The selection at the Toronado is as good as it gets. That being said, the service is at the opposite end of the scale. I travel for work, and in turn get to go to a lot of killer beer bars/ ale houses/ brewery's, and tend to have a lot of good experiences, and meet a lot of great people who are passionate about beer. If you like to feel like you're not worthy, or welcome, this is the place for you. I'd rather walk down to someplace like healthy spirits, or city beer store, where there's a huge selection, and I can ask a question, get an answer, and walk away with a smile on my face knowing my business is appreciated. In fact, I'd rather go to some tight pants hipster bar in the mission, and drink PBR's with some pseudo punk kids in a shit hole that smells like puke. read more

05.29.10 Toronado. It's just something you have to feel for yourself. SF as SF can be. The Tamale Lady gave me the invitation to her birthday party when she waltzed in. Though I don't think I'll be cool enough to attend. Tons of rare beers on draft. Definitely helps if you're a beer connoisseur, which I am definitely not. It's like a foreign language. You piece together the one word that you vaguely recognize and then hope for the best. I stayed safe with the amber ale. My friends dared venture into the stouts. We tried the peach ale. We tried the blonde. They were all good. Cash only, definitely a bummer. Plenty of shady ATMs down the block, though. read more

Dear God, Thank you for introducing me to IPA. I will never go back to tastless, crappy beer again. Thank you also God, for introducing me to Toronado, a bar with a lot of IPAs and a lack of tastless, crappy beer. AAAHHHHMENNN. read more

Toronado is to beer what Blondie's or Escape from New York is to pizza. It's a tiny place that focuses on one thing and does it well. In this case, that one thing is beer. That's what you come here to do. Everything else is secondary, including finding a place to sit. The dozens of available beers will yield some gems for just about any beer drinker. For instance, I finally found the elusive Double IPA on tap. (Word to the wise: drink Double IPA at the beginning of the evening, not when your mouth is already leathered from three previous dark beers). They also have a delicious-sounding Pomegranate Cider which I will have to come back for. And if you want to try something that's just plain awesome, grab the Deschutes Brewery's 19th Anniversary Ale. Oh, and if some glasses-wearing, ponytail-sporting, sudoku-playing hippie dude by the front door asks for your ID, don't be weirded out--that's what bouncers look like in these parts. read more

Don't get me wrong - I'm a dive bar girl at heart, and I can really appreciate the mean selection of beers that they have going on here. What I can't understand is the bitch who works behind the counter and thinks she's better than me because of my less-than-perfect pronunciation of "Franziskaner." EXCUUUUSE ME, your holy bartenderness. Her attitude didn't stop there - she was so rude to my boyfriend when he tried to order something off the confusing menu, and made us feel stupid. What's worse was that the beer that he ordered tasted like a brewed dirty sock. I was really conflicted when we gave her a $2 tip for our lousy beers served with a side of BITCH. We will never return here, and good luck to the rest of you who do. read more

Who can complain when Pliny the Elder is on tap?! I got to notch it down a few stars for the rude bartending to new visitors. I've brought two out-of-town guests to Toronado for the famous Pliny and each time the bartender has treated them with contempt. When one of the guests wanted a soda as she didn't drink alcohol, he blew her off like she had asked for a bud light. I get that Toronado only serves beer, but come on! Easy mistake. Today, my dad was so excited to be at Toronado that he started looking to buy a t-shirt. He was obviously eyeing the store shirts behind the bar and the bartender ignored him (and it was 12:30 in the afternoon!). When he reached to pick one up for size, the bartender yelled at him to get out from behind the bar. read more

Toronado doesn't need anymore reviews really. The beer selection is wonderful, the place is extremely crowded, and no what you want because all the staff is completely rude. My first visit was on a Friday night, which I won't do again. Its more of a afternoon place. I like to talk about beer not just yell across the bar for one. read more

Major cons: Asshole bartenders (at least one of them), scuzzy digs. Major pro: Epic selection of beers on tap. Including.. "girly beer" (framboise). Generally whenever I force a fine beer on the wife she makes the "beer rape" ugly face*, followed by a tortured sip, followed by a "hmm, not so bad" obvious lie, followed by the return of said beer. But she loved the framboise straight from the get-go -- fruity, sparkly, fragrant and crisp, without being overly sweet. Thanks for the suggestion Miri! *still somehow inhumanly gorgeous read more

My oh my, what a fantastic selection of beer. If you want to go to Toronado for anything other than the huge selection of beer-on-tap, save your money and buy some atmosphere someplace else, because if you don't come for the beer, you're really just wasting your time. Actually, I can think of many reasons you wouldn't want to come here; The bartenders aren't going to be friendly towards you if you ask for something that's not on the menu, it's loud, it can be a bit crowded, it's certainly not that clean... However, if you subscribe to the philosophy that variety is spice of life... well, Toronado is that spice. read more

Expectations 1) Crazy mad selection of beer 2) Total prick bartenders/ shitty service Reality 1) Good ass selection, but not unsimilar to my hometown spot. I did enjoy the thick feel of history. I do realize that this dive bar is actually a cultural landmark. I am glad I for the one night's experience at the famed Toronado Bar. But....I prefer my kick ass beer spot. Hamilton's in South Park San Diego. Check it. 2) If you are not ready or aren't paying attention, the bartender is on to the next guy. I mean you got like a 2 second window. And I LOVE that. When I went to order a beer, never waited longer than 3 minutes. They are not pricks, they are just very busy and concentrated on getting good beer out to the quickly packed bar. If you are in SF and enjoy beer nirvana, a must. read more

I read around 25 reviews before I went to Toronado to help me understand how they have a 4 star rating with so may terrible reviews. To be fair an balanced I will only share facts first 1) Barn door to get in 2) Dark setting 3) Dirty bathrooms 4) Non proactive waitstaff/bartenders 5) So many beers, the staff has to look up some of them to see if they have it My Experience Even the 3 and 4 star reviews say the bartenders are rude, so when I ordered I made sure I was not "annoying" to avoid an attitude. I asked if they had Dales Pale ale and he said "look on the board". I saw more beers on their wall than their menu so that didn't make too much sense. I ordered a beer I've never heard of and left following. I feel like reading reviews prior helped me have a 2 star experience vs a 1 star experience. I personally enjoy asking questions about beers and learning about them. It's as if they expect their customers to just know about all beer before going there, however I feel like that's not reasonable. We learn about new beers by experiencing them the first time and usually by recommendation. If you know exactly what you want and know they have it, this a cheap place to drink in SF, otherwise I do not feel like it's a great hangout spot. read more

Tons of great beer. Laid back, chill customers who wouldn't know a "name-brand" if Louis Vuitton slapped them in the face with a Prada handbag (that is soooo a plus). Super cool bartenders. Me, drinking beer and slapping people with my Prada handbag. (Prado, to be exact 'cause mama needs a sugar daddy something fierce). read more

Best beer bar in the city, hands down. Ambiance: It's a dive bar in the Lower Height, and it looks like one. Bathrooms are a bit gross, but hey, a couple of Pliny's and you won't care. Service: Again, dive bar in the Lower Height. The bartenders are impatient and surly, but that adds to the experience. Know what you want, approach the bar, and order it. Pretty simple. They don't want to chat with you or suggest something fruity for your gal. They don't care and have other customers to serve. Seriously, look at the board, figure out what you want to try, and order it. Those of you bitching about the service, grow a pair. This doesn't look like your sorority bar in the Marina for a reason. If you are looking for a specific taste with lemony zest and hints of vanilla: READ THE MENU AND CHOOSE THE ONE THAT SAYS THAT. Although watching the thin-skinned and the tourists get flustered here is part of the charm. Selection: The reason for coming. They have such a large selection of IPAs and craft brews that I haven't even made it all the way through. If you get food from the wiener place nextdoor, they will even bring it over. Great place to catch a game or just relax on a weekend. read more

This is hands down the best bar in the city for many reasons. First, you aren't going to find a better selection of beer in the city or anywhere near it. Second, the prices can't be beat (esp. during happy hour). Third, the bartenders don't take crap from yuppies. Fourth, you are surrounded by great food. Fifth, the Barley Wine festival is something to look forward to every single year. And people need to quit complaining about the bartenders. All you got to do is go up, order something on the board, get your beer, pay, sit down and enjoy. The bartenders aren't there to entertain you they are there to serve you a beer. This aint the Marina people read more

Did a quick turnaround trip to the Bay recently and was recommended to try out this place per some fellow beer aficionado buddies of mine. I didn't have too much time to hang out there, but it was worth the visit. Located in Lower Haight, it's a chill place - casual, rock music, chill crowd with nice people. I honestly thought they would have more selection, but the variety was not bad at all. They also carry some good old Ballast from SD. Lately, I've been trying to get my bf into craft beer and he's slowly...but surely...catching on. So, I ordered him a Pliny the Elder and I tried out a pumpkin barleywine (which was delish for the record!). Paid $14 for both...which was a little pricey I thought. If you are into craft beers...I recommend this place. If not...you might not enjoy it as much since that's all they serve there. With the exception of ciders (but then again, why would you go to Toronado for that??) TIPS- -Bring your ID...you'll get carded at the door -ONLY CASH!! They don't accept cards here. There is an atm inside too FYI. -It's a blue building next to a taller green one Enjoy! read more

I just added a star to this place after my experience last night. Toronado is everything I could want and more. Here are the three reasons why I fell more deeply in love last night: 1) The door guy is so badass he doesn't even talk. He just grunts at you and that is your cue to hand over your license. He also makes helpful hand gestures if you don't catch on quickly enough. 2) The graffiti in the bathroom is hilarious and witty. Much better than your average high school crap. For example, "Fucktard is a shitbird." This is my new mantra. Also worth mentioning, "Fuck burning man. - your mom" 3) Urine has a peculiar consistency when it pools and sits on a concrete floor. As I was trying to figure out how to pee without soaking the hem of my pants, I actually slipped in a slick puddle of urine, and gently pulled a muscle trying not to eat shit. Keeps a girl on her toes. We met two random people by asking them what beer they were drinking. Rather than describing it, they let us taste, then they joined us at our table and we all became bff through the magical friendship power of booze. We took turns buying rounds, never getting the same beer twice, so after a few hours we had tried almost half the menu. It's the first time I've ever ordered drinks family-style. I don't remember leaving the bar, but I know that I was very happy. read more

Oktoberfest is a particularly stressful time of year to be a bartender. Let me give you an example: Poochie M. (in a calm submissive state): I'll have a liter of Spaten. Bartender (at the top of his lungs): WE DON'T HAVE ANY LITERS. Poochie M. (In a calm submissive state): I'll have a 1/2 liter then. Bartender (at the top of his lungs): WE DON'T HAVE ANY LITERS OR HALF LITERS. Poochie M (in a calm submissive state): I'll have a pint of Spaten (a pint is almost the same as a 1/2 liter...). Bartender (at the top of his lungs): WHAT KIND OF SPATEN? WE HAVE 4 KINDS OF SPATEN. MAKE UP YOUR MIND... Poochie M (at the top of his lungs): A PINT OF SPATEN LAGER! When someone asks for Spaten they usually are referring to plain Spaten, i.e., the lager. If I wanted Spaten Oktoberfest, I would have asked for Spaten Oktoberfest. Don't ya think? Take lots of deep breaths. It will all be over soon! read more

Brought a few international friends to this place to watch the World Cup since this place was empty (other bars were packed!). It was silent since everyone was focused on the game and out of nowhere, the bartender yells at us saying we need to buy something or leave. I'm sorry, the people next to us have water... you didn't yell at them? Extremely rude - NEVER coming back here again. Terrible service and cash only. Edit: he just yelled at another table for "taking up space". Note to bartender- THERE ARE EMPTY SEATS HERE!!?! read more

This place is awesome and would be my local, if only I was a local. Sure you might be a bit nervous getting past the scary looking bouncer with a chihuahua, and you may not meet the tattoo quota, but once you settle inside you'll realise that all types are welcome (or happily tolerated?) here. Old hippy dudes sat between tattooed, bearded, black clad young men and a sixty year old woman with a hair sprayed bouffant and pink silk tent dress. This is your quintessential dive bar with a beer menu to impress. Happy hour meant $4 beers! I enjoyed the Honey Queen by Brooklyn Brewing and went back for another. The bartender was friendly and unruffled as he easily covered all the work alone in this busy place. He even nodded politely and refrained from throwing us out when we mentioned Anthony Bourdain. (Such tourists!) The jukebox pumped out patrons' choices of gritty, thumping rock and I was impressed to see Grinderman amongst the choices. Go Aussie music! We'll be back even though we only have four days in SF. Although can someone tell me how such a divey bar with rockstar cred has such clean, white toilets? read more

This place is in my neighborhood so i get dragged here sometimes, but it sucks. If I could get get back all the time that I've spent waiting at the bar to get a beer at the Toronado, I'd have enough to knit a few sweaters (that includes learning how to knit) This place needs to get over itself, it's not that cool. The only reason that it doesn't get one star from me is that one time I got in a car accident on my way to meet a friend there, and she spent an hour sitting by herself getting hit on by a weird guy and it was kind of funny how relieved she was when I eventually arrived. read more

This place doesn't do much for me. Sure they have a great beer selection, but it's so freaking loud and crammed with a motley crew of sports nuts, pot bellied jocks past their prime and never enough seating, that I feel like I'm being crammed into a sweaty, aging locker room. On top of that, the service is curt, to put it mildly. So how much is one of their beers really worth to you? read more

I really love the relaxed atmosphere here, no pretentious a-holes hanging out....sweet! The coolest thing is the 'train station departure board' layout for all the different beers & their prices. Takes away all the guess work and eye squinting to figure out what beer you want to try next. You really can't beat the good quality beer that skips the preservatives and gives you no hangover in the morning! I kid you not, after drinking all evening here, I woke up like freakn' snowwhite from her enchanted sleep. Mental note to future self: Drink more Anchor Steam;-) The music kicked ass and I'm not sure what category this bar fits into...but it hangs somewhere between a classy dive bar (is that an oxymoron?) & a beer galleria. I actually think it's really cool that they do not sell liquor. Keeps the shot slamming assholes at bay (and if I was a regular here with my girlfriends, would prevent us from becoming the shot slamming a-holes). I probably would have given the place 5 stars if the single bartender wasn't so overwhelmed & if the music was at a lower volume so we wouldn't have to scream at each other. But the beer really did make up for those slight nuances. Overall, I'm glad I was introduced to this place. Would definitely revisit on my next trip to San Fran. read more

This bar has a lot of beer. Lots of it. So much that you've probably never heard of most of it. And if you have heard of something, you feel guilty about ordering it because "there are oh so many that I haven't tried." Usually there is a reason that you haven't tried it. I've had a fair number of beers here and none have been that great. Also, I came in one Saturday afternoon during the NFL Playoffs with my sausage from next door. I saddled up to the nearly empty bar, ordered a beer to go with my sausage and politely asked the bartender if he would put the game on the TV for me, instead of the close captioned sci-fi channel monster flick, currently occupying the screen. Well, the bartender looks me in the eye and says, "We aren't a sports bar." He did in fact, change the channel for me, but not without a degree of hostility that I didn't appreciate. Yes, you aren't a sports bar, but you are, in fact, a bar. Oh and don't bother coming here if you want liquor, as they have none. The only reason they don't get one star is that you are able to take your mouthwateringly delicious any-animal-of-your-choosing sausage from next door at Rosamundes and wash it down with a beer. read more

Uncomfortably crowded on weekends and during special events--it's not uncommon to see a line wrapped around the block. Come on a weekday evening and enjoy the wide variety of craft beer while avoiding the crowds. If it's not busy, the bartenders are great about helping you choose a beer, but if it's packed, ask questions at your own peril. (That's why I like to go with Andrei Z. He is my personal beer-recommender.) Bring cash, and wear shoes you don't mind beer being spilled on. Take the 6, the 71, or the N-Judah, because quaffing those high ABV delights will sneak up on you. It's no-frills and it's awesome. read more

I love beer. I love beer and a good sausage (which you can get next door and eat here). What I don't love is attitude from the beertending troll behind the bar. Uhh, it's just beer dude get off my out of town buddy's back for asking for a Budweiser. He's from St. Louis for crying out loud. Despite that, I'll be back, but truthfully it is because of the sausages. read more

This bar has taught me many things: 1) How to be decisive 2) To not be easily offended by curtness 3) To pee squatted over a toilet (toned up the leg muscles) 4) The likability of loud metal music 5) That it's nice to be in a bar with many men and less women 6) Have cash on hand for impulsive Toronado moments 7) If you go in there with 2 of your hot girlfriends the bartender will be nice and will take a picture of you and your friends if you are not a bitch to him (given he's not four deep) 8) I love Duvel and Delerium beer 9) Eating sausage in front of people is a good and acceptable custom 10) Every time you look at the wall you will find a new sticker 13) If the floor is a little sticky, it's OK 12) This is probably the best beer bar in California, not kidding 13) All of the bartenders are bomb if you aren't a douche read more

Extremely RUDE! I went in there to begin my immersion into the world of beer. It was a slow night so I figured it was a good time to ask questions about various styles. I asked about Belgian wit beers and other beers a beginner might like. The bartender offered me water and kept STARING at my TITS. The bar seems to have a hipster and yuppie infestation problem. Needless to say I will not be going back. This place is NOT FEMALE FRIENDLY,go to La Trappe or the Trappist instead. I'd give this place ZERO STARS if I could. read more

Great beer choice!! Enjoyed the stout and the Chimay. Worst bar tenders ever....negated all that I enjoyed from the beers. You make a mistake ordering (I was ordering for six) you will be abused and ridiculed. My only mistake is that I waved my hand to draw attention which is a cardinal sin at a pub and I accept that fault of mine. read more

Not that these guys need another review but I thought why not. I love this place. I've lived in the Haight for 6 years and regardless of there prickly edges, the beer is all that I need...that and a sausage from next door. The best way to have an amazing experience, 1. Have your money and order ready. 2. I know this seems obvious to some, but do not snap your fingers. 3. Don't ask them questions, see number 1 4. Be confident, they smell fear 5. Tip really well, this will always get them to come back to you first on the second, third round. If you think "they should earn there tip" you shouldn't drink here. Think of it as tipping for the amazing beer selection. read more

This place fucking rocks. I love beer. My friends love beer. There's nothing but beer here. (Also thanks to Toronado for making my birthday completely memorable...and totally forgotten) read more

Dirty, dive-y, and perfect. Simple bar, amazing tap selection, and they even have happy hour. I ended up here on a Monday morning during the holidays. This was our first stop on what was to become the best day of drinking in SF of my life. Pliny the Elder on tap for $3.50? Shut up. No way. Russian River's Pliny & Blind Pig first thing in the morning calls for absolute perfection. Oh, and cash only folks. Get used to it. You're paying next to nothing for an impeccable beer selection. read more

I took a shot of Underberg with one of the bartenders once when the previous manfriend (doesn't that sound a lot better/ more respectable than ex?) compensated the bartender for some bad tippers. I once got scolded by the bartender for not having cash. (after I ordered.. oops). Never making that mistake ever again. I haven't come here for a long time. Great beer on tap for $1 off during happy hour. You can't get a pint of Pliny for $5 anywhere else. It's a miracle! Today I sat with some friends, threw back some beers, and watched the Dodgers sweep the Giants. wompwomp. I guess I'll have a Pliny to wash away the sadness. Amazing selection, always crowded, know what you want, have cash, and don't dilly dally. Beer lovers unite. If you don't have an open beer palette and only want what you can get everywhere else, this isn't the place for you. So, come here with an open mind, and if you don't know what you want, ask for a suggestion, and take their advice. Also if you order a bunch of beers and they tell you what each is as they hand it to you, LISTEN. Don't expect them to repeat themselves. And don't give them a bad tip for not repeating themselves... Which reminds me never to bring people who will embarrass me here.. I'm glad I didn't know that group! HAH. Dog-friendly as long your pooch is bar-friendly and doesn't pop his collar. I try not to come here on Fridays/Saturdays, which I'm sure are the best nights, but Sunday day-drinking is way better/less crowded. On Fridays, if you don't have a seat, expect to be awkwardly standing/moving around getting out of of the way. Everyday you're shufflin'... read more

Fun dive bar with sometimes crazy beers on tap (or in bottle). Worth checking out if you're a beer fan, enjoy dive bars, and looking for something unique. Enjoy! read more

This is a premier destination for connoisseurs of quality beer. There are 40-50 different beers of all types and origins are available at reasonable prices. (Another yelper told me that Toronados reputation as a beer mecca means that breweries are eager to have their beer sold here, giving the bar a lot of leverage when purchasing.) I suppose this is also a premier destination for connoisseurs of stickers and grime, though the bathrooms are uncharacteristically clean. read more

On the plus side this pub has a great selection of beers, probably the most extensive I've seen in the city. It even has a small number of draft (ie non-fizzy) beers that are pretty good. On the downside this means it attracts a lot of beer snobs and sundry hipster types. The bar staff also have a bit of an attitude over poor beer selection. Worth checking out if you're serious about your taste in beer, but not a great place to hang out. read more

I saw some of the largest, toughest looking women I've ever seen in San Francisco in Toronado. Automatic four stars. You grab a sausage from Rosamunde's next door, grab a beer, and life is that much better. Great lunch stop. I like how the bartenders yell at you if you're out of line: for example, if you order Fat Tire. I want to go to one of their beer tastings, but it's so intense and packed, it's tough. Haven't seen a fight here, but it seems like a good place to plan one. read more

Beers before a concert hit the Toronado! I've never been much of a bar connoisseur other than hitting the cool trendy spots to hang out looking trendy in flouncy tops and black cocktail dresses. But as I've gotten older, I've been spending more time hitting dive bars with friends rather than making the appearance at my usual fave haunts (Redwood Room, Ozuma, Americano, W...) and I like to hang out in my t-shirt/jeans combo nowadays. Toronado echoes this sentiment and the locals that occupy reflect the relaxed and happy people who keep their pints filled and the conversations flowing. Apparently, this is the spot for all sorts of beers.....in fact, I felt bad about leaving a 1/3 of my Belgian $10 beer (good thing W and M were too happy to oblige in finishing it) but I'm not much of a beer drinker. Yes, I admit, I'm more of a hard liquor kind of a gal. During our course of beer consumption, we ordered and brought in dogs from Rosamunde's located next door and the place filled up quite quickly. After my first several sips, my cheeks began to feel warm. And having W as a literal backup to my sudden challenge with the Belgian, afforded me enough elbow room to lean on. Cool bartenders, neat bar and great selection of beers. I'd say this calls for major stars! read more

Sausage from next door & quality beer. The Supremes that played after some punk rock was a nice touch as well. I can't think of a better place to bond with a dancer who ALSO likes to drink. It doesn't happen that often, let me tell ya. Or maybe it's just the dancers I know. read more

The beer. Mmmm.. Beer... Good times at this bar usually turn into blurry memories where all you can remember are snippets: stumbling through Lower Haight looking for cigarettes. Almost buying street art off some artist two doors down. Keeping pace with the rounds. Bringing Mexican food in from next door and eating like there's no Tomorrow. Drunkenly ignoring the sad state of the bathroom because, goddamit, when you have to pee, you have to pee! oh my god, how many beers have I had already? How many hours have I been here? Nooooo~..... Minus one star for the loud, mind numbing music that turns your fun time out with friends into a screaming match so you can be heard. read more

Oh Toronado--look at you with your 600-something reviews, you slutty bar you. Like most, I come here for the beer; not the lack of places to sit/stand/breathe (on the weekends) or the bathroom wall wisdom. I took my parents here when they came to visit me, and it got my dad's stamp of approval, though it was weird for me to realize that they were probably the oldest folks in the premises at only 50. We stood amongst the Saturday night mosh pit and enjoyed our beverages while gazing at all of the past/present/future beer taps lining the ceiling and walls. Good enough for me. read more