One of my few vices that I fully indulge when traveling is visiting breweries, along with art museums and street art. My first attempt of the trip was thwarted when I didn’t want to wait 45 minutes for a table at 21st Amendment Brewery.
Instead, I tried my luck at signing up for a tour with Anchor Brewing, which offers exclusive tours twice daily. A friend told me it was her favorite thing she did in the city and I didn’t need much convincing.
Editor’s Note: Anchor Brewing closed in 2023 after 127 years in operation.
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On the day I was set to fly out, which didn’t turn out as planned, I woke up early and took a Lyft from my hotel to the brewery. I was greeted by our guide and a group of ten or so other beer enthusiasts.
We were given a tasting cup of Anchor Steam, their flagship selection, as we were told about the history of the “steam beer,” named for the steam it created when brewed on the roofs of San Francisco establishments. It became the standard beer for the region, but Anchor is one of the few breweries that still makes the style.
The brewery was originally founded by a German immigrant who made his way west during the California gold rush in 1849. The company was later renamed Anchor and purchased by another German brewer and his son-in-law in 1896.
A fire destroyed the first location, pictured below in the bottom left, and Prohibition shut down operations until the 1930s. Anchor almost closed for good in the 1960s, but was taken over by Fritz Maytag, of the cheese and appliance fames, which brought the brewery to where it is today.
In the 1970s, Anchor began bottling their unique Steam Beer and experimenting with other styles, including porters and brown ales. The current location is where they moved in 1977 and it’s full of history, once visited by Janis Joplin and where all Anchor beer is made. They even started distilling liquors in 2010.
What makes Anchor Brewing so unique is that they don’t give into trends of craft beer. While they are still independently owned and operated, they haven’t moved towards canning or experimenting with popular flavors like pumpkin and milk stouts.
Instead, Anchor sticks to what has done well for them over the last hundred plus years. In 2016, Anchor will move into another space at Pier 48, which will include a museum, tours of a brewing and bottling space and an in-house restaurant.
Here’s the beers I sampled and what they tasted like. To find out what else I’m drinking, follow me on Untappd!
- Steam Beer: classic, clean flavors reminiscent of a pale ale
- Liberty Ale: bubbly, dry hopped
- California Lager: light, highly drinkable
- Porter: notes of coffee
- Brekle’s Brown: English style brown ale
- Zymaster Flying Cloud Stout: special release with smoky, hoppy taste
If You Go
Anchor Brewing Company is located at 1705 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Tours are held at 10 am and 1 pm Monday through Friday and cost $15. You must sign up online and can’t just show up for a tour. The price includes a tour of the facilities and six samples. You must be 21 or older.
Anchor Brewery sounds great! I also tend to visit breweries on my travels, and I feel like it is a great way to explore a new city while doing a fun activity. Two of my favorites so far have been Pilsner in the Czech Republic and Allagash in Portland, Maine. Thanks for sharing your tips!