trillium Reviews - The Beer Mapping Project

Toronado

trillium - score: 95.0 — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:55:00 EST

Beer Bar
Date and time reviewed: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:55:00 EST

Overall Score: 95.0
Selection: 4.75 | Service: 4.75 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: N/A

Reviewer: trillium

Beer geek bar in San Francisco. Great local brews on tap, great selection of Belgians and even some sours. This was the only place i was able to get Pliny the Younger (limited release from Russian River Brewery).
Staff is very helpful, they know their stuff. Service can be a little slow when busy, but if you treat them with respect the staff is always a pleasure.
Loud and down to earth atmosphere, more in the rock and punk vibe. I always meet fellow beer geeks here.
You can bring food in from the neighboring restaurants which is GREAT cause there is a sausage place, a middle eastern falafel joint and a deli all on the same block.
Every time I am in San Francisco, I try to work a Toronado visit into the mix. If you are driving, start praying to the parking goddess cause its difficult to find parking in Lower Haight.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Russian River Brewing Company

trillium - score: 95.0 — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:37:20 EST

Brewpub
Date and time reviewed: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:37:20 EST

Overall Score: 95.0
Selection: 5 | Service: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.75

Reviewer: trillium

ok, I am biased, my local brewery is - Hands down, the best beer on the planet...
I go here for every special occasion and for every, well just occasion that I can. Primarily I am a hop head, but here I usually start with one of the sour beers. They are a bit pricey and very high in alcohol content, but you only need 1. For a lighter taste I like the Temptation which is aged in Chardonnay barrels giving it a very fruity and bright taste. Really, it lives up to its name. I am salivating right now. If i can resist the temptation, I go for the Consecration, another sour ale, aged in oak barrels with currants. simply sour beer heaven!
Usually I move on to the IPA's at this point. Pliny the Elder is the most well known and supremely delicious beers that RRBC brews. Who knew so much flavor could fit in a bottle. hop bliss!! But don't let Pliny overshadow the Russian River IPA and Blind Pig, which are also great enjoyable beers!
If you are into pizza and calzones, you will love the food. The pizza is thin crust and they have some good combos on their menu. The gorgonzola and pinenut pizza is my fav.
If you are going with a large group, make a reservation in advance or get there really early to get a table. This is a VERY popular place and most nights its completely full. (well worth the crowd though). If you want to avoid the crowds, slip in for a weekday lunch :)
Service depends on how busy it is, most of the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
RRBC is one of the best reasons t live in Sonoma County, i am considering moving to downtown just to be closer ;)

Link to this Review at beermapping.com

Lagunitas Brewing Company

trillium - score: 86.7 — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:17:48 EST

Brewery
Date and time reviewed: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:17:48 EST

Overall Score: 86.7
Selection: 4.75 | Service: 3.5 | Atmosphere: 4.75 | Food: 4.75

Reviewer: trillium

In the summer this is the place to be, huge tables in the courtyard make it a great place to gather with a group of friends and enjoy some quality beer in the sun.
I love the seasonal releases from Lagunitas esp Little Somethin Wild and Little Somethin Somethin but my favorite by Lagunitas and very nearly favorite IPA of all time is Hop Stoopid. 102 IBU bitter and fruity to the max, best all around drinkable anytime hoppy beer. No hop head should miss out on the opportunity to have this beer on draft.
For food I had a fancy cheese and fruit plate which was delicious with a great representation of local cheese snobbery. My friends had the sandwiches which looked tasty and they seemed to enjoy.
Service can be a bit slow when they are busy.

Link to this Review at beermapping.com