Great selection of beers, especially barley wines when I was there. Pretty cool atmosphere-divey but well lived in. Doorman was fine. So why only two stars? Bartender was a rude ass who could barely put together an intelligible sentence. Granted it was prime time on Saturday night and they were busy, but he could have been working at the post office-find another job if you're that burnt out. They have a big sign that says order by tap number but the beers I wanted were unnumbered so I had to order by name-could have been that was too much for him to process but it's not my fault you've set up such a half-assed system. Also, the place is dirty and needs a broom and mop in a bad way. Overall, somewhat overrated and not worth the effort. Too bad because there's great potential here, maybe a slower weeknight would provide a better experience. read more

Came here for some Pliny the Younger for beer week 2018. On a Monday i didn't think there would be a line at 11:00 AM for some beer, but sure enough there was. They moved the line really fast as soon as they opened and once i got in I was surprised at how much space they had to fit everyone in that was in line. All the bartenders knew what everyone was there for so they handled the traffic well, moving from one side down to the end and back over again. Keg kicked in about 20 minutes, but that's to be expected for the Younger. Came back after leaving for some food and grabbed some Pliny the elder on tap too. Solid, solid place. All good beers on tap, especially Pliny the Elder which is rare. And they also have all the old taps they used to have all over the walls so you know they've been doing this for a while and did a damn good job at it too. read more

Toronado - Pliny the Younger, Beer Week '18 - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bartender not helpful and lazy. Aggressive and unfriendly, incredibly rude and inappropriate toward guests.

Your classic beer bar. The selection is incredible and the place doesn't feel too crowded. If you have a decent sized group there is a corner sofa in the back with some tables that can definitely seat about 15 people. Drinks run the price range between $5-$10, which is definitely on the low end in the city. They do not serve food, but there is an excellent sausage place next door and you are allowed to bring your food in Make sure you hit an ATM ahead of time. The place is cash only read more

Toronado - Ample menu - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Served us hot beer and when I asked for a cold beer on an unbelievably hot day, they gave me endless attitude. Sorry if I expected beer under 83 degrees for $9. Rude. read more

Toronado - This is what a warm beer looks like. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

wide craft beer selection with a cool dive bar atmosphere with unfriendly host. Note that signaling the bartender with a wave might lead to a longer wait. Tips are not encorouged they are demanded. read more

This place smells like the worst BO EVER!!! how can you have such a great selection of beers on tap and be able to enjoy them when the smell of BO is so overpowering?! This place suck ass. I know it's a craft beer staple and all that but man...this is just foul! Oh, BTW, have a door guy stand at his post if you don't want me doing his job! There were patrons who thought I was the doorman and I had to direct him to the real doorman who was fucking chatting it up with some patrons. This place is garbage and I will never spend another dime there! Fuck Toronado! It's garbage AF!!! read more

It's amazing how there is such a dicotomy of reviews on here about Toronado. It's a testament to how much the staff can influence your experience. Everyone who raves talks only about the vast selection of beer, and everyone else seems to have had issue with the smell or rude staff. Now I will start by disclosing that I showed up to the bar with 12 guy friends for a birthday on Saturday night, and with my long wavy blonde hair and little black dress with boots on... I'm sure I looked a bit out of place with the wannabe hipster crowd. I stood at the bar for like 15 minutes watching the bar tender serve every man around me, including a guy behind me. Seriously?! Is my money not green? I used to work in the service industry, and one thing I know is that bars with women in them, tend to be more successful, because the men stick around. But the snobby, pretentious attitude I received, not to mention, obvious discrimination, could be this place's downfall. I would expect that sort of bs from a sommalier in a 4-star wine bar, but dude, newsflash: you're a sweaty, tatted up bartender with a gnarly farmers tan wearing a wife beater at work who just missed out on a tip from the girl who would have left $4 tip on her $4 beer, simply because I use to be on the other side and I know how hard that job can be. Oh and the look of disgust when I tried to order a diet coke for the D.D. was the clincher. Well Toronado, I guess you got what you wanted. I'm never coming back here again. read more

Unclear why the bartender sucks so much, but I now see from these reviews that my experience was not atypical... Tuesday night. Quiet. Maybe 1-2 small groups of people at outdoor tables. I walk up to the entrance: Me: "Hi there. I'm waiting for a friend, but are there outdoor tables available?" Overgrown hippie man/bartender: "Yep" Me: "Great. So...may I just grab one of the tables out here?" Him: "No. What's gonna happen is YOU order beers up here and then I GIVE you the beers and THEN I will give you a table." Looks at me once more, then walks away. Lol. Ok bye. read more

Amazing craft beer selection always! Casual grungy dive bar cash only vibes. Most times I've been here it's the perfect amount of busy but not too busy. I love that they always have my favorites: Russian river, cellar maker and fieldwork. Great spot for beer fans. read more

One of the best beer bars around. Cool bartenders. If you don't care about beer don't come here. Heaven for a micro brew drinker. Been around for so long much respect has to be given for that. Not much has changed over the years either, except maybe the prices. If your a Blue Moon drinker save yourself the hassle of coming here. There is no point. Only a beer snob would appreciate this place. If you don't know what you want don't waste the bartenders time. Drinking cheap, junky beer here is forbidden. Go elsewhere. read more

The bouncer, the bartender...all rude and bad attitudes. Just asked the bouncer a simple question if they still had any Pliny the Younger and he raised his voice and told me to stop asking him the question and that he told me where to find out several times before. I told him I'd never come here any day this week or earlier that day and for that matter in the past two years and he kept insisting that I came multiple times asking the same question in the past few days. I know that there are signs everywhere to order your beer by number. I just wanted to ask a simple question and asked the bartender. Then he just gives me a stern look and then walks away without taking my order. You can simply just say "no, we're out." We have cash in hand to spend money to buy beers here and if that's the attitude the staff wants to have, then I can just go somewhere else to get a beer rather than put up with this attitude. read more

Can't believe I haven't ventured to Lower Haight area as there's a good selection of bars & eateries. For some reason I had already bookmarked Toronado so I was glad that my friends suggested to meet up at this bar. We showed up around 8pm on a Saturday and beat the crowd just by 30 mins or so. If you're a beer fanatic, this is the spot for you. Pliny is on tap as well as a decent selection of stouts (there's a Chai flavored one), ciders, and lots of whatever you're in the mood for. The place can get crowded if you're in the front area but there's additional seating and two restrooms at the back. There's no food but feel free to step next door to Rosamunde Sausage Grill and bring your food back -- there's actually a menu on the table. Cash only. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

A perfect spot for beer lovers. If you go around 6pm on a weekday, there should be open spots at the bar. The bartenders are always extremely friendly and helpful, and let you taste any of the beers before fully committing to one. They always have a great selection - for any type of beer you like best. It is cash only, but they have an ATM in the back (I never have cash on me, so nice that they have that inside) read more

One of the best beer bars in the city. You will always find good beer on tap sitting alongside really good people. You will always get Pliny the Younger here during Beer Week. They also always have some Russian River on tap. You can also purchases limited cans and bottles to go here too. I was fortunate to have it twice in two weeks. It can get a little loud sometimes and it is usually dimly lit. It's also cash only. Great spot any time of day. read more

BYOS (Bring Your Own Sausage) from Rosamunde next door and head over here to order a brewski. Yes, they let you eat your order from next door, here. NOICE. Chill dive bar (a little rough on the edges), grungy white crowd, extensive beer selection, cheap prices, plenty of seating. Good times. For him: Blind Pig IPA For her: Edel-Weisse Don't expect any service. + Cash only, ATM on-site read more

Toronado - His: Blind Pig IPA & Hers: Edel-Weisse - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Writing a review of any bar is definitely not one of my stronger points. Though I love drinking beers, I do not go to a lot of bars to get hammered. I do all my beer-drinking at the privacy of my home or other's home. I also drink at Oracle Arena, my home of my Golden State Warriors..."ha-ha, get it?" But this dive bar in the Lower Haight area is very cool and laid back. The bar is also located next to the popular hot dog place-Rosamunde Sausage Grill. Many of the people buy the juicy hot dog(s) and head next door to the dive bar for one of many rotating local and imported micro-brewed beers on tap. I have been to the sausage place many times for lunch and on-duty. But this is my first time I have bought a hot dog and went next door to the popular dive bar on Haight Street. I had a pint of Anchor Steam, a San Francisco brew for $4.00. Add that brew with a pair of Coney Island beef hot dogs for $7.50, which is Rosamunde's Monday Special, you have yourself a meal. As I was enjoying my meal, I was staring at the bar's funky and unique tap-handles from many various brews. Many beer-handles were used and served at the bar and some of them are now retired. If you are a tourist, you can also buy merchandise at the bar too. Grab a hot dog from Rosamunde and bring that hot dog next door to the Tornado Bar for a beer is your two-step plan. read more

Toronado - Anchor Steam with my hot dog - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Honestly I really didn't order for myself, I didn't look at the beer menu. I just sat there and beers were brought to me by my husband. I also just drank what ever Tom R. was drinking. The beer was dark and delicious which is what I enjoy. We sat at two little tables in the side room and talked. It is really loud in there. I saw people in the other room bobbing their heads as if they were hearing some good music but I never heard any music. They also have 3 bathrooms. Which is the best thing a bar could ever have. Never a line and that's what I like to see. It was a great hang and will totally come back again. read more

See all

Skip day adventures stop #3 Because every once in a while there's that day when you're not "feeling well" in the morning, but then undergo a miraculous recovery just after calling in sick. Strange, I know, but it is a phenomenon familiar to many. A random Tuesday was such a day for me. So after touring Anchor Brewing Company & grabbing a dog next door at Rosamunde (hey, we all have different ways of getting better after not "feeling well"), it was finally time to check out Toronado with a beer nerd cohort. Finally, because this was somehow my 1st time here. I guess I don't get into the City enough. Well, gotta say I really liked it, for the vibe & the tap selection. It felt divey, Devil-may-care with Heavy Metal blaring & a beertender who looked like the sort of guy who has a switchblade in his pocket. Of course, the list of beers on tap was impressive. For a bonus, it was Happy Hour, which meant $1 off everything across the board. Like I need extra incentive to drink more beer in the afternoon. Needed or not, at least 1 extra pint can be credited to Happy Hour. Man, why did I not get to Toronado sooner? I can definitely see how Toronado may not be everyone's cup of tea & I'm guessing this place is a completely different animal at night. But for a lazy afternoon of drinking Happy Hours beers, the vibe here is right up my alley. I'm looking forward to a future day when I'm not "feeling well" again. I will be back. read more

- Locale Destination - It's on Haight St and between Fillmore St and Steiner St in Lower Haight, San Francisco. Nicer "dive bar" with cool and hip "San Francisco" vibe and interesting craft beers. "Dive bar" here is meant for "neighborhood bar", but not the definitions you usually assume (trashy, cheap, so laid back etc.).. Nicer here. They have a long bar with seating, tables, and small seating area back side. Staff (all male - I think hot "female" bartender/beer pourer would increase their sales ;p) were cool. Parking around here is tough. Dive bar with tons of craft beers... They rotate them often. Cool!! - Gluttony Expedition - Hefweizen : mild, smooth, medium body, little earthy nose. Not bad! - Conqueror's Deduction - Price is a little bit expensive for dive bar - very common for SF in general - unlike the amazing Oregon micro brewery scenes, but good place for craft beers. read more

See all

You may have an affordable and wonderful selection of craft beer, but being rude for no reason is inexcusable. I was recently there on a bar crawl with a large group of people I didn't know. The bar was somewhat busy so I stood behind the patrons at the bar with my hand raised halfway. One of the bartenders walks over and says, "The fact that you have your hand raised means I won't help you," and walks away. I wasn't yelling. I wasn't being rude. I was merely making myself a bit easier to see. I'm am one of the politest people you will ever encounter in a bar and I've never been treated like dirt before for being polite. The other bartender finally came by and poured me a Pliny The Elder. I tipped him, drank my beer and walked out the front door, never to return. read more

Why 2 stars? Because everything pretty much sucked. --- --- --- So here was my debate: I'd already been traveling around all day by myself around San Francisco and was back at the hotel to change and get some much needed re-charging of my iPhone. I was tired and cold. Watching March Madness from the comfort of my warm hotel bed had me tempted to skip out on my night plans, which happened to be Toronado. But I'd heard it was possibly the best beer bar in the city, so I decided to give in and head over. After a decent trek through the city, I arrived at a crowded bar with no open seats and squeezed my way to the bar. I am no beer expert by any stretch of the imagination...so when walking into a bar with 50+ beers that I have never heard of and know nothing about...is it abnormal for a question or two to be asked? I asked bartender #1 for a Belgium style beer that wasn't too hoppy and was given the answer, "Belgium is just a country, that could mean a lot of things." Well, why is it that when I go to any other bar across America with a similar question, the bartender immediately has a suggestion or three for me? Eventually I got something and slipped away from the bar. Finally a couple of guys left and two bar stools opened up. I took one and was ready for beer #2, this time, from bartender #2. I had been reading my Yelp app for suggestions, but then leaned my hand down on the bar, as I was checking out the taps to see what seemed appealing. Bartender #2 comes up and asks - what I would like: Me: "Can I try this?" as I point to a tab. Him (snarky tone) "do you want to SAMPLE or do you want to DRINK it?" Me: "ummm I want to samp..." as he cuts me off. Him: "Do you want to drink or do you want to be on your phone?" Me: "Huh??" Him: "Put your phone away if you want to order" *looks around at the other patrons for someone to agree with him... Me: "I am not even looking at my phone, it's dimmed, what are you talking about?" He then hands me my "sample" which is awful, so I quickly choose something else, drink it, close my tab, and depart never to return. I understand that they were busy, but they were in no way "slammed." It was the most rude and least helpful bar service I've ever had, and my worst experience at any place in San Francisco. read more

I came here with my boyfriend after Superbowl 50. It was surprisingly not crowded. I guess everyone was down at Levi's Stadium. Anyways, Toronado has an impressive beer selection with plenty of seating in the main bar area and a back room. I can imagine that this place gets pretty packed on some nights, especially because there are TVs for watching sports. The bartender that night was soooo unfriendly and rude. He was ignoring customers left and right, and I was getting pretty annoyed. What a jerk! Then I realized that his team probably lost the Superbowl so I had to give him the benefit of the doubt and cut him some slack. Regardless, this put a damper on my experience. Plus the area around the end of that long bar smells funny. Ugh. Not a fan of this place. I got my Pliny the Elder (cash only) and chilled with my boyfriend in the back room where we enjoyed a great conversation and beer. Someone had also brought their dogs into the bar, so that made up for all my annoyances earlier. So cute! Anyways, not impressed by this place but at least I got to cross it off my list. read more

-CASH ONLY- I like beer, especially reasonably priced good tasting beer. If you are in SF and have the same likes, definitely go to Toronado. They have a different beer for everyone and types from all over the country. I posted a picture of the beers on 4/20/2019. They have Pliny Elder which I was told by my brother is hard to find, and great on tap, so I, of course, got that. They also have the tap from an astonishing number of beers. The one thing that was tough to handle was the type of music because death metal is not my favorite. I was going for a beer and not the music, but just buyer beware to not bring people who want country or Billboard top 50. read more

Ok, I heart Toronado. Did a V Day mini pub crawl with a few friends, and Toronado was our first stop. It just so happened to be the same day as their Barley wine Festival so figured it'd be crowded, and yes, it was. There were so many varieties of barley wine (close to 100 maybe? I can't recall but the barley wine sheet was two sided). Even, the board that lists all of their beers was down to about 10 to accommodate the barley wines. Anyway, there were some hard core barley wine aficionados. After getting a sausage next door at Rosamunde's, we found a table in the adjacent room with empty chairs across from two aficionados. OK, so 3 hot and lovely ladies sitting across from these fellas, and did they bother to look up at us?!? UM NO! It was amazing how engrossed they were with their barley wine, sipping from their glasses, discussing how hoppy and malty each were, and ranking them on their sheet. However, the table behind us was a complete 180 from ours. Talk about young, rowdy straight out of college kids. They were so loud and annoying, and one girl's laugh was just so painful to hear. *And who wears white jeans in the middle of winter?!? (that's for you, Amy!) Seriously, we downed the dogs so we could get the hell out of that room and back to the main bar area! Back in the main area, we chilled by the front door and drank our beers. We started talking to one of the bouncers, who ended up giving us a few of his valentine cards (you know, the old school elementary school kind with the cartoon characters). I was happy to get one, even though it was a hand me down. Dude, it was a Scooby-Doo one! Love it and love you bouncer dude! It was another solid outing at Toronado! Was definitely feeling the love on V Day! read more

Sometimes I think I'm not into beer, but then I realize that's probably just something I picked up from my skinny girlfriends. When I have a beer in front of me, I tend to put it in my system. When I put it in my system, I tend to enjoy it. This is especially true if the beer is delicious. I visited Toronado on my trip to San Francisco with Justin C. We came in the late afternoon to eat Ike's sandwiches and Rosamunde sausages. We treated the place like a purveyor of picnic tables, and no one cared. I didn't even interact with Toronado personnel - Justin grabbed us beers from the bar. We didn't go crazy, as it was 3 o'clock and we were driving to the airport, but we sipped on a couple beers while we ate our lunches. I liked the clear display of beer options at Toronado, and Justin picked us up a Russian River Damnation and a Lost Abbey. The Russian River Damnation was a fantastic pale ale that I plan to drink whenever I can, and the Lost Abbey was great as well, a sharper, heavier beer. I don't know how Toronado is at night, but it had a cool dingy atmosphere when I went. It wasn't crowded, but it wasn't empty either, and I liked the divey feel of the place. It was, I would say, unjustifiably dark for the hour, but so it goes. All the better to hide that beer belly. read more

I stopped by Toronado Friday night to experience a double header extravaganza of Rosamunde's sausages and interesting beers I've never tried before. It was pretty packed on Friday night as should be expected. I was able to get a drink pretty quickly even still at a packed bar, I first sampled the Damnation from Russian River Brewing Co. It came in a strange "fruity" glass as one of my coworkers commented, usually the hallmark of a strong beer. I was happy to discover the Damnation did not have a ridiculously strong bite which I hate, It was really smooth and tasty, I really liked it. After cleansing my palette with a Rosamunde sausage, I sampled Barney Flats Stout. It was smooth rich and very balanced. I was surprised to find my two random choices were rewarded with two brilliant beers. But credit must go to Toronado for putting together such a great menu, I hope to be back to try some new beers. read more

Toronado is heaven to any serious micro brew drinker. dozens of brews on tap, even piner the elder. ambience isn't much, just a long bar and some tables. the brews are the stars here. drafts seem local but didn't recognize some of them. pour: -deutsches stout(4) -great value, smooth and strong -just stopped at one to be safe. drips: -quick, friendly service -toronado looks like a dive, brew is lst class. read more

Beer bar! They had to have at least one option of cider right? Yep, just one! Haha. Tip: Cash Only and there is an ATM across the street to hit up for only $2.25, not sure what the ATM is inside. Upon walking up to the location, one of the girls I was with warned us that they would not be nice in here because there was a very specific crowd that attended this bar. I didn't feel any sort of uncomfortable-ness in the least, which was awesome! We strolled up to the bar and took 3 seats and the bartender (Stewie) immediately took our order. While my girl was in the b-room I took her drink and Stewie told me to tell her it was her "Dalmatian" (please keep in mind that I never drink beer, ever) so when I repeated it, I said ok so this is her "Dalmatian" and he laughed and said no, It's not the spotted pup, tell her she is going to hell "Damnation" - I could not stop laughing, it was awesome! Ahhhhh I make funny from stupidity gotta love it. After sitting there for about an hour Stewie chimed in and said he usually gets annoyed overhearing all the chatter at the bar but that we were keeping him entertained with the stories he was over hearing, SCORE! Haha. He then joined our conversation and gave us a bit of his background, super nice guy! Tell him what's up if you ever head in there. Only bad thing, the bathroom was atrocious. There was only one available because the other one was taped off, I have a feeling it was just too disgusting. The floor was just soaked and it smelled so bad. Oh well, dive bar, dive b-room right? read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Toronado SF: Lower Haight Saturday March 3, 2012 Three Stars [SF#5] The ambiance of SF Tornado can pretty much be summed up by this article I found: http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/2012/03/toronado-bartenders-jerks.html and http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/feast/2012/mar/01/a-tale-of-two-toronados/ I will summarize: Being a SD resident, we wanted to visit the original Toronado but original is by far inferior because SF Beer-Pourers treat their patrons like $&*^. Our experience: We found a table which was exciting on Saturday afternoon. The beer selection was standard but I saw nothing of ooh and ahh status. Why SD is better: There is no Stale Smell of Beer on unwashed floors or the Deafening Jams of the Metallica Anthology. There is not a Single Graffiti-Ridden Bathroom and they let me have the option of using a credit card. Don't be a Cash Only Bar - we live in modern society. read more

Toronado - Logo - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Seemingly endless amounts of beer and wall to wall sausage? Nope this isn't a Thursday night frat party, but rather a pretty awesome premise for Toronado in the Haight. My buddy brought me here a couple of weeks ago, and from the start Toronado did not disappoint. Any place that rocks one of those half-doors like you'd see on a cottage in the rolling hills of the English countryside (think Jane Eyre except substitute beer for passive-aggressive relationships and feelings) deserves mucho respect. What makes Toronado great are the contrasts. This bar will take you up and down, back and forth, and leave you somewhere in the middle with a deep seated appreciation for frosty cold ones. On the one hand you've got the quintessential dive bar, but on the other you've got a few state of the art LCD TVs beaming the local sports game (Go Giants!). Then you've got the beautifully ornate tap handles on display vs. the gruffness and harsh lines of the intimidating yet surprisingly cheerful bartender. Finally, you're in the Lower Haight, but the jukebox can and will play all the best hits from the the Motown Era. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles anyone? Yes please :) Oh, and did I mention the beer? I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to Westmalle Dubble, my first (and hopefully not last) journey into the wonderful world of Trappist Ales. I'm not much of a beer aficionado, but if I had to compare it to something I'm very familiar with, I'd say Westmalle is kind of like if you took Newcastle and filtered it through a double rainbow while a unicorn was jumping over the top, and maybe a Valkyrie is riding bareback on the unicorn because that would be awesome, right? Yea it's that good, and the glass, nay I say chalice, has a handy guide line on the side so you don't overdo it on the head. Couple that with the 'go right ahead and bring in outside food' policy, (gotta have your brew with a brat from Rosamunde next door) and ding-ding we have a winner. Toronado, I know you're down in the lower Haight, but I've got nothing but love for you baby. P.S. minus 1 star for cash only, how am I gonna save up for that power rewards hot tub now? read more

Toronado - Fav trappist beer at my fav dive bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had a GREAT time at Toronado. This is definitely my kind of bar! Paul was super helpful in helping me select a beer based on my tastes as I'm not a fan of IPA's. Samples were offered at every inquiry. I ended up with more than a few Death and Taxes and a gorgeous Chocolate Stout. Everyone was super friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and fun. Great place for beer lovers. read more

Toronado - Black Lager - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is one of the more fun bars I've been to in SF that is much more laid back, more casual, and you can bring in your favorite sausage dog from next door to feast on while you enjoy a deliciously well priced beer from the extensive availability on draft or a great deal of variety in the bottle. The bartenders are friendly and the local regulars are even friendly. They will not hesitant to strike up a conversation with you at the bar or recommend their favorites. There is a TV so you can catch up on the game and other big action that is happening and the menu is pretty self explanatory although you may have a hard time trying to figure out how to pronounce most of it. They are CASH ONLY just like the sausage spot next door, but it's well worth your cold hard green backs for a refreshing taste of something out of the ordinary. read more

Cool place for craft beer and there's so many reviews, i don't have much to say except one thing: why does it stink so bad in there?! it smells like BO...can't you put a few fresheners here and there? Also bring cash, and don't expect great customer service from the bartender, it almost seems like they like being known as rude or something read more

Toronado - Bar area, pretty small place - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Favorite all time dive bar... Cash only by the way... Not pretentious and always have Pliny and other great beers on tap. Good music, we were there during some eclectic choices. read more

To Danny G., You poor mislead, self righteous, asshat....your review pretty much sums up why we don't want you there, please don't ever come back. Toronado IS the best bar in the city because we don't have to deal with your stuck up bitch gfs or with your "we are so good looking attitude". We go there to drink beer and talk to our friends about beer, not about our clothes or our hair or what Britney is doing. Thank God for the best beer in town and bartenders that know the difference between a saison and a lambic and will straighten your ass out for no charge if you don't. I will be there celebrating my Bday this Sunday the 6th of April. Say hello to the guy in the Strong Beer fest shirt and buy me a beer if you feel the same way. read more

So SUE ME. I may be what you consider the sin of sins a "Pac Heights/Marina" chick. But goddammit I like beer. I enjoy its frothy, earth, wheat laden tones and the nice little buzz that goes with it. So, upon hearing that Torondao was THE place to go for beer from a co-worker of mine (who by the way thinks I'm the shit even if I do own a LV bag) I dragged a few of my girlfriends who are also beer appreciating wenches down to the lower Haight to experience this lovely dive bar. I was very excited. Umm..yeeeeeah. Not so much kids. First off, we come in, smile at the patrons and make our way to the back. Now, I am all about being polite, and saying "excuse me" or "thank you" when someone does something for you. Apparently my manners are offensive to this crowd. I wait. Aaaaaaand wait for about 10 minutes before the bartender (who by the way was not serving anyone and saw me as I waved and smiled to lean and and ask for a recommendation) deigned to swagger on over to ask what I wanted. NICE. Thanks a lot bartender. You're an ASS. Luckily a kind patron who happened to be next to me suggested the Cider and a nice Wheat based on my likes. Thank you kind sir! After practically drowning ourselves to drink our beers, we didn't even bother to ask eachother for a second round. We caught a cab, and made our way back to our motherland, where the girls are shallow and cheap, but at least the bartenders serve you like a queen. 4 stars for the beer 0 stars for service which averages out to 2 stars read more

Toronado is my favorite area bar next to CJ's in Pleasant Hill. I searched on Yelp for Pliny the Elder and the query brought me here. They had 3 Russian River offerings on tap along with a bunch of other quality west coast brews. Pliny drafts were $6. It is one of my favorite IPA's but I do think that Heady Topper and Hop Slam have it beat. Just another case of another over-hyped coastal phenom. Some more phenomenology for you, like Cru said "Now, this ain't funny so don't you dare laugh. Just another case about the wrong path!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol0Y1rlMoto) read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I'm not sure where the bad bartenders and bouncer came from but I had a great experience here. TIP: come with a great attitude, cash at hand, and know what you are going to order so they won't give you a hard time? Great place to get hard to find beers! Pliny the Elder! Always on tap and Blind Pig. Yes bathrooms are gross but it's a bar! Great place for great beer! read more

Perhaps I just came in on a wrong day but on a Saturday afternoon this place was bananas. It was super crowded, loud, and just not my scene after walking more than a few miles that day. That atmosphere is definitely pretty divey but that doesn't bother me. You know what does, though? Super loud music with the treble turned up to 10. Oh God, I think my ears are still ringing. You know it's bad when it takes my super huge AC/DC fan boyfriend a few minutes before he identifies the sounds of Angus Young on the stereo. The beer list is fantastic, to be sure. I had a great pomegranate cider while the rest of my party enjoyed more beer based beverages off their MASSIVE list. The beer list alone is worth 5 stars, indeed. But for me I just couldn't get over the sensory overload around me. My fella went back on his own later in the week during the day and he said it was much calmer and it was relatively easy to speak to the bartenders and get some schooling on beer. He was raving about it. So perhaps that's the key. Go on an off day or night. Next time, SF. Next time. read more