Thirsty Bear Brewing Company
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 974-0905
Fax: () -
- Cross Street:
- Third Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Beer Selection 2005
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Thirsty Bear Brewing Company – by Daniel Liszt
The Scene
During the week, this is a popular place for after-work parties. Come weekends, hotel guests, dates and well-dressed 30-somethings fill it to the rim. Either end of the expansive main floor is reserved for diners. In the center, high tables sit beneath colorful paintings and exposed-brick walls. A couple TVs dot the bar; behind it, silver beer vats offset teal-colored tile walls. Upstairs is an ideal mingling area, where a lone pool table and two dart boards sit near a second bar.
The Draw
Paella and main courses are served, but the reasonably priced tapas are the most popular, complementing the homemade hops. Solid selections include: wilted spinach leaves with pine nuts and raisins; and tender, fried calamari with capers. Nine brews are typically available--ranging from caramel-flavored Brown Bear Ale to fruity Valencia Wheat. On Tuesdays, less-carbonated cask ales are tapped (and usually kicked by Thursday evening). It's crowded most nights, but the waitstaff is personable.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe 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.
ParkingThere's a pay lot nearby on Third Street (between Folsom and Howard Street).
User Reviews for Thirsty Bear Brewing Company
08/02/2007 Posted 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
04/16/2007 Posted 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
Users Like You Also Viewed
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
