The San Francisco Peninsula is a great place to enjoy amazing craft beer, with a vibe that’s just as laid-back as the California coast. The Peninsula boasts everything from beachfront breweries for watching the sunset to hidden taprooms in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You’ll find plenty of spots to sip on a cold one and unwind. Check out our guide to some of the best breweries on the Peninsula!
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Head over to Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for an authentic California surf shack vibe. Their menu features classic pub favorites that pair perfectly with their seasonal brews. This waterfront brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere, fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, and handcrafted beers, making it a great spot to unwind.
Fieldwork Brewing Co.
Fieldwork Brewing’s San Mateo taproom is a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. With a wide selection of IPAs, lagers, and sours, there’s a refreshing pour to suit every taste. If you’re craving something to pair with your pint, they also offer crispy Detriot-style pizzas that are ideal for sharing on their chic industrial-style patio.
Alpha Acid
Alpha Acid is renowned for its ever-evolving tap list, featuring a constant rotation of creative, flavorful beers. With over 500 unique recipes under their belts, these San Mateo-based brewers are true masters of the craft. New releases drop weekly, so it’s worth a repeat visit to try their fresh, exciting brews.
Blue Ocean Brewing
Let the calm coastal vibes wash over you at Blue Ocean Brewing in Half Moon Bay. Inspired by local beach culture and the region’s history, their craft beers offer a taste-bud-tingling experience. From classic IPAs to fruit-infused ales, you will surely find something to enjoy at this friendly beer hub along the coast.
Devils Canyon Brewing Company
Devil's Canyon Brewing Company is your one-stop shop for good vibes and great brews in San Carlos. This family-owned brewery prides itself on creating delicious, seasonal beers that you won't find anywhere else. They also have a killer house-made root beer (for those who prefer something non-alcoholic), and their pet-friendly beer garden is the perfect place to soak up the California sun with live music, games, and more!
Freewheel Brewing Company
Redwood City’s Freewheel Brewing Company is all about bringing people together over a pint of fresh, locally brewed beer. They focus on traditional English methods to craft their brews, resulting in a variety of old-world flavors on tap. In addition to beer, they offer wine, cider, and classic pub fare. It’s the perfect spot to catch live sports or simply relax with friends!
Hapa’s Brewing Company
Hapa's Brewing Company is a local favorite, with various taprooms throughout the region, including San Carlos and Los Gatos. Hapa’s brewers create delicious beers using locally sourced ingredients, and their friendly staff is always happy to chat about their latest creations. With gluten-free and non-alcoholic options, their regularly rotating tap list is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Blue Oak Brewing Company
Blue Oak Brewing Company boasts an ever-rotating tap list featuring everything from hazy IPAs to pilseners and Mexican-style lagers. They regularly bring in different food trucks and host live comedy, music, and even disc golf games, so there’s always something fun going down at Blue Oak in San Carlos.
Humble Sea Brewing
Located in the heart of Downtown Pacifica, Humble Sea Brewing is an oasis for craft beer fans and beach lovers alike. Founded by a group of Bay Area surfers passionate about home-brewing, this taproom offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind after catching some waves or exploring the coastline.
Hop Dogma Brewing Co.
Hop Dogma Brewing Co. in Half Moon Bay is where good brews and good times flow. This laid-back taproom in Harbor Village welcomes you (and your four-legged friends) to enjoy a rotating list of handcrafted beers and mouthwatering Latin-inspired eats by Lamas Restaurant. Grab a board game, enjoy live comedy nights, and unwind with a cold, locally brewed beer.
Out of the Barrel
Out of the Barrel in San Carlos is dedicated to bringing guests the best craft beers from California’s top independent breweries. They feature a rotating selection of draft, canned, and bottled beers, so you’re in for a real treat! This community-oriented taproom is perfect for anyone looking to sample hard-to-find beers and experience new and funky flavors.
Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen
Situated among the redwoods of Half Moon Bay is Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen, a hub for delicious food and creative craft beers. Its cozy, homey atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or drink outdoors on the front porch or garden patio.
Barebottle Brewing Co.
Craving a brewery that captures the true spirit of the Bay Area? Look no further than Barebottle Brewing Co. Founded in 2016; their brewers use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious beers that reflect California’s rich agricultural heritage. They also roast their own coffee beans to fuel those early mornings (or late nights!)
47 Hills
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking for a laid-back spot to chill in South San Francisco, 47 Hills is the perfect place. Their brewers and chefs focus on bold flavors using local ingredients, while the friendly staff makes everyone feel welcome—including your furry companions in their pet-friendly beer garden. As the only large-scale production brewery and tap room in South San Francisco, it’s a must-visit!
Ghostwood Beer Company
Ghostwood Beer Company in Redwood City is known for experimenting with unique ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques. As such, they offer a range of handcrafted beers you won’t find anywhere else! Paired with delicious bites from their sister restaurant Ghostwood Kitchen, this Peninsula favorite invites you to savor something truly unique.
Thirsty for more? Stay tuned for San Francisco Beer Week events, and check out our complete listings of breweries, wineries, and restaurants on the San Francisco Peninsula!
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