(415) 974-0905
661 Howard St
San Francisco,
CA
94105
37.785693
-122.399632
Neighborhoods: South Beach, Central East
Hours:
Monday To Thursday From 11:30 AM To 10:00 PM Sunday From 05:00 PM To 10:00 PM Friday From 11:30 AM To 11:00 PM Saturday From 12:00 PM To 11:00 PM
Last updated 8.17.11
Category:
Restaurants, Brew Pubs, Brewers, Bars & Pubs, Wineries
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Restaurant Special Features:
Private Rooms, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Thirsty Bear
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
During the week, this is a popular after-work beer stop for local tech workers, while on weekends, hotel guests, dates and well-dressed 30-somethings come for the satisfying Spanish fare. The exposed brick walls, shining beer vats and steel beams set an industrial tone, although the space feels warm and convivial. Upstairs is an ideal mingling area, where a lone pool table and two dart boards sit near a second bar. Paella and main courses are served, but the reasonably priced tapas are the most popular, complementing the house-made hops. Solid selections include: wilted spinach leaves with…
Editor's Tips
- The Extras:
- The upstairs room can be rented for private parties. Any of the specialty beers can also be had for your own house party--$110 (half keg) or $50 (five-gallon). Call at least one day ahead.
- Parking:
- There's a pay lot nearby on Third Street (between Folsom and Howard Street).
It's all about the I.P.A.
by Casi C , Citysearch Contributor
Howard street I.P.A. or Golden Vanilla? Definitely go with the I.P.A.!! The friend I went with has a sweeter tooth than I, so if you're like her then you will love the Vanilla. Next time I'm definitely going for the taster. It's hard to choose between all the tasty brews they have on tap! The tapas are tasty, but a bit on the small side! I know tapas are supposed to be small bites, but these were abnormally small, especially for the price! I saw other people with salads and hamburgers that looked amazing! I think that's what I will be getting next time.
- Pros: Lots of good brews to choose from
- Cons: tapas are REALLLLLLY small and pricey
Good food, drinks
by coog78
Nice spot for drinks and a snack. Ceviche was pretty tasty, though the small amount of flatbread was odd. Sangria was surprisingly really good, as we hesitantly ordered it instead of beer. Just wasn't in the mood for beer, but the fact that they brew on spot will ensure I order next time. Friendly waitress as well.
- Pros: Drinks
Worth the stop
by John3B
Another great beer destination, close to downtown. IPA and Stout are especially good, and the food is excellent - different from the usual pub fare, but in a good way. Place can get really crowded after work, but we never had a problem finding a seat at the bar, or being seated by the hostess. Friendly, prompt service. Watch out for your credit card receipt though, they still have a machine that prints out your whole number!
- Pros: Great beer, food and service
- Cons: Can get crowded and noisy
good beer, good scene, eh tapas
by nomadslime
Generally a good happy hour bar. The beer is fresh and always a good pour, but it gets packed pretty easily even when it's not full. This is due to poor traffic layout in what is otherwise a huge space. I'm not big on tapas, but their selection is big, so I can usually find something I like. It's in a good SOMA location for the happy hour crowds, so it's particularly great on Thursday nights. Just don't expect a seat
- Pros: beer!
- Cons: space
vanillalicious
by marcuslav
I really like the Golden vanilla beer they got at this place it taste great. You can also try the calamari and the sour dough bread with the olive oil.
- Pros: taste good
- Cons: don't drink it to often



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