We are half way throught he 6 bottles they recommended. So far all have been delicious.

This place needs to close later, or at least 30 minutes later. Twice I have come here just after it closes. I bet a lot of people like me that have a dinner will pick up alcohol/spirits at the last minute. This time I made it in minutes before it closed. Keiko (I think that was her name) accosted me and asked me if she could help. I told her I was looking for sake that an avid sake drinker would like. I blurted the only sake I knew, "Kubota" and off we went. What started at Kubota Senjyu ended up on the other spectrum. I was firing many questions at her one right after another, and she replied politely with great diction (albeit with some unsureness). I liked how she didn't at like those snobby wine buffs, but described each sake in laymen's terms. I had some basic sake knowledge, but she advised me on what were the good options in each type, and what I expect to taste (the cards helped too). One oversight was the dates on the unpasteurized sakes where she and the card claimed two months expiration when the bottling date was already four months old. Keiko quickly replied that it should be six, but I had my doubts until she said she just bought a bottle. Later I found it was excellent after all, and I could taste the apple she mentioned! I bought two total one for my friend and the another for my dinner party. Keiko did not rush me out the door, in fact she spent a good 30 mins after closing to help me decide. I also found out through some prying that she is new, and for the past two weeks she tried many sakes and understand the nuances of each. Seems that they rigorously train their new hires. Excellent. Finally, this place has reasonable prices for sake. There were some that I knew went up in price (Kubota Senjyu). Perhaps it was a new shipment with a more recent bottling date? I am not sure, but I get the feeling the prices go down when the sake has been on the shelf for a while. They still taste good sakes, due to the refrigeration of most. Summarize: Great selection, excellent customer service, reasonable prices. What more could you want? read more

Why this place is called "true sake"? Cuz they sell luxurious imported from Japan famous sake breweries here. Such as Masumi/Miyasaka, Dewasakura, Kokuryu, and Hoyo. From rice polished junmai, Ginjo, daiginjo, Nama (unpasteurized) & other speciality sake.. All these brands are in Japanese owned restaurants or Japanese fusion restaurants from their drink list.. What I got here was: Masumi "okuden kantsukuri" -Taste like marshmallow, lightly rice sweet, but after drinking the whole bottle, ur head will hurt cuz it's junmai. Masumi "nanago" -Sommelier will never get any orgasm from this bottle. It's Pretty famous & even tho it's daiginjo but it's not natural, it's light like sake & alcohol taste. Masumi "yumedono" -Delicate, lightly fragranced, taste like luxurious elegant light sake, like if u are drinking with an ugly guy, without him trying to please u, u r already pleased! Masumi "Arabashiri ". -this one any non sake drinker will love it cuz it makes u feel like "heaven".it's fresh sake, without temperature going thru, my favorite one. It taste sweet with a hint of vodka personality in it. Dewasakura "ichiro" -hella impressive taste, makes me unforgettable on this bottle! read more

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Okay, it's a little intimidating when you know nothing about sake and you walk in wanting to pick up something absolutely perfect for dinner. It's even harder when it's wall to wall sake and you are just in awe of the amount of alcohol in the room. Thankfully the staff knows their stuff, I was a little shy about describing what I like, after all, what the hell do I know about sake? But they suggested a few and we picked up 3 based on their recommendations, and they were all excellent and very likable in their own way. What a store. I can't wait to come back. To quote Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai: "SAKEEEE!!!" read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

What a cute place! The cedar ball outside letting you know the sake is ready starts your experience of a true sake shop off right. The people who work here are friendly and very knowledgeable, leading customers around and helping them pick out sake. The selection is huge with sake that's chilled, some that's not, big bottles, little bottles- you name it. Cute place and I appreciate the work the owner has put into it. read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Love this place! I bought a copy of Beau Timken's (store owner) book "Sake: A Modern Guide" years ago and have been an admirer of his love of sake. I walked by this store all the time, but always felt intimidated to go in because it looked like one of those high-end, overpriced hipster places. But I finally did recently and I'm glad I did. They have the best variety of sakes in the Bay Area from regional to seasonal ones. Sake is expensive and it's expensive here as well. However, they're not that much more than other places. In fact, when I asked the store clerk for a recommendation in the $30 range, she guided me to plenty of options. In fact, she recommended some seasonal sake that were on sale and surprisingly cheaper than most generic brands that you find anywhere. The store itself is beautiful. The interior decorating is superb and the products are laid out nicely, almost like art. If you're a newbie to sake, then this is a store where you can learn more. read more

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Really impressed by the selections of sake they offer! I was trying to find this yuzu sake from my favorite japanese restaurant for the longest time and I was so glad to see it's selling here! Will definitely be back for more! read more

This review is for picking up during Covid. My experience today was amazing. True Sake has a wide range of sakes and their customer service is really helpful. I went to pick up my 6 drinks today and let slip that it was my birthday. True Sake was generous and gifted me a present. Thank you so much for a lovely birthday. My go-to place for sale after today! read more

Great sake is a real treat and the beauty is buying the best doesn't cost all that much. I was so happy to find this gem on Hayes Street. Very pretty store displaying a huge collection of sakes most with detailed reviews written by the owner. Definitely check this place out. read more

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I am pretty stoked that there's a store in reasonable distance that sells good Sake, and lots of it. I am not a huge sake drinker, but the folks there are helpful and if you have a little inkling of what you like, they'll help you find it. read more

First off, do not get frustrated about the parking. After trying to find parking for about 15 minutes we called the store and we were told to just double park out front and they will watch our car. Problem solved now on to sake wonderland. Amazing selection.Helpful staff. sake is displayed so it is so easy to find something which may suit your palate. When we return to the east coast we have no chance of finding anything remotely resembling this place. Sake in our area means a few bottles stuck in the corner of a wine store usually only suitable for cooking. This place is the epicenter of sake in the western world. Thank you Beau!!! read more

If you're looking for good sake in SF--come here! They have a variety of sake both import and local. I joined their newsletter since I enjoy some variety. I will be enjoying buying from this store for a good while. Much love. read more

This store is amazing. The decorations and displays are very well done. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They have a wide selection of great sake for every taste and can help you determine what is best for you. Additionally, they have a range of sizes, prices and some is already chilled. There is a detailed description of the sake along with an easy color coding system that makes shopping here a breeze. Whether you are a sake aficionado, need something for a party, looking for something to go with your take out sushi, or wanting to learn about and experience sake, this place is for you. read more

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Great customer service, Mei and Saki quickly called and email to help resolve a mistake I made when placing an order.

I've always passed by this sake store on Hayes, but never stopped in. I wanted to buy sake as a gift, so I visited today. I expressed interest in their Nigori sake and there was a very helpful and insightful employee who pulled all the different options for me and took the time to explain the differences, story, and his personal opinion of each one. Super helpful without being pushy. They are also operating very COVID safe - I couldn't go into the actual shop, but there was a window open so they could help me with whatever I needed without having to enter the shop. Very happy with my purchases and to support this local, unique gem! read more

Do not be intimidated by sake. Chris and Chika will make you feel comfortable and ensure you leave with some delicious sake selections. Not only are they knowledgeable about the sake, but Chris' suggestion for food pairing was spot on as well. They are very kind and more than willing to walk newbies through a scrumptious sake experience and will help veterans try new and exciting brews. 11/10, True Sake, and more importantly their staff, are a gem. read more

I first heard about this place from my manager. Since coming back from Japan, the hubby and I have been looking for a particular sake that we had at some random tempura restaurant in Shinjuku. As the "first sake store in America", as the sign says, we were hoping that we would finally find a bottle of that sake here. When we showed one of the ladies that worked there a picture of the bottle we were looking for, she quickly told us that they did not carry that particular brand and she insisted that it may have come from a local Japanese company. I guess that means we will not be finding that sake anywhere unless we go back to Japan! Oh well! The lady was helpful enough and asked the right questions to figure out what type of sake we liked. You can definitely find a gift here for that sake connoisseur in your life! read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really beautiful sake shop will lots of options. HIdden gemstone in Hayes Valley! The store is small, but elegant. It's decorated with their many sake bottles. Prices range from $6-$175. The staff is super friendly and I'll definitely be back. read more

True Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

Respect for maintaining such a singular focus. It's great to have a store that offers a wide spectrum of sakes, teaches its customer about sake, and stores and handles sakes with care and respect. Their support for the sake industry and efforts to promote sake on the whole are admirable. They're experts and they're never pushy. A local gem. read more

I am a huge Sake fan. So, I know a little bit of it. This place isn't S.J.G.S, "Snobbish Japanese Gourmet Shit." Oh, I hate those places. They think they are the best. Fxxxx them! I think I should make a list of SJGS. But, Not here. This place is very small but they have true high end sakes. A lot of them. And their Price is right and fair. I was just look around. The young lady was very nice. She spoke to me Japanese very politly even I didn't buy anything. One of my favorite "Kan-Chiku", $63.- at this place. That's same as Uoki Market in J-Town. $67 at Mira Market. You know, I think they should open a little Sushi Bar right next door. That'll be wonderful. That'll be my dream come true. So, I will be a dirty old drunk "Suke-Beh" J-man going die by : Kidney failure, Diabetes, Alcoholism, Having an unbalanced diet, whatelse. But, Fxxx it ! I will be there for every night ! P.S., I think they should have a little tasting table at least. read more

FINALLY a good sake selection in the city. Not just good. AMAZING. I just picked up two bottles of GINJO NIGORI SAKE. Holy crap. I love nigori sake, the unfiltered milky stuff that has a creamier texture because it is unfiltered. I've looked for ginjo nigori for a while now, and I FINALLY FOUND IT at this store! They even had a bottle of DAIginjo nigori. Holy crap. And they had a great selection of ginjos and daiginjos (normal filtered) besides, including many names I've seen before. Hold on. I need to say holy crap again. Holy crap! The store employees were very knowledgeable and helpful. Prices are a little high, but hey, it is a specialty store. Quick sake lesson: Ginjo and Daiginjo are how they specify how much the rice grains are polished before fermentation. These pretty much ALWAYS will dictate how smooth the sake flavor will be (in relation to each other). Normal "sake" will be the lowest level of polish, Ginjo is the next level up, Daiginjo is the highest level. Junmai only means they exclusively use rice--sometimes the brewers will use other grains for additional flavors. Nigori means it is unfiltered. Never drink a ginjo or daiginjo warm... it's a total waste. Only the lowest grade sake should be served warm. IMHO. Bottom line: This store ROCKS. Go. Love the real sake. Not the Takara, Hakusan, Ozeki shite most japanese restaurants try to peddle in SF. read more

AWHH Sake! Sake! This is the place to get some tasty sake..... It was my turn to make dinner and so I had decided to make some veggies and salmon and to wash it down with I turened to True Sake, cos they are true sake. The lady who was working the counter not only was she ever so nice BUT she also helped me picked out the best sake for my dinner. And in the end my dinner was a hit....TOP CHEIF THAT!!! read more

First Impression (1 visit no purchase) I love sake ~ this is the first sake store in North America (!) True Sake is a beautiful gallery collection of fine and affordable sake. The descriptions are so helpful. The displays are beautiful and elegant. The selection is mind boggling. I will come back when my mind is not so boggled and purchase a few different types to taste. The small selection of glassware for serving sake are all very lovely also. read more

Sake heaven, for heaven's sake! The very best (or cheap) of hot sake, cold sake and slushy sake. Yes, you read right: SLUSHY SAKE. I am soooo ready for Indian summer. read more

This place is a long time coming! The owner is a genius...a store dedicated exclusively to sake? That's awesome. I love the frozen, slushy sake, which I can't seem to find in very many places. You put a box of sake in the fridge, leave it there (with a sake cup, too) and when you take it out some time later, you will have this slushy-sake treat. It's a novelty, but it's still good sake. We bought some pretty well received housewarming gifts here for people we really, really liked. The really exceptional sake is definitely not cheap, although it is amazing. But you can also buy something more reasonable for about $20 or even less. With all the choices True Sake offers (filtered, unfiltered, etc...) you may need advice. The owner is very kind and will steer you in the right direction. read more

This is the place to be if you're sake addict. The freshest, the most hard to get sake are probably housed here. The staff are super knowledgeable. They can match you with a good sake if you tell them your preference. I got a little blue squared bottle, and the "secret word" sake, both were AMAZING. Not the super market crap, I mean, the cheap super market crap. This place's sake is not for the purposes of getting drunk, it's REALLY for enjoyment. PS - Secret word sake are 1/2 off, if you know the secret word! read more

True Sake should win a prize entitled Most Beautiful Store Design in a Small Space and Most Original Specialty Store Idea. Next time you need to purchase a host or hostess gift, forgo the temptation to bring the usual bottle of wine and pick up something from True Sake. While you cannot taste the different varieties of sake, there are great descriptive tags on many of them and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Some of the bottles are absolutely gorgeus and gifts in themselves. Don't forget to get one for yourself, too. They carry a nice selection of the most delicate sake cups, my favorites being the transluscent white ones - so pretty. I once had my picture taken with a Dancing Elvis in the window of True Sake. True story. read more

Sake is my favorite alcohol. I just realized this. Therefore, True Sake is the perfect store for me and my boozy cravings. I was introduced to this store by a lovely gentleman who lives in the neighborhood. It's a small store that is decorated in a very aesthetically pleasing manner that makes you feel at ease upon entrance. In other alcohol stores, the wine sections or specialty wine boutiques make me feel overwhelmed with the way things are stocked, but this store has nice detailed little note cards to help you with your purchase and very unique price identifiers. Things are spaced out invitingly rather than intimidatingly. Nothing about this place feels pretentious, even though they sell some very special and expensive stuff. Even if you don't know anything about sake, this store is perfect as an introductory venue... yet it fulfills all sake needs of the connoisseurs. Win-win for everybody. One of my favorite things about this store is the e-newsletter they send every month. It is both educational and interesting to read. I love the secret word of the month (sign up to see what I'm talking about). I must say, I have my eye on this clay tanuki sake set... I want! So badly! Definitely stop by, sign up for their newsletter, and enjoy yourself some excellent sake you can't get anywhere else (except maybe Japan). read more

Rude. The woman who answers the phone is rude and condescending and acts like an emotional child. She yells and screams and carries on and on that you can't get a word in edgewise. She will also go low as making fun of your career and line of work repeatedly during the phone call. She started shrieking about leaving a review on yelp if I'm upset about something. I don't know if she was drunk but she might think about not working in a place that sells alcohol because unstable people really shouldn't drink. read more

True Sake is hands down THE BEST PLACE to buy sake in San Francisco (or even in the US -- just read all of the reviews from non-Bay Area Yelpers)! I recently had an amazing bottle of sake at a high end sushi restaurant, so I came here in search of it. Luckily, True Sake had just what I was looking for and the retail price was a fraction of what the restaurant was charging. In addition to the amazing selection, Beau (the owner) and his staff are also very friendly and knowledgeable. Good customer service coupled with high quality selection of sake make for a wonderful shopping experience. I'm a fan! read more

I love this place! I decided to check out this place tonight and met a really cute guy that works there and he's so knowledgeable about sakes ! He recommended this beautiful blue glass sake that goes well with grilled veggies! I went straight home and he's right, the taste is light and the sweetness was settle and perfect. Definitely coming back ! read more

When I picture a sake-only store, I think of a dusty little room set off the Japantown skybridge and tended by a white-haired old man. But instead, True Sake is a bright and poppy Hayes Valley shop that blends in perfectly with the designer clothing boutiques. Sake fans probably already know about the place, but it's very accessible for first-timers as well, thanks to their acidity and sweetness scales, food-pairing suggestions (I found that sake and cheese go amazingly well together), decent selection of under-$20 stuff, and leaflet on the sake brewing process and terminology. And like any good booze store, they are more than happy to talk you through your purchase, and they can almost certainly figure out what you want in a sake better than you can, based on your general taste in alcohol. I was particularly drawn to the Nigori, which is unfiltered (and thus cloudy) sake. The milkiness dulls the somewhat vinegar-y kick I find in most sakes, although it was also a bit sickly-sweet, so I'm curious to try a drier one next time. read more

Bottom line: Best place to buy sake because it has something for everyone. The owner, Beau, is a friendly guy and passionate about Japanese rice and plum wines or as we Americans call it "sake". He has in depth reviews in front of 95% of the bottles the remaining 5% are new and have a review pending. The reviews are excellent and are what set this store apart; without them I would have no idea what to buy or what I get from what I was buying (e.g. sweet vs. dry). The store is welcoming and the staff are pretty knowledgeable and are happy answer novice questions. The store carries sake ranging from inexpensive to expensive with a wide variety of everything in between. Unlike wine, sake comes in many more sizes from "cups" to 1.8L bottles which makes tasting a variety of wines easier on wallet and also buying large volumes for parties cheaper too. I recommend subscribing to newsletter for special deals and also the content is actually very entertaining with a variety of topics. read more

A friend of mine showed me a bottle of sparkling sake for the first time, and I was a little astounded. How could I have lived these two (plus some) decades without knowing about sparkling sake?! Later on, I went to the store and I recommend it to anybody who remotely interested in sake or loves it like fat kids love fatty stuff. There are bins of sake, with neat little descriptions that help you decide on the right bottle to buy. The fridges are lined with a copious amount of choices, and the store is decorated very nicely and provides a comfy setting. When prodded, the lady working at the register was willing to offer her two cents (but for the most part, she left me alone to peruse). I purchased a cute small pink bottle (what can I say? Yes I am superficial about inanimate objects) of flowery sparkling sake for five dollars. I haven't had a chance to try out any of the classes, but I lived closer I definitely would give it a go. I know where I'll be doing my Christmas shopping - or any special occasion shopping for that matter! read more

Truly truly a gem in the city. The staff has endless knowledge of Sake. I went in with two friends. The staff answered all our stupid newbie question and picked out the perfect sake for us. We took home three small sake bottles and they were no doubt the best sake I've ever had. read more

Clever interior. You feel like you just came inside of a Japanese house. Loved the bottle rack and how they displayed the bottles. 1 star less for the selection. Most of these sake can be found at any high end Japanese restaurants and Whole Foods. I was hoping to find bottles that I've never seen before, but I have to say I've seen 85% of what they carry at places I've worked or eaten at. Hopefully they'll get more sake directly from Japan. Sad truth is that there are maybe only 6 vendors that sell sake to restaurants and retails all over California, so if this store had their own way of getting their own sake you can't find anywhere else, it would be alot cooler. read more

I love this True Sake. I bought several bottle of Sakes here and am always learned new things. I highly recommended this place to anyone that is thinking of exploring the taste of sakes. Love the woman at the counter (owner). She is great, helpful and very knowlegeable. read more

I actually don't drink sake, but I loved this place because of 3 things: (1) The salespeople knew their shit. After a 5-minute briefing about the different types of sake, I was ready to be a conniseur. (2) The presentation in the store was gorgeous. I bought a bottle of sake for my sister-in-law just based on the packaging alone. (Hell, I'm not planning on drinking it, so I don't care of it tastes like shit.) (3) Even though the bottles were already in pretty packaging, they still took the care to wrap everything up in funky and vibrant tissue paper. They also sold the niftiest little sake sets-- glasses and decanters. read more

Has a great selection of, you guessed it, sake. Good if you don't know that much about sake, like me. They took the time to review the different kinds of sake and how they were made, what regions of Japan they were from, and what kinds of foods they might good with. Hot or cold? Sweet? They cover all this... I came away with three different sake spanning a couple different styles, and overall i liked them. Good shopping experience! read more

Beautiful store. Is is quite pleasant inside, and the lady there spent several minutes with me explaining the differences between the different types of sake, and helped me select one based on my taste preferences. They have everything from high end ot low, and a fine selection of sake glasses. Additionally she gave me a guide to take home, and signed me up for their monthly newsletter which will inform me when they have tastings and specials. Considering it's walking distance from my house, I can see myself buying all my good sake here. read more