San Mateo, CA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Expert Map to the Best Brews
San Mateo, California, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting an array of local breweries and beer gardens that cater to a diverse range of palates. Nestled within the San Francisco Bay Area, this city's craft beer scene mirrors its dynamic culture, offering both innovative brews and traditional flavors. Visitors and residents alike can explore the local offerings at popular spots like Fieldwork Brewing Company, known for its rotating taps and fresh releases, or venture into establishments such as Out of the Barrel, which features a curated selection of beers.
The city's appreciation for craft beers extends to various venues that highlight the community's support for local and statewide microbreweries. With over 30 beers to choose from, beer aficionados can find new favorites while enjoying the hospitable vibe that San Mateo's breweries and beer bars are known for. Whether one prefers hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or tart sours, the local brewers are committed to quality and creativity in their offerings.
Moreover, San Mateo's beer guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning spots like Blue Oak Brewing Company, which, alongside others, has contributed to the reputation of the city as a destination for craft beer discovery. With an emphasis on convivial experiences, these establishments often complement their beverage selections with activities, sports viewing, and more, ensuring that a visit to San Mateo's beer spots is both a flavorful journey and a memorable social encounter.
History of Craft Beer in San Mateo
San Mateo, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, may not have been the birthplace of craft beer in California, but it has certainly embraced the craft beer movement with enthusiasm. Tracing its roots back to the larger Bay Area's beer developments, the region has historically benefitted from the craft beer boom that ignited in the state during the latter part of the 20th century.
In the 1960s and 1970s, as craft beer began gaining momentum, this Northern California city observed a growing interest among locals in unique and flavorful brews. This was catalyzed by the broader American craft beer renaissance, which started with individuals like Fritz Maytag who revitalized Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, and the ripple effect spread to the suburbs including San Mateo.
The first craft breweries in San Mateo emerged as part of a wave of microbreweries setting up shop in the 1980s and 1990s, riding the second wave of craft beer popularity in the country. These establishments focused on quality, flavor, and traditional brewing methods, drawing in a dedicated following.
Key Milestones in San Mateo's Craft Beer Scene:
Late 20th Century: The emergence of local microbreweries.
Early 21st Century: Expansion of craft beer bars and gastropubs.
Present Day: A thriving community of craft beer aficionados and an increasing number of local beer festivals celebrating San Mateo's brewing achievements.
San Mateo's craft breweries have since then contributed significantly to the diversity and richness of California's craft beer culture. They are characterized by their small batch production and dedication to unique styles, often experimenting with local ingredients and brewing techniques to create distinct flavor profiles that resonate with the palette of craft beer enthusiasts in the region.
Top Breweries in San Mateo
San Mateo's craft beer scene offers a rich tapestry of innovative and artisanal breweries. As stalwarts in the local brewing community, these establishments are known for their exceptional craft beers, welcoming taprooms, and consistent quality.
Fieldwork Brewing Company
Location: Conveniently situated for beer enthusiasts, this brewery is a prime destination with its taproom serving a diverse array of rotating beers. Fieldwork Brewing Company is acclaimed for its experimental approach, often featuring bold flavors and unique ingredient combinations.
Alpha Acid Brewing Company
This brewery has made a name for itself with a focus on small-batch, flavor-forward beers. Alpha Acid Brewing Company stands out in San Mateo's brewing landscape for its dedication to quality and variety, satisfying both casual drinkers and beer connoisseurs alike.
Armstrong Brewing Co.
As one of the pioneering establishments in the area, Armstrong Brewing Co. merges traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation. It offers drinkers a comfortable environment to enjoy a selection of classic and contemporary styles.
Blue Oak Brewing Company
Blue Oak Brewing Company is known for its intimate setting and personalized experience. Here, visitors can enjoy an array of handcrafted beers that reflect the meticulous care and passion of the brewers, making it a cherished part of the San Mateo brewery circuit.
Brewpubs and Taprooms
San Mateo, CA, features several brewpubs and taprooms where craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a refreshing pint. Each establishment offers its unique charm and selection of beers, solidifying the city's reputation for quality brews and friendly atmospheres.
Wursthall
Wursthall presents a modern take on the traditional beer hall, providing patrons with a variety of craft beers alongside a menu of hearty, beer-friendly fare. Their friendly staff and ample seating arrangements make it a popular spot for both casual drinkers and sports enthusiasts looking to catch the game on one of their TVs.
Steelhead Brewing Co.
At Steelhead Brewing Co., visitors can experience a range of house-made brews in a classic bar setting. Known for its consistent quality and diverse beer offerings, Steelhead stands out for its inviting environment, making it a fine choice for social gatherings or simply enjoying a solo pint.
Gourmet Haus Staudt & Beer Garden Staudt
Gourmet Haus Staudt & Beer Garden Staudt offers an authentic German experience with a selection of imported and local beers. Its outdoor beer garden is a delightful retreat for beer aficionados looking to relax and socialize in a tranquil yet vibrant setting.
Each venue embodies the characteristics that craft beer fans appreciate: quality beverages, amicable service, and a commitment to providing memorable experiences for visitors and regulars alike.
Local Craft Beer Bars
San Mateo's craft beer bars are havens for beer aficionados, each with its unique atmosphere and selection. They prioritize variety and quality, offering a collection of local and regional craft beers that cater to diverse palates.
The Swingin' Door
At The Swingin' Door, one finds a robust selection of craft beers that complement the lively British pub atmosphere. They ensure patrons enjoy their craft beer experience amidst dartboards and live music, with a menu that includes traditional pub fare.
Brews & Brats
Brews & Brats champions the union of craft beer with gourmet sausages, creating a casual yet refined experience. They curate an impressive range of local craft beers, which perfectly pair with their artisanal brats and sides.
Hop Yard Alehouse & Grill
Hop Yard Alehouse & Grill presents a comprehensive list of craft beers, spotlighting local breweries. With a commitment to the community, they often host events and tastings that promote the craft beer culture and the artisans behind it.
Craft Beer Festivals and Events
San Mateo hosts a variety of craft beer festivals and events throughout the year, drawing both local and international breweries. These events are a haven for beer enthusiasts eager to sample a diverse range of brews and expand their palates. They provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the craft beer industry while enjoying the company of fellow aficionados.
Upcoming Events:
The Fall Festival organized by the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce typically includes craft beer and cider offerings. It is not only a family-friendly affair but also free for the public, featuring entertainment and local wine selections.
Venues to Explore:
Fieldwork Brewing Company and Blue Oak Brewing Company are notable San Mateo craft beer breweries praised for their selection and ambience.
Out Of The Barrel and Barrelhouse Burlingame are go-to spots for trying an array of craft beers.
Event Highlights:
Beer Festivals In San Mateo: These festivals are celebrated for their vibrant atmosphere, complete with live music and a tapestry of flavors from different craft beers.
Craft Beer Locations: Establishments like Route 92 and The Refuge are renowned for their craft beer options, often paired with unique gastronomic experiences.
San Mateo's craft beer scene is as dynamic as it is diverse, offering both residents and visitors ample opportunities to engage with the local culture through the lens of craft beer. Whether it is a festival, a brewery tour, or a casual tasting event, San Mateo proves to be a significant destination for craft beer discovery.
Guided Tours and Tastings
San Mateo offers an inviting scene for craft beer enthusiasts with a variety of brewery tours and tastings. Tommy John's Wine and Brew Tours and SF on Tap Tours are notable providers that guide visitors through a curated experience of the local craft beer landscape.
Particularly commendable is the Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, known for its multifaceted beer selection, providing avid beer lovers with a chance to indulge in the brewing process and the final product. Similarly, the Freewheel Brewing Company and Hop Dogma Brewing Company deliver noteworthy tasting experiences, showcasing their unique take on craft beer.
Fieldwork Brewing Company
Renowned for: Artisanal beer varieties
Tasting notes: Frequent rotation of experimental and classic styles
Alpha Acid Brewing
Standout feature: Bold, innovative flavors
Suggestion: Try their limited-release brews during your visit
Beer tasting and brewery visits are often recommended in Yelp reviews, reflecting the local community’s support and appreciation for the craft beer scene. Venues like Barrelhouse Burlingame and Blue Oak Brewing Company underscore the region’s commitment to quality and diversity in beer offerings.
Finally, Tripadvisor recognizes California Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours as a top choice for those looking to explore a wider range of California's beer landscape, reinforcing the Golden State's reputation as a premier destination for craft beer connoisseurs.
The Cider Scene
Amidst the flourishing craft beer environment of San Mateo, the cider offerings provide a nuanced drinking alternative. Esteemed for their variety and quality, local cider houses like Redwood Coast Cider and South City Ciderworks contribute to the region's reputation for excellent fermentations.
Redwood Coast Cider
Redwood Coast Cider, situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, crafts a diverse range of ciders that hold appeal for both the cider enthusiast and the newly cider-curious. Redwood Coast has established itself with a commitment to producing innovative and local Californian ciders. Their selection often crosses traditional boundaries, incorporating unique ingredients and techniques.
South City Ciderworks
South City Ciderworks, another key player in the San Mateo cider scene, embraces cider-making with a creative twist. They offer a repertoire that includes both classic and contemporary styles. Their ciders are known for crisp profiles and balanced flavors, designed to cater to varying palates while promoting the versatility of cider.
Craft Beer and Food Pairings
San Mateo, California, is rich with breweries and bars offering a diverse range of craft beers that are perfect for pairing with local cuisine. To enhance the dining experience, certain principles should be followed to match the complexity of these beverages with complementary food flavors.
Pairing Principles
Ideal craft beer and food pairings aim to either complement or contrast flavors, enhancing the taste experience of both. Hoppy and bitter beers like IPAs can cut through rich, fatty dishes (What wine goes well with fatty dishes?), while fruity and spicy notes in some craft selections pair well with similarly flavored dishes. Additionally, sour, tart, and funky beers might be matched with equally bold food choices to balance the flavors on the palate.
Local Delicacies
San Mateo's local delicacies provide a canvas for craft beer pairings:
Seafood: Light and crisp beers, like pilsners or blond ales from breweries like Fieldwork Brewing Company, complement the freshness of seafood without overpowering it.
Artisanal Cheeses: The sour and fruity nuances in some local craft beers contrast and cut through the creaminess of artisanal cheeses found in San Mateo's bars.
Asian Cuisine: Craft beers with a bit of spice, such as those from Blue Oak Brewing Company, can enhance Asian dishes with heat and complex flavors.
Here, the breweries and bars not only produce unique and flavorful craft beers but also deliver experiences that are enriched when combined with their culinary counterparts.
Understanding Craft Beer
Craft beer in San Mateo, California, reflects a culture rich with a diversity of styles and a dedicated brewing process. Local enthusiasts revel in the variety and expertise that define the area's craft beer scene.
Beer Styles
In San Mateo, craft beer fans can explore a range of styles, from hop-heavy IPAs to robust stouts. Each style offers a unique taste profile, typically characterized by the creativity and individuality of local brewers. Fieldwork Brewing Company, noted in local guides, is renowned for offering an extensive selection of brews, boasting as many as 26 different beers at a time, including:
IPA (India Pale Ale): Bold and hoppy.
Stout: Dark and rich.
Seasonal Brews: Reflect the changing seasons.
By tasting these distinct beers, one not only enjoys a beverage but gains an appreciation for the spectrum of San Mateo's craft offerings.
Brewing Process
The brewing of craft beer is an art form, adhering to traditional methods while also embracing innovation. Local San Mateo breweries, such as Fieldwork Brewing Company and Blue Oak Brewing Company, are examples where meticulous attention to the brewing process is essential. Key steps include:
Mashing: Combining milled grain with water.
Fermenting: Yeast converts sugars to alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Conditioning: Flavors mature and develop.
Packaging: Beer is prepared for consumption.
This process is at the core of the craft beer phenomenon, distinguishing small-scale, independent breweries with their emphasis on flavor, quality, and technique.
San Mateo's Place in the Bay Area Beer Scene
San Mateo has emerged as a notable player in the distinctive Bay Area beer scene, complementing the vibrant craft beer culture with its own array of breweries and styles.
Comparison with San Francisco
San Mateo's craft beer scene, while smaller in scale compared to the bustling San Francisco, offers a sense of community and accessibility that is often lauded by locals and visitors alike. Breweries in San Mateo, such as Fieldwork Brewing Company and Alpha Acid Brewing, focus on innovation and quality, providing a wide spectrum of unique flavors that stand up to the reputable establishments found in San Francisco. The city offers a more intimate setting for beer enthusiasts to explore new brews without the overwhelming choices of its larger neighbor.
San Francisco: Known for a densely populated craft beer landscape with a mix of well-established and experimental breweries.
San Mateo: Features a curated selection of breweries that place an emphasis on craft and connection with the community.
Peninsula Craft Beer Trends
The Peninsula, with San Mateo at its heart, showcases a trend towards smaller, quality-focused craft breweries. These breweries often feature tasting rooms and event spaces that serve not just as places to enjoy a pint but also as hubs for community gatherings. The preference for local and artisanal is evident, steering the community's taste buds toward well-crafted, small-batch beers that reflect the character of the area.
Local Craft Beer Selection:
Fieldwork Brewing Company
Blue Oak Brewing Company
Alpha Acid Brewing
Devil's Canyon Brewing Company
The craft beer trends in the Peninsula lean towards embracing local ingredients and fostering a farm-to-glass ethos that resonates with the region's ethos of sustainability and support for local businesses. Brewers in the area are known for their collaborative spirit, often participating in local events and creating beers that reflect regional tastes and preferences.
How to Navigate San Mateo's Craft Beer Locations
San Mateo boasts a variety of craft beer venues that can easily be navigated by utilizing a good map and understanding the transportation options. The city hosts a range of neighborhoods where visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of local brews.
Map and Transportation Tips
A dependable map is the craft beer enthusiast's best friend when exploring San Mateo's bar scene. For convenience, one can utilize digital maps on smartphones or opt for printed map versions available at tourist centers. San Mateo is served by various modes of transportation, including buses, trains (via Caltrain), and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber.
Buses: Regular services connect various neighborhoods, and many craft beer locations are conveniently located near bus stops.
Caltrain: This train service is particularly useful when commuting from San Francisco or other parts of the peninsula.
Rideshare Apps: For a hassle-free visit to multiple locations in one evening, consider using Uber or Lyft. This eliminates the need for a designated driver and allows for a safe return home.
Popular Drinking Neighborhoods
In San Mateo, certain neighborhoods are well-known for their concentration of craft beer bars and breweries, creating an inviting atmosphere for aficionados.
Downtown San Mateo: Here, one can find a cluster of bars and eateries with an extensive range of craft beers. The central location is easily walkable, allowing visitors to hop from one spot to another.
East San Mateo: This area is home to local gems where unique and seasonal beers can be sampled in a laid-back environment.
Remember to prioritize safety and enjoy responsibly while indulging in all that San Mateo's craft beer scene has to offer.
Legal and Safety Information
When navigating the craft beer scene in San Mateo, California, it's important for enthusiasts to understand local drinking laws and the importance of responsible consumption to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Drinking Laws
In San Mateo, as in all of California, individuals must be 21 years of age or older to legally consume alcohol. Breweries are regulated spaces where patrons can enjoy craft beer, and these establishments must adhere to the state's regulations, including having adequate space for food storage and subjecting themselves to inspections during operational hours. Non-compliance with the California Retail Food Code (CRFC) can result in fines ranging from $25 to $1,000.
Responsible Consumption
Patrons should consume craft beer in moderation and with mindfulness towards their own health and safety, as well as the safety of others. San Mateo offers a variety of craft beer venues, but regardless of the location, individuals should plan their transportation ahead of time if they intend to drink. This can involve arranging a designated driver, using public transportation, or employing ride-sharing services. Remembering to hydrate and eat while enjoying craft beer can also help mitigate the effects of alcohol.
Key Consideration Description
Legal Drinking Age Must be 21+
Brewery Regulations Must comply with health and safety standards per CRFC
Responsible Drinking Plan transportation, stay hydrated, and consume food
Conclusion
San Mateo boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with an array of breweries that offer a diverse selection of artisanal beverages. The intersection of tradition and innovation is evident at spots like Fieldwork Brewing Company and Alpha Acid Brewing, where one can taste an array of styles from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts. For a unique drinking experience, establishments such as Out Of The Barrel and Barrelhouse Burlingame provide visitors with a convivial atmosphere coupled with a carefully curated selection of beers.
Key Takeaways:
Diversity & Quality: San Mateo's craft beer offerings range from experimental ales to classic lagers, highlighting the area's commitment to both variety and excellence.
Local Hotspots: Each brewery and taproom in San Mateo has its own character, but they share a common goal of fostering community around good beer.
Beer Exploration: Beer enthusiasts are invited to explore San Mateo's craft beer landscape, which caters to both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
Visitors should consider San Mateo a destination for craft beer exploration, where each sip tells a story of local passion and craftsmanship. Whether one is seeking a laid-back evening or an educational tasting journey, this California city serves as a hub for beer lovers to unite and celebrate the craft beer culture.
