True Sake is a wonder of a store! They have a grand selection of just sake and it totally opened the world of sake for me. The Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable of all things sake! If you're just starting out on sake or just like sake, go to True Sake and they'll guide you on your journey! I'd recommend going and getting some of their seasonal nama sakes! Highly recommended. read more

True Sake - Dan is an awesome True Sake Select, it's Dan good. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

As a fan of Japanese cuisine, it's not surprising that I'm also a fan of Japanese sake. While others gravitated to wines (from nearby Napa Valley) or spirits, I always found more enjoyment from the Japanese spirit. If you've wanting to expand your selection beyond BevMo and Total Wine and More, True Sake is for you. As America's first sake store, their selection of premium imported Japanese sake that they sell online and at their San Francisco location in Hayes Valley is among the largest in the country. Besides selection, I find their pricing very reasonable with a variety of stellar options at every budget and with unique varieties as far as you can explore. However, the real special quality of True Sake is their staff and customer service. It's clear they love their job and are passionate about sake, happy to share recommendations no matter what your tasting background may be. I finally was able to stop by their SF retail store after ordering online for awhile and it deserves a visit if you're in the area just to see all the sake selection and the recommendations. True Sake accepts online orders and accepts all credit cards. read more

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Cool shop tucked away in Hayes Valley with a wide range of sakes. Always a good experience here and they have my favorite cooking sake. Friendly staff and reasonable prices. read more

True Sake - Favorite cooking sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

Friendly service, always helpful and knowledgable. The little info cards they prepare are super helpful and the team is always ready to answer any questions. So many varieties and they keep sticking different things too, I live nearby and come often, never been bored. You can buy a big bottle to bring home or a small bottle for a picnic, they have whatever you might be looking for. read more

they were very helpful lots of selection to see the game tasters really nice place for easy in and out very helpful

Love sake? Need a cool gift? love to learn? True sake work with sake with a passion. This place deserves a visit. The people that work here educate you about sake. They have a large selection of sake so you can find what you need. Makes a great gift. This place is tucked in Hayes Valley, and they host events. So it's really cool place to hang out and meet cool people and taste sake! read more

What an awesome place to find so many different variations of sake! I have seen this place online so many times and have always wanted to check it out. Since I was in the area and found parking right across the street, I decided to treat myself and headed on in. I love that there are a number of 300ml bottles situated on a long table which allowed me to pick some new ones out to try. One of the workers was so helpful in recommending a few junmai daijingo bottles for me to try. I also picked up a couple of 750ml bottles plus a cooking sake that is a must try for cooking. This place spells trouble for me as I haven't even tried any of the bottles I purchased yet but can't wait to go back to look for more! read more

Great selection and a very knowledgeable staff to assist you in discovering the wonderful world of Nihonshu.

Best sake selection in the US. Wish they had a location in LA. They have an array of different sakes, each with tasting notes listed. Their staff are all very helpful and informative. If you simply tell them what you like, they'll be able to hand pick ones for you. Everything they recommended was fantastic. Prices are also pretty fair. If you pop in on a weekend, they'll sometimes have a sake tasting going. read more

Looking for the best sake selection in SF? In the Bay Area? In CA? Look no farther! (I'd add US, but I haven't been to enough to prove that claim). Extremely knowledgable staff. My only regret is that I didn't come on a Saturday when they also offer tastings. Next time! read more

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I found 2/3 sakes I had tried at a tasting on my last trip to Japan. I couldn't find them at any liquor store I checked in Japan. The people at the store were very friendly and helpful. read more

My go to place when I want to buy hard to find Saki and a wide array of surprises. Perfect gift- except I usually keep it myself to share with friends. read more

Excellent selection of premiums and affordable canned sakes. A bit pricey but also offers some membership, community, lessons, magazines even travels in the past. It's a true sake affectionado. Located at the heart of Hayes valley. It's quite a special shop to be. It's cool to be able to buy Nabu Biji beauty of the south here after watching it in a documentary. read more

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Best sake store outside of Japan. Owner Tim really knows everything about sale and the store has one of the most widest selections of sake. read more

True Sake - a variety of sake bottles on a counter - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really cool sake gem in Hayes Valley! At first I thought it was a sake tasting spot but it was actually a small store that had a huge variety of sake. I only recognized a few and wanted to know so much about the rest. May was super helpful and gave some recommendations, from the light every day sake, Kikusui, to a bold one with shiitake mushrooms and umami essences (has a bull on the front). I asked if she knew any restaurants that did sake food pairings and she recommended a place called "Avery" in SF. I so want to go there now! I left with a large bottle of the shiitake mushrooms and umami - I may just have to throw a sake dinner party soon! read more

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Has Kirin (blue bottle) which immediately vaults this review to 5 stars. The folks at this smallish store are very helpful and their expertise is unrivaled. Selection is unlike any place you'll find in the bay area. Lots of great choices warrant multiple future visits. read more

Everyone is so friendly and helpful in the store. There are so many options to choose from and as I keep going back for more, they learn what I like and make great recommendations for what to try next. I am excited to keep drinking my way around Japan through sake over the next years! read more

I had an absolutely magnificent time visiting True Sake! The location is perfect for serendipitous exploration, the staff are incredibly kind and inviting, eager to share their deep knowledge of all things sake, and their product offering is second to none! I highly recommend you check out this shop, chat with the friendly staff and enjoy some amazing sake, you won't regret it! read more

True Sake - a woman looking at bottles of alcohol - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

True Sake rocks! I was buying sake for a work event and simply had a list of recommendations, without understanding what it meant. The staff explained the different types of sake with me and helped me fit my purchase within my budget. Super informative and helpful! Their storefront is well decorated and sake bottles can be so much fun to look at the packaging. Check it out next time you're in Hayes Valley! My star rating: 5 - I would be a regular customer 4 - would go back again 3 - probably try a different place 2 - not very satisfied 1 - turnaround and run read more

True Sake - Front display - cute! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

True Sake is one of a kind for California, and quite possibly the entire US. The first dedicated Japanese sake retail store, where owner Beau Timken is not just the first Sake Samurai (an award bestowed by the Japanese government and sake associations to recognize those who evangelize sake around the world), but is also very active in the industry, from providing tasting notes to many brews the shop carries, to being the a judge of International Wine Challenge for sake (UK). It is also not an easy feat to run a shop for so many years, that has such a wide variety of exported sake, but also to manage local and mail order sales, on top of keeping up with the latest offerings from distributors and vendors, as well as supporting that supply chain any way possible. The store is widely recognized by sake industry people overseas (including in Japan), and many visitors make the pilgrimage to the store whether to purchase bottles or just to visit. One more thing of note, is that True Sake (Beau and his team/staff) have been organizing an annual San Francisco Sake Day event every year (with the exception of 2020 for obvious reasons), which is a must attend for those interested in sake and for those who want to meet industry people, and that also is a monumental task in itself. This is a way for everyone who attends, to taste sake from multiple sources, and have the opportunity to preorder brews from the shop, that you enjoy and want to buy. Regardless if you have lots of experience with sake, or just casual, the shop carries a a variety that will suit the tastes and preferences of everyone (from beginners to hardcore sake enthusiasts). There are known brands, as well as craft sake made by smaller breweries which are worth exploring, as well as sake brewed locally like Sequoia and Den Sake Brewery. The staff are warm and friendly, all certified professionals who are there to help if you have questions, and can recommend something to suit your tastes that I am sure you will find something to enjoy, and hopefully come back to explore more. True Sake has come to the rescue for me numerous times in the past, and is an ideal choice for gift shopping (free gift wrapping service too with your purchase) for any occasion. Very very glad they are around and still continue to do what they do best. read more

True Sake - Choryo Shuzo (Nara prefecture) Yoshinosugi Yamahai Omachi Junmai (left), Futsushu (right), both aged in cedar barrel casks. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

Beau's recommendation was perfect for our guests and dinner. I asked for advice for folks who didn't know anything about sake but wanted to enjoy something at BYOB Japanese restaurant. The bottle was a hit and out of towner's loved the fact that it came from a sake store. It made this visit to the City that more special. read more

Such a hidden gem with lovely store owners! Bf has been living in Hayes Valley for a year and we finally stopped by to pick up some sake. I can't believe we never came by before and will definitely be coming back! Chris was so knowledgable about all the types of sake and found us the perfect bottle for my birthday dinner at Wako! I loved the special experience and how he carefully asked so many questions to find the right type of sake for us. We loved the variety so much, we got two bottles to try! As we were finishing up, we noticed these tiny bottles at the front and Chris and his wife (?) ended up not charging us for the little sake cup. We were both so taken aback by the kindness! Such a lovely store and people, we will be coming back very soon! read more

True Sake claims to be the lst sake centric store in the U.S. it's a small shop filled with 150+ varietals of premium sake, mostly Japan sourced. (junmai, junmai ginjo, junmai daiginjo). parking isn't easy in the area. weekends worst than weekdays, obviously. online shopping available. inventory viewable online. worthwhile exploring if in area. making it a sole destination may be very time consuming, visited store a while ago. pre yelp days. was a fan 20+ years ago when i discovered it at same time a discovered sashimi/japanese food. mid level sake grades may be more satisfying than high end ones. the nuanced flavors at the high end may not be easily discernable by novice sake drinkers. read more

I used to like this shop. Yesterday the sales guy with silver long hair was rude. I would never shop there again.

WOW! What an assortment of sakes! Definitely worth stopping in. The owner is so beyond knowledgeable and friendly. She was really helpful in matching our budget and taste. There's an annual sake tasting that they are featured in too that I'd love to attend if I'm in the area again. read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Want to learn more about sake? Step 1: Take a trip to Takara Sake Museum. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/WgtdWUN689E9U79es8zeVQ) Step 2: Go to True Sake. Step 3: Attend Sake tasting events hosted by True Sake. We are so lucky to have a store like True Sake in San Francisco. Most of us are unskilled taster of sake, but wouldn't it be cool if we could tell good sake from bad? True Sake is a good place to start, MAYBE THE ONLY store in the area where a knowledgeable staff could help you get educated about sake. Don't go to Nijiya and ask one of the bright blue people the differences between Tokubetsu Junmai and Junmai Ginjo. Cheaper to buy sake at Asian grocery stores? I trust that True Sake did their own research to verify that they are the first sake shop in the U.S. However, they are not the first store to sell a good selection of sake, as you could find a pretty good selection of sake in Asian grocery stores that has been around for years. There is not a clear cut answer to which store has the best selection at the cheapest prices. They all have their unique selection of bottles that others do not have. For example, stores like Marina Food (http://www.yelp.com/biz/XaP48HqsDlwbM5jvqRl6vQ) and May Wah (http://www.yelp.com/biz/GOBChLG2VZDk2nK-RftPIA) has pretty good selections. A Japanese grocery store like Nijiya also has a decent line up and tends to have the cheapest prices for ones bottled in the U.S. True Sake seems to know this and tend to recommend bottles that are not offered in other stores. Why is the message from Takara and True Sake different? While they both want to promote sake, you have to understand their agenda. Takara wants to promote California Sake made from California Rice. True Sake looks to sell imported sake from Japan and does not want to promote $6 Californian Sake. They have a high rent to pay in Hayes Valley! I am not sure if I should write about a little secret in their newsletter, so let me just say --- READ THEIR ONLINE NEWSLETTER - all the way to the end. read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Some girlfriends and I wandered in here a few weeks ago and had such a great time! Not only were they about to do a sake tasting, the staff was friendly and helpful. We bought a small delicious bottle that we sat in the park and shared, then we went back for the tasting and to buy another bottle~ It was that yummy! I ended up purchasing a bottle of a seasonal special that I LOVED, that they happened to be tasting (pictured below). It was so flavorful and enjoyable. Anyways, a super fun and educational experience all around and I can't wait to return. Staff recommendations were spot on. Highly recommend. Thanks True Sake! read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was a little gem to stop at. I wasn't even intending to buy sake, but when I saw the little store, something told me to stop by. And I'm glad I did, I needed to buy a house warming gift and this was perfect. I know my scotch and wine, but beyond the three levels of sake defined by the extent of the rice polishing, I'm at a loss. The woman at the store (I'm mad I forgot her name!) was a huge help. She asked my questions akin to what a sommelier would ask. I wasn't able to try the sake she recommended, but I'm sure it was good. Highly recommend this place. read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I found out about this place through attending one of their sake days where I discovered several great tasting sake. Unfortunately I drank (and gave away some as gifts) all the bottles I ordered and decided to pick some more up at the store. The store had one employee (maybe she was the owner) and she didn't offer any help. I had to ask her for help even though we were the only customers at the time. She was cold and gave short answers like she wanted us out of there quick. She walked back to the cash register right after I asked my second question. Umm, I wasn't finished... After leaving the store (with a couple of sparkling sake because they are THAT good), me, my mom and friend agreed never to return after such an unwelcoming experience. The people who worked at the sake day event were so friendly that I was shocked that that customer service didn't translate to their physical store. I love supporting small businesses and went out of my way to come visit this shop (which is a 40 min drive for me to an area that's difficult to find parking) but being treated so rudely isn't cool. read more

After coming back from an Asia trip, I was hooked on Dassai 39 sake. I was so excited that there was a True Sake in the Bay Area. I had to stock up for my party. Mei was very helpful and got the order ready for my driver to pick up. There were no complaints. Guests were saying "Best sake ever." Then we opened a few bottles of the Dassai 23. Um, best new favorite. read more

I wanted to give this shop more than two stars but it doesn't deserve it. Each month, I look forward to receiving their newsletters. The owner seems to put a lot of care into writing the newsletters and the information demonstrates their knowledge of sake. Shopping for sake in the store is a different experience. The sale people are just that - they sale the products by ringing up the items and taking your money. These girls don't seem interested in sake, cannot answer questions, don't have any basic understanding of sake and are unable to make any recommendations. The shop has a lot of different types of sake, and it is very easy to shop if you know the basic of sake, but is edifficult to explore or try new things because the sale people are not helpful. read more

I would like to thank True Sake for their excellent service. I placed an online order for a sake which is delicate and can be affected by shipment. True Sake made sure I was aware of this situation before shipment so that expectations could be understood. They shipped it just fine. I am so glad to get this sake. To me it is the best I've ever had. True Sake is an excellent business with great customer service. read more

I'm so glad there're a sake shop in the bay area with such knowledgeable staff and great selection. Mei was especially helpful for my holiday order when I gave them a call, recommending specifics based on the occasion and price range. I came in under budget so I had to get myself a bottle of my favorite Yuzu Omoi ;) read more

I'm not going to break ANY ground with my review - BUT! Check out my photos. What a cool place! This is a store that is devoted to Sake. It's all they do, and they do it REALLY REALLY well. I could spend a few hours in this store learning - and they are also REALLY good at that too. All of the Sake has good, uniform review standards that tell you what you need to know. They also have a super staff who are good at talking about their wares. Cheap...? Ha ha ha. But then, I have no sense of the Sake market. I would recommend going to this store solely to see their visual merchandising. Whoever is responsible deserves a super-big-time high-five. Wow. Stunning. Great window displays, too. Just plain beautiful. Tips: They have a monthly newsletter. It's worth signing up for because there are some deals to be had. They also have some single-serving Sake, which seems like a good way to explore. read more

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As a fan of just about everything Japanese I started getting serious about Sake a few years ago. I don't remember how I stumbled across True Sake, but I'm glad that I did. The owner Beau is an expert in all things Sake. He has written a book that is very helpful and informative. It's easy to get confused about the different types of Sake. What is a Nigori, what's the difference between a Ginjo and a Junmai Ginjo? Beau's book will help you out with this kind of stuff. Unfortunately Beau isn't in the shop all that much, but his employees Miwa and Lynette are also very knowledgable and helpful. Plus it helps that Lynette is HELLA cute. I'd go there just to look at her pretty face. Anyway, one of the really cool things about True Sake is that they list all of their Sake's SMV, or sweetness level on their website. I tend to like the sweeter Sake's so being able to see the numbers helps me to make a decision regarding a Sake I might not have tried before. Beau will also make recommendations for you based on the type of wine or beer you like to drink. Very cool. True Sake also ships so you don't even have to trek to the city to partake of their offerings! read more

They have one of the biggest sake collections I've seen. The shop is physically small, but they carry a lot of stuff, and their whole selection is visible online. There were two sakes we had from our tasting at Omakase that we really liked, and they had both: - Dewazakura Dewasansan "Primal Strength" - lighter, hint of apple - Kokuryu Junmai Ginjo "Black Dragon" - good with food Both were in the ~$40 price range at the shop. As far as I could tell, prices seemed fair, especially as the only other place I've found these sakes in the bay area is at restaurants, which mark it up a lot more. Parking can be a little tricky for pick up. They do deliver for a fee. read more

WTH, I thought I wrote a great review but I guess not. Anyways this place is a small but clean Sake place and they know their Sake! You can purchase online but why pay shipping when you can just roll in and pick it up to go...............Oh but I forgot I don't live up North, dain it. Anyways I try to come by when I am in the area to pick up my favorite Sake Hakkaisan Hakkai Mountain, this baby is smooth and very good when chilled. I highly recommend it to any Sake drinker. I like their displays and just the overall vibe of the place is good. The first time here which was sometime ago now the staffer was very knowledgeable even though I already had in mine what I wanted. I picked her brain and it was fine pickings, whatever that means. I ended up getting Yuzu Omoi for a friend and Kikusui Chrysanthemum Water for another friend. read more

I have never updated a review before and this is my first. I wouldn't go out of my way to change a rating but these people did a lot to show me they care about their customers. If you read my old review I wasn't treated very nicely and the owner actually read and apologized to me! Not only did he do that, he also sent me a complementary bottle of sake in a very cute package. I really appreciate the effort they had to go through. Regardless of this gift, I still planned to go back to this shop. It was a very generous gift and I don't want to feel like I was bribed to give them another star. The only reason why I docked the star in the first place was because of bad customer service and now they get it back. You can see for yourself they've got plenty of good ratings. The star was not only because of the bottle but because of the thought and effort. Thank you true sake! read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

True Sake is truly one of its kind. It claims to be the first sake stores in USA that retails Japanese sake, and aren't we lucky to live close to one? Of course you can buy japanese sake at your local japanese super market such as Marukai, Nijiya and Mitsuwa. However, their choices are extremely limited. Ever been to a japanese restaurants and they serve japanese sake that you can't find in those supermarket? Well you are in luck because True Sake might be able to help you. Coming back from Japan, one of the thing I missed the most is their sake. In this store, they organize sake in multiple way. Most of their sake has description of taste note, dryness, sweetness, what should the sake pair with. The staffs are extremely helpful, you may ask them to suggest your next sake adventure. It's not a big store, but it's packed with treasures. read more

What a cool concept! I have never seen or heard of a sake shop, so I was already impressed with the concept alone. What made things even better was that the lady was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and patient. All of these qualities were very important considering that there was floor to ceiling sake all around me, and I was completely clueless. I went in looking for something special for my husband, and I really did know much about sake or his preferences, besides the fact that he loves hot sake and that I'd heard him describe his favorite sakes as crisp and smooth. So, I asked questions, browsed, asked more questions, then browsed some more, and asked questions once more. The lady was just so full of knowledge, so enthusiastic, and very honest about her own preferences, which was incredibly helpful. There were fruity sakes, floral sakes, crisp sakes, and even earthy and savory sakes. Earthy sake, who knew? In my head I was like, "This is the picture of my mind being BLOWN!" On the outside, I kept my cool and continued to browse. Meanwhile, I gave myself a mental pat on the back because I was certain that I was about to get my husband an awesome gift! Yes! I am being a good wife, and it's a great feeling! Even as a non-drinker, I sincerely had fun in this place. I learned so much and enjoyed doing it. Sake, sake everywhere! Little sake, big sake, clear sake, blue sake, cheap sake, fine sake, sweet sake, savory sake, even sake aged in whiskey barrels! Who knew sake was this cool?! Prices ranged from about $5 to over $200, so even if you're broke as a joke, you can still buy a cool sake gift, even one with a built-in souvenir glass. I wonder if this place does events in which they sell flights for people to try different sakes. That would be awesome if they do. Anyway, definitely check this place out. What a cool, charming little spot to have in your neighborhood. If you're like me and aren't as lucky to have one in your neighborhood, they deliver, but only to certain states. Richmonders, VA is one of them! $100 to free shipping! I smell a sake buying pool! read more