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What if you could sample beers at your own pace in a setting where it was game day everyday? You can. It’s called a dedicated self-pour taproom, and they’re popping up around the Bay Area, from Livermore to San Francisco.
Here’s how most work: Show your ID and credit card and in exchange you’ll get a glass and nifty card or smart bracelet linked to your account. Head to the taps, and insert or swipe along the digital scanner for the beer you want. Pull the handle and watch as it flows into your glass. Digital displays indicate how much you’ve poured and what it cost you.
Pour as little or as much of that lager as you want. Sample a splash of stout before committing to a full pint. This is beer your way. Here are three self-pour taprooms in the Bay Area:
The Brew Coop, San Francisco
This brand new spot in the Mission District has an industrial vibe, with a total of 26 beers, ciders, and wines for guests to DIY dispense. Digital menu boards display the name, description and price per ounce, which ranges from 50 to 80 cents. The Brew Coop’s local beer roster is divided into sections (hoppy, lighter, malty, tart, nitro) and the opening lineup includes some greats: Harmonic ‘Gristed Sister’ nitro, Black Hammer ‘Cuddle Puddle’ IPA, Triple Voodoo ‘Triple Tropical Treat’ sour, and Fort Point ‘Manzanita’ smoked altbier. Noteworthy eats includes bacon-spiked Brussels sprouts, Adobo wings and carne asada fries.
Details: Open from 4-11 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday at 819 Valencia St., San Francisco; www.thebrewcoop.com
Hops & Sessions, Livermore
The Tri-Valley boasts two DIY beer service bars, and this bright, airy one, which opened over the summer, looks out onto downtown’s First Street. Choose from counter-high communal tables near the windows or standing-room pub tables closer to the taps. There are a total of 28 beers and two wines, and highlights include Barley Forge Grandpa Tractor ‘Dortmunder Export Lager,’ Common Cider Company ‘Common Hibiscus Saison Cider’ and Boneyard Beer Company ‘Boneyard Incredible Pulp Blood Orange Pale Ale.’ Save room for a wedge salad and hummus and veggie platter. Dishes are hearty and include a sausage platter, crispy chicken sandwich and warm pretzel with beer cheese.
Details: Open from 11:30 a.m. daily at 2339 First St., Livermore; https://hopsandsessions.com
Thirsty Bay Tap ‘N Pour, Dublin
Another newcomer, this BART-accessible self-pour taproom is tucked into a shopping center and boasts a whopping 39 taps — 35 beers and four wines. Nor Cal craft beers include Shadow Puppet Brewing Company Lush Nectar IPA, Epidemic Ales Zombrew IPA and Dust Bowl Brewing Company Taco Truck Lager. Thirsty Bay offers a simple menu, mostly fried foods, like beer-battered onion rings, plus chicken wings and a meat and cheese board. Parking can be limited but many Yelpers suggest parking at BART and walking over.
Details: Open 3-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and until 9 p.m. Sunday at 5286 Iron Horse Parkway, Suite B, Dublin; www.thirstybay.com
