Toronado

Can a dive bar earn five stars? Absolutely--and Toronado in San Francisco is proof of that. What makes this place stand out is its simplicity and authenticity. It's a cash-only beer bar with no frills, no cards, and no nonsense. Just put your money on the bar and place your order--it's as straightforward as it gets.I've visited Toronado a handful of times with the same group of friends, and there's always something worthwhile on tap. Speaking of taps, they're abundant--over 50 options were available during this visit. The selection spans everything from locally brewed beers to East Coast offerings. For this review, I kept it local, starting with Boney Fingers, a black lager from Moonlight Brewing Company, and following it up with a NorCal favorite, Pliny the Elder from Russian River, both breweries based in Santa Rosa.Toronado is a great spot to enjoy quality beer with good friends. It has a unique vibe, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the walls and ceilings are decked out with stickers, tap handles, bottles, and beer memorabilia, giving the place a character all its own.The bartenders are as distinctive as the bar itself. They fit right in with the vibe, so don't hesitate--drop your cash on the bar and give them your order.Toronado offers a truly unique beer experience in the city. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for great brews in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.

i try to visit here every chance i get. this is THE OG SF tap room before they became antiseptically minimalist and soulless. they have a range of familiar to obscure (to me) ales and the prices are very fair. they also have at least one cask/hand pump ale---three when i visited (11/10/24)--a real rarity. i recommend Moonlight Brewing Twist of Fate.the ambiance is divey, well-worn and casual.no one is "rude" here, more like no-nonsense. if you're high maintenance and expect a handheld experience then i'd probably go elsewhere.

I love this place and so desperately hope they are able to sell to a good buyer!! This place is sort of what Zeitgeist used to be like before it became a tourist destination for tech people. I hope this place stays exclusively beer and cash only!

An institution. A destination. The beer selection is superior. The prices are stellar. The service is efficient. The ambiance is comfy and cozy.

The best beer bar hands down. No small pours and cash only, so be ready to throw down the dough, but you will be so happy you did.

THE BIG: Located in Lower Haight. Cash only. This bar is kinda dingy but it has a nice aura around it. Street parking available.THE BLACK AND WHITE: A friend recommended that I come here to try Pliny the Elder when visiting San Francisco. I didn't know that Pliny was such a big topic around SF. Fortunately they had it at Toronado and the wife and I shared a glass of it.It's a nice IPA that has great hops to it. Definitely if you drink a couple, you would be schwasted. They also have a WIDE selection of beers on tap. But I highly suggest trying Pliny the elder and they also had Pliny for president that looked very intriguing. Next Time!THE FINAL BAMBOO: Overall the damage done for a pliny the elder was $8 including tip. Definitely will be back to just chill and grab affordable beers.

I had an incredible experience here. The doorman was friendly and informed me about cash only. It's a Friday around 5ish and there's one bar seating left. The crowd seemed to be around 30s to 50s and I met some regulars who frequent this bar for many many years. Beer was delicious. The faction Pilsner was delicious. Bartender knew what he was doing and just overall great vibes. Highly recommend checking out this bar !

This is probably my fifth time here and came on a 4 hour layover for the single reason this place is one of the best. I love how this place has a 3.8 on yelp (it's a sign of the times). Come here with an open mind instead of thinking the people need to serve you with a smile. Perfect place to start, continue or end your night. Expect a local vibe, not one to make you feel special. It's a no nonsense beer bar, cash only, figure out what you want ahead of time and you won't have to worry about a "rude" bartender (as other "fun" reviews have mentioned). These dudes work hard and they have great beer, bottom line. It's pretty much the hub or crossroads for beer in NorCal city scene, lots of good beer up here to be showcased. Every type is here and they continuously rotate what they got. You'll find what you need. If you know you know.

Cash only but has an atm. This is a dive craft beer bar. One of the best bars in San Francisco. Amazing beer selection with many taps from all over with all really good high quality brews. Bartenders are quick and attentive. It is not fancy or shiny on the inside, it is a place to drink beer and talk. There are some tvs but also plenty of places to sit not in sight of the tv. I love coming here.

Excellent beer, great selection, but bartenders are absolutely rude. Will not be on my regular list for SF