by monks in some godforsaken abbey. Get me a fucking beer without me having to wait a week and don't give me any lip chief. - To fucking loud. I like to be able to talk to whoever I'm at a bar with, without having to talk into a megaphone for them to hear me. That's just not the case here. Hell, you can't even hear yourself think, let alone your buddy trying to converse with you. - Standing room only for the most part. Standing around and drinking beers is cool for festivals and concerts, not for a watering hole. - Sticky floors. Self explanatory, I'm up to dive bar it up just as much as the next man/woman but that shit is just plain gross. and finally..... TO MANY HIPSTERS!! Take your Tom Cruise risky business shades and ride your bike back to the mission (no offense to you if you have a bike, live in the mission and are not a hipster). read more

They say the bartenders are assholes. I say, stop being dumbasses. If you like beer, and you know what kind you like, ask relevant questions. Don't sit there asking for wine notes, and then expect the grizzly, bearded man to give a fuck about what you're asking. There's 17 other people besides your dumbass trying to get a beer, myself included. Come here if you love beer. I hate everyone. read more

Tordonado? I think it would be a lot more fun if I were deaf. And being blind wouldn't hurt either. Look, this is the kind of place I was born to like. Craft beer. Not very clean. Sausages nearby. But even for me--a Masshole from way back--it's just too loud and too rude. Pluses: - There are sausages next door (oh, make no mistake, there are plenty of sausages in the bar as well) - Many rare beers from Russian River, Deschutes - Good prices Minuses: - Music makes me wish I had been born without ears - Bartenders treat you like a prison inmate who is asking for a fresh bar of soap; it's like the barkeeps get paid a commission every time a customer cries in their beer - In case you were wondering, the "current beer" section on their website gets updated every 4-5 years. Toronado gets accolades, including being the home base for a New York Times article about beer adventures in Northern California, as well as a spot in the top 100 beer bars in the United States. I haven't been to them all yet, but give me a few years and I'll get back to you on how close to the bottom Toronado actually is. read more

This place probably sucks for anyone who is not a white male, or for anyone that enjoys diversity. When I entered the bar, I couldn't help but notice that everyone looked the same-all white men in their thirties with a grungy motorcycle look (which i'll grant is a good look but it was very noticeable to my female friend and I that we were the only females in that crowd). The bartender pretended that my friend and I (both female - and we were the only females there) did not exist despite that the bar was not too busy. We asked a man sitting at the bar to order drinks for us to see whether we were being ignored b/c we were women, and he was able to get the bartender's attention pretty much immediately, and without really trying. That was very disappointing to us, and especially to my friend who is very into beer and who had been looking forward to checking out the bar for a while. Next, the bouncer, who had already ID'd us at the door, specifically came into the bar to find me and ID'd me again. I am 28 (turning 29 next month) and do not look like I'm under 21. However, I am half Asian and I can't help but wonder, being the only Asian in the bar, whether I was targeted because of it. I left immediately after. I told my friend about the experience and he told me that he had gone to the same bar last summer with his friend who is Mexican. The bouncer told the Mexican friend that he didn't like him because he looked "sketchy." They immediately left. Bottom line: This place has a great beer selection, but a pervasive sexist and racist atmosphere. Just consider that before you step in and support it with your hard-earned money. read more

I have to say, I find Toronado's recent 5 star reviews extremely suspicious. I live in the neighborhood and work as a bartender so believe me that I was really hoping Toronado's would be my local bar. Never in my life have a been so turned off by a bar's negative atmosphere. Not even a good beer selection, pleasant company or kick-ass sausages from Rosamunde next door can light the way through the dark cloud of nastiness strewn by the bartenders. You just don't want to line the pockets of those people or the management that continues to hire these people. I'm a friendly, chill person, so you can believe it took a lot for me to write this. Each time myself and many friends went to this bar we chose to give them the benefit of the doubt and approached it blank slate. And routinely, without fail, we met with piss poor attitudes of the waitstaff. A helping side of RUDE is what you'll be served here. And maybe you like that if you are into S&M and stuff. You know, I get being bummed out when you are at work sometimes. But bringing it to paying customers also looking for a break from the difficulties of normal life is just completely thoughtless. Am I the only person that hopes for thinkers in this country? I think we can balance having a good time with some thought. So I choose not - and better I do so I don't dilute the type of company that enjoys that atmosphere. After all misery loves company. I'd even suggest to tour book companies to remove this bar from its listings. I'd never want San Francisco or America to be portrayed in this way. Given the fantastic selection of bars in this town I'd suggest going somewhere else. read more

This is my first time posting at yelp. I'm sad to say my experience at Toronado drove me to place this post. I live in the neighborhood, have been going to Toronado for a long time but after getting rude treatment at by the brunette bartender, I won't be back. I work hard and I don't need to be treated with disrespect when I'm trying to unwind after day's work. I went next door to noc-noc and was informed that the bartender is the owner's girlfriend or something like that. Well, Mr. Toronado, if you read this, you should probably have a talk with your lady because based on the recent posts here, it doesn't sound like i'm the only one with this experience. read more

I am not a person that gives out ones. I am making an exception due to how RUDE the bartenders were here. We were done with the football game at candlestick and came over here to grab a couple beers. Their selection is decent even for my friend from Seattle who is a beer snob. I came in with a PBR (leftover from the game and probably something i should not have done). The bartender rips it out of my hand from behind and spashes it EVERYWHERE and over the other patrons. All you have to do is ASK POLITELY to get rid of it and not be a total turd. Kicked us all out. We went across the street and had beer that was comprable and actually NICE BARTENDERS that know how to say please/thank you. Toronado, you are NOT the only pony in town for great beer, get over it... you and your douchy bartenders! read more

Wow! Did you see that girl? What an amazing pair of pints she's carrying if you know what I mean! Really. Beer. This place has an amazing set of taps including several hand pulled taps. Hand pulled. Beer taps. They really know their beer, and the prices are great. As for the girl, she's too busy making out with some hipster to notice I'm checking out her pints. Maybe I'll grab one and she won't notice. read more

Beer SNOB heaven. And I lust for they key to its Pearly Gates all the time. Toronado is the equivalent of a wine bar for beer lovers of course. Bar has a slummy feel. Not pretty in any manner. Random posters, stickers and signs thrown up. Darkly lit interior. Plenty of seating. Wood tables and stools. Man heaven is awesome. Walk in through a half of a door. Not sure of the proper name. Kind of like on a barn or some old country farm house. Bouncer stands behind the half of a door (as we can CALL it!)., nicely takes your identification. You are immediately greeted with a giant sign above the bar area, listing all the beers. Think I injured my neck from staring to long and being indecisive. Fan of hoppy beers so opted for my favorite Hop Stoopid and tried a new one Denogginator by Drake's. Hit the spot. When ordering a beer or many beers. The wait time can be a bit long if it is crowded, and the bartenders are not the friendliest bunch. KNOW what you are going to order, or they will move along. But they are more than happy to recommend something or offer a taste. In that area they EXCEL. Plenty of room to SIT. You might have to come a bit earlier on a busy weekend night to score a spot. Toronado though is best enjoyed on a week night though with some close friends. read more

Belgian Beer Month in April. Chimay Triple on draft. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! let me say it again, CHIMAY TRIPLE ON DRAFT. read more

Toronado has a ton of beers on draft, yes. Its actually one of the best selections in the city. Toronado usually has more men then women who drink beer in the bar, yes. (which for a straight woman, isn't usually a problem) Toronado however does NOT have the space for all of these people who come in and drink the beer, no. Toronado does also NOT have the proper number of bartenders to pour said beer for all the people who come in and want to drink it. So, do I suffer waiting too long for my beer? I tend to. Do I come back because of the location as well as the selection? Probably. Is it my most favoritist bar in the city? Definitely not, but you will probably find me here again...sooner than later. read more

If you are a beer snob, you will LOVE this place. If you want to order a Corona, the bartender will laugh at you. For a "dive bar", Toronado has some high standards on what is real beer and what isn't. The walls are decorated with all sorts of cool paraphernalia advertizing beers around the world. I usually get Two Rivers which is a pomegranate hard cider which they have on tap. 5 stars for the beer selection (if you didn't want a Corona or Bud Light!) 3 stars for the crowd 3 stars for service Overall: a cool, unique bar on Haight St - stop by when the crowd isn't there. read more

Update, almost 1.5 years later. Aug 24, 06 My second time at Toronado. First time I get yelled at, branded as a yuppie, and asked to go to a bar in Hayes Valley or the Marina. I vowed never to show my face again. Gil, last night was finishing a pizza there and I offered to meet him outside. He offered me a beer and I walk in. Ohhhh shit! I had a collared shirt and a sport jacket on. Immediately, I was prowled on, Gil's beer taken away, the whole bar formed a mob - all ready to beat us up. Gil asked for an explanation of why we were being kicked out and had a few dollar bills thrown on his face. We walked out. I'm never ever going here again. Even if they offer to do my wedding here for free! ------------------- No shit that the bartender wants you to go to another bar. Steve (I think thats what his name is) is the fat bartender who is a total idiot. Total with a Capital T. The first time I went there was directly from work (I had meetings so wore a collared shirt) and had no idea it was cash only so offered my credit card, and Steve almost ran after me for a block. He had this furious and hostile look on his face I will never forget. read more

The Toronado, like any bar in a big city, is hit or miss depending on the night you venture in - the owners and employees can't really be responsible for the type of folks who are in there on any given evening. Alas, every evening I've been in, the place has been chock full of carefully groomed wannabe bohemian types. You know the sort - look like a homeless person, but has a two bedroom in the Haight and works for Google bringing down $150k. Clientele aside, they have a phenomenal beer selection. Excellent range of class beers you'd expect to find, as well as brews on tap from ultra-micro sources like Russian River. ('Twas here I first discovered Pliny!) and beers are served up at the correct temperature, in their correct glassware. As I mentioned, the evenings I've been in there, the place has been extremely busy, and it took some time to get served. The bartenders definitely had an air of snobbishness about them, and if you haven't made up your mind by the time they call on you, be prepared for a tongue lashing. Thankfully I had the foresight to look over their beer menu (note - it's not over the bar, but sort of at a 90 degree angle to it as you walk in the door, so it is easy to miss) but witnessed many a poor soul on the business end of it, when all they want to do was enjoy their night out. Don't buy into the hype too much. Be prepared to deal with the bohemian wannabes (including some of the staff) and bear in mind it's a bit of a dump, but outside of that... a great place to check out for some tremendous beers. read more

3.5 stars I've finally found a place in SF that has Murphy's Stout, on tap. That said, it tasted nothing like what I had in New Zealand, but hey - better available than not. Of course, it had to be a dive bar, though this place is nowhere near as "divey" as others. One bartender was really sweet (female) and another one (male) gave a new definition to "aloof" and rather curt. I'm not sure what the big deal is about taking separate orders - God forbid you order two beers, and should order 2 more 5 minutes later..... Toronado carries an impressive selection of beer. It's not up there w/ Monk's Kettle, but more extensive than Zeitgeist, which are my other two favorite beer joints. On a Friday night, it was quite crowded but not "CRAZY" like Monk's Kettle would be, which is a good thing. On this evening, I was with three men. My most memorable moment was when one bold, cougarly woman approached them, and struck up a conversation. We never could figure out what she was talking about (or who she was hitting on - - all of them?) but after her second approach to our group, I commented, "Wow, you boys are chick magnets!" My friend's funny retort: "THAT WAS NO CHICK, my friend!" It's definitely a mixed crowd here. All in all, while I would go to Toronado again, it didn't mark a special place in my heart like my other two favorites did. Factor in the fact that it's all "cash only" - and it bring itself down a notch on my rating scale. People are here to have fun - - let 'em open tabs! read more

This is not your tourist bar. It's not very user friendly. In fact it's pretty dirty and dingy. You generally have to fight tooth and nail for a seat and it gets crowded. But if you arrive early enough, don't mind semi rude bartenders in a dimly lit, smelly and messy bar, then you're in for a surprise in that you'll be able to choose from a wide arrange of amazing beers at low prices. You just have to realize that it is what it is. And I know this will annoy people, but it's cash only. Deal with it. The prices here are so low anyway that you're getting a lot for your dollars worth. So even walking in with a $20 on you should be fine for a few pints of beer that isn't your normal beer you find in bottles or on the shelf of your local market. Another great thing about this bar is that you can pick up food from the places near it and just bring them in to enjoy while you drink your pint, The sausage place next door is a perfect combination for whatever you're drinking. And let's just say you're not sure what is what. There is an easy to read board up that shows what's on tap and from which brewery it is from. While the bartender likes to get to the point, if you go in with your head in your hands and ask for a recommendation, they'll gladly narrow it down based on your preference. Over all, this is one of the best little hole in the wall bars in S.F. for the vast selection of beer they have to choose from. You'll find something you want no matter if you're a beer snob or just a weekend warrior. read more

Toronado Management:You always had it right... you kept it simple and focused on the beer love. I have patronized your bar for many many years... and have watched with amusement as the bar changed over the years... but I can't hold my tongue any longer... these tools you have serving.... you have GOT to do something about the bartenders. They are offensive and rude to your customers!!! You have hired a bunch of idiots. Really. read more

Avoid. Bar tender acts like a beer nazi. Got some attitude from him when we asked about one of the beers. He then said we should order faster and stop wasting his time. Bill turned out to be something like 12.50 and when we told him to keep the change, he said in a snarky attitude "do I get to keep all of it?". Had one drink as quickly as possible and headed out. What a shame, placed could have been fun but our experience was ruined by a wannabe duck dynasty/sons of anarchy pretentious bartender. read more

Paid for 2 beers with $100 - received $8 back in change. Beware the scam-artist bartenders. "Oh, sorry about that." read more

I love toronado... Best beer at the best prices. The staff administer tough love; get that order fast cause everyone is waitin'. There twice a week! More metal on the Juke please. read more

There are great beer bars, and there are legendary beer bars. The Toronado is an iconic legend in beer-geek circles, a prime mover that has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution over the past couple decades. I had to make my pilgrimage. Like many of the nation's best beer bars, it's a little crusty. It has been on Haight St. for 24 years, and looks the part. It's hard to imagine that the first time I came to San Francisco, in 1989, I walked right by this bar when it was in its first year of operation. Of course, I didn't know what I was looking at, and wasn't old enough to drink, anyway. Point is, this place has some mileage on the odometer, and was probably dive-y to begin with - so don't expect some sparkling, yuppiefied, Yard House/World of Beer-type tavern. No matter. You're here to drink beer. You're not here to see and be seen. You're not here to pick up girls. If you're a woman, maybe you could come here to pick up dudes, but you run the risk that some of them may be more interested in their beers than they are you. Hey, I get it. When I'm drinking a Lost Abbey Cable Car (a rather rare, expensive sour beer brewed specifically for the Toronado), I don't want to be distracted. Upon seeing it on the menu, I was beside myself with excitement. But then I tempered my expectations, figuring they probably wouldn't have it. After draining a Pliny the Elder (because if you come to the Toronado from out of state, you *have* to drink a Pliny), I went up to the bar to try to order my Cable Car, bracing myself for disappointment...but none was forthcoming. Instead, the pearly gates parted, and the bartender produced the coveted 750ml bottle, and two tulip glasses. It just doesn't get much better than that. Sure, Cable Car isn't cheap beer by anyone's standards, but the experience was well worth it. As tough as it is to follow Cable Car, we did so with New Belgium's La Folie, another perennial favorite sour beer that can't be had where I come from. This place has a reputation for gruff, snarky service, but I didn't see any of it. For what it's worth, I thought the bartenders I interacted with were pretty cool. The bar felt comfortable to me, very much like some favorite beer bars in my home state. I think that generally, if you can speak a bit of the language of beer, you're fine. That also implies, don't act like an entitled jerk-off, or ask stupid questions like "what's the closest thing you have to Bud Light?" For that matter, I probably wouldn't try to order a Bud Light here, unless I was trying to be funny. And, I probably wouldn't try to be funny, either. Cash only, so come prepared. read more

They do have a good selection of beer but it's a bar. Shouldn't that be the norm? Ok, ok, they have a stellar selection of beer. We came here after Capsule on Sunday because some of us wanted sausages from Rosamunde and others wanted to watch basketball. Unfortunately, Rosamunde was closed and I wasn't drunk enough not to be annoyed by the unpleasant bartenders. The other patrons were cool and we were able to get seating so it ended up being ok. Still, without Rosamunde, I don't know that it's worth returning to. read more

I'm leaving one star because I don't have the option to leave negative stars. What a shithole this place is. We have a bar like this in Denver called the Falling Rock. The selection is better and it isn't served with a side of gigantic asshole. The bartender (and I'm a bartender) was extremely proud of himself and took it upon himself to tell me what I could and couldn't do with my camera. I understand the whole attitude thing to a point but you'd think this guy was a local celeb the way he treated people. Honestly, there's no reason to go around treating people like trash and then expect a tip when all is said and done. I still tipped because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't. However, upon calming down I should have left my beer on the bar and gave the tip "go fuck yourself". After reading the reviews, I can tell you this. These are not bartenders. They are a bunch of monkey's that sling beer to an eager crowd that thinks this is a "dive" This is not a dive and those aren't bartenders. What a load of shit. read more

I love beer. I love new things. That being said, I hate going to Trader Joe's and staring at the beer aisle and saying... "I wish they had some weird beer I've never had." This is why Toronado gets 5 stars. There is ALWAYS a new beer to try here! Also, the bartenders are sooo awesome. I love it when they are nice. One night my friend and I stopped here (she's a cider fan and they have a pomegranate one she had never had) and sat at the bar chatting with them about how drunk the girl falling off the stool next to us was. Eventually they told me all sorts of things about beer I didn't know and let me taste all their favorites and stare at all their kegs. THEN, the best part, they gave us both 2 FREE shots of these weird drinks (kind of like fernet - which i love). I need to go back and get the name. Apparently it's made of herbs and not considered hard alcohol (they don't have a hard liquor license) and calms your stomach. It was gross and new and fun and free. And yes, if you didn't catch that up there... THEY DON'T SERVE HARD ALCOHOL. So don't complain when you get there cause beer is AWESOME. And if you don't like it, then you don't like me. And that makes me sad. Also... They DON'T SERVE shitty american "beer". So if you can't go a night without your Budlight, I'm sorry. They only serve real beer here. read more

Toranado without Rosamunde would be like day without night, Haight without Ashbury, per without fect. The setup is simple: a beer bar - just a bar and some tables with stools and lots and lots of beer. I think you can get other drinks, but why would you? The process is simple: + order your favorite beer (or experiment a little) + go next door to the Rosamunde Sausage Grill and order a sausage + return to the bar and wait 6 or 7 minutes - enjoying your libation + return to Rosamunde and specify your sandwich dressing and pay + return with said item to Toranodo and enjoy your feast + order another beer This place is cool. It's not trying to be anything but what it is. I know its a damn dive bar and I gave it 5 stars: A) That's what I thought when I was there and B) I'm easy to impress. read more

The bar tender is a pretentious jerk. My friend and I went there on a Saturday. Me not knowing this was a beer only bar I asked for some whiskey. The bar tender said "beer only" and then walked away to the other side of the bar to chat with his buddy. He wasn't busy, he just walked away. 3 minutes later he came back to our side of the bar to take some girls order, not because of us. I said "you are not very kind". His response: " uh. OK" and then walked away again to get the girl's beer and then talk to his buddy again. Never asked for my order. We just left. I was sad because the music really rocks there. We need more metal bars in the bay area. read more

Once you get past the mad droves of hipsters at this 5-star dive bar, any beer lover will be in awe of the inspirational selection of beer on draft and in bottles. And if you wonder if they have ever carried your favorite, just take a look at the 1000's of draft handles adorning the walls. Its almost a beer museum for the great, micro (and sometime macro) brews of the world. If you don't like those views, the hipsters do also provide entertaining people watching. And if you're unlucky enough to be the sober driver, you'll feel a little bit better when you grab a taste of the Cock & Bull extra strong Ginger beer $2.50 - nicely placed in a bottle so you feel a little more included and a little less inclined to worry if your car is still going to be there when your drunken group finally decides to call it a night. read more

Thank God for Toronado and its relatively vast -- for San Francisco -- and cheap -- for San Francisco -- selection of beers on tap. It's like a smaller, hippier version of Zeitgeist that is closer to my house and next to Rosamunde's sausage. If you're sampling the lesser known brews, beware of the hops! Other than that, happy drinking abounds at Toronado. read more

Toronado is THE place in the Haight, if not in all of San Francisco to get a good beer. Not just "A" good beer, but about 30+ different good beers on tap. It's small, quaint, and crowded, but that is what makes it feel like a lively bar. The servers were quite helpful and one even gave our hero a free drink after chatting with him and his drinking partner for a while and reminiscing about bars that have closed down in San Diego. It's tough the beat the food and beer pairing of Rosamunde's sausages with Toronado in SF. If you've never had said combination, you MUST hit up Toronado. PROS: - Right next door to Rosamunde's, which has some great sausages you can bring into the bar to consume with your beer. - The bartenders are pretty knowledgeable on beer and provide complimentary tasters if you have a hard time deciding. - Excellent selection of beers. CONS: - Fairly limited on space. - Cash only. read more

If you love grumpy ass dive bars with loud punk music and profound beer love then you have found your mecca. 100+ beers on the list including award-winning sours from tiny breweries impossible to find elsewhere (and yes, Pliny the Elder on tap). I don't know really what else to say except that I have often felt not quite at home in San Francisco but that feeling evaporated in the Lower Haight, specifically the moment I walked through the saloon-style half door into the loud and gloriously graffiti'd belly of Toronado. This looks and sounds and smells like the bar I kind of grew up in in Kensington Market in Toronto, but with way better brew options. I've heard that the bartender is notoriously cantankerous, but that wasn't my experience, probably because I had been forewarned so I knew what I wanted when I went up, and knew that it was cash only and didn't waste much of his time. So consider this your friendly heads up: go in the proper mindset and enjoy!! read more

Well, the beer selection is fantastic. The best. Who would dispute that? And the inside is great. It's exactly the kind of place you want to spend the last few pennies of your paycheck slowly getting drunk on a Friday afternoon. But the staff? Well, I'm all for a take-no-shit attitude but really, do you need to be belligerent to me because I asked a question about one of your beers? I'm not an expert in beer, true, but I didn't know I needed to be to hand you my money and be a customer. Two stars only. I would have given you five, but I can get my drunk on somewhere else. Enjoy your anger. read more