Daly City, California, may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about craft beer, but this Northern California gem is quietly making waves in the brewing scene. Nestled just south of San Francisco, Daly City offers a growing selection of craft beer options for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. From local taprooms to gastropubs, the city boasts an impressive array of establishments serving unique and flavorful brews.
Visitors and residents can explore a diverse range of craft beer experiences in Daly City. The city’s proximity to San Francisco has influenced its beer culture, with many establishments drawing inspiration from the Bay Area’s innovative brewing traditions. Beer lovers can sample locally brewed options as well as carefully curated selections from renowned Northern California breweries.
Daly City’s craft beer scene reflects the city’s multicultural character, with flavors and styles that cater to various palates. Whether you’re looking for a hoppy IPA, a smooth stout, or an experimental sour, the local beer spots have something to satisfy every taste preference. As the craft beer movement continues to grow, Daly City is positioning itself as a destination for those seeking quality brews in a laid-back atmosphere.
History of Craft Beer in Daly City
Craft beer in Daly City has a relatively short but vibrant history. The city’s craft beer scene began to take shape in the early 2010s, mirroring the broader craft beer boom across Northern California.
Prior to this, Daly City residents primarily relied on nearby San Francisco for their craft beer experiences. The city’s first dedicated craft beer bar opened in 2012, offering a rotating selection of local and regional brews.
In 2014, California passed legislation allowing craft breweries to sell beer at farmers’ markets. This change provided new opportunities for Daly City’s emerging craft beer enthusiasts to sample local offerings.
The city’s first microbrewery opened its doors in 2016, marking a significant milestone in Daly City’s craft beer journey. This establishment quickly became a local favorite, producing small-batch ales and lagers.
By 2018, Daly City boasted several taprooms and bottle shops specializing in craft beer. These venues helped cultivate a strong community of beer aficionados and homebrewers within the city.
Today, Daly City’s craft beer scene continues to grow. Local brewers experiment with innovative recipes, often incorporating flavors inspired by the city’s diverse culinary traditions.
Top Breweries in Daly City
Daly City’s craft beer scene offers a blend of local favorites and innovative breweries. Visitors can explore unique taprooms, sample diverse beer styles, and experience the city’s emerging brewing culture.
Gilman Brewing Co
Gilman Brewing Co stands out as a top destination for beer enthusiasts in Daly City. Their taproom and gastropub offer a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their craft brews. Gilman specializes in Belgian-inspired ales and experimental styles.
The brewery’s flagship beers include a crisp pilsner and a robust porter. Seasonal offerings rotate regularly, showcasing the brewers’ creativity. Gilman’s food menu complements their beers, featuring locally-sourced ingredients in pub favorites.
Visitors can join brewery tours to learn about Gilman’s brewing process and philosophy. The taproom hosts weekly events, including trivia nights and live music performances.
Local Spotlight: Craft Breweries
Daly City boasts several craft breweries worth exploring. 47 Hills Brewing Company produces a range of ales and lagers, with a focus on hop-forward IPAs. Their taproom offers a laid-back setting to sample their latest creations.
Barebottle Brewing Company, while technically in nearby San Francisco, draws many Daly City residents. Known for innovative recipes, Barebottle releases new beers weekly. Their spacious taproom features games and food trucks on weekends.
Laughing Monk Brewing combines Belgian brewing traditions with West Coast styles. Their beers often incorporate unique ingredients like local fruits and spices. The brewery’s tasting room showcases their commitment to community and sustainability.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
Beer enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Daly City’s brewing culture through guided tours and tasting experiences. Several local companies offer brewery crawls, visiting multiple locations in one trip.
Craft beer walking tours provide insights into the city’s brewing history and current trends. Participants sample a variety of beers while learning about brewing techniques and ingredient sourcing.
Some breweries offer hands-on brewing classes. These sessions allow visitors to create their own beer under expert guidance. Attendees learn about recipe development, fermentation, and bottling processes.
Beer pairing dinners, hosted by local breweries and restaurants, showcase how different beer styles complement various cuisines. These events often feature limited-edition brews and specially crafted menus.
Popular Craft Beer Styles in Daly City
Daly City’s craft beer scene embraces diverse styles, with certain varieties gaining particular popularity among local enthusiasts. Two trends stand out in the city’s beer landscape.
The Rise of IPAs
IPAs dominate Daly City’s craft beer offerings. Local breweries like 47 Hills Brewing Company showcase various IPA styles, from West Coast to New England varieties. Hazy IPAs have gained a strong following, with their juicy flavors and lower bitterness appealing to a wide range of palates.
Many taprooms in the area, such as Gilman Brewing Company’s Daly City location, feature rotating IPA selections. These often include single-hop varieties and experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional IPA profiles.
Double and triple IPAs have also found a niche among beer aficionados seeking bold flavors and higher alcohol content. These potent brews frequently appear as special releases at local craft beer bars and brewpubs.
Seasonal and Limited-Edition Releases
Daly City’s craft beer scene thrives on seasonal and limited-edition releases. Local breweries and taprooms regularly introduce unique beers to match the changing seasons and celebrate special occasions.
Winter months often bring robust stouts and porters, some aged in bourbon barrels for added complexity. Spring and summer see the arrival of refreshing wheat beers, fruit-infused ales, and crisp lagers.
Collaborations between local breweries and nearby San Francisco establishments result in one-of-a-kind brews that generate excitement among beer enthusiasts. These limited releases often feature innovative ingredients or brewing techniques.
Many Daly City beer venues host tasting events and tap takeovers to showcase these special brews, creating a dynamic and ever-changing craft beer landscape for locals to explore.
Daly City’s Craft Beer Bars and Gastropubs
Daly City offers a variety of craft beer bars and gastropubs for beer enthusiasts. These establishments combine quality brews with inviting atmospheres and outdoor spaces.
Gastropub Culture
Daly City’s gastropub scene has grown in recent years. Gilman Brewing Company Taproom and Gastropub stands out as a popular spot. It features rustic interior details and a diverse beer list. The menu complements the brews with hearty pub fare.
Brew @ 382 is another notable gastropub in the area. It combines a relaxed atmosphere with an extensive craft beer selection. The establishment focuses on pairing food with different beer styles.
47 Hills Brewing Company offers both a taproom experience and gastropub offerings. Their menu showcases local ingredients alongside their house-brewed beers.
Finding The Perfect Bar Ambiance
Daly City’s craft beer bars cater to different preferences. The Ave provides a casual, neighborhood vibe. It’s ideal for those seeking a laid-back evening with friends.
Winters Tavern offers a more eclectic atmosphere. Live music often accompanies their craft beer selections, creating a lively environment.
For a quieter experience, Hillside Market combines a bottle shop with a tasting area. Patrons can sample craft beers in a more intimate setting.
Nick & Nora presents a sophisticated ambiance. Their curated beer list appeals to connoisseurs looking for unique brews in an upscale setting.
Heated Outdoor Patios
Outdoor seating has become increasingly important for Daly City’s beer establishments. Gilman Brewing Company’s Daly City location features a shaded outdoor patio. It’s equipped with heaters for year-round comfort.
Ocean Ale House offers a heated outdoor space. It’s perfect for enjoying craft beers while taking in the neighborhood atmosphere.
The Riptide, though slightly outside Daly City, provides a popular heated patio option. It’s a short trip for Daly City residents seeking an outdoor beer experience.
These outdoor spaces allow patrons to enjoy craft beers in open-air settings. They’ve become essential features for many local beer enthusiasts.
Drink Pairings and Culinary Experiences
Daly City offers diverse options for pairing craft beers with local cuisine. From hearty dinner pairings to unique coffee and beer tastings, the city’s beverage scene complements its culinary offerings.
Craft Beer With Dinner
Local brewpubs and restaurants in Daly City excel at pairing craft beers with dinner dishes. Many establishments offer tasting flights alongside meals, allowing diners to sample different brews with each course.
Popular pairings include hoppy IPAs with spicy dishes and rich stouts with grilled meats. Chicken dishes often pair well with lighter ales or wheat beers. Some venues, like Gilman – Daly City, offer rotating beer lists to match seasonal menus.
Beer sommeliers at select locations can guide patrons through ideal pairings based on flavor profiles and personal preferences.
Local Culinary Delights
Daly City’s culinary scene embraces its craft beer culture with beer-infused recipes and beer-friendly menus. Many restaurants incorporate local brews into their dishes, creating unique flavor combinations.
Beer-battered fish and chips made with local ales are a common favorite. Some eateries offer beer-braised meats or beer-based sauces to complement their entrees.
Food trucks often partner with breweries, offering street food designed to pair well with craft beers. These collaborations showcase the versatility of beer in enhancing different cuisines.
Beer and Coffee Tastings
Innovative tasting experiences in Daly City combine craft beer with artisanal coffee. Several cafes and brewpubs offer flights that feature both beverages side by side.
Coffee-infused beers, such as coffee stouts and porters, are popular choices for these tastings. Some venues host guided sessions exploring the similarities between beer and coffee flavor profiles.
Morning events may pair breakfast items with coffee beers, while evening tastings often focus on dessert pairings. These unique experiences highlight the city’s growing appreciation for craft beverages in all forms.
Navigating Daly City’s Craft Beer Scene
Daly City’s craft beer landscape offers a mix of local taprooms and nearby breweries for beer enthusiasts to explore. Visitors can sample unique brews and learn about the brewing process through guided tours and tastings.
Taproom Tours and Tastings
Brew @ 382 stands out as a popular craft beer destination in Daly City. This taproom features a rotating selection of local and regional beers. Visitors can join guided tastings to sample various styles and learn about brewing techniques.
Gilman Brewing Company’s Daly City location brings a gastropub experience to the area. Their taproom offers a range of house-made beers alongside a menu crafted by a former Zuni Cafe chef. Beer flights allow guests to try multiple brews in one visit.
47 Hills Brewing Company, while not in Daly City proper, is a nearby option for those willing to venture slightly south. They offer brewery tours where visitors can see the brewing process firsthand and taste fresh beers straight from the source.
Map of Local Breweries
Daly City’s craft beer scene is compact but growing. Here’s a quick guide to key locations:
- Brew @ 382: Located in the heart of Daly City
- Gilman Brewing Company: Situated near the Daly City BART station
- 47 Hills Brewing Company: A short drive south in South San Francisco
Beer enthusiasts can easily create a self-guided tour of these establishments. Many local bars and restaurants also feature craft beers from these breweries, allowing visitors to sample local flavors across the city.
Beyond Beer: Local Wine and Spirits
Daly City’s beverage scene extends far beyond craft beer. Wine enthusiasts can explore a variety of options in this Northern California city.
Total Wine & More offers an extensive selection of local and international wines. Their knowledgeable staff can guide customers to the perfect bottle for any occasion.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Table Wine provides a curated collection of small-production wines. This boutique shop focuses on artisanal and sustainable options.
Spirits aficionados will find plenty to enjoy in Daly City as well. Bitters & Bottles stocks a wide range of craft spirits, including:
- Small-batch whiskeys
- Artisanal gins
- Local vodkas
- Unique liqueurs
San Francisco’s influence on Daly City’s drink culture is evident. Many establishments feature wines from nearby Napa and Sonoma counties, as well as spirits produced in the Bay Area.
Hillside Market, a local favorite, offers a carefully selected array of wines and spirits. Their inventory includes both popular brands and hard-to-find gems.
For those interested in wine tastings, some Daly City shops host regular events. These provide opportunities to sample new vintages and learn about wine production in Northern California.
Plan Your Visit
Daly City offers an exciting craft beer scene with diverse breweries and taprooms to explore. Timing your visit and finding suitable accommodations can enhance your beer-tasting experience.
Best Times to Visit Craft Breweries
Most Daly City craft breweries open in the afternoon and stay open until late evening. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for tasting and chatting with brewers.
Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, are livelier but busier. Many breweries host special events or release new beers on weekends.
For the freshest beer, visit early in the week when new batches are often tapped. Some breweries offer weekday happy hour specials, typically between 4-6 PM.
Consider visiting during San Francisco Beer Week in February, when Daly City breweries may participate with special events and limited-edition brews.
Accommodations and Amenities
Daly City has limited accommodations within walking distance of breweries. Consider staying in nearby San Francisco for more options.
Many hotels in Daly City are located along major roads, making it easy to reach breweries by car or rideshare. Look for hotels near Junipero Serra Boulevard or John Daly Boulevard for convenient access.
Some breweries offer food menus, while others allow outside food. Check individual brewery policies before visiting.
Public transportation options include BART and SamTrans buses, connecting Daly City to San Francisco and other parts of Northern California.
For designated drivers, most breweries offer non-alcoholic options. Some taprooms are family-friendly during daytime hours.
