07/09/08

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

08/02/07

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

04/16/07

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

04/02/07

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

04/01/07

Make sure to ask for Sarah!

by onibean

I went to the Thirsty Bear for the first time the other night and had a great time. We sat in the bar area for drinks and appetizers. Our server was Sarah and we had so much fun with her! She made some great recommendations about food and beer. I had the lamb empanadas and they were to die for. I would definitely go back and ask for her!

• Pros: great microbrews, fun service
• Cons: parking was a challenge

03/14/07

An original concept

by kanya_dorland

The Spanish tapas are really good and fit well with the special brews including both light and dark beers. There is a good crowd after work, but it also a good lunch place, where you can find a seat.

12/07/06

One of my favorite restaurants.

by sancarlosrandall

Excellent food. The beer, even the vanilla beer, is very good. If I could go here every week, I would.

• Pros: Food, Beer

11/24/06

Small plates and microbrews

by sw2k

Sure, sure, the tapas are quite tasty -- although I wish the Marcona almonds stayed on the menu -- and the festive atmosphere can't hurt , but I'll always think of Thirsty Bear as home to one of my favorite local beers - the ESB!

• Pros: Nitrogenated ESB! Olives, etc.
• Cons: Can be packed

06/29/06

Great drinks

by shoegal84

If you are going here for their happy hour, get in early if you want a seat. By early I mean, when they open! Ha!

This place is totally packed, but it makes for a festive atmosphere. Drinks are delicious and tropical. Pomegranate martinis anyones? Yummy!

If you want a change of pace after a bit, move on down to Kate O'Briens for drinks!

• Pros: Drinks, food looked good
• Cons: No seats!

02/19/06

Only for Salt lovers

by chicgal

I've been going to this place for more than 5x and I found it that the foods have become more more saltier each time that I came. The fried calamari used to be very good, but now it's like we can't even finish it coz it's way to salty. Drink selections are good and the ambiance is pretty good. Service was ok..average.

Pretty cool place, but hey..go easy on the salt will ya...

• Pros: good place, fast service, good beers
• Cons: Too salty foods