Toronado
Beer hall · Lower Haight
547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Highlights
Vast taplist, cash only, dive bar with rare craft beers
Vast taplist, cash only, dive bar with rare craft beers
"With tons of brews on tap, chill vibes, and cheap prices, this popular dive is a beer lover’s dream. Toronado has one of the best selections of beer in San Francisco and everyone knows it, so you’re likely to find this place packed with patrons. If you’re hungry, grab a sausage from Rosamunde next door and enjoy it at the bar." - Amy Young
"This longtime Haight Street beer bar, opened in 1987 by an owner who founded the Barleywine Festival, is an old-school neighborhood institution known for its traditional approach (it doesn’t accept credit cards). The owner’s planned retirement prompted a contentious $1.75 million sale to a prospective buyer—an ex-Raytheon employee turned crypto entrepreneur—whose proposals (including a branded crypto token and a 3,000-square-foot rooftop bar, plus redevelopment of the neighboring space) drew strong resistance from regulars. The transfer has stalled amid disputes over contingency waivers and missing paperwork, a fraught on-site visit that left staff and patrons angry, and the seller’s insistence that he remains in control, leaving the bar’s future uncertain." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Toronado may be known for its surly bartenders, but it’s even better known for its stellar selection of over 45 craft beers on tap. Plus, as long as you know what you want to order (use the beer board wisely), tip well, and don’t complain about the cash-only policy, you’ll be fine. If you can, visit during the day when the locals (and their dogs) are usually in a good mood. As of January 2025, the bar is up for sale." - Paolo Bicchieri
"A popular Lower Haight bar that is listed among a few destinations carrying the seasonal Pliny the Younger release, frequented by big fans when the beer arrives each February." - Paolo Bicchieri
"A Lower Haight beer legend at 543-547 Haight Street is being sold after 37 years; the Compass Commercial listing offers the bar, its Type 42 license, and the building — which includes the adjoining space that once housed Berliner Berliner and Rosamunde — for $1.75 million. The team confirmed via Instagram that owner and founder Dave Keene is retiring and selling the business, writing, "This marks the end of an era for the generations of beer drinkers that have shared lives with us." Keene, who opened the bar in 1987, built a reputation by seeking out "extreme beers," as the coverage puts it, and the spot became a rite of passage for breweries aiming to land a beer on its coveted menu. In keeping with those "extreme beers," Keene founded the Barleywine Festival, devoted to his love of the strong English ale made with extra malt; the festival grew from just four types in its first year to prompting brewers to add barley wine to their lineups for the November event, which has run for more than 30 years. The 50 taps rotate favorites, newcomers, and rarities and have included the cult-favorite Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewing Company, which is only poured annually at Russian River taprooms and a small handful of bars. The business expanded to Seattle in 2014 under Matt Bonney (previously of Bottleworks and Burgundian), though that outpost closed in March 2020. The team is planning a blowout for their Beer Week, running Friday, February 7, to Sunday, February 16, and wrote: "In true [the bar] fashion we plan to celebrate Dave’s innumerable contributions to the world craft beer scene with 10 days of great events, great beer and great people," adding, "Please join us as we regal 38 years of hazy memories and prepare for many more. As Dave says, 'It's the people that make [the bar]' and you are our people." Eater SF reached out to the business and the listing agent for more details and will update the story when they hear back." - Dianne de Guzman
