True Sake

True Sake is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore or expand their appreciation for sake. The store is beautifully arranged, with a well-curated display showcasing bottles across various levels--from approachable, budget-friendly options for beginners to rare and premium selections for seasoned connoisseurs. The price points make sense here, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship behind each bottle, whether you're looking for an everyday sake or a special occasion splurge.The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, offering thoughtful recommendations based on taste preferences and experience levels. They also provide helpful insights on the best ways to enjoy certain sakes, including ideal serving temperatures and pairing suggestions. One of my favorite details is the personal touch--staff picks with handwritten notes highlighting unique aspects of select bottles. It makes browsing feel engaging and adds a level of trust when choosing something new.Overall, this is my new go-to spot whenever I need a bottle for myself or a thoughtful gift. The selection, expertise, and overall experience make True Sake a standout.Street parking is available, though it can take a little patience depending on the time of day.

As a fan of Japanese cuisine, it's not surprising that I'm also a fan of Japanese sake. While others gravitated to wines (from nearby Napa Valley) or spirits, I always found more enjoyment from the Japanese spirit. If you've wanting to expand your selection beyond BevMo and Total Wine and More, True Sake is for you. As America's first sake store, their selection of premium imported Japanese sake that they sell online and at their San Francisco location in Hayes Valley is among the largest in the country. Besides selection, I find their pricing very reasonable with a variety of stellar options at every budget and with unique varieties as far as you can explore. However, the real special quality of True Sake is their staff and customer service. It's clear they love their job and are passionate about sake, happy to share recommendations no matter what your tasting background may be. I finally was able to stop by their SF retail store after ordering online for awhile and it deserves a visit if you're in the area just to see all the sake selection and the recommendations. True Sake accepts online orders and accepts all credit cards.

Great selection and a very knowledgeable staff to assist you in discovering the wonderful world of Nihonshu.

Friendly service, always helpful and knowledgable. The little info cards they prepare are super helpful and the team is always ready to answer any questions. So many varieties and they keep sticking different things too, I live nearby and come often, never been bored. You can buy a big bottle to bring home or a small bottle for a picnic, they have whatever you might be looking for.

Best sake selection in the US. Wish they had a location in LA. They have an array of different sakes, each with tasting notes listed. Their staff are all very helpful and informative. If you simply tell them what you like, they'll be able to hand pick ones for you. Everything they recommended was fantastic. Prices are also pretty fair. If you pop in on a weekend, they'll sometimes have a sake tasting going.

Cool shop tucked away in Hayes Valley with a wide range of sakes. Always a good experience here and they have my favorite cooking sake.Friendly staff and reasonable prices.

What an awesome place to find so many different variations of sake! I have seen this place online so many times and have always wanted to check it out. Since I was in the area and found parking right across the street, I decided to treat myself and headed on in. I love that there are a number of 300ml bottles situated on a long table which allowed me to pick some new ones out to try. One of the workers was so helpful in recommending a few junmai daijingo bottles for me to try. I also picked up a couple of 750ml bottles plus a cooking sake that is a must try for cooking. This place spells trouble for me as I haven't even tried any of the bottles I purchased yet but can't wait to go back to look for more!

Love sake?Need a cool gift?love to learn?True sake work with sake with a passion.This place deserves a visit. The people that work here educate you about sake. They have a large selection of sake so you can find what you need. Makes a great gift. This place is tucked in Hayes Valley, and they host events. So it's really cool place to hang out and meet cool people and taste sake!

My go to place when I want to buy hard to find Saki and a wide array of surprises. Perfect gift- except I usually keep it myself to share with friends.

I found 2/3 sakes I had tried at a tasting on my last trip to Japan. I couldn't find them at any liquor store I checked in Japan. The people at the store were very friendly and helpful.