Good beer after good beer after good beer. This is definitely your typical dive bar, so if you're looking for an intimate/bougie setting then this is not your place. BUT if you want to indulge in some damn good beer selections, catch a classic film playing on the tele (Indiana Jones was on when I came through), and/or be out late on a random day of the week, Toronado is your jam. The bartender did take a bit to get our order even though there weren't many people in the bar, but he apologized for the wait as soon as he tuned into us. Don't forget - CASH ONLY! read more

The proprietor is rude. He has somehow managed to get outdoor seating in front of his place (great) but also in front of his neighbors place. If you stand too close to "his" space -(which is in front of the German takeout next door) even though there is not a customer in sight he will rudely tell you that you have to wait down the street. I am calling the city to ask how he can get public street space and tell people they can't stand there - even when he does not have customers. I would have moved immediately if he had customers - but I see why he has none! read more

Awesome selection of beer, including several cask brews. Bonus points for being open on Christmas Day. Went by to read and pass a few hours for the holiday, had a Firestone Walker Pale 31 cask, a Schneider Edel-Weisse, a Moinlight Twist of Fate bitter ale cask, and finally a Life & Limb (which is a completely different, and far better beer, on tap, when compared to the bottle). read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I am an avid fan of the Toronado in San Diego, and had to visit the original location here in San Francisco. We came on a weekend night, so it was packed like supermarket before a hurricane. Beer selection is awesome, better than the San Diego location, and better than most places in San Fran. They even had The Bruery from my 'hood (aka socal) so what a pleasant surprise. Also had Russian River, Lost Abbey, I am a fan! Somehow, with the placed full of a hundred drunk people, we were able to snag a table and I did not get spilled on, which was quite a feat. Getting beers from the bar however, takes like 10 minutes. So 4 stars in my opinion. read more

Toronado - Tap list - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Having visited Toronado on multiple occasions and until recently was a long term resident of SF, this place seriously sucks. It takes everything good about a dive bar with a great beer selection and flushes it down the toilet. The potential that Toronado has is fantastic but the way that they squander it is akin to the lottery winners who wind up bankrupt after a few years. Such wasted potential. You walk in, it's your typical dive/beer bar. They're my favorite and I've been to many. Rock music, stickers and graffiti on the walls and a (genuinely) great selection of beers. Then you notice the side-eye the bartender is giving you for no reason. You walk up to the bar and the bartenders treat you like shit, aren't interested in answering any questions and if you look even remotely not like them physically, they dismiss you. The irony of all of this is that the tough-guy bartender vibe that they put out is just as pretentious and douchey as the SF tech bros that they so loathe here. Pot, meet kettle. This review isn't one of those "this is how you should run your business" reviews. This review is a "don't be an asshole to people you interact with" review. Regardless of the fact that you're spending money at an establishment that exists to serve it's customers (which is 100% of businesses), the people who work here don't have to be such pricks. The golden rule is definitely not in effect here. With rising rents in SF and the way these folks run their business, very few San Franciscans will shed a tear when they are inevitably forced to close their doors. I am certain that the owners either don't read Yelp reviews or laugh at the negative ones. read more

They have a decent selection of craft beers here, and the prices are reasonable but it still retains its identity of a dive bar if you want to brave going into the bathrooms here. The one older bartender with the tats was pretty rude. It was Beer Week and Pliny the Younger was released on a limited time: 2 per customer. To save trouble and time, I was going to buy 2 for myself and 2 for my friend who was standing next to me. The rude bartender ignored my request and just bluntly and rudely said "No. 2." I saw others getting 4, so what was the difference? We gave up because we knew we couldn't win with this guy, bought the beers separately, and went to some seats near the bar. I could hear him complain to another patron that I didn't tip and complimented another person for tipping. Here's the thing: I always tip for good customer service, but you were rude to me and a selected number of patrons so why did you expect me to give you one? read more

Pro-tip: CASH ONLY! It's amazing to me how tech-heavy this city is and that so many places are cash only. Unless the place is worth it I would totally avoid. Luckily this place is worth the hassle. Not only do they have Pliny the Elder on tap they have one of the nicest bartenders I have ever encountered. I was lucky to snag a bar seat on a crowded Friday. I overheard the bartender talking with numerous people putting in orders. He was so patient and never made anyone feel rushed or stupid if they weren't beer connoisseurs, in fact, he eagerly offered samples to make sure you got just the beer you were looking for. This place has a cozy, no frills vibe (I wouldn't call it a dive bar but definitely no need to dress up) and a fantastic selection of beers on tap. read more

Incredible dive bar in the lower Haight. A salty bar staff, metal on the juke box and cash only makes this bar one of my favorites in San Francisco. The space is dark and small, but their beer list and reputation within the beer community brings in an international crowd. Everyone behind the bar is amazing, but Stu is probably our favorite! It's dog-friendly and the door guy's min-pin is one bad mofo. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is my favorite dive bar in SF. This a place for beer drinkers who are there for only one reason: to drink. There's no food, no fancy bar, the decorations are old beer signs, bottles, and bumper stickers stuck to everything. And chances are the rock or metal will be playing so loud you won't bother trying to make a conversation. However, the beer selection on tap is terrific! They also have an even better selection of bottles, but you have to ask for the list. I would give this a five star ranking in the category of Dive Bars, but I just don't believe that a Dive Bar can earn that fifth yelp star. So, sadly, I have to give it 4 stars. Tips: (1) it's CASH only. (2) bring a sausage from next door. read more

Toronado - Dogs Love Guinness! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is so kick back and chill. I love that they have over 40 different selections of beer on tap. And all of them are fairly well priced. So many different options to choose from, that even though there are some people who hate beer and the thought of beer, it's totally ok. I recommend the Pomegranate Cider (it's not too sweet, but still tasty) or the Framboise (totally sweet and raspberry flavored). Always a plus with me. :) read more

Toronado - Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

For all those who have never been to the Toronado just remember this... It's only Beer (and 1 cider), and it's not beer you'll see on a commercial during the playoffs. If you have no idea where to begin don't worry. Just look the bar tender straight in the eyes and ask for something similar to what beer you do like, or possibly a suggestion from them. DO NOT ASK "WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEER?" This question will get you crap service, and rightfully so. The bar is all about locals but even they understand that it's reputation brings in people from all over. Don't be intimidated and you'll be fine. If all else fails order a Pliny... and like it. MNW for Life. read more

Toronado - Pliny - Mascot of the MNW - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If your looking for a nice quiet place with beautiful decor this place is not for you...If you're looking for an unpretentious place to drink and listen to a juke box,this is the place just for you. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was chill. The bartender was cool. It don't get all the bad reviews for the bartenders. Now here is what really matter's Beer. The beer list was off the charts! I ordered Pliny the elder. The bartender made sure to fill it up to the very top of the pint glass. Also Pliny the elder was $4.50 a pint. You cant beat that. A lot of places would charge 7 or 8 bucks for that. This is the best bar for beer in San Francisco hands down. read more

Toronado - They don't fuck around with their pours - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been a regular here for over 27 years....it has been at the forefront of introducing quality beer, providing a wonderful platform for up and coming independents. Bartenders can get cranky, the music can be a bit loud sometimes, but overall it's the same great place that made me originally come all those years ago, some of the staff I've known for decades. I would also like to respond to a particularly insidious review made by Tbone M who states that a friend of his was Not allowed to order from a friend's tab because of his color. Beware of reviews like this, this one appears very convincing save for the fact that Toronado does not take credit cards or run tabs. Everyone who goes there knows it's a cash only bar.it really makes you wonder about the motive of the person who wrote that review... read more

Brass-Tacks: If you want to have as good of a beer list at your disposal that you will find in San Francisco, you better take note of Toronado. By my count, they typically have about 50 beers on tap here, and I can always find at least 5 to 10 beers that I want to try on any given visit. And, their prices are good and their pours are never of the sampler-sized variety. I haven't even touched bottles here, if they even have them. Oh yeah, it's also open around noon. So, this place would slide to magical 6-star for beer if such a thing were possible. Now, folks.... There are 1, 2 and 3-star reviews. My first question is: What did you think this place was when you walked in? It's beer first, and, frankly, nothing second. And, let's be real, if you think you can find this stuff anywhere, then go show us how it's done. There are a lot of good beer places in SF but you won't find this range on tap with these prices. So, expect to be on their program. And, that means, be here on purpose - and on purpose means you get how good the beer you have access to is and you actually really appreciate it. Want your ass kissed and told that you are special because you have plenty of money to waste on beer you don't like, understand or care about, you can go waste your money plenty of other places. No one is here to hold your hand. And, your spot at the bar is damn valuable. For $20 I can pick you three beers here that you a) Won't find on a tap list that day, and b) Are REALLY good and would give you three different distinct takes on the craft. These will be full beers. There's no sitting at the bar while the beer drinker in your group finishes their beer. Get your own. Finished it, get another. Gonna get one later, now is as good as later. Not using your seat, I'll take it. Those are the people who write low-rated reviews. They are people who don't realize where they are. These are the same people that show up at art galleries and say "I could do that." They don't get what goes into actually making it. Walk into an art gallery and they kiss your ass, their art likely sucks. So, yes, the beer is really good here. And, I respect their service. If you stay long enough and show enough of your true colors, they do open up. You'll also realized that there are a lot of tips to be gained and there are some awesome people to meet at this bar if you are looking to get to know the real movers and shakers and super-stars of Bay Area Beer. And, I like the fact that they don't cater to pretension and non-sense. I would only walk in here being ready to be on the top of my beer-drinking game. I recommend having a good beer APP at your disposal because one thing they don't do it list out style and ABV, which a lot of the 20-30 tap places do on an electronic board. If you have a certain style (I mean, for real, not like... Strong) you can get some good suggestions as you go through your session, especially if you are a few deep and you didn't start by ordering a Stella. (no Stella?!?! what else is like Stella?!?! ... ...) They aren't mean here. They just do not have tolerance for annoying hindrances to being one of the best beer bars you will find anywhere. If you do this the right way, you will put this on your life list of really good beer bars. You will drink good beer. You will meet cool people who are really into beer. And, while this place doesn't serve food, you can also get some awesome Rosamunde Sausage, Mystic Pizza or my favorite Mock Duck sandwich from Love 'N Haight Deli and bring it in to eat. You can also pay a visit to another great beer bar, Noc Noc, which is a trip and is close by. But, I digress in taking attention of the super-star here, which is Toronado. It's all about the beer. Beer first, and nothing second. Well done! read more

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Options galore! This amazing craft dive bar is welcoming, clean and friendly. Tons of IPA's to choose from. Went on a Thursday night and felt like i was in a neighborhood party. read more

Toronado - Tap wall - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I give this place a 3.5 out of 5, I guess I hyped myself too much to go here. Do not get me wrong this is a very cool bar. The vibe is very chill and a huge hipster atmosphere. The difficult part is to get to a bartender since it does get crowded; however, that is not a bad thing at all since it is a popular place to hang out after hours. The chocolate stout they have is really good best one I have had so far. I bought my girlfriend the pomegranate cider which smelled very fruity but had a sweet and sour taste which was very intriguing. The negative part of it was that a fly was in her drink. I do not blame them for it sometimes things like that happen but they did replace the drink. Secondly I had a Honey Saigon did not really enjoy it, should of just gone with a Hefe instead. Overall it's a cool place to come in here and then or if you want to just catch up with the boys. P.S; The jukebox is at a very cheap price and has a good selection. Before I forget it's cash only but they do have an ATM. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Seems silly to "review" or "Yelp" the Toronado (the T). However, I must. I've been a loyal customer since my first visit, late in 1992. I am a beer fiend, beer snob, and beer reviewer and appreciate tops in the ales categories. The T has it all for your beer snobs (and no -- Miller, Bud, Beck's, Heinie, Corona, are NOT real beers -- those are lite beers for people who hate beer). The T also has a fine Belgian Ale specialty going on. I've enjoyed special daze here including the wet-hopped IPA day (40+ IPAs!). No food is served here so bring in BBQ or sausages from food places on the block. Heavy Metal and Hard Rock music is featured on the jukebox and lots of HD Sports on the TV above the bar. Very low turnover in Bartenders here -- thanks Dave Keene for running the BEST Beer Bar on the West Coast. 547 Haight will never go away, CHEERS! to you mad men and to those who still read my graffiti "e.g., Elvis Lives" after 15+ years here. Whatever. read more

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This is the best craft beer bar that I've ever been to, by far. They have an amazing tap list including Pliny the Elder, DeGarde Petit Blanc and Fieldwork The Baker. It's a cash only place and always super busy. The bartenders can be a little brusque at times but that only adds to the ambiance. read more

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If you love grumpy ass dive bars with loud punk music and profound beer love then you have found your mecca. 100+ beers on the list including award-winning sours from tiny breweries impossible to find elsewhere (and yes, Pliny the Elder on tap). I don't know really what else to say except that I have often felt not quite at home in San Francisco but that feeling evaporated in the Lower Haight, specifically the moment I walked through the saloon-style half door into the loud and gloriously graffiti'd belly of Toronado. This looks and sounds and smells like the bar I kind of grew up in in Kensington Market in Toronto, but with way better brew options. I've heard that the bartender is notoriously cantankerous, but that wasn't my experience, probably because I had been forewarned so I knew what I wanted when I went up, and knew that it was cash only and didn't waste much of his time. So consider this your friendly heads up: go in the proper mindset and enjoy!! read more

Arguably one of the best beer bars in the City - a place I have taken friends from out of town, taken dates, and the first stop on my recent birthday. You enter into a bit divey, mix of regulars and visitors - all friendly, bar with a huge beer selection on a support wall. There are a lot of beers, but they are listed by brewery, labeled by type of glass, and as Sours have become popular, if you see a "S" next to anything that is what it means. Also talk to the bar tenders, they know what they have and can provide recommendations. Though every other person walking through that door is going to order Pliny. With drink sit at the bar, one of the high tables or in a group take over some of the tables in the back room. On an early weekend afternoon you should be able to get a seat anywhere, but expect standing room only on most nights. If hungry, you have to go next door to Rosamunde, who will give you a tray to bring back to Toronado. If I'm ever in the Lower Haight, Toronado is a must stop and should be for anyone. Note: During SF Beer Week this place does get some specialty items. Be on the look out for the week's schedule and arrive early. read more

The best thing about this place, they have PLINY on TAP!!!!!!!! Bar was small and a lil dirty with an interesting crowd. Cash only is kind of annoying, but how bout that PLINY!!!!???!!!!!?!?!? read more

Toronado - THE bathroom. Rest of the place is about the same. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is one of the coolest bars I have ever been too. I was on the search for some Pliney The Elder and a friend told me about this gem. The bartender helped make the experience even better. After 2 alpha acid ipa's I got the Pliney. The history behind that area and the bar was very unique. I can't wait to go back to San Francisco mainly for this bar! read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I come here for the beer and the people. They have the best happy hour in town. $4 Blind Pig! A local crowd that is chill and mellow during the day. You can bring in food from other places. They have bottles of craft beer to go. Whoever is curating this list... sometimes I feel like they are reading my mind and getting me the exact beers I want to drink. Moonlight, Moksa, Altamont, Russian River, Monkish, Ruse Brewing... insanity, it's all go good. read more

This was one of the worst bar experiences I've ever had. While we were trying to leave, the bark back at the restaurant on 8/16-8/17 told us to "get the fuck out." He also said "go back to the Marina" implying something. He called the female members of the group "bitches" while we were trying to finish our beers. The owner and bartender where very defensive of this employee despite this behavior? read more

Please excuse my last review. Wow, was I wrong about this place! This bar has killer craft beers! I had three Alvarado Street "Vengeful Barbarian" IPA's the other day for happy hour. They were so juicy, and hazy, and delicious. My boyfriend had the Bare Bottle "Brew Tang Clan," Boneyard and Incredible Pulp IPA. The bartender was attentive. I like the stickers slapped all over the walls and even added my own on a spot near the door. This is a comfy neighborhood bar on the Lower Haight with a laid back vibe. We'll be coming back here again the next time we are in San Francisco. read more

- Great beer selection - Casual dive bar - Good food (nearby) - Good jukebox music selection - Dog friendly That's as good as it gets, so this place is among my favorites. read more

Best beer selection in SF. The location is dodgy but the people and staff make it feel like home. Can't beat pliny and pig on tap. Do yourself a favor and just go. read more

How not to get gruff service at Toronado: Don't be an idiot. The place can get busy, and the bartenders are quick and efficient, so if you slow them down with extended moments of indecision or confusion over the fact that some places in the world don't take credit, you might want to convene with your inner drunk before complaining. Know what you want. Order it. Beer is plentiful, with great varieties on some of the world's best beer, changing constantly on their taps. Prices are low, even when it's not happy hour, so it's a great place for poor folk as well. I've never had bad service at Toronado. I've never been treated rudely. I've never felt unwelcome in this beer lover's bar. But then again, I'm not an idiot. read more

When the Toronado in San Diego opened up, all I heard was "this is cool and all... but it's nothing compared to the OG Toronado in San Francisco." Because it seemed that Toronado numero dos had nothing on The T on Haight, I naturally had to stop in and see for myself. Maybe it's like the first time I had rye bread, sauerkraut or Bud heavy as a 12 year old (didn't like it at first... but grew on me over time), but I wasn't blown out of the water. Sure, it has a cool dive feel and it's been around for 22 years, but I feel like Toronado in SD has a better vibe, more eclectic crowd and a better selection of beers. Unless there was a hidden menu or something, the draft selections on their beer board was about half the size of one in SD. Another thing that bugged me was the mood of the bartenders. I know they could care less what I think of them (which is part of the problem), but it just sucks when you ask a simple question, and the staff looks at you like you've got dick growing out of your forehead. C'mon, not everyone was born sipping Pliny the Elder out of their mom's teet... so cut some slack, huh? I'll definitely be back, as I truly did enjoy myself... just didn't quite live up to my expectations off the bat. I'm sure that'll change as I get more acquainted with my new local Toronado. read more

I'm not gonna write a review per se. Just want to share my experience. You be the judge. I walk up to the bar. The bartender approaches me and here's our exchange. B = bartender. M = me B: what can I get you? M: do you have any sour beers? B: yes, we have four sour beers. M: which ones? B: look at our board right above you. I look up and scan the sea of beers they have listed with no particular order or coherence. A couple have Stout or IPA in the name, but they're not categorized. M: ok, which ones are the sours? B: you know, if you have a smartphone you can look up the beers instead of me explaining to you. She then walks away before I speak another word nor have a chance to order. I ask my friend, do you think she meant to look up all the beers on the board online and then figure out which one is sour? Idk. Maybe she meant there's an app on iTunes that tells you what beers they have on tap for the week and gives you explanations. Idk. Well, a few minutes goes by until she approaches our end of the bar again. M: can you tell me which 4 are the sour beers you mentioned? B: I don't know what you want me to tell you. M: I just wanna know which ones are sour, so I can look them up. B: (she pauses and stares me square in the eye) I don't know. She then walks away. Oh, did I mention they were not busy at all. I was very polite with my inquiries. Her retorts were short and snobbish. I still wanted a beer. Instead she started talking to someone else at the end of the bar and never returned. Is this typical customer treatment at this place? read more

Okay loyalists, before you get your panties in a bunch let's get one thing straight... The reason I gave this place ANY stars is for their amazing beer selection. It is effectively the best draft selection in the city. The fact that you can bring food in, ie Rosamunde, is nice too. Kudos to the owners and/or managers for providing such a diverse and eclectic beer selection - provided they are not the same degenerates that work the bar or the door. I live two blocks away, and the time between my visits grows after every time I show my face and have a similar experience. The beer is good, but certainly nowhere near good enough for me to tolerate the rudeness which has become the status quo. What's worse, the folks that work here think the attitude is "cool" and serves them well. It's unfortunate, this is a popular neighborhood spot that I would visit more often if they did not treat their customers with such disdain; I have never gotten the sense that my patronage at Toronado is appreciated. I grew up in this neighborhood and have lived in close proximity to the Lower Haight for more than two decades. As a result, I tend to laugh at the pretension that so many tatted up transplants seem to incorporate into their mannerisms. It's comical to me that I get shoved by a bouncer for picking up a stool to bring to a table to join my friends. It's hysterical that the bartender feels the need to pick on my girlfriend because she's not a beer expert and does not know what to order. It's laughable that the ten seconds it took me to find an extra couple bucks in order to tip is met with a sideways stare and a roll of the eyes. All in all, this is a place I would go more often if the bartenders and bouncer did not convey a sense of entitlement. I do not need a side of angry transplant hipster with my beer. read more

In the spirit of Belgian Beer month, I came here to find me a Belgian. I didn't find one (trust me, I looked), but I did find: a bouncer who let best friend and I carry in our gigantic slices of pizza. a really cute bartender who let me sample different beers. and stare. a super tasty sour raspberry-ish belgian-ish beer ($7) (oh, it had a name?) a hard cider ($4) that I sipped in shame (it made my insides rejoice!) a table in an ideal spot for boy-watching. adequate seating makes my heart beat fast. a hangover strong enough to allow myself to be driven to Fresno at 8 am the next day. This belgian beer must have magical powers, because normally it takes a roll of duct tape, a gag, and 8 yards of rope to get me to visit that part of the state. read more

When did Toronado become such a pickup scene? I've always seen it as a good pub to try an obscure pint of beer, and that's the reasoning behind the last couple of visits for my roommate and I. I still haven't quite mastered the ability to choose a quality beer there (usually I choose the one with the funniest name and it winds up tasting like armpit) so I wind up grimacing as I wash down something unsavory. I then resign myself to the fact that I will probably just be boring and live off of Anchor Steam for the rest of my Toronado days. However, upon visiting the joint on Saturday night, we were approached by no less than four men interested in the charms of my lovely roommate. (Apparently I give off a "I'mtakenleavemealone" vibe.) Actually, wait. I've changed my mind. This is a good thing. The men who have hit on her have all been attractive in the grungy hipster sort of way, and have taken her on lovely dates around the city. I don't miss being single, and these aren't my types of guys as it is, but oh man, if I had a thing for smart beer-drinking men with beards, Toronado would be heaven. read more

Once a year in February, Toronado hosts a week long Barley Wine Festival. It ends today, and by now many of the 53 entrants in this year's competition are tapped out. This is the only time I go to Toronado, and the only time all year I drink Barley Wine. People come from all over the country, aficionados of the "premium high gravity beer" circuit, and like any gathering with a following of super nerdy enthusiasts, just add alcohol and you have a rockin' good time. I'm not so sure I want you there, dear reader, but hopefully if you have a marginal interest you'll have forgotten about it by the time 2009 rolls around. In case you decide to attend this overcrowded nerdfest, here are a few tips: standouts from this year's offerings: Gnarlywine 2006 from the Lagunitas Brewing Company and Cucupa Barely Wine from Mexicali. According to the spreadsheet they give you (I told you, geeks), we sampled a lot more than this but I, um, forget. You will do well to bring a six-pack carrier so that you can transport six 3 oz. samples ($2.50 ea) back to your table at once. read more

Beer lovers paradise with no frills. Simply a great place to sit and try new beers that you have never heard of at a super reasonable price. We will definitely be back in the future. read more

Toronado - Dive Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tarantado Toronado! You got me good. "We don't serve the youth, kiddo." Oh flattery will get you no where. "Next" Oh, he wasn't trying to flatter me. I'M NOT A KID! I was doing cartwheels trying to get the bartenders attention again. Only attention I got was from a biker. And she was actually pretty. Anyway. They seemed to serve everyone and would pass over me. They even served someone who looked like she crawled right out of a box. Fk man what gives? Excuse me. *waves twamper in air* Excuse me. Sir? Hi. Excuse me. *cartwheel* I just want a FKIN beer!!! WAH! Bartender comes over. "Why didn't you say so". Me: I am gonna kick your a**. Bartender: Oh I'd like to see you try. I.D.? Me: Here. Gimme a stout. Bartender: A stout? Snicker. Sure. Me: Ok that's it. You and Me. Outside. Right now. Bartender: Ha. I like you. He likes meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I broke a smile outta the rude dude Bathroom is a 2 for. go to pee, take in the stench, end up throwing up too Toronado: no nonsense.grungy.sticky.smelly.will make u hurl.good for thewaistline.dingy.rude.wastes no time.cash only.bums.dogs.satisfies.douchey.crowded.sausages.from rosamunde next door.not actual man meat.well actually there's plenty of that too.hella beers.no really, hella.dirty patrons.some who showered.bikers.and one that was actually pretty read more

For my 100th review, I knew that I needed to do something important - the review that I would have the most trouble with telling the whole story while keeping it relevant and honest. With this in mind, I decided that I would have to do the Toronado. I have a long history with the bar. For the final years of the last millenium, my wife and I chronicled our evenings there on our online journal (yes, this was pre-blogging), and there was lots to blog about. We talked about the bartenders, the regulars and the invaders from the Marina who looked utterly confused when the folks behind the bar said "No, you can't have a gin and tonic" followed quickly by "No, you can't have an Amstel Light" and finally by "No, you can't pay by credit card". The Lower Haight was going through a fight for its very soul - battling against SUVs, gentrification, yuppie encroachment and the chain stores and shops that wanted to replace local establishments... and the Toronado was the point where the battle would be won or lost. That was the late 1990s, and now in 2006, things haven't changed that much. During the days and weekday nights, it's full of regular Lower Haight denizens - and on Friday and Saturday nights, it's a battle between locals and folks from different neighborhoods (and tax brackets). Pauly, Johnny and Kirsten are still behind the bar, and Tad is still the best bouncer in the city - I mean, how many people can come up with a trivia question like "Name the three characters from MASH that were there since the first episode" on the fly? (The one that everyone misses is Nurse Kelley... she's the key to the whole series! - I think I won a beer for getting that). So many of my life changing events - from birthdays to our going away party when we moved to Connecticut in 1999 were held at the Toronado, and while I lived just 2 blocks away in a tiny studio apartment with my wife and two cats, the Toronado was like my living room - where I went to relax and to entertain. During the big power outage when the state was plunged into darkness, the Toronado served the neighborhood beverages while Rosamunde turned on their big gas grill and served up sausages for the locals. Up until 1999, the Toronado was home. The bar hasn't changed at all since then. The banner from the bar's first serving of Aventinus on tap is still there, and aside from the growing rack of empty 3 liter Duvel bottles on the wall, the bar is exactly the same. The problem is that even though the Toronado hasn't changed in the past decade, I have. I still love the beer - 46 well selected taps (though I wish they would rotate some of the taps more often - I love De Koninck, but there are other beers that should occasionally take that slot) and a bottle list that is beyond compare in this city and possibly in the country. I've gone there with judges from the Great American Beer Festival and been able to stump them with flavors they couldn't attribute to a specific beer style, let alone a brewery. I love the fact that Dave leased the space to an ex-Bartender to start Rosamunde. The festivals (Barleywine, Strong Beer, Belgian Beer, Oktoberfest, Fresh Hop and many more) are always amazing - the barleywine festival becoming one of the seminal barleywine events worldwide. But as I get older, the music starts to quickly get too loud - and even though I used to be there two or three times a week in the late 90s, now that I am no longer a regular, sometimes I feel like a stranger. Certain new bartenders throw more attitude than necessary, giving non-regulars the stinkeye before reluctantly taking an order - which is a shame for a beer bar that beer lovers make pilgrimages to from all over the world. I'm not saying that you need to be nice, but you need to be respectful of your customers up until they make assholes of themselves. Yeah, I don't wear t-shirts and ripped jeans any more and I live in a SOMA loft, but the Lower Haight is still in my heart, as is the Toronado. Still, I would love for them to install a drain in the bathroom so I don't have to wade through the piss on the floor when I have to take a leak. read more

To put it curtly this place has great beer and piss poor bartenders. They act like they are god, treat you with disrespect and even will laugh at you if they decide they don' t like you. A group of about 5 friends and I were our for a nice night on a Friday. We had spent well over $200 on beer here and had been tipping well throughout the night just minding our business. As the night drew to a close we started going to the bar for water instead of beer. Supposedly after patronizing the bar all night one of our members forgot to tip a dollar when getting one glass of water. From that point on the bartender would not serve any of our group water. Before knowing this had happened I had nicely asked for water, with a dollar in hand. The bartender smurked at me and shook her head. I was dumbfounded that a bartender would refuse her customers water. I looked at her puzzled and gestured that I even had a dollar in hand and then she told me my friends hadn't paid so she wasn't going to serve me water. After a couple minutes of arguing the other bar tender knowing full well this was illegal slammed down a water and then asked me to leave. I did along with all the rest of my friends. Before leaving they proceeded to tell us they could refuse service to anyone which I completley understand. I just wansn't aware that rule was applied to paying patrons who were asking for a glass of water at the end of the night. I go to bars to be served and respected, and give respect and payment in kind to bartenders. This bar will never see a dollar of mine again. In fact I will probably picket it a few times just for shits and giggles and then we can see if we can't get that bartenders smirk to show itself again. read more

Nastiest staff in the city. The first couple of times I went here I liked it. I love beer, they have a lot of great beer. However, the staff is so incredibly and unnecessarily rude that I won't be coming back. I was in there with a friend about a year ago and we say down at an empty table with someone else's used pizza boxes, plates, etc. still on it. The bartender walked up and said "clean up your f-ing trash". No hi or anything first. We calmly explained that the trash wasn't ours and was there when we got there. He said he didn't give a sh!t, clean it up anyway. We left. I decided to give them another try recently after seeing them on several lists of dog friendly bars in sf. Called to confirm that they allowed dogs, thinking that was the polite thing to do. Instead, I got probably the rudest response I ever have from someone I the service industry. The guy went on an extremely condescending and nasty rant about the sf health code and god knows what else and ended his speech with "ok, sweetie?" in the nastiest voice he could muster. This was not a stupid question-plenty of bars in the city allow dogs, and these guys were included in multiple lists of dog-friendly bars. I don't appreciate being spoken to that way, and I will not be returning to a business that treats their customers so poorly. It's a shame though, they do have one of the best beer selections in sf. read more

Paul 4rm da hood" Woke up quick, at about noon jus' thought I had to be in Toronado soon I gotta get drunk before the football begins before folks start bitchin bout another 49ers win about to go, 1st stop Thai Times fillin up on noodles, now my stomachs fine grabbed my money clip jumped back in my brothas whip "Yo Bo, let the alpine play... pumpin classic shit by NWA" cruisin down the street, towards Fil'mo lookin for parkin, avoidin the 5-0 a car pulls up, who can it be "yo don't I know you, you AKA G" Cuz Paul from the hood is always hard you don't know yo shit, he'll pull your card. knowing nothing in life but to make them tips don't quote me boy cuz I ain't said shit! 50 taps!!! They outa control wrapped my lips around 6, still wanted some mo' I looked at a liter and said to my brother "yo kill that by the half I'll buy you another" I asked Paul to get me a Stella "What you can't read the board G, don't be a dumb fella" Paul from the hood is always hard you don't know yo shit, he'll pull your card. knowing nothing in life but to make them tips don't quote me boy cuz I ain't said shit! read more